Mountain Hardwear Men's Synchro Jacket

Anonymous - 2008-05-29

Great all round jacket
This jacket is lightweight and extremely versatile.

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Anonymous - 2008-01-10

coase to coast and loving it.
I own both a northface gore-tex hard shell and an ll bean mountain guide fleece and when I bought this jacket (on sale) over a year ago and I haven't worn another jacket since. I have worn this jacket xc skiing during the dead of a cold north Maine winter with only a smartwool base layer and was more than warm and recently during the ever so unpredictable Oregon winter and have not been diappointed with both its wind and water resistance and have never reapplied water protectant. This jacket has kept me warm skiing, hiking, tossing a baseball, and having beers at a picnic. I highly recommend it if you got the change to drop (kind of spendy).

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> Read All 54 Reviews

Anonymous - 2008-05-29

Great all round jacket
This jacket is lightweight and extremely versatile.

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Anonymous - 2008-01-10

coase to coast and loving it.
I own both a northface gore-tex hard shell and an ll bean mountain guide fleece and when I bought this jacket (on sale) over a year ago and I haven't worn another jacket since. I have worn this jacket xc skiing during the dead of a cold north Maine winter with only a smartwool base layer and was more than warm and recently during the ever so unpredictable Oregon winter and have not been diappointed with both its wind and water resistance and have never reapplied water protectant. This jacket has kept me warm skiing, hiking, tossing a baseball, and having beers at a picnic. I highly recommend it if you got the change to drop (kind of spendy).

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Anonymous - 2007-04-12

Great jacket
This is a great buy from Mountain Hardwear. I love the feel or the jacket and the soft lining. Have used it for skiing and hiking with no complains. It is a great piece for spring skiing. I have found the jacket to be waterproof the times I have worn it in rain and snow. It seems to be the right warmth. Altrec service is incredible.

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Lin - 2007-02-19

Great jacket
Love this jacket - it's very useful for basically all of the cooler months here in Atlanta. I like the trim fit, and it's very light - like having a second skin. Altrec's service is unbelievable.

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Anonymous - 2007-01-25

Excellent fit, sharp design
I love the fit of this jacket, really cuts the wind and rain, yet not bulky at all. Sharp looking jacket, Quick and friendly service from Altrec.

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Brandon - 2007-01-25

Just what I was looking for...
Wind and water resident as well as a great fit for running, biking, or whatever. Deep pockets provide for great storage and the zippers have a great water proof seal on them when zipped. I live in Alabama so it is the perfect weight for the typical winter weather here plus some. I have ridden my bike wearing only this jacket and a t-shirt underneath in 30 degree weather and was fine. Hey, if you are looking to scale Everest, this is not the jacket for you. Otherwise, go for it.

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DtEW - 2007-01-24

Designed for ice climbing, but also great for skiing.
For on-piste skiing, The Mountain Hardwear Synchro jacket is the best shell that I have ever used. I also own the North Face Mountain Light (2-layer Gore-Tex, circa '90s) and Paclite (Gore-Tex Paclite) shell jackets, and a few DWR-coated "water-repellent" shell jackets.Aesthetically, the MH Synchro is a very good-looking jacket and flatters the wearer. One part of this is the fact that the stretchy softshell material allows the jacket to be cut to a more fitted profile without restricting range-of-motion. Another part of this is the matte and somewhat neoprene-ish nature of the "sharkskin" fabric, which isn't anywhere as crinkly on the wearer as the nylon-faced Gore-Tex. (The look of hardshell "crinklyness" is inherent due to the motion-permissive cut of the non-stretch fabric, and sometimes exacerbated by shiny nylon face fabrics.)Waterwise, the MH Synchro's Conduit membrane is indeed windproof and waterproof. That said, the matte "sharkskin" face fabric seems less water-repellent than the shiny nylon face fabrics of Gore-Tex shells, so treatment with water-repellent (Nikwax TX.Direct) is more important. I personally treat mine upon every washing.The MH Synchro's Conduit membrane does not seem to be quite as breathable overall as Gore-Tex, but that works quite fine for the cold and dry environments that the Synchro was designed for. (FYI, the Synchro jacket & pants were conceived as an ice-climbing outfit, hence the lack of a hood in the original jacket. Ice climbers wear helmets, making a hood much less critical.) Even when aerobic exertion (uphill skiing) produced overheating, any dampness was quickly dispersed from the interior. The Synchro jacket is also equipped with two front-facing vent pockets that are very easy to use single-handedly, even with a pack on. That said, large items (like a balaclava) in the vent pockets will defeat the venting.Performance-wise (on-piste skiing), the more fitted profile cuts cleaner through the wind with less fabric movement (flapping, waving). This fitted profile also keeps me warmer than the looser-cut hardshells, since there is less "pumping" of the trapped air between the shell and the insulating layer as I move. That said, your mileage may vary on this, since I'm a regular rock climber (pretty close to the Synchro's target audience/physique) and use fitted/semi-fitted layers. The Synchro is warm for me because it fits me perfectly.Aside from the large vent pockets, the MH Synchro jacket has a small Napolean pocket that's perfect for a cellphone, and a smaller bicep pocket that's difficult to access, for which I store cash and a few cards (won't fit anything but the most minimal of wallets).The MH Synchro jacket has a non-elastic collar-cinch and a thin, elastic hem-cinch. I can understand the non-elastic collar-cinch from an ice-climbing perspective (a just-right fit at the expense of comfort for maximal shielding from the constant fall of ice chips), but if there was anything I would improve on this jacket, it'd be a burlier elastic hem-cinch.I positively love my MH Synchro jacket for skiing (and it probably works very well for ice climbing, not that I’ve done that yet). Whether you might love a Synchro jacket will probably depend upon how close you are to Mountain Hardwear’s original conceived usage and target audience. For more aerobic activities and/or in more humid conditions and/or in temperatures that might vary away from cold/snowy/icy, I would probably opt to use one of my Gore-Tex hardshells.

