Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody - Men's
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Sale Price:
$139.98
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Retail Price:
$279.95
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Item # BCC0146
Quantity on hand: 50
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| Reviews (53): |
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| Review Updated- Its blizzard proof! 12-21-08 |
Babak Sakaki
(39):
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| I am writing this from the University of Utah library, to where I have trudged 2 miles uphill in my Shift Welder hoody to complete a paper. I had no intention of writing another review, but its performance today compels me to write this.
Its a complete blizzard right now in Salt lake city, with winds up to 20+ and snow making it a total whiteout. All I wore was my R1 fleece underneath, and I was COMPLETELY warm and dry the entire way. I was so gracious for the fleece lined pockets for I had left my gloves at home (stupid, I know). The cut of this jacket allowed for complete protection from the elements, while the materials allowed for an uncompromising range of motion.
Its seriously the best jacket I own. |
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| Super Cool 03-11-09 |
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Tyson Bolduc
(26):
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| This is the sweetest jacket/soft shell I have ever worn. Just last week I was in a restaurant and my buddy spilled a full cup of Hawaiian Punch across the table and all over me. I stood up and the juice just beaded off. I was dry and the jacket was not colored or stained at all. Furthermore, in the cold this jacket is wind-proof and worm. Great color options and an all round sweet coat. |
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| Best Jacket- Period. Does it all! 12-15-08 |
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Babak Sakaki
(39):
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| I have literally waited months for a jacket of this type. Truly, this is your do it all softshell. From skiing, to climbing, to biking and just hanging around, this jacket does it all. Its INCREDIBLY water resistant, almost waterproof even, and has a fit that is honestly second to none. All of the nice little features really round out this jacket: the in pocket hem cinches, the fully adjustable hood, the awesome double zippers and pockets (fleece lined), complete with impeccable articulation on the arms truly make this jacket your go to softshell. This jacket will easily replace three of my current jackets the thing that can do it all.
GET IT this jacket you wont regret it. I have owned a number of different softshell, such as the MHW Dragon, TNF Cipher, Marmot Super Hero and Patagonia Slopestyle and the Welder beats them all in both fit and comfort. A word about the Carbon color, its a bit lighter than the picture tells, more like a grayish than gunmetal. |
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| Best thing in my closet 06-04-09 |
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Ben brewer
(46):
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| I have been lusting after this jacket for quite a while, and I picked it up on SAC recently. It would be an understatement to call me a jacket whore, and I felt guilty about ordering another. Until I got it in the mail. This thing is AWESOME and a half. It's super comfortable and it looks killer (I am 6' and 145 pounds and the small fits snug but not tight) It's quite breathable and it pukes heat. I had this packed for a backpacking trip, hoping to only use it at night for lounging around camp. A few miles in, it started raining and I pulled on the Shift Welder expecting to be MISERABLE in the 80 degree heat and Tennessee humidity. Granted, I was toasty, but I was dry inside and out and far from miserable. I could go on an on, but I will stop here. Buy one. |
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| Ready for the next shift 02-23-09 |
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Grant Helgeson
(12):
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| As an avalanche forecaster, I'm pretty hard on things. Two stroke machines, storm days where you can't see your ski tips, spilling the red bull on yourself on the last hour of a 15 hour shift, these things are hard on gear. The shift welder has been my go to shell all season, from winds blowing 50 mph on the skyline to snow falling at 3" in an hour, the shift welder has clocked in and given 115%. I'm super psyched on this piece. I'm 145 lbs, 5' 10" and I wear a medium. Plenty of well placed pockets to hold camera, compass and more. As soon as there's a womens available, I'm buying my wife one! |
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| Simple in style - Technical where you need/want it 01-16-09 |
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ben wheeler
(40):
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| I'm nothing but stoked with my Shift Welder. I finally got mine for Christmas from my wife (I did my own Christmas shopping). Simple in style, but technical where you want/need it. Very light, extremely breathable, water resistant, comfy fleece lining, and the perfect amount of stretch; not to mention this jacket is welded together (not sewn). If you're doing anything aerobic, a lightweight baselayer is probably all you're going to need underneath. The Polartec Power Shield shell with a DWR finish is going to keep you dry in most everything but a prolonged downpour. The face fabric, despite its buttery soft feel, is a woven nylon which is very abrasion resistant. I wouldn't go dragging it through the parking lot, but it will hold its own skiing/trail running through the trees and brush.
I like the the no frills design of the jacket. Utility is what I'm after, and the Welder gets the job done, and feels good doing it.
Truly a backcountry.com signature piece, as the Shift Welder Hoody was made specifically for gettin after it in the backcountry. If you only wear this jacket to the office and around town, you'll still be stoked with the comfort and feel of the jacket, but you'll be left to wonder what this jacket is truly capable of... |
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| Bad Mother... 01-07-09 |
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gre2501083
(11):
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| I got this off of SAC the day they unveiled this, and for the price I don't think you could beat it. I got the medium and it is a very athletic fit. I am 5'9" and 185 with broad shoulders and it fits like a glove with a layer underneath. You don't need much under this b/c it is surprisingly warm for the weight, so i wouldn't try and layer this over a heavy sweater due to the fit. The sleeves are on the long side, so keep that in mind if you have to size up. The welded seams rock on these and the hood allows for a wide field of vision that moves with you head very well. The carbon is lighter in person than in the pictures, but still looks great. My only complaint that I can think of is that the two way zipper doesn't catch on the first try sometimes like it should. This is more of an annoyance than a problem, but for everything this jacket offers I will grin and bear it. |
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| Stoked! 07-10-09 |
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Christophe
(5):
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| This jacket is the bomb. It is very light, fit perfectly, good pockets and hood. I am 6'3", weight about 170lbs and I got the L so I can fit some layers under it when I go bombing down the slopes or climbing during colder weather. If you don't care so much about layering up, get M.
I have to say that the double zipper is a bit a pain, but just need to get used to it. |
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| The Perfect Softshell! 03-15-09 |
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Dan Vargas
(2):
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| For a long time I was skeptical of softshells because they seemed like a really expensive layer that I just couldn't see myself using. Every time I went shopping for outdoors gear, I would glance at the softshell jackets but simply wasn't impressed. Then, I discovered the Shift Welder on Steep and Cheap. I thought, "now that is a sick jacket!" but didn't buy it right away. I told myself that if I saw it on SAC again, I'd buy it for sure. A few weeks later, my brand new Shift Welder arrived and I was subsequently blown away by the quality of this softshell hoody.
Check it out:
The fabric is incredible! It's the softest softshell I've ever felt and 99.9% windproof. I took it backpacking in Death Valley and busted it out to combat the chilly desert nights. I was actually camping in a canyon so the wind was extra fierce. I stayed completely warm with just a base layer underneath and could only hear the wind. I also used this jacket in Chicago just last week. As you may know Chicago has ridiculous wind and COLD! But I was fine with a long sleeve shirt under this jacket. Also, having the hood was nice in Chicago since the wind seems to come from everywhere.
I know this is a long review, but I also just have to attest to the excellent design of this jacket. I mean this thing is extremely well thought out. I'm talking about extra long sleeve to tuck your hands into when you don't have gloves, drawstring adjusters in the front pockets so you don't have to fiddle with them with cold hands, and an inside i-pod pocket with a hole in it to run your headphone through.
