Wanted to love it

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

XL

Height

6` 0"

Weight

250 lbs

Was real excited to get this jacket because it was gore tex and the reviews said it was bombproof. Those reviews were correct but so were the reviews talking about the hood being massive and the dysfunctional double zipper. I have a fat head and wear a L/XL helmet and ski most of the time with my hood up but you get absolutely lost in this hood. Plus the collar is pretty firm jamming into your chin whether the hood is up or down. The hood has adjustments but when you crank them down to fit your helmet the hood just looks weird on the sides where it bunches up. I tried all different combinations of side and rear hood adjustments to make it work and look good but it just wasn’t possible for me. Total bummer because I have been searching for my next ski shell and was hopeful this was the one. This jacket had all the right components but the hood and collar were deal breakers. I’ll always be a backcountry customer but unfortunately even at this sale price I have to send this one back.

Sky P.

Massive hood.

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

L

Height

5` 10"

Weight

210 lbs

I love the colors, materials and fit of the jacket except for the hood. Like others have said, it’s way to large, and becomes awkward when not wearing the hood. If I tighten all the pull cords all the way in it still is a bit loose over my helmet, and then I have a ton of extra material around the cheeks that would allow snow to get inside the jacket during blizzard conditions. This also makes wearing the jacket zipped up without the hood awkward.

Dan G.

A very well built jacket

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 11"

Weight

160 lbs

I was given this product by Backcountry, but this review Is my personal opinion. I was in the need of a new Gortex shell, and this jacket filled that role and exceeded my expectations. It is built extremely well, the zippers are easy to zip, it is extremely waterproof, and the materials are high quality. I have seen the reviews of this jacket running large but, in my experience, it fits as a waterproof shell should: longer in on the waist but enough room underneath for some extra layers. I have no complaints about the sizing or fit of the jacket. The material of the jacket is super durable and seems like it could outlast more ski days than I could fit in a lifetime. This causes the jacket to be a little more rigid but the way it keeps me dry and repels water, I really cannot complain about it. Another feature that I enjoy is the shape and design of the sleeves. I have worn too many jackets where it is hard to Velcro the sleeves with gloves on or when fully extending the arms the sleeves ride up; this is not an issue with this jacket and the shape of the sleeves keeps them from moving up your arm when extending. The jacket is everything I had hoped it would be and I look forward to future versions that may come out.

Landon Burnley

Great quality

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

L

Height

5` 9"

Weight

157 lbs

I’ve been a long time Patagonia fan and it was time to try something different. I have a Patagonia Primo hard shell, 3 layer gore Tex construction, same as the cottonwood. The Cottonwood outperforms the Primo for shedding water, amazing! Seems to be very good quality. It runs larger vs Patagonia sizing and it’s a longer cut, but I like that. It gives some extra protection when sitting on the chair as a result. Well done backcountry!

Paul R.

Solid Construction, but excessively big

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

L

Height

6` 0"

Weight

230 lbs

Bought this jacket in an attempt to find a really good waterproof ski coat. Based on the construction and feel of the coat, this thing could stop a tank shell. Extremely stiff, but you can tell this coat will handle the elements. That said, I'm returning it because it is excessively big. I typically wear a Large, and this coat was really baggy in the arms, and my head was swimming in the hood. While I would use this coat as a shell and do layering, I would have to wear the same amount of layers as Randy (Ralphie's brother from A Christmas Story) in order to fill this thing out. Finally, I found this coat extremely heavy for just a shell. I had two other coats arrive in my shipment, including the Arc'teryx Beta AR, and the weight is lightyears difference between the two. Again, this coat seems like a beast, but based on what I am looking for, it was not for me.

Luke C.

Awesome shell

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

L

Height

5` 8"

Weight

190 lbs

First off let me say that this jacket is, as the title says, AWESOME! I really like everything about. I got the Bone Brown color and I liked it even better in person than in the pictures. At first I was a little apprehensive about it when I got it. It was super stiff when I unboxed it. I have used it a couple of times and has softened up quite a bit. The many things I like about it: The color, the style and general appearance. The waterproofing is top notch. The fit is a little big but it’s perfect for layering in case you need to add them. Build quality looks great but I guess I will have to wait to see how it goes in time. The amount of pockets and storage The inclusion of a lens cleaner is thoughtful as well. I have a pretty big head and appreciate the oversized adjustable hood to fit my helmet Won’t go wrong. Just glad I bought it on sale as it is a quality but pricey piece. Enjoy. One small g

Jose A.

Stiff makes it limited use

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

L

Height

5` 9"

Weight

180 lbs

As others say, this is super super stiff. Runs a bit large - and if you search for jackets with longer sleeves, this may be it. I bought this for my son who wanted something more waterproof for skiing. He picked it out - loved the color but didn't realize it has zero insulation - it's a shell only. That said, quality and construction look awesome and it looks like it would be indestructible and last for years if this is the one you want.

Anne K.