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Peter - 2007-01-23

Overall, a terrific jacket!
This jacket does exactly what is says it will do. I have owned it for two weeks now (in Boston winter weather) and have had a chance to use it in day to day use (no ice or climbing or extreme activities). It repels water well, and seems to breathe and keep out the wind. There are a few little nit picks I have. The zippers are a little difficult to use (probably because they are well sealed), there is a pull string with a plastic clip at the back of your neck to pull the collar tight, and there is no hood. Also, the lining is a little thin(under 50 degrees, you really need another warm layer underneath, especially if you are not doing anything super physical). In its defense(and the reason I rated it 5 stars), it is exactly as described on Altrec's site, an awesome outer layer, that protects you from wind and the elements, while letting you move easily.

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Syd - 2007-01-16

Excellent Inclement Weather Jacket
Offers great protection from snow and rain, especially given the current weather conditions effecting the nation. I also have a Patagonia R4 jacket which is far warmer than this, however the reason I purchased the Synchro was for snowing/raining conditions. Layering is required with the Synchro with < 50 degree weather.

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Ed Heaton - 2006-12-29

Super buy for a stellar jacket
This is a superstar jacket, underrated for sure. I bought mine as a mid-layer for winter activity. I found myself using it with just a baselayer and was very comfortable. Water repellancy is great, movement is minimally restricted. This is a fantastic jacket, well worth the price.

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Kix - 2006-12-15

AWESOME!
North Face really brags about their "core vents" which dont really work because they are placed just perfectly to be completely occluded by your backpack straps. MH doesn't call it out as a feature, but this jacket has core vents too, and they actually work because they are not immediately under your backpack straps!!!Great jacket for the money!

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Joe - 2006-11-29

Great Jacket!
This Jacket was a present to me. At first I didnt know what to do with it, I thought "I will never wear this." Boy was I wrong. I love this Jacket. Favorite trip in it was to the NW, Portland area in the winter. It was perfect for that cold/misty weather. Not to hot, and not cold. It also cut back on the wind a good bit too!

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Mike - 2006-11-29

Nice jacket
It is really nice jacket. It is light however it is warm and easy to move around. It is well made jacket. I like it very much.

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Jim Singleton - 2006-09-16

You need this jacket!
Best versatile jacket I own.

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soo kim - 2006-09-08

GREAT!
A great jacket works well in the rain!

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Anonymous - 2006-08-14

Perfect Jacket
Great year round Jacket. Light weight and breaths for the summer showers, while still suitable for snow boarding.

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Elaine - 2006-06-23

Excellent- light-weight, wind & abrasion-resistent
This is a great all-around jacket made of high-quality materials. It is very light-weight & portable, and has an exterior material that is abrasion-resistant. It also has sealed seans so it is very wind & water resistant. This jacket came highly recommended by friends, and I am highly satisfied with the purchase.