I highly recommend (love) this jacket.
-from a person who hates softshells |
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| NOTE TO WORLD: stop making any other jackets 03-13-09 |
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SnowKicksA**
(26):
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| because this is the best, most versatile jacket ever made. I got it a while back and wanted to use it a bit before I reviewed it. PERFORMANCE: Repels water like crazy. I've yet to see any water soak into the material (I have some things that are 'highly water resistant' but don't live up to it). Crazy light as far as weight goes, and blocks wind perfectly. Insulation is light, but I think it is meant to be layered with. I've worn it with the BC Rime under it (at TShirt under that), and don't need anything else. THE FIT: I got a large and its perfect. This is what I wear in pretty much everything. Length is spot on, and not bulky anywhere. Athletic cut, which is nice. I'm pretty athletic, but not exactly in perfect shape, and no problem with the fit around the stomach. Arms are long, but not so long that there is any issue. There is plenty of room to layer...I've worn a heavy weight Icebreaker and the Rime under it at the same time, and I felt wonderful. BOTTOM LINE: buy it. It's worth the money. If you get it at the SAC price, that's just gravy...but find a way to get one, however you do it. |
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| There's a first time for everything 03-02-09 |
Jim Therrien
(10):
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| This is my first soft shell jacket. I put in a lot of research to find a great one. I really wanted on with a hood. And a nice thin lining. Powder skirt? Would be to have a removable one. Pit zips? Could be helpful while ski touring. But I bought this one because I found it was a good balance of features/function and price. I got it in a medium (Tahoe Blue, totally love the color), and I'm thinking I should have gotten the small. I really like its cut and a small might hinder layering. The sleeves are plenty long (maybe too long) and never expose my wrist no matter how hard I stretch. And so far, I've forgot about it's lack of venting, it was 50 degrees out on the ski hill today and the jacket was breathing real well.
The only really down falls I've had are the the zippers. The main zipper is a little hard to initiate due to the double zipper. And my hand zippers have bound up on me once each. |
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| This is for all the Lanky Guys out there Wondering what size to get... 02-23-09 |
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MURF
(2):
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| I just got this jacket today, and I already know i'll be wearing this all the time. I talked to some gearheads after I purchased a large and they recommended a XL for my 6'2" - 6'3" 180lbs build. I disagreed with them and just let the thing ship. I have it on right now and I can tell you the sleeves do not fall short of my wrist, I actually have about an inch and a half of sleeve I can pull on my hands if I wanted to...
BOTTOM LINE: If you are Tall and lanky and are worrying about getting short sleeves, A large will fit you amazingly.
NOTE: it is an athletic fit but not skin tight definitely ideal for layering.
Dude stop thinking about it and just buy it... |
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| Really, really quality gear. And not just cuz I work here. 02-19-09 |
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Alexander Klivecka
(35):
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| This is a great softshell that has easily withstood a considerable amount of abuse in its first few days of use. I wore it in even during dumping snow with just two layers under it and was completely fine. The stuff in my pockets did get pretty soaked, but as far as breathability and warmth it was awesome, as should be expected with any softshell. The best thing about this jacket is the athletic cut. I am 6'2" 165 lbs and I bought the L and it fits perfectly. I really like the tapered look to the jacket and it does it without adding a waist drawcord, just by the cut of the jacket. Also be aware that the cuffs are not adjustable, and I can see how that could be an issue but I actually like it. The section of neoprene-type material in the cuff makes it slide over your hand easily and it is just the right width for my wrist. It rides low to about your first thumb knuckle, but that was actually really nice for putting gloves on over it. The hood is big enough to fit over a helmet but has enough articulation to stick to your head without a helmet if you tighten up the drawcords. There are two standard hip pockets in the side, one on the outside of the left chest and one on the inside. The inside one has a small hole for running headphones through it. I could have done with an arm pocket or perhaps bigger inside pockets for gloves or a hat because none of the pockets are that big (although those bigger pockets might detract from the athletic cut I mentioned earlier).
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| love hate relationship 02-11-09 |
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spence481972088
(13):
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| Love the jacket!!! One of the sickest soft shelled jackets I have ever owned! Super water resistant, super warm, super comfy. Can't say enough about it. One thing though that drives me crazy, the zipper can unzip from the bottom which is a great idea but it is tough to zip up and gets stuck all of the time. |
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| BC.com Shift Welder 02-02-09 |
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Steve Sellers
(2):
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| Love this jacket. The material is unlike anything I've worn before; very, very soft and quiet - the softest of softshells. I have an Arc'teryx Gamma SV (no hood) and used to wear a Cloudveil Serendipity back in the day. While both the Arc and the Cloudveil are excellent pieces in their own right, the Shift Welder is better suited - I think - to high-output athletic pursuits. The jacket blocks the wind, but the lighter material means that you're less likely to over-heat climbing or earning some turns. The fit is VERY athletic. I am 5'8" 160lbs and ordered a M. The fit is snug, but will accommodate a base- and mid- layer [R1 or El Cap 1/4 zip] without a problem. The sleeves are a litte long, but I wouldn't let that influence your decision. They don't look awkward and they're just long enough that they won't get pulled down your arm when you reach overhead. Oh, and the hood really is designed to work with a helmet. I can get a Petzl Ecrin or a Smith Variant under it with no problem. I bought the Carbon; my roommate went with the Tahoe. I look way better in this jacket... do with that as you will. |
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| Holy @#% this jacket rocks! 01-27-09 |
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Jesse Rosalia
(3):
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| I got my shift welder off SAC a couple weeks ago...liked the fit, liked the style but hadn't really tested it...until today. It was -10F or colder at the summit of Jackson Hole Mtn Resort today. I get off the tram and am greeted by a huge blast of wind that knocks some other dude's skis over. But I'm not cold. Not feelin the wind. I skied the entire day with this jacket over a mid weight fleece and patagonia capilene 2 base layer and while I got cool at times (sitting on the lift), it was never uncomfortable. If you're on the fence about this one, just do it..buy this jacket. |
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| Awesome Jacket 01-15-09 |
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Mike Merrill
(11):
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| This jacket is my new go-to. It's hard to replace the shift composite, but I love the hood on this jacket (been rainy here lately) and the softer feel is nice. I'm 5'7" - 165lbs, athletic build and the M fits great. The jacket is super comfortable and regulates my tempature perfectly. You can go for jog in the morning, and wear it in to the office in the afternoon and not get cold, or hot. The shift composite seems a bit warmer, but I think that may be the higher neckline keeping more wind out. I've yet to test under extreme conditions but if it's anything like the composite, I'm confident it will be great |
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| Welder Review Part 1 12-17-08 |
Adam Buchanan
(144):
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| The fit is awesome. I am 5'7 and the medium is great. The arms are long but because the cuffs are so low key and they don't have the crappy velcro strap I'm happy.
I took this running last night because it was 20 degrees last night and it did amazing. Really a good piece, but know that when people are saying its better then the Gamma AR, be careful because this fabric is like...insanely soft. Like really soft. So know that the fabric isn't the ultra gnarly hardish softshell like an ARC jacket.
