"I picked up this jacket as an alternative to my heavier gore-tex parka. It uses a waterproof/breathable laminate instead of an entire internal fabric layer (like gore-tex does). It also has other features found on pricier jackets: a roomy, brimmed hood; pit zips; adjustable velcro cuffs; a storm flap on the front zipper; long zipper pulls on all zippers, making them usable even when wearing mittens. The jacket packs into its own front pocket, and squooshes down to the size of a grapefruit.
Waterproof/breathable laminate is much cheaper than gore-tex, so this jacket might be a good choice for someone on a budget. In my opinion it does not breathe quite as well as gore-tex, so if you hike hard and fast in the rain, you will wind up wearing your own sweat.
Thus far it has been plenty durable for me, but I've noticed the mesh seems a bit delicate. It hasn't torn, but it might be a concern later on. The women's jacket is cut slightly longer, while the men's is just to the waist. Pocket placement on the two models is interesting: mens model has two good-sized chest pockets, while the women's has slightly smaller waist/handwarmer style pockets. Both locations can potentially be covered by pack straps (has anyone even invented a good pocket location for backpacking jackets??!).
Bottom line: Not for heavy bushwhacking or extensive winter use, but an economical and highly packable choice for three-season hiking and backpacking."
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