I bought my escape jacket from ems a few days ago because i needed dependable rain gear. 2.5 inches of rain later my pants and shoes are soaked through but my cell phone, ipod, and upper body are unscathed by the torrential downpour. i love the rolling hood and visor but i think the biggest kick i will get out of it will be when the ski season starts. simply remarkable, it gets cold i am warm, it gets warm and even in a black coat i don't sweat. these guys should contract to the service or something because i was never this excited about my columbia jacket. i was turned off by the price until i test drove it and the utility is unparalleled. whether you are a city person subject to rainy,windy, and/or cold conditions or an active mountaineer/ skier/ snowboarder/ climber... whatever, this is one item you need to make sure stays in your arsenal. indispensable.