That said, the welded seams are bomb. The mobility is great. I usually wear a medium and this works great for me, whereas ARC fits big so I am a small in them. Thats all for now. |
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| Shift Welder - Awesome Jacket!!! 12-16-08 |
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Richie Olivier
(15):
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| My new favorite jacket.
Seriously well made, warm & waterproof.
I'm 5'7 (145 pounds) and went for the medium.
This jackets has a great athletic fit.
The sleeves are slightly longer so you don't have them ride up to your elbows when you stretch.
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| great jacket......but 11-11-09 |
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Jonathan Kreger
(1):
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| Ok, let me start off by saying i love this jacket, the fit is great, and the color is awesome (tahoe M 6'2 185). I find myself wearing this jacket more often than not. Now to my complaint. The jacket is just average in its water shedding abilities. I live in Olympia, Wa and after only 15-20 minutes in a light drizzle the shoulders are soaked all the way through as are some spots on the arms. Now i know that this isnt a "waterproof" jacket but i was expecting a little more in a "highly water resistant" jacket. Another complaint has already been mentioned, the fact that there are no velcro wrist straps. As well as the jacket repels the wind a breeze always seems to climb up the sleeves. Therefore i can only recommend this jacket for moderate to light weather, anything more than that and your better off with something else. Though i guess this is the niche market a softshell is fulfilling. |
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| Love the Jacket 11-06-09 |
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Dead Famous
(10):
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| Its Great, love the versatility in the winter time. Great after skiing, or on a backcountry day building a jumps in the spring time. I am not going to lie, this jacket turns heads. Thats all I am saying.
Likes:
Love how the zippers have the finger prints on them.
Its really soft on your face when you zip it all the way up.
Also how they have the loops on the zipper them so you can switch your lift passes around if you know what I mean.
Dislikes:
It has this really soft little stop cord on the front near your chin, that sometimes bugs when its really snowy out.
SIZING:
I am 6 foot 2 inches and 185 lbs.
It fits me just right, sleeves are just long enough how i would like them. |
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| Best Jacket and Best Fit 11-03-09 |
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Nick Franchi
(2):
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| A. The Blue is amazing and my favorite color out of the whole line.
B. This jacket is warm even on the coldest days, I wear this jacket at Snowbird with some long underwear and it def keeps me warm
C. Don't dry this jacket air dry it, it flattens out better
D. Hood is great, could be a smidge bigger for those helmet days
E. The Goat logo is great and it's reflective print
I would highly recommend this jacket to anyone that goes outside, so anyone. |
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| Shift Welder 11-02-09 |
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tadaaron1547568
(3):
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| This jacket is awesome.
I found it on Geartrade.com for $80. Sweet deal.
I bought the same jacket for my wife and liked it so much that I had to get one for myself. I was a little too stoked and bought the same color, so now we're twins. Oops.
I hope Backcountry.com continues to pump out more top-notch clothing.
As for performance...I just rushed home for lunch to see if I had received it yet and luckily I had. I was only going to try it on and head back to work but I never took it off. It passed the water-resistance test under the sink. As for breathability, I was pretty hot and bothered when I put it on (due to excitement) and still don't feel clammy.
We'll see how she performs through the winter outings.
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| Review for the tall skinny guys... 10-30-09 |
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NWhiker93
(0):
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| This jacket is great. I got the Taho and yes, it is lighter than the picture. its very much teal, but i dont mind too much. I am 6' 1", 145 lbs (tall and skinny) and i got a medium and it fits great. it has enough room for a little layering underneath and the sleeves end at just about my thumb when i have a straight arm and fingers outstrectched. It is warm but in like 20 degree weather, a good baselayer and maybe even a fleece would be necessary to stay warm. the jacket is light and packs down relatively well. if you see it on sale, get it. You will be glad that you did. |
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| Shift Welder Hoody- Men's Large Carbon 10-22-09 |
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Nick J.
(5):
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| This is a great softshell jacket, very versatile. I used this jacket for tours, around town and resort days. It says "highly water- resistant" but its very tough. I haven't worn it in a downpour yet, but in the dry utah climate it has held up in all conditions. Make sure to pick up some nik-wax softshell wash for when washing your jacket. As far as size. I am 5'11 and 160lbs. I tried on both the medium and large. The medium fits snug and athletic for me, but I went with the large for layering purposes, the sleeves are a bit longer on the large. And as always, with backcountrys unlimited return policy you can always change out your size! |
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| Great jacket 10-18-09 |
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Teague
(0):
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| I'm 6'0" 175#. Originally went with the Large, but it was a little too large for my liking. I guess it would have worked well with multiple layers, but I opted to trade it in for a medium, which I love the fit of. It is form fitting in a nice way, but starts to get a little tight with more than a couple of thin baselayers. Very thin and light - like wearing a long sleeve shirt with a hood. Works well in wind and light rain, but it will soak through if you're out in precipitation for too long - even the light stuff. Of note, the fit is NOT exactly like the Rime Pullover. At least not on me. I wear a Large in the Rime because I could barely get the medium on and off without dislocating a shoulder in the process. |
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| Awsome! 09-23-09 |
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PDXoutdoors
(3):
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| This softshell is right up there with the Arcteryx Gamma MX and you can't be the savings. The jacket is very well made, breathes great, a very soft fleece lininga and an excellent cut. I am very impressed with the backcounty.com clothing line. If you want a softshell made with Polartec Powershield, it is hard to get a better deal then this. Remember, Arcteryx and other brands often use the same materials and one is paying for the fit and construction. I can say that the fit and construction is excellent and the fit is comparable to arcteryx. I also like the carbon color but was mixed on the others. |
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| Best softshell 08-23-09 |
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ak_2449917
(1):
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| This jacket has it all the pockets are in great spots and though the zipper is a little stiff it sure seals out the water. I have the blue color and it seems a little turquoise but still get many compliments on it. It seems like an athletic fit but thats great for me. I'm about 5'8" and 145lbs a medium is perfect for me. |
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| Runs small, 08-21-09 |
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sco2913037
(0):
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| I am 5'8", 135 lbs, slim build. I bought a small jacket and ended up returning it. The small fit me OK, it was not skin tight but there was zero extra space- no room for anything other than a base layer without an uncomfortable body-hugging fit.
I am just writing this review to give people a heads up on the size. If you plan to layer at all with this, I would definitely go a size up. |
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| Superfly. 08-14-09 |
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Adam Reiss
(7):
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| This jacket met my expectations upon arrival, and even surpassed them in some ways. I figured with the price point being lower than ARC or MHW, it would be a "lite" version. It is light, but it's heavy on the right features and the build quality is top notch. The material is excellent. The welded seams are awesome. I'll definitely be buying more BC branded gear after this because it's THAT good. I'll update my review AFTER the fall/winter beating I'm going to lay on this. (XL - 6'2" 220 - 43 chest - I don't like my stuff Euro tight or gangsta baggy, fit is perfect.) |
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| Lightweight Softshell Innovation 08-12-09 |
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Alex Gross
(39):
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| I've been wearing this jacket regularly since the mid spring and so far, I love it. The sizing is typical for the backcountry.com branded apparel. Its a bit long and skinny. I'm 5' 8" and about 165 - 170 lbs and I had to get a large to properly fit around my torso with some room for a layer or two underneath (I don't like tight, form-fitting jackets). This means that its a tiny bit long on my torso and arms, but not annoyingly so.
