Pamela V. from United States, PA Public Profile

I already have a lightweight down jacket, so I didn't want to buy another "puffy layer." Instead of a synthetic layer, I opted for an insulated ski/board jacket. My shell doesn't have much room left anyway to layer more.

I had the chance to use the jacket in Vermont on a windy, 0(F) deg day. I wore a heavyweight base layer, then a Patagonia R1 and then this jacket, I was comfortable for most of the day. Primaloft is magic. Day 2, when it was 13(F) deg, I was a little chilly with a lighter-weight wool shirt and the R1. I have yet to experience it in warmer riding weather, but it breathes pretty well for what it is. If it's really too warm, I'll wear my shell.

The jacket itself is constructed good, I like the pockets and the fit with a longer length than I've had in the past. I think the large chest pockets on the outside will be good if I need to wear a pack. The fit is relaxed enough that I didn't have to size up, I ordered Medium and Large and kept the Medium (my normal size). The Large didn't look overly baggy, but I didn't want that much extra jacket. Biggest hood ever! It fits over my Smith helmet with room to spare (unlike my Patagonia shell).

The outer shell is softer than my 3-layer shell, which feels less constricting on top of not needing a ton of layers. The only downside of the less stiff material is that the collar doesn't stay up on its own to cover my face as well as the 3-layer shell.

GTX shell pants from Patagonia, good fit, ability to tighten the waistband which I'll need as I'm between a Med and a Large, but without any stretch to the pants I had to go up to a Large or I couldn't layer much. For snowboarding, I don't know how people wear such slim pants, I need to be able to move when riding and I'm glad I finally found a pair of pants I like. Loose in the thighs, a tad baggy since I sized up, but plenty of room to layer comfortably and not pop a button! Tried the Med as well, but Campsaver is great with their Fit Guarantee! Also, the Sumac Red color looks awesome with a previous year's Patagonia Untracked Jackets (Tidal Teal - a dark blue/green). And you can't beat Patagonia's warranty, very happy with my purchase.

Great sound, easy to get in the helmet. We opted for these vs the wireless for fear of the phones dying quickly and 1 less thing to charge (and cheaper!). Controls take some getting used to, they work differently with different music apps. Only think I would suggest is to get a 3.5mm audio cable adapter (to fit thru the hole in the helmet earpiece) to quickly disconnect the wire from the ear piece for an easier time getting your jacket/helmet on/off. Otherwise great. Love having music in my helmet now!

Great at bigger resorts when you don't want to take a ton of breaks just for water. Fits my camera and accessories, an extra layer, glove liners, sunglasses, and lunch. Not as bulky as my old Heli Pro 18-20L and easy to wear sitting on the lifts. If I ever get to do backcountry it would hold what I need just fine I think. I can even use it as my personal item on flights. Durable as all Dakine stuff is.