Reviews by User: jbish (5)

After trying out several other snowshoes, I decided on the lightning and I'm glad I did. These are extremely lightweight snowshoes that are a bit skinnier than others, so if you want a more natural stride, this is the way to go. The absence of a spring loaded pivot keeps snow from flinging everywhere and the roughly 45 degree stop point for the pivot makes turning around and stepping over obstacles a breeze. You can probably tell by looking at them, but the traction provided by the vertical blade style frame beats all the others I've tried (name any major manufacturer). The bindings are incredibly easy, you can even strap in wearing mittens if need be. Due to the binding style, they also stack neatly on top of one another to take about half the space of a traditional pair. When I got these, MSR did not make a 30" shoe with the televator, which would be a nice addition. Highly recommended nevertheless.

After trying out several other snowshoes, I decided on the lightning and I'm glad I did. These are extremely lightweight snowshoes that are a bit skinnier than others, so if you want a more natural stride, this is the way to go. The absence of a spring loaded pivot keeps snow from flinging everywhere and the roughly 45 degree stop point for the pivot makes turning around and stepping over obstacles a breeze. You can probably tell by looking at them, but the traction provided by the vertical blade style frame beats all the others I've tried (name any major manufacturer). The bindings are incredibly easy, you can even strap in wearing mittens if need be. Due to the binding style, they also stack neatly on top of one another to take about half the space of a traditional pair. When I got these, MSR did not make a 30" shoe with the televator, which would be a nice addition. Highly recommended nevertheless.

I've worn this piece as my cold weather shell since the beginning of this season in everything from the Portland rain to 50+mph blowing snow up on Mt. Hood and nothing has gotten through, not even close. The softshell portion of the jacket in all the right spots prevents clamminess found with many hard shells. I got mine an extra size big to allow for layering and I'm glad I did. Pockets everywhere you need them, pit zips are well placed and a good length, and the hood is big enough for a helmet. Overall, an excellent purchase and something I plan on wearing holes through, but I'm sure that will take quite a while. The perfect outer layer for any number of winter activities.

This jacket effectively blocked 30-40mph+ winds and kept me warm in the Columbia River Gorge (OR)when temps were about 37F wearing only a wicking t-shirt underneath. It also breathed well enough to keep me dry under the arms and under my pack during aerobic activity, which is more than can be said for similar wind resistant products that rely on a membrane. While I haven't worn it in rain, melting ice from above wetted the surface of the fabric but when I felt the inside directly under the wet spot, it was dry. This jacket also looks better than some of the multi-fabric 'patchwork' looking technical fleeces out there, but still has many of the same features. It should be known that unlike some of the other wind resistant jackets out there, the pockets on this one provide the same protection as the rest of the jacket. The sizing does seem to run a little large.

I went through a couple of 'equivalent' lightweight shell/rain gear pieces before I got a great deal on the Cohesion. I've used it in varying conditions from drizzle to sleet to snow and it has functioned quite impressively for such a lightweight garment. I immediately questioned its durability when I felt the material, but it has held up quite well over the last five or six seasons. I have not had to clean or re-waterproof it yet and have since become a believer in the Conduit laminant. This is a nice piece.

This jacket effectively blocked 30-40mph+ winds and kept me warm in the Columbia River Gorge (OR)when temps were about 37F wearing only a wicking t-shirt underneath. It also breathed well enough to keep me dry under the arms and under my pack during aerobic activity, which is more than can be said for similar wind resistant products that rely on a membrane. While I haven't worn it in rain, melting ice from above wetted the surface of the fabric but when I felt the inside directly under the wet spot, it was dry. This jacket also looks better than some of the multi-fabric 'patchwork' looking technical fleeces out there, but still has many of the same features. It should be known that unlike some of the other wind resistant jackets out there, the pockets on this one provide the same protection as the rest of the jacket. The sizing does seem to run a little large.

I've had this piece for over a year and it is definitely my favorite pullover. The inside of the thing is incredibly soft and I've found it to be a great mid layer. It's loose knit makes it vulnerable to wind, but under your shell you will be super toasty. While it is a little bulky in your pack, you won't be sorry when it gets cold enough to pull it out. It's great for around town and day trips to the mountain.