What I'm most impressed by with this jacket is that its warm, breathable and more waterproof than I anticipated. I wore it during the downpours at the 2009 Desert Rocks Music Festival in Moab (SERIOUS Effing rain with flash floods), and it was more waterproof than my Marmot Precip. The welded seems didn't allow any water in, and the softshell held back the rain with only minimal seep-through. The fuzzy insides kept me warmer than if I was just wearing a rain shell too. I practically lived in this jacket for four days and was impressed. Over time, as with all softshells, I'm sure that the water proofness will fade a bit, but so far I'm impressed. |
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| make the shift 07-30-09 |
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Lawson Bunch
(5):
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| This jacket is awesome. I wear an XL in BC brand, MH, and Patagonia, and the XL fit me great. The powershield fabric is wonderful. I threw a dixie cup of water at myself when the jacket arrived and it was like a force field knocked it away, just rolled on off. Wouldn't wear it in a long down pour though. amazing range of motion with the stretchy material. ipod pocket is a nice touch. get one before they are gone. |
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| Narrow forearms 07-28-09 |
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Dax
(0):
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| Soft, comfy, and performs well.
One gripe I do have though is that the forearms aren't wide enough to fit many layers underneath. They'll fit a medium fleece OK, but if you have a couple layers under that, or a really thick fleece, then it's a pretty tight fit in the forearm area. I've also got an Arc'teryx Venta SV, and I find that has a much wider sleeve to fit more layers underneath. I'm a bit bummed because I even sized up to an XL so that I could layer easily. If I had to do it again I'd probably order the Welder in L (6', 180lb) and plan on using that in moderate weather, and keep the XL Venta for freezing. In pretty much every other aspect I do like the Shift Welder better.
By the way, I've found that the zipper goes a lot easier if you make sure to hold the top and bottom zippers in alignment as you stick the other side in. |
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| first impressions 07-28-09 |
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Kyle Braune
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| Ok, so I just got this jacket and haven't been able to test it out. But first impressions are great. The fit is awesome (6'2", 165, got a large), the color is really cool(tahoe, looks great in person), the hood is a little big, but thats really nothing to complain about considering you will probably have a helmet on. All in all I can say im greatly impressed and can't wait till im able to give a full review on this jacket |
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| Great Jacket 07-28-09 |
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Burner
(1):
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| This jacket is great. I am 6'-0" 170 lbs and purchased the large. It fits well, but is definitely a trim fit. I use this for everything. From riding bikes to playing golf keeps me dry without over heating. If you are looking for a loose fitting jacket or a shell for skiing/riding I would suggest going with the next size up or shop around for something else.
As a side note, Backcountry.com has excellent customer service. Although I have only used it a handful of times, my problems are solved quickly with little trouble.
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| Sickey Coat 07-02-09 |
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A-Isaac88
(1):
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| Best jacket I have ever owned. Breathes great when wearing it for high-energy activities. Very lightweight and warm for backpacking, also fairly water-resistant for light rain, and great for light powpow. Holding up great considering all the abuse. Great style too. Would definately buy again, Sick softshell! |
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| Best Jaket I've Ever Owned 06-24-09 |
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Luke McKinlay
(0):
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| This jacket does it all. I have used it anywhere from skiing in February to backpacking in July. The breathability is excellent, super comfortable, stretchy, durable. The water repellent does a fantastic job except in total downpour. Definitely recommend this jacket as well as all other backcountry.com gear |
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| Awesome 06-23-09 |
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Brian Dubs
(8):
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| This is one of the best softshells i have ever used. Under the sink test, it sheds water with no problem, I don't feel a think on a windy day, and the cut is pretty sick. I'm 5'9 170 and i got a large, and it fits perfect with a sweatshirt underneath. It extremely comfortable, the inside is so soft and the outside moves really well. it also has kept be very dry as it breaths so well.
The reason it only gets 4 stars is because of the looks (It is very important, admit it). As you might have read, the Tahoe color i received what not what i expected. The one in the picture would have been SOOO awesome, but instead i got a teal (much like this http://www.candlechem.com/images/D152teal.gif) instead of the awesome blue shown in the picture. I think the teal will be bearable, there are no Carbon's in large left anyway. The other thing is the welded seams. They do not let in any water. But as for looks, the seams do pop out and I'm pretty sure there are more seams on this jacket than any other jacket I've looked at. |
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| perfect (6'2", 190lbs L) 06-06-09 |
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bizurk
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| Plenty of people have weighed in on just how ridiculously stupendous this jacket is.... especially at the SAC price. I'll refrain from joining the chorus, and just comment on size. I'm skinny with wide shoulders at 6'2" 190lbs and the Large is pretty tight (esp in the sleeves) with a base layer on and 100 weight polartec. You shouldn't need much more than that, but if you're any larger than I am or want some extra room to layer, you may want to step up to the XL.
Okay.... I'll join the chorus... the jacket is absurd. The construction, durability, breathability and cut are perfect. It's all wrapped in an understated look in true BC style, is purposeful and not slapped all over with zippers or logos. |
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| 6 months and doing great 06-05-09 |
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Babak Sakaki
(39):
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| 6 month update: After ordering this jacket the day it came out, I must say that its the most used jacket in my closet. For drier climates, its the perfect 4 season shell. In light to rather fairly steady rain it keeps you dry, perfect for days in SLC. It has soundly replaced my ski shell in all but the coldest of conditions. The superb breathability of the Powershield makes it better for aerobic activities than any windstopper, and is very very durable.
However, there are some things that I should note:
1. Do not expect this to replace your hardshell unless you live in very arid climates, like Utah. Washington DC downpours just cut through this thing, but that is to be expected.
2. A lack of wrist cuffs leaves something to be desired.
That being said, the pros grossly outweigh the cons:
1. SUPER comfortable, the fabric just stretches amazing amounts
2. VERY VERY breathable
3. Excellent pockets
4. A fantastic athletic cut
5. Great hood that fits well over most helmets
Seriously, you are looking for a hooded softshell this is THE jacket, trust me. Just look at my profile and you will see the enormous amount of jackets I have tested and owned. |
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| Epic Jacket 05-26-09 |
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kalaukoa
(4):
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| This jacket rocks. I recently used it on a backpacking trip thru Haleakala crater, and it kept me warm down into the 40s with just a t shirt on underneath it, and the wind was blowing 15 to 30 mil/hr. Its lightweight, and performs awesome. It blocked the wind and shed water great. I am 5 8 and 150 lbs and the medium fits great, with a little room to layer. Overall great jacket. If your on the fence just buy it! |
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| Strange fit 05-23-09 |
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ThinkIllGoCanoeing
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| nice jacket but i don't know what kind of bodytype these are meant for. I like articulated, but this is extreme. To give it context, a Theta AR in Medium fits me well. Maybe bit snug in the shoulders, but not much. The Shift Welder in Medium is tight (well, overly-fitted) in all aspects for me with little to no "give" in the material. |
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| Super happy 05-22-09 |
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dax2818666
(0):
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| Very awesome material, very comfortable, and lots of good details. I love how the double hood cinch design allows you to use it either with or without a helmet, and still be able to have full visibility either way. Fit-wise, I'm 6'0" 180lb. I was trying to decide between the Large and the XL and got both. Either one could really work. Even with a medium-weight fleece underneath, the cut on the L was generous enough that it was comfortable. But I decided to go with the XL anyway, as I plan to use it for winter backpacking and felt that the extra room for a heavyweight fleece or just extra ventilation was worth the bagginess. If I were using it for skiing or just a general jacket, I'd have probably gone with the L. Though I have to say, even slightly over-sized, it still looks great! |
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| Comfortable, Slim 05-18-09 |
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Dustin McQuay
(7):
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| I love this jacket. The fabric repels water well, yet is very soft and comfortable. I have had several friends and family try it on and they are all very surprised at how soft and comfortable it is.