Meh.. Sick colors though

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

Small

Height

5` 10"

Weight

150 lbs

I was pretty stoked to get this jacket, but after trying it on, I couldn't believe how stiff it was. I mean, absolutely ZERO give. Sure, not a drop of water will ever get in, and if that is what you want then great, but I have other jackets that are just as waterproof and tough without feeling like a piece of straight up cardboard. Maybe I'm just naïve to the world of "burly" gore-tex jackets, but this was the stiffest thing I've ever put on. Felt like wrapping myself in a tarp. Not to mention, when you zip that sealed main zipper all the way up, you better be ready to have the collar jam into the bottom of your chin because there is absolutely no give. Also, the hood is also absolutely massive. Wayyy oversized and kind of in the way when not in use. Even when I put it up there was just so much extra space around my helmet. And the thumb loops were more of an annoyance than anything; not very comfortable. Another thing is the terrible double zipper that got stuck over and over again. Please, Backcountry, ditch the double zipper for next year. It causes way more problems than it solves. Now, all that being said, if you want a jacket that will last for the next 10 years, will never ever rip or tear or snag on a tree, and you are willing to sacrifice comfort for those features, then this is the jacket for you. For me, the Rustler jacket was the better choice, and unless you live someplace truly brutal, I think it may be the better choice for most people.

Matt

Pretty dang good!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 11"

Weight

185 lbs

Medium fit is very good for me (5'11" 185lbs), and it is pretty much bullet proof, which can feel a little stiff in the arms, but not a dealbreaker. Wore this in an all day cold snowy mess in northern Vermont and not a drop got in. Also love the pockets and other features. Only gripe is the zipper on the front is a little difficult to bring all the way up because the collar can get in the way a little.

Chris Gauthier

4 Excellent Stars

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 11"

Weight

195 lbs

Im always between sizes with a muscular athletic build (Im well built). This medium fits like an athletic or slim fit large. I can easily add 2-3 layers underneath. The jacket looks amazing and real win in the design is all the pockets (seriously, the pockets are amazing). You can lock this thing down at every opening. I feel like I could walk into a pool for 30 seconds and I would probably stay completely dry. My 2 Cons: Backcountry's Gore-Tex material is a little stiff, but seems to be loosening a little with use. The waterproof zippers stick a little, but I believe they will also loosen up with more use. Overall, this jacket is pretty perfect for its intended activity (skiing). Not one I'm going to wear around on a night out. Still thrilled with my purchase and this jacket will be something i love for many years to come.

William C.

Tough jacket lots of perks

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought

XL

Weight

195 lbs

Definitely built well and can withstand a beating. I ordered the L and returned for XL because I wanted to layer underneath. I'm 6' 195 but have big shoulders and felt the L was pulling when I moved. Well thought out..lots of pockets and draw strings and velcro to reign in the large hood and sleeves. This jacket is a little stiff but repelled snow and cuts wind better than the $400 Patagonia Now Drifter I purchased. I will primarily wear the jacket to ski...I have other smaller lightweight shells for spring and fall.

Chris B.

Burly is a understatement

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

L

Height

6` 0"

Weight

192 lbs

I wanted to like this jacket. I've been looking for a new jacket for the past couple seasons and this one looked great. Seemed to check most of the boxes. Loved the color(brown). Shipping was fast. However the jacket is horrible. Feels like you are putting on something made out of cardboard it is so stiff. Because of this it doesn't move with you and Ive never had a jacket make so much noise when you move around. It sounds like and feels like you are wearing a tarp. Hood is HUGE and cannot be stowed or removed. I also bought the Girdwood insulated pants which are a completely different quality. Also Gore-tex but softer and move with you. These are great. Interestingly they cost the same as the jacket. Back Country needs to make their Girdwood line in more than one color.

Erich S.

Tough jacket. Keeps water out

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 10"

Weight

174 lbs

Purchased this jacket to keep dry here in the Pacific Northwest. Got sick of other jackets that don’t stay dry long enough and pulled the trigger on GORE-TEX. This jacket is not as lightweight or as flexible as other brands, but you can tell it’s meant to get beat-up and stand the test of time. Craftsmanship and design is up there with premium brands. Price is not cheap, but competitive. I would have bought at full-price, but luckily, it was on sale! Bone-brown color is bright enough for foggy days, but not too much, so it doesn’t scream for attention. You can tell Backcountry put their knowledge to good use here. I will continue to buy their exclusive products as long as they continue down this path. Runs a little large, but you can tell it was designed that way for layering. I guess that makes it true-to-size? I say size down if you like that slim-fit look. Otherwise, just follow the sizing chart. Very happy with my purchase.

John Escarez

Very good jacket

Very pleased with this. I get extra discount from here: coupon-bird.com

Joshua Jordan

love this jacket

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

medium

Height

5` 10"

Weight

175 lbs

bomber jacket. warm and durable. love the softness of the area that hits the chin. nothing else i could ask for in a tough snowboard shell.

Boyd M.