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Anonymous - 2006-03-09

Love it!
Great jacket for both outdoor activities or simply walking around town when it's wet/windy out. Very soft feel to outer fabric. The extra drawcord collar really helps during cold windy days. Athletic fit was nice long arms.Only wished it had underarm zippers

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Anonymous - 2006-03-05

Good jacket overall
This jacket is light in weight and it looks great, the cutting fit me great and the fleece inner cuff is a great feature. This jaket is not warm. I wore it in mid 30F days with overcast and nights, this jacket will not warm you if you only have a t-shirt under it, but this jacket will not freeze you. I would this this jacket would run small for American sizes, but if you're a normal Asian size, i would say order your size. The neck piece is a little larger that i like and the fleece in there is almost useless, but it does block out the wind. I would have give this jacket a 4 star if i had paid full price, but since i ordered it on sale, i gave it a 5 star.

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Anonymous - 2006-02-24

Outstanding jacket
I took the synchro to Patagonia, Argentina. Weather ranged from 80 degrees farenheit to 30 degrees farenheit with 50 knot winds. This lightweight jacket took very little space to pack. The oversized side pockets open up to vent the jacket if you begin to overheat. It was highly water resistent in hard blowing rain. The base and neck have cinch tabs that work well to keep out the weather. The cuffs do not have cinch tabs, but the sleeves' inner layer has elastic to provide a somewhat snug fit. In cold weather it needs layers to keep you warm, but a wicking t-shirt and/or a light arcteryx sweater met all of my needs. Construction seems to be top quality with the seams holding up completely. The dark blue color did not show dirt. The inner polyester lining has a a comfortable feel if wearing a t-shirt underneath. It does have approximately an inch square Mountain Hardware trademark "bolt" on the right chest which makes it stand out, but should not be a factor in the purchase. I think this jacket should serve anyone's needs during active pursuits from weather of many ranges depending on additional layering.

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^^ike - 2006-02-18

Amazing!
Worth every penny. With a rain hat it will work as rain gear in a downpour. With a mid-layer a great day on the slopes. On a cool day, great for a climb. It does it all and looks great! The detail is great and pleanty of pockets with waterproof zippers. I lover it

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Anonymous - 2006-01-02

just great
a great jacket works well in the rain, and is very comfortable. If you like your jackets a little bit longer than I would suggest getting one size larger than normal, other than that it is a great jacket.

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Josh Rookus - 2005-12-31

Great jacket, a little expensive but worth every penny
I have had this jacket about a month, it fits great and is COMPLETELY waterproof, i have been in an absolute downpour and came out dry as a bone. Also the windproof feature is great, the fit is athletic cut so i would go up a size if you are thinking about layering with this jacket, i have even used this lightweight jacket for skiing all day and stayed warm and dry it was excellent. Mountain hardwear did it again with the synchro.

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Kelly Kirch - 2005-12-29

Perfect!
Weight of the jacket is unbelieveable. My husband got the jacket for a gift and really loved it. Well worth the price. Thank you!

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Anonymous - 2005-12-02

The Qwon of Soft Shells
I was all set to purchase MHW's Alchemy jacket with the Gore Windstopper, but I found it too stiff and it isn't completely waterproof. It is apparently only water resistant. I found the softshell material too stiff, but that is the tradeoff with the Windstopper material. I tried the Synchro on and was taken with it instead. It is warm, is sealed with taped seams, and the Conduit materials is far more supple than the Alchemy's Windstopper material. Plus, the Conduit is less expensive so you same some $$$ for what I think is a superior waterproof softshell. I have read a lot of a reviews on both the Alchemy and the Synchro that say both styles run small. I definitely agree with that. I am average build 6' 1" 185 lbs and normally wear a L in MHW's Exposure II hardshell. But I had to go up to an XL in the Synchro to feel comfortable and also leave myself with the option to layer underneath with another light fleece. If you can get to a retailer to try either the Alchemy or the Synchro, I recommend going so first. Both jackets have a different feel, so leave it up to your personal taste. Also, the Synchro works as a great layer underneath a regular hardshell. With 2 layers of Conduit it is tough to go wrong. I also have a MHW Subzero down vest and love it too. Hopefully, the folks at MHW will keep the quality products coming for a long time to come!

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Anonymous - 2005-11-12

great
The gentleman who helped w/ the phone order was wonderful. He was able to locate a jacket posted as not available on your website and called me back in a quick manner. I will definetly buy more merchandise from this company.

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James Simmons - 2005-11-07

Great All-Around Jacket
I've been looking for a good all-purpose jacket for some time, so I looked at North Face, Patagonia, and Marmot, until a friend of mine told me to check out the new Mountain Hardware Syncro jacket. Well, I'm sold on this jacket. The coat is lightweight, very breathable, waterproof, and doesn't leave you wanting another layer later in the day/evening.

