Contributions by Pardner (15)

I did not take this pack out on the trail but rather bought it and eventually returned it after trying it out indoors only. I am trying to replace some of Dana Gleason's Mystery Ranch packs and I thought this was the ticket. This is definitely lighter than those but not the lightest I have seen. The outside material includes the amazing superfabric which I would have loved to see more of to protect from sharp pointy climbing gear. The other fabrics used on the pack and the seam stitching look tough enough but somehow left me unsure and "unsure" means it's not going to take this very high in the hills with me. The best thing about this pack is the 20-40 system implementation which I hope is added to all packs since it stays trim and neat no matter which deployment. The adjustable harness is a good addition but I prefer how others are implemented. As somebody mentioned, the tool carrying system looks serviceable enough but does promote some unease as to how secure everything is going to be. So this one is a good pack with nice and useful features but with enough questions to make me keep on looking.

This is a great jacket and perfect for very cold and dry weather as a mid-layer or by itself. I still like my Arc Fission LT in the wet but as soon as it goes below freezing, I like the Arcane. It is super warm yet breathable. I do agree that it can get too hot like the other reviewer said but that's a matter of layering properly and using it for the appropriate conditions. So bottom line, another great jacket from Westcomb. I wear a 44R sport coat and 5'10" and a Large fits perfectly.

This is a quality jacket but not the best when compared to other similar jackets. I am about 5'11" wear a size 44R suit and this fit roomy in the chest and upper arm which is unique for Arcteryx sizing and slim in the waist (like typical Arcteryx sizing). It does leave excess material when no layers under so this is not for active use - more for casual wear which I believe is what it is marketed for. However the back is extended which is not as neat looking for casual wear. To compare the 4 jackets I ordered, I preferred the Ibex Vertigo Jacket at No.1 (made in US), No.2 is Arcteryx Gothic (made in China), No.3 Icebreaker Jetter Jacket (made in China), No.4 Merrell Jacket. I am keeping the Ibex and Arcteryx and returning the other 2.

This is a lighter but more versatile jacket than the others I mention. I am about 5'11" wear a size 44R suit and this fit snug in the chest (which I prefer for active clothing) and tapers slightly to the waist. The styling is excellent and I wear from hard play to the commute to the office. To compare the 4 jackets I ordered, I preferred the Ibex Vertigo Jacket at No.1 (made in US), No.2 is Arc'teryx Gothic (made in China), No.3 Jetter Jacket (made in China), No.4 Merrell Jacket. I am keeping the Ibex and Arcteryx and returning the other 2.

I love Westcomb, made in Canada, and eVent beats Gore-Tex hands down. You get a versatile big mountain coat with storm skirt (much better than Arcteryx storm skirt design) plus pit zips with eVent breathability. Fit is athletic but I would not call it Euro, I wear a Large and I am about 5-10 and wear 44R suit size. Nits would be that the storm skirt is not removable and like all Mirage Jackets, the curved front zipper is not for everyone but these are minor compared to the quality and performance that you get from this jacket. Get it if they have your size. If you want a "lite" version, get the Special Edition which drops the storm skirt, pit zips and arm pocket but to me, this is the value leader. One thing you should be prepared for is that once you go eVent, you will never go back to Gore-Tex.

This review is more a value comparison with the "regular" version. I love Westcomb, made in Canada, and eVent beats Gore-Tex hands down but the regular edition gets 5 stars because at about the same price, you get more of a big mountain coat with storm skirt, pit zips, and arm pocket. Note that the arms seem longer and the fit closer with the regular version - also the storm skirt is not removeable which may be a problem for some and it is a few ounces more with the extras but I will put up with that for the added versatility, esp. the pit zips (yes you will still overcome the breathability of eVent). As with all the Mirage Jackets, the curved front zipper is not for everyone but it sure is more comfortable up high in the mountains.

I don't own an iPod but I thought I would give this jacket a shot anyways. I'm 5'11" 44R and L fits nice and longer than a technical climbing piece. I don't really have anything that compares with this and that plus a nice sale price are why I decided to keep this. Between a Gamma SV, and a MHW Transition in weight, insulation and durability but much less than Gamma SV in wind/water-proofness (apples to oranges really). Great for aerobic activities in cooler weather - the thumbholes are a great addition. The final kicker to give this a 5 is it is not made in China (Made in Canada)

I'm an Arc'teryx homer with 4 hard + 2 soft shells, 3 fleece, 1 pant, 1 bib. I really wanted to like this but I can't quite recommend it. Style, build, quality is there but it does not provide the protection from the wind provided by similar vests. The problem is the armhole design. It flares out so much on top that it allows cold biting wind to come in -- kind of like having wings that funnel the wind in. It's sacrilege but I'll stick with my ancient TNF Windstopper vest for now. Regards to sizing, I'm 5'11" 44R and a L fits perfectly except for the aforementioned armholes.

I'm a 36 waist and 31 inseam and the Large fits perfectly. Much more comfortable than Stingray Pant - mostly because this fits better and material is softer. Styling is progressive enough for boarders. Also has Gore waterproof guarantee and is made in Canada.

This would have easily gotten a 5 star but the Helly Hansen written in bold in back is too much of a distraction to this otherwise clean package. No complaints about performance, fit and weight. I'm 5'11", 44R and actually returned the XL for a L -- the L seems to fit true to size where others in this space is too tight.

I would still recommend this because of relative quality but I went with something lighter -- the Helly Hansen Mars jacket. This may be more durable but the Mars just feels and is lighter and when you need every advantage, lighter can't hurt. Size up.

This is an excellent all around jacket for most activities -- I wear a 44R coat and the Large gets snug with layers but great during warmer activities and for work in the city. The fact that you can stow the hood makes this piece very practical for work (also clean lines and no extraneous zippers). The only time I would not use this is for backcountry type situations with potentially extreme weather -- I use the Glymur 3-layer hardshell in size XL. Blafell is two-layer and the hood does not cinch as tightly as an attached hood -- although also means that this is more pliable and softer than 3ply. Finally, eVent breathes much much better than gore-tex and does not need dwr for waterproofing so washing does not diminish waterproofing.