This vest has become an indispensable part of my gear in the past 5 years. I take it for all kinds of stuff, not just outdoors trips. It's in my bag for business trips, it's been on vacations, it's my go-to first layer for SAR training and missions.

It's light, it's warm, and it fits me perfectly. It packs down tiny in my pack when I'm not wearing it. The Windstopper laminate is great and really keeps the chill off, much more than any other vest I've ever had. Zippers are solid and feel like they're going to last, even after 5 years of heavy use. I like the tall collar, it stays out of the way when unzipped but protects against wind and light rain when it's up.

Only gripe: No inside pocket. Minor, I know, but it would be nice for things like a phone or keys to be a bit more protected.

Disclaimer: I'm reviewing this product having received it through participation in the Gore MountainTechs program, but I'd be saying the same thing if I paid full retail price for it.

There is NOTHING I hate more on a climb/hike/ski than wet socks and stuff in my shoes. NOTHING.

So, these are some of my favorite pieces of gear. I use them for everything. They're waterproof and burly, they keep everything out, and they fit every piece of footwear I own (other than Chacos and flipflops). They stay put, they don't creep up the back and let snow sneak in while post-holing, and somehow I haven't snagged them with a crampon point yet.

They just WORK.

(BTW, this is my second pair. The first were stolen from my luggage, but I received the second pair through my participation in the Gore MountainTechs product testing program. Doesn't change the fact that I love them, just made it easier to pick up a new set when mine went missing.)

I've had my Theta AR for about 2 months now. I ordered a large and it fits just about perfect. I'm 5'11", 200lbs, 42 chest, 32 waist. It's been great for the late spring, Pacific Northwest creeping damp. I've been reasonably dry through rain and wet snow, even while hiking with a heavy pack. Certainly no drips through the seams. The tunnel-style neck is nice too. Yep. It's expensive. But it's the best jacket I have in the closet right now.

Full disclosure: I have been participating in Gore's MountainTechs product testing program since 2007. Doesn't change my opinion of it, just means the lawyers want me to say that. :)

This is, by far, one of my favorite jackets. I take it on nearly every trip, all four seasons in Oregon. It's decently water resistant, warm for the weight and loft, close-cut enough that I can climb without it being in the way, and takes a beating without damage. It's almost completely windproof as well, the only draft being along the hem where the elastic cord has worn out.

My only real gripe is the tiny internal wrist cuffs. I get that they're supposed to be tight-ish for keeping ice and snow out for climbing, but they're so small that I can hardly get my hands through - and forget about pulling your sleeve up to check your watch! I wish they were a little bit softer on the elastic or maybe adjustable.

My review of this product is in no way influenced by the fact that I'm in the Gore MountainTechs product testing program. I'd say the same if I weren't...

This is, without doubt, the best pair of bibs I have ever tried. I used to not be a fan of bibs as they seemed to be a bit... constricting. The Theta SV bibs don't ride up like many of the others I've worn in the past, they stretch just enough to stay in place and move with me. I've spent days in them on winter backcountry trips, abused them during SAR exercises and missions, and generally mistreated them for at least 4 years. They're still waterproof, the zippers still work, and they still feel great.

My only gripe is the tiny chest pockets seem to catch condensing water vapor from sweat. DON'T use them as an iPhone pocket unless it's in a plastic bag, even though they seem the perfect fit.

(Full Disclosure: I have been involved in the Gore MountainTechs program since 2007 and have received these bibs for testing as a part of that program.)

I've had my Alpha SV for about 3 years now. I ordered a large and it fits just about perfect. (5'11", 200lbs, 42" chest, 32" waist - only know that because I've been in too many weddings recently).

It's been my go-to jacket for living in the Pacific Northwest, with heavy snow, driving rain, and creeping damp. I've been totally dry (except those days where there's no humidity gradient from inside to outside the jacket) and my other layers have been well-protected from the weather.

No drips, no wear marks, no seams splitting, no holes. Cut is close enough to be unobtrusive, but doesn't constrict movement.

I'm not convinced on the "crossover" pockets though. They're fine for stashing stuff while climbing, but they're awkward when I wear this jacket for other uses (like going to work or around town). I finally just accepted that limitation and use a different jacket when I'm doing non-technical things.

Yep. It's expensive. Everything that's nice and lasts seems to be.

(Full disclosure: Though I purchased this jacket, I have been participating in Gore's MountainTechs product testing program since 2007 and have received other Gore-Tex products through participation there.)