Breathable and Stretchy

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

XL

Height

6` 0"

Weight

240 lbs

As with any gear I purchase online, I did the research. I was about 75% sure I was going to really like this jacket. Well, I am now 100% sure that I like this jacket. I am able to regulate my body temp with ease using this jacket. As I am a very active skier, I am happy to report that this jacket does allow for freedom of movement no matter what direction my ski's are pointed. I am looking forward to using this jacket during the summer up in the Boundary Waters as a durable rain jacket. Overall, this is a versatile jacket that looks good, tons of great features, is breathable, and provides enough stretch for any activity. Tip-if you want your face (mouth) to be visible, simple zip up the main zipper to the neck line, then fold the upper face flap inwards.

Darin T.

I Dig it the Most

Familiarity:

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

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 9"

Weight

185 lbs

I’d been ogling this jacket for many months, but the price kept me at bay (In my mind, $500 clothing should increase my IQ, or make me toast, or...). I finally succumbed to a sale offering, and put aside my desire for robotics to be included with anything that costs over $200. This jacket checks nearly all the boxes in my mind, and now I can attest to the fact that most of my expectations have been met. I've had two days of resort skiing in varying temperatures, but no active snowing. Here’s how I feel this jacket lives up to the features of my ideal jacket. 1. Be waterproof Yup 2. Be breathable I’ve used in temps from about 10 – 45 (F) and though I had to lose layers underneath, I never felt suffocated by the shell 3. Be trim enough to not look like apparel from the mid-nineties, yet roomy enough to layer underneath I originally bought a large, thinking my adoration of cookies and beer would require it, but the thing was capacious. I exchanged it for a medium which both fits well and has room for s/s base layer, l/s base layer, and a decently puffy, 800 fill power down jacket or vest. For reference, I have what I would call, classic 47-year-old dad bod. A formerly athletic build ravaged by the aforementioned cookies and beer to yield a bit more belly than was once thought possible. 4. Not restrict movement Even with all the layers on board the jacket has never bound across my shoulders or back 5. Be purely a shell (i.e. un-insulated) Yup, with the super-cool exception of the insulated phone pocket, which just barely fits my gigantic Samsung phone (when will phones begin to trend smaller again?) 6. Have enough pockets to make Kvothe jealous Yup, I usually ski with a pack to drop/add layers and to Sherpa for the unprepared heathens with whom I ski and my wife. I left it at home last time out, and still had plenty of space to tote all the extras 7. Zip asymmetrically to keep the zipper out of my mouth when fully zipped up This is one of those esoteric, “maybe it’s just me” things, but I really think this is the way all ski jackets should be made. The fact that Backcountry added the additional neck gusset with venting is just cherries on top. I LOVE this combination of features. The execution is good, but could be better (I think). Backcountry has some small magnets at the chin/neck to hold the excess material back when not in use and also to hold that same part of the jacket against the other “side” when it is in use, but zipped down to allow for the use of the venting. The magnets are not really up the task, so I added a snap and it works a treat. 8. Have bi-directional zippers for the pit-zips and main zipper No, but I’ll let it slide…I guess…sheesh 9. Have mesh backed vents (i.e. pits, torso, etc.) No, but I’ll muddle through somehow 10. Have a hood that accommodates a helmet without turning me into the Michael Keaton Batman yet is adjustable to customize the fit around my misshapen bean (helmeted or not) Yup, big ‘ol hood with enough adjustment to cinch the thing down around my un-helmeted head while I ate lunch. Coupled with the neck gusset, there is plenty of room to avoid having to turn at the waist to see from side to side. 11. With proper care, last long enough to hand it down to grandchildren No comment, yet

Jesse B.

I so badly wanted this jacket to work

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

L

Height

5` 10"

Weight

195 lbs

There are so many features and benefits to this jacket. I was looking for a versatile shell for resort and backcountry skiing. I bought this and the Patagonia Snowdrifter shells to compare. While they are comparable in some ways, the Patagonia is simpler and lighter. I really like the Rustler's two chest pockets, the removable powder skirt, the vented neck with lining, Gore-Tex 3-layer and so many other things. But I don't like the way the left collar is oversized for the off-center zipper. You can fold the collar under to move it out of the way but it feels like one of those things that you would have to repeatedly put back in place. It's just bulky. While this is advertised as a lightweight jacket (which it is) it's still a little heavier and bulkier than the Patagonia Snowdrifter. And the Snowdrifter is quieter and stretchier. I agonized over the decision but ultimately decided that simplicity and weight were more important than all the great features. I'm not sure that I'm making the right decision, but oh well, here we go over that blind cliff...

John G.

Cool Dad Approved

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

L

Height

6` 2"

Weight

195 lbs

I got this jacket for my dad, who is a renowned jacket junkie, and he LOVES it. It meets the quality and features of all the other fancy jackets he owns, with the Backcountry style and colors that make this jacket unique. His favorite features are the pit zips, and the high collar that can be folded back when not zipped all the way. Not to mention to matte blue "blue nights" color that he really digs. So far he's gotten a few days of ski touring and a few days of resort riding, and it's holding up nicely. It does have a bit of a looser fit than some of the other jackets, but he really enjoys that for layering and looking cool while shredding. All in all, this jacket is cool dad approved! And I think he looks pretty cool wearing it. Might have to pick one up for myself ;)

Brodie Mead

Everything I wanted

Familiarity:

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

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 11"

Weight

175 lbs

This jacket has all of the features you want and need in a snowboarding jacket. Everything from the thumb loops to the additional venting on the chest, the features are endless. Love the stretch material! The hood fits great over a helmet and allows you to turn side to side without blocking your vision. I have only used it a couple of times but I can tell this will be my go to jacket for mountain adventures!