Solid jacket that's incredibly well made

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

small

Height

5` 7"

Weight

150 lbs

I just purchased this jacket (Size Small, French Roast) and my initial impressions are very favorable. It literally arrived on the same day as a storm was sweeping through my home town (northern Nevada). Perfect timing for a jacket test! So you know... I love jackets. I'm a bona fide jacket junkie and have Mammut, Arcteryz, Marmot hanging in the closet. Overall: This is a great jacket. It's impervious to the wind and rain. The test storm had admittedly light-to-average rain (not a downpour) but was coupled with 45-65mph winds. Temps were quite cold, near freezing but not quite cold enough to snow. I was warm and comfy dry inside the jacket without wearing a mid layer. I was wearing a t-shirt and a base layer under the jacket and it was fine. I suspect the only time I'll wear a mid layer with this jacket is when I'm in crazy cold conditions... I mean *crazy*. Pros: + Very well made: Everything was top quality from the material to the zippers to the stitching. Close inspection of the stitching with side by side comparisons to my other jackets put this one right on par with the Arcteryx Rush (which is almost double the price). The Goretex material is stiff but not overly so, perfect for shedding the elements. + Pockets: You'll find them in all the right places Very handy especially if you are resort skier/boarder. + Removable powder skirt. FINALLY! Note of my other jackets have this feature and honestly I rarely if ever button the skirt. I think I may have used it once or twice while sledding/general horseplay with the family in deep fresh snow. + Styling: The jacket just looks sharp. Call it styling I guess, but it's a very good looking jacket. Cons: + If I had to pick on something I would like to see a lower collar. Zipping the jacket all the way up is a rarity for me so I would like less material flapping around when it's zippered to just below my neck. Again... a small nit. + I purchased a size small and its *very* roomy. I'm 5'7" 150lbs and there is plenty of room. Honestly this seems to be true of most jackets these days. I'd like to see a little leaner fit for the size small especially since the outer material technology improvements have come such a long way that it's not as necessary to bulk up underneath. All in all this is a great jacket. Clearly the good folks at Backcountry have put a lot of thought and experience into the design of their private label products. I'm very pleased with my purchase. Thank you Backcountry!!!!!

Steve B.

Weird fit

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

Runs large

From the other reviews, seems like a lot of people like it - but it fit me terribly. I’m 6-1, 165lbs. The sleeves of this jacket were really long and very wide. The hood is huge. The collar is kind of weird. It all just felt oversized and lurpey. The material is pretty stiff too. I ordered several different jackets to try on and this was my least favorite fit by far. The tan color is cool though.

rya112227320

Almost nailed my perfect shell

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

6` 1"

Weight

160 lbs

Finally got some miles on the Cottonwood shell. I’m pretty impressed with the construction from the zippers to the seams it feels like and functions like a quality shell should. To whoever came up with the pocket layout, you forever have my gratitude. I can’t tell you how many $600-$800 shells I tried on that had 3 pockets, needless to say those didn’t come home. So overall good job I’ve just got one issue... The hood/collar. I almost sent it back due to the hood not being attached to the main part of the jacket but to the collar. This makes for awkward stowage of the hood when it’s not in use (which is most of the time) and the zipper is to the top of the collar. Overall I’m satisfied and I’m working with the hood. Would I buy another? Probably not, the hood is what would make me look elsewhere. Fix the hood and I’ll buy a couple more!

Chris

Great Design and Style

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 6"

Weight

145 lbs

This jacket is the best ski jacket I have ever owned. Each pocket and feature has a very specific use and the Gore-Tex works unbelievably well. When I first tried it on, I thought it may have been a little big, but after adding a few layers it fits snug and blocks out that cold wind! It also looks great (especially the bone brown color). Would definitely recommend!

Dylan Wheeler

I just bought the cottonwood bibs and could not be more impressed with the fit and performance boot packing and downhill. Does the coat not come in a size Medium?

Matthew C.

What size is the model, and what size are they wearing? Thanks

Casey Kupsch

Hi- does the hood zip off or roll up into itself for days when it is not wanted? Thanks, David

David Gross

What kind of gore-tex fabric is this? Goretex Pro? PacLite? some other lines have designations like N80 N70, N55. Are you able to specify where this fabric falls in comparison?

Zixiao Chen

Hi - I am looking for a jacket that I can use both in the resort and backcountry. Would the Cottonwoods work well in the backcountry? I understand the Hayden is the preferred choice for backcountry, but I don't think it could handle the cold NE winds/wet snow. Thoughts?

Brian

Does this jacket have a zippered interior media pocket? There doesnt seem to be any interior photos of this jacket

Luis Troncoso

Beacon Loop ??? There really needs to be a photo of the full interior. I know what a loop is and I know what a beacon is... what is a beacon loop?

Bret A.

If I wash and dry the jacket, will it shrink?

Andrew Derwinski

Would you be able to wear a standard puff down jacket (like a 650-750 down) underneath this jacket without it being too tight? or should I size up? I wear a size medium normally.

Greg

How warm is this jacket?? I ski mainly in MN which can be really cold and windy. Will this keep me warm enough?? If not what other jacket recommendations do you have?

Joshua V.

Backcountry Cottonwoods Gore-Tex Jacket - Men's. Do you have pictures of the inside of this jacket. The video shows only a closed jacket. What internal pockets exist?

phillip