Like other reviews, this softshell doesn’t have very many bells and whistles. Just a light softshell with a nice, soft lining. Very versatile, can be used in spring or summer, not quite warm enough alone in winter, but athletic fitting enough to use a layer (better off using synthetic or down sweater). Great for skinning in the backcountry or hiking peaks on a colder day in the summer. So breathable and yet slightly waterproof, seems to keep you at just the right body temp throughout the day.
Fit : advertised as “slim”. I’m 5’11 185, 36″ waist and the Large fit me perfectly. Not a ton of room to layer underneath, but I couldn’t ask for a better fit, perfect mix between slim and regular.
Color : I was forced to get an obnoxiously orange color, since thats all REI had in my size at the time (used my REI dividend). I really liked the neutrality of the Alpha Green, just didn’t work out with my budget at the time. I’ve grown to get used to the Orange (clementine) and at the very least, you don’t have to worry about getting shot in hunting season. Truly, a multi-functional piece of gear.
Great, versatile down jacket. Great use for Colorado, being a relatively dry state and all. I’ve used it for summit lounging, for days you don’t plan on skiing thick trees (at it will probably rip) and for the morning walk to work whens its below freezing. If you want something even warmer, look at the Frost Smoke parka from Montbell, not gonna get much better for the price (neither will this one).
Fit : I’m 5’11 185 with a 36″ waist and somewhat broad shoulders and the Large fit me perfect. Enough room for a light fleece and shirt underneath and maybe compressible enough for a roomy shell over it.
Color : I went with the “Terra Cotta” which is a true orange, almost rust orange, darker than the pic on bc.com, but fairly similar to the pic from Montbell’s website.
Material : Its advertised as a 30-denier nylon shell, which seems accurate, specially when compared to other 15-20 denier down sweaters across the board. It could probably survive a branch or two in the woods, but nothing more. Just seems like a well thought out, well constructed apparel.
To give credit where it’s due, the idea to go for Mt. Massive came from my friend Eric and his dad Steve. The two have been ticking off winter 14er summits for some time, and Massive was first on their list for this winter. Preferring more of a siege style of mountaineering, Steve and Eric planned to head in on the 26th, camp at treeline, go for the summit on the 27th, and deproach on the 28th. Unfortunately I was tied up on the 26th so the overnight plan wasn’t an option for me, instead I managed to rouse an old winter partner of mine in Kiefer to join me for a single day ascent on the 27th. Continue reading…
As our weekend sojourn in Vail to admire the changing aspens and snow-capped Gores came to a close, Anna-Lisa and I decided we weren’t ready to return to the city just yet. Our friend David (Zambo) expressed some interest in Kelso Ridge, it being a short scramble route and relatively close to Denver. This idea also appealed to Anna-Lisa as, prior to this weekend, she was the only person in Colorado who hadn’t climbed Grays and Torreys. Keep reading…