Backcountry

Cottonwoods GORE-TEX Jacket - Past Season - Men's

Outstanding Shell - Love It

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Bought the Pirate Black color in size L during a Black Friday sale in 2019. Since have probably worn it for 50+ ski days. Only have awesome things to say. I'm an athletic 6'1" 200lb and the large fits very well. Not a "slim" cut but tailored well for a sharp look and Ive never felt it restrict my movement. The Pirate Black color is like a dark graphite rather than black black, allows lots of options for a days kit feeling good in the lift line as it matches well with lots of pant colors. Packed with features - Gore-tex waterproof membrane has been bulletproof in the super wet PNW winters we have. Annual washing and reconditioning with Nikwax and the DWR is like new. Large pit zips vent heat well, I run super hot so this is key. Can be super tricky to zip up and down yourself so I always have a friend do it for me. Large chest pockets to keep skins warm and tacky on the coldest days. This has been a workhorse shell for me and keeps on delivering. Can't suggest it enough.

Pirate black is actually Gray

Haven't used it yet, but it seems well constructed. Just a warning,.... the color advertised as pirate black, is actually dark gray.

Satisfied~

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I am usually a size M for most brands like Burton or Nike but for this jacket, size S is the right size for me. Size M is still wearable as it allows me to put on more layers but the collar is too tall and intrusive. Sleeves are also long for me but it doesn't matter since gloves will be worn. The material may feel stiff for some people (including myself) but this is a 3L Gore-Tex so it is as expected. For a softer jacket, I would consider a Gore-Tex C-Knit or Pro (which I did). I have no issues with the zippers although it is a little difficult to zip and unzip initially. It got better with time. What I also like about the jacket is the number of pockets. There are lots of them! I would definitely consider getting another colour since the price is really good!

Heavy Duty Ski Shell

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Love my Cottonwoods shell! Unfortunately I bought a small, which fits great on warmer days when I dont need to layer underneath, however on the colder days when some thicker layers are required it is too small. That being said I will be purchasing a large for this upcoming season to accomodate all the hoodies/puffies/layers I could ever need!

Phenominal jacket but...

This will be a top jacket in the market with a few tweaks. Pluses: - Fabric - Hood size (some complain but it clearly states its designed to fit over a helmet, which it does superbly) - Pocket layout - Pit zip length Minuses: - Fit in the shoulders (I'm 6'-1" & 245lbs) is so tight I think I'd rip a sleeve off if I tried to unzip the pit zip on the opposite side. I also don't think I could extend my arm properly with my thumb thru the sleeve powder cuff in order to drive a vehicle. Everywhere else the jacket fit really well which is what makes it doubly disappointing. - Minor but the main zipper in the front has the slide body on the left so you have to use your left hand to zip up which feels strange to a righty. - I don't know what was being attempted by the design of the cuff of the outside of the sleeve being longer (look at the product pics) than the inside which may be too short to cover a lot of gloves out there. Just make it straight or only slightly longer on the outside with a regular inside. I ended up returning it due to the shoulder fit issue.

Great jacket

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Love this jacket

Horrid fit

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

I purchased based on the reviews this was for a stocky person with short arms. That?s true, but the neck and hood are preposterously sized. I have no idea what the use case for a jacket with a beck nearly as wide as the waist would be. Really difficult to imagine the jacket was intentionally designed this way. Seems more likely backcountry is trying to make a buck unloading someones mistake.

AMAZING... but

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I'm 5'7, 29" waist, 42" chest. This jacket fits like it was custom tailored. I have suits that don't fit as well as this. Only problem is, after a few extra layers and stashing things in pockets, the things just a little too tight. I know one size up would be PERFECT. If I could return and get a size larger I would, but I'm past the 30 day return policy. The collar and hood are a bit stiff, so be aware you'll have a break-in/getting used to period if you like to zip up. The bottom zipper has made the small size more functional for me. Even with the tight fit, movement isn't obstructed. Love all the stash pockets. WISH I COULD HAVE A MEDIUM! Definitely an expensive mistake.

My new favorite jacket

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I couldn't be more pumped on this jacket. I finally learned how to ski this year, and after dozens of falls learning, this jacket has held up great. Zero tears or failures. I'm 6'4" and chose the XL. The fit is PERFECT. Overall, the build quality is amazing and the fabric feels super durable. I really like the cut of the jacket as well, the back drops down lower. I've worn this jacket for just about everything when I need to stay dry. Again, the fabric is super thick and durable. I was given this product by Backcountry, but this review is my personal opinion.

Buy if you have short arms

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

I REALLY wanted to like this jacket. 3L goretex is tough and thick, hood is comfortable over a helmet and has back and front adjustments, nice big pockets, loved the caspian color, great fit everywhere but the sleeves... just a poor design. It says 33" sleeves in a medium, which I wear in 2 other ski jackets I was deciding on, but they were way too short. Maybe they measured the end of material on the outside that goes past the Velcro closure to 33" but the rest is too short. The extra inch of material on that side of the sleeve also got in the way when putting my gaunlet style gloves over it but the inside of the sleeve always popped out of the glove closure. Oh and the "comfort cuffs" that go over the thumbs? Terrible. They cut into my hands and left sore red marks after just wearing it around the house for 20 mins. I returned it and was sad.