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DH - 2005-10-23

Nice jacket, great price
Grat jacket, comfortable and good looking. The addition of a hood would have been useful but otherwise a high quality shell.A great sale price I couldn't resist.

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G. B. Patterson - 2005-10-03

Great Jacket. Love it!
Great jacket! Super light. Super packable. Super warm. Really worth every penny! My wife wants one now too... thanks again.G.B. Patterson

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Anonymous - 2005-09-16

Outstanding Performance
Flexible, lightweight, breathable and waterproof. Everything performed as advertised. Highly recommend.

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robin firkins - 2005-05-08

Everything I hoped for.
Great all round jacket and at a great price.

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Mark - 2005-04-29

Great value
This is a great coat at a great value. Buy it on sale and you'll be pleased with this.

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James M. Frazier - 2005-04-07

WOW - what a jacket. I love it.
I was so excited when this jacket came in. It was everything I was looking for in a all around jacket, waterproof, windproof, durable, looks great and fit was just right. It lets me put about two layers underneath if needed. I can wait to get out in the cold the fall and use it.

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Anonymous - 2005-04-04

loose your hard shell!
Very nice shell. I have worn it in all kinds of weather and it has responded like a champ.in cold weather I wear an expedition weight baselayer with the jacket and in warmer weather just drop it down to a lightweight base and your all set.Unless you are climbing in the Himalayas or attempting denali this is the shell to have. My only complaint is the womans version has a hood and the mans does't Whats up with that Mountain Hardwear?

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Byron - 2005-04-03

Best Climbing Jacket Ever Owned
Like most I've struggled to get the balance of warmth and dexterity with my climbing gear. My main clibming jacket used to be the Mtn. Hardware Tech windstoper. I switched to the syncro this season. I love the waterproof aspect to the jacket.

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Brent - 2005-03-07

Highly versatile and useful
This jacket is waterproof, windproof and decently warm by itself. It hasn’t been soaked yet, but it stood up to wet snow brilliantly. It’s a lot like the Alchemy jacket, but with a slightly roomier fit and the waterproof membrane. Its light weight and good freedom of movement make it useful for almost anything. I skied in it with a light fleece underneath in 15 degree temps and felt comfortable.

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Anonymous - 2005-02-16

Amazing jacket
Simply put, this is an amazing jacket. Highly breathable yet keeps you warm in all weather. The mobility of the jacket is also great

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Anonymous - 2005-01-10

OUTSTANDING!
The Moutian Hardware Synchro jacket is the best active wear piece of clothing I now own. It is the best quality insulator that I have ever seen and or owned.I highly recommend it to anyone wanting the best functional insulation layer for cold weather activities.

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Jeremy Bechthold - 2004-12-31

Can't go wrong with the Synchro
After getting out of the Army after 8 years in October of this year, I vowed I would never go into the "field" with inferior gear. I bought the Synchro from a local shop here in Utah (Out N Back) and have worn it pretty much every day since. Whether I am taking the kids up Payson or Santaquin canyons on a day hike or skiing at Sundance - this is the jacket I wear. It doesn't cut the wind as much as I would prefer - but I pair it with my MHW Windstopper Tech Vest and it is a great combo!I highly recommend it!

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Tony Mastrobattista - 2004-12-21

The new materials rule!
What a great jacket. I would reserve this one for a milder winter day or spring skiing. With a base layer you can vary your degree of insulation. The new materials are great for regulating over the middle range of temperatures (30 - 50). Because the new materials breathe so well, I didn't regret not having pit zips on this jacket. Stylish looks, a great fit, and technically top notch, I'm taking this jacket everywhere on and off the hill.

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John M. - 2004-11-23

Lightweght, stylish and warm.
Nice colors, stylish, very warm..... yet lightweight.

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Jay Bass - 2004-08-28

Fabulous
I purchased one of these a year ago and absolutely love it. It has replaced each of the specialty jackets that I own. The Synchro jacket looks great too. I have had lots of positive comments on it in both outdoor and urban settings.

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M. Hamberg - 2004-01-20

WATERPROOF!
I looked a long time for my next jacket. I was looking for something different than the "ordinary" shell. The Synchro soft shell is awesome. It is extremely comfortable, looks great, is light weight, and lives up to its claim of being WATERPROOF.My only caution is that it runs a bit small. XL was the only size I could get and being 6'2/240lbs..it's getting close to being too small. Other than that, you won't be disappointed.

