I have last year's model and this thing is awesome. Keeps out the chill w/ minimal layers underneath (Duofold and a 200wt fleece vest, booted toes will give out far before you're torso gets cold), and still breathes great (first time I didn't have to shed layers when hiking) I wore this thing last summer in 80 deg. 90% hum. raining and stayed far dryer than I would have ever done in a hard shell. I've stopped carrying around my full Gore-Tex when backpacking, keeps out the vast majority rain sogginess, prevents the vast majority of sweat sogginess, and saves two pounds.

Ok first things first, I own the non-hoodie version, as I always am wearing either a helmet or an OR nor'easter. Secondly this jacket rocks my socks off. Lighter than any other shell I've ever laid a finger on, and it packs down small too. After getting caught for about three hours in a downpour, I can honestly say this thing (with an obligatory coating of TX direct) sheds water better than a family of ducks. Eventually the Schoeller wets out but for pete's sake it was a full on Nebraska T-storm (a tornado touched down 15 miles southeast, no joke), and my torso was still mostly dry. Breatheability is absurd, I can wear this when it's 80F out and still be comfortable. As far as winter performance, can't say, just got it this may, but I look forward to great things. Definitely will need an insulating layer of some sort, but so does every other shell in existence so whatever. When I first got this, I thought durability might be a problem due to the ridiculously lightweight nylon that the PTFE is laminated to, but so far I've had no problems. I'm watching the elbows though, they seem particularly vulnerable as they are entirely unreinforced.

I bought this hoping for a pack, plain and simple, and that is exactly what is. A darn good pack. First off the shoulder harness is outstanding for a pack of this size, super stable, and comfortable all day and even with alpines strapped on. The size is perfect for everything you need for a day. I can pack my camelback, shell, 300 wt fleece, lunch, extra socks and extra mitten liners into the pack with no problems at all. Also because of its narrow profile one can sit normally on chairlifts even with the pack stuffed. The material is more or less bomb proof. I've skied with it for the better part of a season, as well as used it as my book bag for a semester (not really suggested use, too narrow for multiple text and note books) without any noticeable abrasion or wear. And for those of you who have razor blades for ski edges, that diagonal stripe is extra reinforcement. On top of all this the material is more or less waterproof. Skied three days in snain (indecisive snow/rain) and while I was more than damp at times, everything in the pack stayed pretty dry (ended up dampened once, though this is attributed to a pair of stowed, soggy gloves rather than leaking). The only negative I can think of is the way the lid pocket sits. When its REALLY stuffed, it gets in the way of strapping skis on over it. Over all, though I love this thing. It would not at all be an exaggeration to say that this is the best pack I've ever bought and it should see service through all four seasons for many many seasons to come.