Finally, a shell that delivers!

By tory April 27, 2010

I've been looking for a good jacket for a while, and I finally feel at home in this one. It's like those Xterra commercials: everything you need, and nothing you don't. It's a super light weight shell that breathes well, cuts wind, and sheds water no problem. I love the look and feel of the charcoal-colored ballistic nylon. The pit zips are HUGE and are easy to open and close, something that was lacking in my 686 shell. The monstrous front zipper is super easy to operate and never snags, and it has a generous flap behind it to stop water from sneaking through. Seam-taping is done well all throughout the jacket, including the hood and sleeves, which some companies "forget". Lining is a combination of soft polyester solid and mesh fabric, which makes it super easy to throw on. Plenty of room to move around and layer under without being too bulky either. Velcro wrist-cuffs are half spandex which makes them snug but not uncomfortable or limiting, I like them better than gaiters. Except for the two zippered fleece-lined hand pockets, the rest of the pockets are double velcro... the only one that requires a little effort to open is the sleeve pocket. Besides the windowed pass pocket under the skirt, this jacket only has one giant interior pocket on the left. I almost missed it because the velcro'd opening is right on the edge of the main zipper, very sneaky. It includes a smaller pocket inside shaped like your iPod. So since there's no window here, the only way you can tweak your music is if you do it by feel or take the entire thing out. Zip-out pow skirt and low bulk make this an easy jacket to wear around town on cold or rainy days. The hood has a nice adjuster that tightens around the crown of your head, not the face. It also has a little bill, which I like except for when it occasionally pokes your neck if you lean back in a chair. Sure the X-ray images are a little obnoxious but most people seem to like em. Little yellow accents all over set this jacket off.

Bottom line: I like this jacket WAY better than my 686 plexus shell and the cappel newcastle, both of which are going back. This jacket just has way more comfort, utility, and versatility (looks at home on or off the mountain) without getting too bulky or feature heavy. Thanks to Analog for making a sick shell and to Brociety for hooking up an awesome deal!

View Details: Analog Wire Jacket - Men's

Nailed It? 0 Yes