Salomon Sideways 3L Jacket - Men's

Wore this all season long (2011-2012). I'm 6'0ft, normal build, and I wore the XL. Wasn't too baggy, perfect fit. I would go one size up than normal (usually I wear L, but with salomon I always size up on jackets).

The jacket was perfect - strong, breathable, light, and got a lot of good comments too.

The only small gripe I have with it is that the zip fits too closely to the chin, but it's no biggy.

Check out this vid of me wearing it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHt1zvxUW3c&feature=relmfu

The Sideways jacket offers a very beefy 3 layer shell. Tougher material than like offerings from Arc Teryx and Mammut at a lower cost. Granted it's not Gore-Tex, but breathe-ability is not as big a concern for the colder weather this shell will see, and the off brands I've used perform just as well.

The fit is a little odd. It's got a slim euro fit around the neck and shoulders, and a dumpy, relaxed fit through the torso. Built the opposite of athletic shape...pear shaped? The neck provides a nice, close to the face fit, but is especially tight in the neck if you plan to wear a collared fleece with any bulk. Body length, and arm length are true to size. The jacket could use an adjustable waist line bungee to trim up the waist fit, this would help to lessen the look of the tight, up-top fit.

The hood offers a smaller fit than many ski/snowboard jackets, but it will accommodate a reasonably sized multi-sport helmet (Grateful Heads, Galasport, climbing helmets). Bobble-head, ski helmet owners will want to look elsewhere. Let's face it, ski areas have only become safer over the years due to over grooming...do you really need the helmet anyway?

The core vents are easier to operate than most pit zips, but when open, only expand and exaggerate the dumpy torso look. Open them on the chair, close back up when you get off.

If the Sideways fits you properly, you'll have a hard time finding a better bang for the buck.

Wore this on my first experience with a snow board. Normally I ski, but my friend was dead set on converting me to snowboarding (he failed). I spent a lot of time on my butt and was blasting a lot of heat off from so much exertion, but this jacket held up. It didn't let snow in, it fits great, it kept me warm, but was vented well enough to keep me from over heating or soaking myself with sweat. I am 6'1" 195 have an athletic build and the large fits me perfect. The spandex hand/thumb gloves work perfect even with my Black Diamond Mad Max gloves with their extended low cuff. Couldn't be happier. Also, the Corona yellow really pops on the slopes to help my friends pick me out of the masses.

I gave 2 stars, not because I didn't like the jacket...I thought it was awesome. It just runs so unbelievably small.

Admittedly a fatty here, but I normally fit into big 2X or 3X. Went w/ the 4X to be really safe. Thought it was going to be huge. It wasn't. Couldn't remotely wear it. Big guys beware.

Perfect freeride jacket. Completely waterproof and durable. Great venting via pit zips I like the pockets on this coat, plus goggle pouch. The fit is also just right, relaxed without being dumpy.