I have worn this jacket only in mildly-cold weather so far. It does a good job of keeping the wind out and keeps me warm, yet in the middle of the day when it got warmer, I wasn't roasting in the jacket, so it feels like it does a pretty good job of breathing. |
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| Lovin the welder 05-10-09 |
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Jon Johnson
(0):
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| I'm with backcountryadventuretours.com. I guide tours into Utah's backcountry. I needed a jacket for those cooler mornings that was light enough yet allowed me to move well while riding and climbing. A month ago I got the Welder jacket to meet those needs and have not regretted it. The arm length is long allowing my arms to always be covered when out-stretched. The torso is longer, keeping it from riding up when moving around. In the cool mornings when riding, it keeps the wind out and the heat in. And on those raining days, the water rolls right off. The only reqret is the coat looks so good, I don't want to get it dirty. |
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| Incredible 05-10-09 |
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Levi Kepsel
(0):
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| This jacket is bomber. Killer construction, light weight and looks sexy, too. I wore it on an extended trip through the Wind Rivers and it held up beautifully. I wore it with one thin base layer and it breathed great and repelled water and snow all day long. When I wet it out under a hard shell a night in my sleeping bag dried it out fine. comfortable over a helmet and goggles. I'm 5'10", 170 lbs and bought a small (weird, I know), it fits slim and I don't layer much under it so it's perfect. |
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| A steal on SAC 05-06-09 |
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Justin G
(0):
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| A little pricy on backcountry, but jump at the SAC price! As the other reviews state, this jacket rocks and handles just about anything you can throw at it or on it. The only drawback is the lack of adjustable wrists, but it would not prevent me from getting this again! |
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| Very nice. 05-05-09 |
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walking_line
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| After buying on SAC, just received this today. Very sweet softshell. Workmanship looks great, it's very comfy, stretches well, and the colour is great. I'm 5'8", 165 lbs, and it's a good fit on me; enough room for a layer underneath, Only one minor gripe: the sleeves are crazy long--I wish they were a bit shorter or had velcro cinch. I bought the Flylow Kung Fu jacket recently, and wasn't really happy with it (it didn't seem to breathe that well), but just wearing this around the house, it seems like it breathes like a champ. I can hardly wait to get 'er out to the hill for some spring turns. |
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| Very nice. 05-05-09 |
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walking_line
(2):
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| Just |
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| Super Awesome 05-03-09 |
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Alex Chalhoub
(0):
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| I ended up scoring one of these at the end of the Big LePowski and I haven't used my old jacket since. It is incredibly light and amazingly durable. Ive gotten caught in trees and brush that would have reduced my old jacket to tatters but BC.com jacket is unscathed. It is also entirely waterproof and wind proof. but definitely layer up on cold days, it doesn't carry much insulation, but it is after all just a shell. |
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| Great jacket 05-03-09 |
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Jason True
(8):
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| I wear this jacket mostly for touring or mtn biking early season. Even without pitzips it breathes exceptionally well. It can take some precip, but if you are in a full on downpour this is not the jacket. It is a slim fit. I am 5 '10 180 and a medium is just right with a very light layer underneath. If you want to wear a heavier layer underneath I would size up. |
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| Wicked SICK! 04-30-09 |
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Pro2989669
(0):
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| My welder (Carbon) just arrived and I'm stoked!!
First impressions:
Great fit! - I'm 5'7 145lbs and the Medium fits amazingly well. It's not too tight and not too baggy, a great balance that suits my taste. People have noted the sleeves are long, which is true but the tapered ends prevent it from hanging past the base of your palm.
Impressed! - The color Carbon is slightly lighter than in the picture but really sweet looking! The Jacket has a very clean look with the welded seams and it feels like a quality made jacket. People have noted how this jacket continues to deliver after months of use, and right off the bat it makes water look like rubber bouncing off glue! The feel is really soft (the fleece lining is really soft and it can stretch which shows off it's functional abilities.
notes: I had NO problems with the zippers at all, contrary to some of the reviews. The front two hand pockets are extremely spacious and extends all the way up the jacket (can fit a 27oz klean kanteen in it). Minor gripe: the internal pocket is quite small, JUST big enough to fit my iphone in. |
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| FORGED BY ZEUS HIMSELF 04-27-09 |
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Adam Pollak
(1):
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| My shift welder hoody finally came today-and I was not disappointed. It is the best jacket EVER MADE. It allowed the ancient Atlantians to survive underwater and turn water into straight breathable air. No, but seriously this jacket is everything they say it is and more. Soft, breathable, Frickin' Sweet Looking, lightweight, mind-blowingly amazing feeling and looking, and amazingly comfortable. Did I say it looks really cool? My only complaint would be with the sizing. As usual BC makes the sleeves a little long, or maybe my arms are too short :( ! It's not long enough to be a problem though, thankfully. They also say that is is an athletic fit, and this is surely true, I am 5'9.5" and have recently dropped from 190 to 175 in the last couple months. At my current weight it fits pretty much perfectly, but with no room for a second layer below it. My biggest problem at this point is that its 80 degrees out in D.C. and I can't really wear it outside. It looks like its going to rain in a couple days and I'll get to go outside and dance in pure ecstasy. I might sleep in this jacket and nothing else tonight. I think I'm in love. Thank you backcountry.com . |
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| FIRST WORN IN THE LEGENDARY CITY OF ATLANTIS 04-27-09 |
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Adam Pollak
(1):
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| My shift welder hoody finally came today-and I was not disappointed. It is the best jacket EVER MADE. It allowed the ancient Atlantians to survive underwater and turn water into straight breathable air. No, but seriously this jacket is everything they say it is and more. Soft, breathable, Frickin' Sweet Looking, lightweight, mind-blowingly amazing feeling and looking, and amazingly comfortable. Did I say it looks really cool? My only complaint would be with the sizing. As usual BC makes the sleeves a little long, or maybe my arms are too short :( ! It's not long enough to be a problem though, thankfully. They also say that is is an athletic fit, and this is surely true, I am 5'9.5" and have recently dropped from 190 to 175 in the last couple months. At my current weight it fits pretty much perfectly, but with no room for a second layer below it. My biggest problem at this point is that its 80 degrees out in D.C. and I can't really wear it outside. It looks like its going to rain in a couple days and I'll get to go outside and dance in pure ecstasy. I might sleep in this jacket and nothing else tonight. I think I'm in love. Thank you backcountry.com . |
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| Fantastic Softshell!! 04-26-09 |
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RockyMtnHigh
(63):
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| This jacket is so comfortable, it almost feels like an old cotton hoodie. But it repels water (in heavy, constant rain it is not completely waterproof), does great in the wind, is thin and lightweight, and is very warm (in part, because of the higher neck). It seems very well-made, and the welded seams cut down on bulk (and also look pretty cool). The chest pocket is decent-sized, the interior pocket has a hole for your earbuds, and the hand pockets are huge. The hood is not just for looks, it is fully adjustable (you can adjust it to fit your head). And the interior is soft and cozy enough that it feels great over a short-sleeve shirt. The sleeves are indeed on the long side, but tapered enough that this is not problematic. I agree with others that the Tahoe blue isn't as pictured (it is more of a brighter teal) so if you are not into vivid colors, you may wish to go with the Carbon. |
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| Shift Welder = Awesome 04-20-09 |
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climbaholic
(4):
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| So, this jacket came up on SAC, and I just could not resist. Seemed pretty pricey until I shopped around, then I realized that for a hooded softshell it was actually quite a deal. So if you see it on SAC, BUY IT.
