Nike Storm FIT Action jacket Review

"Nike's Storm Fit "Tech" jacket, a
large improvement over the prior year's product-
(see Backpacker magazine's reveiw in Spring of 95). Upgrades were
mostly for skiers - powder skirts, pass loops, etc. It's a two layer system, with 2 chest poockets, two fleece-lined handwarmer pockets at the waist, and a "houdini" pocket just inside the storm flap. Storm FIt is a version of Gore-tex, which
breathes very well, but limits the amount of waterproofness. The cut is big and baggy, although curiously short in the arms, compared to the overall length.
The shoulders are a lighter weight cordura, but the elbows and backside (in contrasting black, like the shoulders) are the same lighter weight nylon micro fiber as the body, which I question it's long-term durability.
I've used it extensively for cross-country skiing, alpine skiing and of course, hiking and backpacking - it's powder skirt isn't comfortable with a
pack, and it's too bulky to be considered packable rainwear. For the $290, I would consider a more authentic trechnical shell such as the
Patagonia Storm Jacket or North Face Mountain Light. A little more money, but
you will most likely have it a while (unless you are REALLY hard on gear)
and $40 or $50 spent know will pay for itself three or four years down the road.
I'm sure Nike will have an even cooler color or style that the people who want to look like they are going to the mountains this weekend
for Fall 97.
In here in Oregon, rainwear is worn 12 months a year!"