Mountain Hardwear Escape Jacket

I actually purchased this jacket to replace a North Face Technical shell that I bought in the late '90s, back when North Face was catering to the mountaineering crowd instead of college students. Someone stole my beloved NF jacket, and I have not felt whole until I found this one. This jacket has all of the great features of that one, plus a few improvements (and a better price). Forget the bells and whistles, this jacket's best features are it's great materials and construction. The roll-away hood is better than my old NF, with better visor coverage, and turns with the head better. It is a bit bulky looking when it's rolled down, but it doesn't feel that way, and the collar lays down nicely when it's not in use. Since it rolls away, instead of zipping off, you won't forget it in your car, when you need it on the mountain. I wanted a jacket that had a premium membrane, and although gore-tex is a bit pricey these days (actually, I think it always was), this jacket doesn't make you pay an arm and a leg to get it. Seams are well finished, and the shell material is a bit heavier, for those that want durability over absolute light weight (still pretty light). Pockets aren't huge, but they are adequate, and well placed. The lining is not insulated, but does a good job of keeping the shell material off of your skin which makes it versatile in both cold and warmer weather. Pit zips are large, and don't have that annoying mesh underneath that is great in cold weather, but reduces full ventilation when it's warm. Finally the fit is just right... I am about as perfectly medium as a person can get, and I was running into a lot of premium shells that were either slightly too large or too small. This jacket looks trim without actually feeling tight, and is still generous enough to wear a thick fleece underneath. Sorry, North Face, but Mountain Hardwear converted me with this one!

I wore mine yesterday during a deluge of slushy snow mixed with pebbly sleet and it had kept me dry. The hood covered my head well and the thoughtfully designed bill shielded my face from the elements. However, I got a glance of my hooded self in the mirror and I thought I looked silly. I understand that the hood was made to accommodate a helmeted head, but a regular non-skiing user would find the hood way too roomy even with the cinch cord built into it. It vents moisture so that I didn't feel clammy after walking several blocks as I wore an 800-fill down jacket under it. I agree with one of the reviewers that the pockets are smallish and I'm afraid my hands when gloved would not fit entirely in them. But overall I can say it's the best shell I ever bought (on eBay for $150 less than the regular price). I'm sure it will prove useful as a light jacket/raincoat during the Spring and packs small enough so one could bring it along as an emergency shell when hiking the boondocks in the Summer.

I bought my escape jacket from ems a few days ago because i needed dependable rain gear. 2.5 inches of rain later my pants and shoes are soaked through but my cell phone, ipod, and upper body are unscathed by the torrential downpour. i love the rolling hood and visor but i think the biggest kick i will get out of it will be when the ski season starts. simply remarkable, it gets cold i am warm, it gets warm and even in a black coat i don't sweat. these guys should contract to the service or something because i was never this excited about my columbia jacket. i was turned off by the price until i test drove it and the utility is unparalleled. whether you are a city person subject to rainy,windy, and/or cold conditions or an active mountaineer/ skier/ snowboarder/ climber... whatever, this is one item you need to make sure stays in your arsenal. indispensable.

Fantastic. I rely on this shell for all of my expeditions. It is very versatile and it works great as an indestructible shell in any winter weather, be it ice, snow, sleet, you name it. The draw strings are great and the hood allows for a helmet when ice climbing and backcountry boarding. super breathable. Pit zips offer great ventilation in warmer weather when using it as a backpacking shell. Hand pockets are very warm with micro fleece. Also, external chest pocket is perfect. INDESTRUCTIBLE! As far as temp, great by itself to about 40. it blocks out all wind. athletic fit with plenty of room to layer to almost any temp.

I got the men's small because I'm an average sized woman but didn't like any of the women's jackets available. It's kept me dry on several wet hikes here in the rainy pacific northwest, including a rainy weekend on Mt Rainier. I like that it's breathable enough that I don't get clammy sweating on the uphill. The hood is too big, it falls across my eyes if I don't have a baseball cap or helmet on, but maybe that's 'cause I've got a smaller head than a man. I do wish the pockets were a bit bigger, but otherwise this is a great jacket

I bought this jacket for a do-all jacket for backcountry skiing and backpacking and every day wear. I like 2 layer jackets for this purpose because they are softer and drape better. This one is great. It fits my long arms and torso well, and has just the right amount of features without all the crap that I don't need. The fabric is soft feeling and quiet.The only thing I would change is the hand warmer pocket location. It is too low for me and is in the way of a pack strap. Otherwise great jacket at a great price.

I love this thing! Keeps out wind and blocks HEAVY rain and sleet beautifully. Can't wait to take it to the snow and ice this winter! Plenty of room for layering underneath and the fabric is soft to the touch. Very durable. Great for doing anything where you want to stay dry in bad conditions. Take it backpacking if rain is in the forecast because it is waterPROOF not just waterRESISTANT like other jackets. Size L fit me at 6'0" and 190.

-Thanks Mountain Hardware and Backcountry!