Details: I'm 6'2, 170 lbs, and the large fits me very well. I could maybe have sized down to a medium if I wanted a really tight fit, but because of the slim tapered fit it still looks good. The sleeves are plenty long, even when reaching up. The material is soft and supple, and the welded seams make for a clean, futuristic look. The jacket is incredibly light, but with a base layer on underneath it will keep you toasty. It's not 100% waterproof (is anything?), but it will keep you dry for a while when it's coming down pretty hard. Blocks a lot of wind, too, especially when you crank down on the hood and hem cords (which are hidden, adding to the clean look). All in all, my go-to jacket. And it should be yours.
Note: the carbon color is a much lighter gray than it appears, but still good. |
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| Great Shell......just not my style 04-20-09 |
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Matt Schmid
(2):
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| I bought this hoping it would fill a gap in my collection of shells. I needed something that was light, comfortable and blocked wind and water. It fit the bill, but I just didn't like the fit and how much the lining stuck to everything I wore. I found myself always going to my Rime pullover or a rain jacket instead of the Welder. With that being the case I decided to return the Welder instead of decorate my closet with it. Now I can afford a new Gore-Tex rain jacket to replace my aging Precip. |
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| Great jacket!! 04-15-09 |
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dragonbreak2242513
(1):
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| I live in Seattle, WA so we get a lot of rain, sunshine, and snow in one day. This jacket is a very nice jacket! The fit is very nice! I'm 180 lbs/ 5"10/ skinny-fat build and my jacket size is a medium. I originally ordered a large but it was a bit too baggy/long for me so I bought a medium and it is fitted on me. The jacket itself is a great looking jacket. I get a lot of compliments of looks from friends and random people. On the windy days, I usually wear a sweater and a North Face Wind Blocker jacket, but I would easily get hot and start sweating and that's just no bueno. This jacket has great water proof, water just falls right off, and is a great absorber if I start sweating, and is a great wind blocker as well. I usually wear just a t-shirt with the Welder hoody and I stay warm in most occasions. When the weather is in the 30's, I'll zip up and put on the hoody and I'll stay somewhat warm. If it's cold out and the wind is blowing moderately hard than I'll get cold just because the jacket becomes cold from the wind. I should start wearing thermals with this jacket instead of just a cotton t-shirt. The pockets have great size for many objects and it's extremely comfortable.
Overall, this is an incredible buy and I would buy another! |
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| jacket rocks 04-09-09 |
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tebe3585
(4):
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| This jacket rocks. Be aware: Tahoe isn't the awesome blue that it is in the picture. It's actually teal. If you're into teal, go ahead and get it. Otherwise, get carbon. I returned the "Tahoe" one for a carbon color and it's great now. Also, the zipper blows. Outside of that the jacket is a perfect softshell. Not super insulated, but it does an incredible job keeping out the elements that insulation isn't super necessary (or just do some layering). This review sounds full of grips, but I'm just grasping at straws, I love this jacket. |
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| Good quality, great fit, awesome buy 04-03-09 |
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Jacer
(5):
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| I love this jacket. I was a little unsure on the what size to order and I'm happy with what I bought. I'm 6'0" 155lbs, and I purchased a M. It is a very athletic fit, but I can fit a hot chilis long underwar and a patagonia R1 pullover without the jacket feeling too tight. Basically warm enough for 20-30 deg F weather. I'm tempted to buy a large too, to allow for one more layer.
I gave it four stars because of the zipper. It's a nightmare. I absolutely love this jacket except for the stupid zipper. It takes me 5-6 tries to get it each time. I would still purchase this jacket because it is a great softshell especially when on sale, just be ready to get pissed off when the zipper is sticking. The key is to just force it down as far as you can. It takes a little practice.
Happy hiking |
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| Mmm. Sandwich. 04-02-09 |
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Elias Littenberg
(21):
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| Killer blue color, weighs about as much as a sandwich...does it get any better? Yup! Nearly stink proof thanks to supreme breathability. Windproof, waterproof and warm. I love this hoody for touring on chilly to warm days, belaying in the shade, standing around while looking cool, and rocking out at Jazz games. It kills as a mid layer on the super cold days too! The only downside is the zipper. It's a bit of a pain, but not enough of one to knock off a star. There's never a bad time or place for this piece and you'll always want to be wearing it. I'm wearing mine now, guess it rules for typing too. |
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| Amazing Jacket - Amazing Fit 04-02-09 |
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gjue2375886
(2):
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| I love my Shift Welder. I'm 5'6" 145 pounds and the medium is a perfect fit except the sleeves are about 2.5 inches too long. I wear the jacket with the sleeves rolled back without a problem, however. I purchased the grey and I love the color too. I orginally purchased a small, but found it a little tight so traded it in without any hassle for a medium. The best part about the jacket is that it has no weight at all, yet it insulates extremely well as a soft shell, is completely water proof. So soft, pliable, and non binding! It hugs my torso without being tight and fits great with our without my Patagonia fleece jacket underneath. It also makes my shoulders look bigger. Strangers have commented how great the jacket looks on me and that it looks real expensive. Great job Backcountry! Would love to see this jacket come in Black, deep Blue, Red and Green. |
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| pretty tough 03-23-09 |
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Andrew
(1):
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| I took a major digger on pavement while wearing this jacket. I had a major bruise and raspberry on my shoulder, but the jacket was fine. No rips, I just brushed some dirt off. I thought it was toast, but it held up fine. |
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| Great Softshell 03-19-09 |
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GreggG
(2):
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| Been looking at buying a quality softshell for quite some time..then I found this! 5'9, 157..bought a large with some apprehension but found that with a light baselayer and a medium to heavy fleece fits great, and that's without taking in the waist. Sleeves are a bit long but not a problem. Love this jacket, did a five mile hike in the upper teens, light snow and a pretty good wind with this layered over a 300 weight fleece and light baselayer. Bullet proof, warm and dry. This jacket is going to get a lot of use up here in the Idaho Panhandle and Washington Cascades. Got is off SAC, arrived in 2 business days,,, Fantastic! |
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| welder is for backcountry 03-09-09 |
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bill hartlieb
(15):
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| some awesome wasatch backcountry skiing was had this weekend, and the welder was the perfect outer layer. merino base, and the welder held off the cold temps in the blue shadows, and protected well on a couple classic face plants. on the sunny side it was a bit warm, but removed it and the merino was just enough. its small and packs away easily. breathes well, stretches with you, sheds snow, blocks the wind, but lets just a hint of breeze through - carrying with it heat and moisture that has built up from the body. |
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| Made for moving 03-08-09 |
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Danobot
(1):
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| I tested it out this weekend with a brutal 1600' of WI 4+ climbing and the jacket was highly breathable and shed all the water dripping down me easily. It accommodates a helmet well and the hood cinches down.