John V.

love jacket

Exactly what I was looking for. I get extra discount from here: coupon-bird.com

Steven Martinez

Versatility!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 11"

Weight

175 lbs

I used this jacket while on 6 day trip up to Jackson Hole. There was an inversion going on at the time, which meant that the lower you got, the further the temps dropped, we're talking -15 F at the base of the resort and 25 + F at the top of the lifts. All in all, the jacket worked great in keeping out those cold blasts of air that you would feel as you ripped down a hill into the negative temps, the gore-Tex membrane wicked away any sweat I got in the relatively balmier temps and the jacket itself was fantastic at keeping water and snow out, even in deeper powder conditions. Super versatile jacket!

Noah Ashworth

Durable, Comfortable, Warm

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

XL

Height

6` 2"

Weight

215 lbs

Backcountry did an amazing job with the fit on this outerwear. The Rustler has a nice, comfortable fit with plenty of stretch, but still good in windy conditions. The high collar is amazing for tucking your face behind to protect from cold winds. All around impressed with this jacket.

Ethan Fischer

Backcountry rustler coat

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

xxl

Height

5` 9"

Weight

218 lbs

Many features to this coat. Took me a day or two to figure them all out. Love the coat. .Seems bulletproof on the coldest northeast days. Very durable.

John Wanek

sHell yeah!!!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

6` 2"

Weight

170 lbs

Seriously impressed with this jackets versatility and functionality. I don't use anything else now between resort skiing and touring. I've owned technical shells from many of the brands that dominate the segment and can undoubtedly say this on par with quality. However, this shell has a much lower price tag and with more features! Love the fit of the jacket as well, which is a bit longer, but perfect for layering on any day and in all conditions.

Tanner Huffman

This Jacket Rips!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs small

One of the better skiing jackets ive ever had. The dual zipper design offers something unique to other competitors and is one of my favorite features. Great warmth, breath ability, and water resistance all in one. If you're on the fence for a new jacket look no further. This one has it all.

graham weis

Great Fit, Feel, and Function!!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Small

Height

5` 7"

Weight

155 lbs

Really digging the asymmetrical zipper with this jacket! It breathes well, prevents google fog, and feels good on my face. The material of the jacket makes for a super comfortable feel throughout and the lightest of weights. Would recommend wearing a mid layer on those colder days. Good amount of pockets for all of your essentials needed for a day of riding. Definitely happy with my purchase of this jacket!

Souriya S

For the one who wants it ALL

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 7"

Weight

170 lbs

This jacket is packed full of features. SO.... MANY... FEATURES! This jacket was made with the resort in mind. Gearheads really got together to figure out what we wanted in a jacket and what features would be best for the resort. We decided we wanted it ALL. This new jacket has a well-placed end to the jacket at around 34 inches long and the arms just past the back of my hands. The size is meant to be able to wear a nice mid-layer for those really cold days, but also has a stretchy material that allows you to move when shredding. The asymmetrical zipper was well thought out to allow for a good venting system. the open vent allows for breath and vapor to flow through and away from the jacket preventing goggle fog! Let's talk fancy features- There are stashable thumb loops, a fleece-lined phone pocket, and button closures that connect to the cottonwood bibs so your jacket stays down on the blower days (and you get a little sendy). Overall- this jacket is an awesome jacket for the person who wants all the best features, but still wants to look good. The function is perfect for everyday use and those that are looking for that 100 day ski year objective.

Travis Flitton

So Damn Comfy

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

6` 0"

Weight

170 lbs

It only took one day of skiing for me to fall in love with this jacket. No matter the conditions I was comfortable and ready to shreddy. The asym zippers and venting keeps a super soft fleece on my face (no more plucked beard hairs) and my goggles fog-free. The flannel backing gives just an extra touch of warmth and the stretch Gore fabric keeps me dry and comfortable. I absolutely love the freeride fit as it allows me to easily layer underneath without hindering my mobility or steez. It's definitely a big jacket but not XXL-Tall Tee status; I'd size down if you prefer a trimmer/athletic fit. The most underrated feature is probably one of my favorites; the over-glove thumb loops are friggin' rad. Pop them on over your gloved thumbs, clink your poles, and you're ready to send it.

Ben Rabinowitz

Great Blend of Form and Function

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 10"

Weight

175 lbs

This jacket has become my daily driver as it excels in all conditions. It provides all the moisture protection and durability I need with the fully sealed seams and 3 layer GORE for those long days resort days sitting on a chairlift exposed to the elements. The flexibility and stretch of the jacket also make it ideal for when I'm hiking or splitboarding around the Backcountry looking for those last stashes of good snow. I often leave the jacket on when going up-hill because the flexibility and breathability are so good. Another big win is the asym zipper, keeps my facial hair from getting caught and it frees up space for a secondary zip for additional neck and face venting. Overall great jacket, I've been really impressed. The jacket fits true to size, I would say most people my size would prefer the medium. I like a baggier fit so I bumped up to a large.

Rob Layer

What is the weight of this jacket?

Brenda R.

What is the weight?

Eric Blackman

What is the denier of the face fabric?

Alex B.