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Anonymous - 2003-10-25

Best jacket ever owned
Waterproof softshell, need I say more?

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Niki - 2007-01-27

4 1/2 STARS
I really really want to give this jacket 5 stars but 3 minor things bother me. First, the insulation is on the thin side for a jacket that's both wind/waterproof. On days with temps in the 40s, I'd still need a mid-weight fleece vest to keep warm while inactive. It's sufficient during a walk/hike or other activities as the body generates more heat. If used to replace my Marmot Precip rain shell, the pack weight would increase by 1/2 pound. Second, the waterproof chest and arm pocket zippers are stiff in its motion and the zip pulls/tabs are on the small side. Third, MHW should make a zip-off hood as the more functional hooded version doesn't look right due to the fashionable and sleek lines of the jacket. These issues aside, the jacket is very attractive and high quality in both material and fit & finish. I'm keeping it as it's still a very functional and handsome jacket... and I got it during a steep discount. Thanks Altrec!

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jonathan man - 2006-09-06

great materials, just wish the collar weren't as wide
nice feel to the jacket, but I'm not sure i'm keeping it because of the collar. the collar is a bit wider than i was hoping. Also, having the drawcord on the inner layer of the collar slightly takes away from the use of the cinch. great materials, and very waterproof though.

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Darell - 2006-05-03

My second most-used jacket
This is a very thin, lightweight jacket. Totally water and wind-proof, but with little insulation. Used correctly, it is the perfect choice for some days. It is stretchy and fits well. All waterproof seams and zippers. I very handy travel jacket since it packs so small and is so light. With some light insulation under it, you've got a great warm, waterproof package.

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Pawel Rokoszak - 2005-12-11

Nice Jacket - MH quality
I was looking for a soft shell jacket which I would like to use during me winter backcountry trips. I found this jacket here on incredible sale and I immediately bought one for me and my girlfriend. Overall this is a nice jacket, EXTREAMLY well made piece of clothing, what can I say - Mountain Hardwear. What didn’t I like about this jacket is a little bit wired and relaxed cut which makes this jacket easier to use with other layers but it doesn’t have an alpine cut like Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket. Which might be a good thing or a bad thing depends on what you want. It is more of a jacket then a fleece. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the purchase.

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Anonymous - 2005-04-26

very good
Very good. If it had a hood, it would be perfect.

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Anonymous - 2005-01-12

Great Feel...
The texture and feel of the synchro is soft and smooth. Very comfortable. Jacket design and functionality is great... sealed zippers, waterproof. Only problem is that it runs small... get a size larger than you usually would. Not really meant for layering.

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Edward Fink - 2004-12-18

Very cool look and feel
Just got the jacket. It looks and feels great. Love the mutiple zippered pockets. Looking forward to using this as my outer layer on warmer ski days and apres ski as well.

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Gabe in Maine - 2004-09-08

Good jacket, but a few shortcomings
The good stuff about this jacket was mentioned in the product specs and in others’ reviews, so I’ll stick to points that could be improved upon. The pull closure at the neck isn’t elasticized (they used rope instead of shock cord), so to get it tight enough to lock out the wind and weather, you get strangled. The neck pull closure also uses three pieces of plastic, which play with the back of your neck rather annoyingly. Similarly, the interior fleece cuffs are too loose to seal out the weather. Finally, it just isn’t all that warm. Compared to a regular Wind Stopper fleece, it doesn’t seem to insulate as well. Another point: If it’s raining enough to necessitate a 100% waterproof, seam-sealed jacket, you really need a hood. All of this aside, I’d give it a B+ for innovation and style. And the pockets are fantastic!

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Cody Garrett - 2006-10-19

Nice, but wierd fit.
I liked the materials, features and workmanship of this jacket, but it really fit me wierd: tight in the waist and too big in the shoulders. It looks to be a nice jacket if it fits you.

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Anonymous - 2006-02-27

Water resistant, not water proof
I have to respectfully disagree with the previous reviewer who touted this jacket as waterproof. Mine resists light rain or a heavier rain for limited periods of time, but I would never trust this jacket in the backcountry. I was caught in the rain on an eight mile bike ride and the jacket became totally water logged. Plus it took two days to dry. Also, for me the fit leaves a large pooch in the stomach that prevents the jacket from truly insulating me. On the other hand, I often wear the jacket around town because it is a great looking jacket - just don't expect true technical wear out of it.

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