I am 6' 185lbs and a medium fits perfectly. There is not much room for layering, but this isn't a jacket you would wear in the cold unless you are being super active. I put on a down jacket when I wasn't moving. The Welder has a slim, athletic cut and its made for active use, unlike other soft shells that will only see urban use. If you plan on wearing this in the city, err on the larger size so you can fit clothes under it. The sleeves are long enough that they didn't ride down or expose my wrists while climbing.
The only complaint is that the zipper got stuck. Its a small-toothed zipper, so it seems like this could be an issue in the future.
Even with the zipper, I would still recommend the Welder to anyone looking for a no frills softshell that is made to get the job done without breaking the bank. |
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| Awesome (but not perfect) 03-05-09 |
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supergheng234839
(1):
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| I've only owned this for an afternoon and worn it around the house. Here's what I know so far.
First off, I'm 6'1", very skinny with a long body. I fit in medium (with room for light layering) in virtually every jacket I've tried and the same is true in this one.
I got Carbon and it's mid gray. Very slightly blue or teal but much less blue than the photo.
It feels awesome. Really soft and quiet. I hate the stiffness and loudness of other softshells. The only other softshell I've found that is as comfortable (and I've tried on every single one in several big shops) is the North Face Nimble (which is much cheaper, even when this is at SAC).
The hood has a cord around your head with a one-handed adjustment at the back (which is awesome) plus cords to tighten it down over your eyes. I have a long neck and I'm wearing the Medium but the still hood fits on my head. It would be more comfortable to turn my head if it was longer though.
It's very light, maybe 100-weight fleece on the inside face.
It's as long or longer than most others in the body, slightly longer at the back and also fairly long in the arms (hangs to my knuckles).
The stretchy fabric is great, but the welded seams don't stretch, and there is a seam up the back of one arm, across your shoulder blades and down the back of the other arm, exactly where you need the most stretch.
I wish it had cuffs of some kind. The sleeves fall down over my hands when I'm trying to do stuff. I'll definitely modify mine so the cuffs fit more snugly on my wrists. |
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| perfect for 25F and up 02-25-09 |
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NoDak
(1):
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| Just got my B.Com shift welder on SAC. I usually wear a medium, heard this runs big so I ordered a small. It's a borderline perfect fit. My only complaint sizewise is while the sleeves are the right length the fit does not leave much room for layering. I'm out here in NODAK and it's been below 0 with -20F windchills most every day. This is not the coat for these conditions. That said, this coat will rock when Oldman winter lets up a bit. |
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| A home run for BC outerwear designers....almost 02-22-09 |
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jbm_13
(12):
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| But at least the Shift Welder softshell would be a solid triple. First of all, as mentioned in other reviews..the colors shown in the pics are way off. My monitor rocks an AS-IPS panel (best lcd you can get) and I calibrate it monthly with an Eye-One pro....the "carbon" I received is a lighter shade of gray than the carbon in the pics...and much lighter than the carbon portions shown in the "Tahoe/Carbon" model. This isn't a bad thing however..just something to be aware of.
The look of this hoody is techie and sharp, the welded seams offer a very sleek and streamlined look, yet the polartec material is very smooth, soft and quiet...moreso than any other softshell I own. I had the chance to try out the hood the very next day that it arrived, and I found that it can be adjusted to fit very well and the jacket as a whole does a good job of blocking an icy wind of 10-15mph gusts. The athletic fit means that I will likely never use the bottom hem cinch unless I lose about 10lbs and use it for rock climbing with updrafts. Overall, very impressed with the jackets windblocking and warmth with just a t-shirt and mid-weight longsleeve baselayer underneath in windy 38-45F weather...not made for extremely cold, stormy weather however. Haven't experienced the wet yet...but with welded seams and polartec material it should pass with flying colors in anything short of a white-out or downpour.
Now for the stuff that keeps it from being an out of the park homer and rating 5 stars. I've never owned a jacket with a double zipper and can't think of a good use for it personally. This one just makes it difficult to zip up the first try and I've never successfully unzipped the bottom zipper...maybe mine is defective? Even though I like the no velcro cinch cuffs for casual use (it falls fashionably to the middle of my hands) it could be a drafty problem with gloves that don't have a gauntlet that can be cinched down. The last minor detail is the heat transfer goat logos which may or may not survive for long (especially the one on the back hem) ...maybe on the next version, BC could just use a regular zip and spend the money saved on embroidered logos?
The bottom line is that this high quality jacket deserves to be on the same shortlist with TNF, Arc', Marmot, MHW and other top brands when you are looking for a weather resistant hooded softie. I can't say that it's totally worth the asking price (got mine on S&C) but you can definitely spend more and end up with a less worthy piece. And the best part...since only BC sells this jacket, it is fairly rare and you likely won't see anyone else wearing one ;) |
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| My favorite jacket! 02-10-09 |
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Steve Tibbitts
(262):
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| This has turned into my favorite jacket for about everything! I've taken it up on really long alpine climbs in heavy snow, rain and stayed bone dry. The fleece lining is extremely soft as well as the fleece lined pockets. The hood fits well over a helmet and it zips up nicely to somewhat cover your mouth. The arms are just right....a little longer than other brands. Great jacket and what looks to be one that will be around for a long time to come. |
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| Love this jacket 02-04-09 |
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N. Genovese
(8):
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| I really love this jacket. It is warm and comfortable. Only problem is it seems to run a little small. I'm 5'8" 170 lbs. and went with a medium and sometimes wish I went with a large. Other then that it is great. |
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| Insane in the membrane 02-04-09 |
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David Richards
(8):
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| Fit is great - enough length in the sleeves to hit just above my thumb (I have 34" sleeve length). I'm a little on the thin side and the athletic fit is perfect relative to other jackets that overwhelm my skinny frame. This thing breathes very well at high aerobic activity (1 hr at 155 bpm heart rate avg) with very little wetness staying inside the jacket. The Tahoe blue was exactly what I expected when I purchased. |
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| Love the jacket, not a fan of the color... 02-04-09 |
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jj.ormond1166812
(3):
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| Originally I bought the regular shift jacket with no hood on SAC. The fabric is awesome. It's just plain comfortable, blocks a good amount of wind and when I was walking in the rain (without the hoody) the water just shed right off. I'm 5-11ish, 250lb with a 49" chest and bought the shift in an XL. The shoulders and chest were just about roomy enough but the torso was snug on my belly. When I decided to return it I also went for this hoody. The picture for the Tahoe/Carbon two tone jacket is just plain wrong. Instead of a dark navy blue and black two tone I got a teal and light grey two tone... SHould have known better looking at the other two available colors... I am going to wear this to the mountain this weekend but if I can't get over the color it's going back. I might look around for a similar jacket with pit zips as well. I'll take any suggestions of an equally awesome softshell with pit zips and color options that don't make me feel immasculated. Seriously, white zippers? |
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| Awesome Jacket! 02-02-09 |
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dwong7211556147
(1):
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| I got this jacket a few days ago and I'm loving it! It's surprisingly very light and flexible (feels like I'm pretty much wearing a long sleeve shirt when it's on). Like others have commented, the color is a bit off (i got the carbon one), but it still looks good so I'm happy with it. I'm 5'10'' 160lbs got the large size, which fits me perfectly with room to spare underneath for some layers when it's colder out. The sleeves are a tad long, but that doesn't bother me much. I'd say this jacket would be good for 30'ish degree weather and up, and layer up accordingly when you plan to bring out for something colder. It's a great looking jacket and off of SAC, I think it's a steal. |
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| Pretty nice 02-02-09 |
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Zach3
(7):
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| Sleaves don't have velcro closures, but I just tuck the first two inches inside to make a cuff when not wearing gloves. First two inches is double thickness so easy to roll cuff under.
