Awesome design, fantastic price

FlyLow Gear B.A.Puffy Jacket - Men's

FlyLow Gear B.A.Puffy Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 December 14, 2011

I decided this year to help keep the economy going by updating my 15 year old heavily duct taped insulated ski pants (Rip Curl believe it or not, bought on sale for $50) and a newer model generic North Face parka whose zippers had all blown out from stashing too many PBRs in it.

I first turned to Patagonia and picked up one of their Powder Bowl jackets. Awful, just plain awful. Strange cut, Patagonia's infuriatingly small zippers and zipper pulls, and absurd price. Returned to Backcountry no questions asked. I love Patagonia's sweaters and general philosophy. But I just don't think they know how to design technical clothing anymore. Returned to Backcountry.

Picked up one of these Puffys and I absolutely love it. It's every bit as well-made as the Patagonia jacket. The pockets are well thought out. The zippers are bomber. The lightweight insulation is nice for colder days (or with a light layer underneath for warmer days.) The hood fits over my smith vantage with ease. The velcro cuffs are beefy and sufficient, not like the tiny little velcro wrist closures on the Patagonia.

In short, I am really, really impressed with this jacket. I only FlyLow now.

As for sizing: I'm 5'11 and picked up a large. It's a roomy (perhaps a bit big) in the torso with a boxy fit that I really dig. The arms are perfect length (I wear a 33-34" sleeve). I'm guessing I could get away with a medium.

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Well made, but not well designed

Patagonia Powder Bowl Jacket - Men's

Patagonia Powder Bowl Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 December 6, 2011

Mostly quality construction but really strange fit. It's very, very fitted, like a men's dress shirt - very odd for active wear. I'm 5'11, 160 lbs and the medium is entirely too small, but the sleeves on the large are way too long.

My other gripe? Patagonia's insistence on using the smallest and cheapest zippers. They always snag, the teeth bend, the zipper pulls are tiny and impossible to grip with gloves. They insist on using these on all their garments and I just don't get it.

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