I wish the zippers were longer on the chest pockets since the pocket are full length but zippers are short, but probably would have added a lot of weight.
Very light weight. Hood fits well over helmet, also has good tightening system for pulling hood back for visibility. |
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| Well done 02-01-09 |
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spence481972088
(13):
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| I have gone through quite a few jackets and this jacket is by far my favorite jacket I have ever owned,super light yet warm. If you're looking for a good waterproof shell that keeps you warm but not too warm when hiking, skiing, etc and is not bulky this is it. LOVE IT!!! |
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| Great Jacket, all around. 01-28-09 |
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mar2836610
(1):
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| Bought this off SAC a couple weeks ago and love it so far! I was a bit wary about the Tahoe color, but actually really like it, as well as the jacket styling. The jacket is also very functional and well made.
One comment about the breathability, I went cross country skiing in -20C with just this an a base layer, and by the time I took it off (was too hot) a layer of frozen condensation had developed on the fleece lining. Keep in mind this was a very high output aerobic activity. Just something to know when you think about what you want to use this shell for, to counter the previous comments, I'm not sure it breathes enough for me to run in.
Even though I paid half price it is worth the full price, if you have the money. If not, keep your eyes glued to SAC because this is THE softshell to have. |
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| You wont want to take this off... 01-26-09 |
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blasketisl1754577
(6):
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| .... to echo the previous comment, you just will not want to take this jacket off. Its a perfect fit, am 6" and about 200lbs and got the large, get a nice layer under it and away you go. Ready for any conditions be it hail, rain or shine. Colour might be a little off from what you would think it is on screen but that didnt bother me. |
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| sick 01-26-09 |
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jack
(1):
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| just got mine in the mail about and hour ago, and already love it. everything is welded which is really nice. i even ran it threw a water test under the fauset and it withstood the running water. the fleece lining is an added bonus. only problem is that the sleeves are too long. they go to me finger tips but the rest of the jacket fits perfectly and i got a medium and i am 5'7'' 140. great jacket cant wait to try it out. |
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| Love it! 01-21-09 |
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vsys
(2):
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| What can I say, I put my new Backcountry Shift Welder Hoody on today and didn't want to take the damn thing off. I'm currently in the USAF and was actually contemplating on bringing it to work and wearing it during my midshift where no one would see me. Since it's not part of the duty uniform and I didn't want to get in trouble. I wised up and didn't take it. But that doesn't mean I didn't want to!! Alright I rattled on long enough. Bottom line, this jacket is everything I expected and more. End note, got it on SAC for half the price....Backcountry.com ROCKS! |
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| Nice... 01-17-09 |
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SN0WT0WN
(4):
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| Nice stretchy fabric with enough space for a fleece base layer. Took it skiing at Whistler and it keep me nice and warm with a base layer. It is very fitted especially at the bottom end. I got a bit self conscious about the the jacket accentuating my butt like a speedo and switched to my hardshell the day after. Also bike commute with it in moderate rain and it kept me dry. The carbon color is slightly lighter than the pictures under regular yellow house light and the jacket has a green hue under white flourescent light or in the sun.
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| I'm a girl... and I love it! 01-15-09 |
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jnmolson2003095
(1):
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| I was attracted by the soft shell and the cool Tahoe color. I am 5 10 and usually with a womans large. I purchased a mens medium and love the long arms! I haven't skiied in it yet... will be doing that this weekend. The fit is great, not bulky and loose enough for thin layers. I will be getting a lot of use out of this one! ;) |
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| Backcountry.com SHIFT Welder Hoody 01-08-09 |
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Dan Maitzen
(66):
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| This Jacket rocks! It has plenty of pockets, the material is great and very functional. The whole thing is welded, no seams anywhere. The hood is helmet compatible; the collar is very high to protect you from evil wind blasts. I am 5'11 165 lbs and the medium fits well. The sleeves are a bit long. The material looks like it is from a NASA research lab, very soft and shiny. The Backcountry.com SHIFT Welder Hoody is also very light! |
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| Incredible Jacket 12-31-08 |
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Royce
(29):
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| The Welder is for sure my new go to jacket. I've worn it everywhere for two weeks and love it. I'm 5'9, 160lbs with a skinny build and the Medium Welder fits great. The softshell material is incredibly comfortable and forgiving. It's everything you can expect from an all-welded Power shield jacket. Provides all the waterproof, windproof standards you can get, but with a little more flexible and light feel. Undoubtedly, the Welder is the most bang for your buck. |
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| Colors and Sizes a tad off 12-16-08 |
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Michael Kisow
(67):
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| Bottom line this thing rocks. Details....I bought both colors in an XL to see which one I liked better. The "blue" looking one is really turquoise and rather bright. The Other color is gray with the slightest hint of green!
I wear an XL in the BC.com Hoody and the BC.com Stoic shell. I needed a Large in this Welder. I found this coat to have more room than other BC.com products and less of a slim fit. I exchanged it and the L fits great with my broad shoulders. |
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| Colors way off.... 01-17-09 |
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jled10822315515
(1):
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| I ordered the Welder Hoody in Tahoe/Carbon and it in no way resembles what I ordered. It is a teal color, with grey accents. Not the dark blue that is represented on the website. If you like teal its cool, but not for me. |
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| Material: |
Polartec Power Shield softshell |
| Waterproof Rating: |
Highly water-resistant |
| Breathable Rating: |
Highly breathable |
| Core Venting: |
No |
| Pockets: |
2 Hand, 1 chest, 1 internal chest |
| Seam Taped: |
No, welded seams |
| Powder Skirt: |
No |
| Hood: |
Yes |
| Zip-in Compatibility: |
No |
| Weight: |
22oz (635g) |
| Recommended Use: |
Skiing, hiking, climbing, camping, touring, backpacking |
| Manufacturer Warranty: |
Lifetime |
| Country of Origin: |
China |
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