I've had one 'North face' gore-tex jacket since they were invented and thought i coul'dnt get any better than gore-tex.Well,if this jacket lasts as long then i can't ask for anything more as it was my best buy to date.To compare- my Paramo Alta 11 is much more comfortable than my gore-tex;no noisy walking in waterproofs ever again,that does make a difference,however small(I go out there to be in and hear nature-not my own crackling) :) It is also very waterproof- this i was dubious about at first-i mean it looks and feels like any normal material but they can't sell something if it doesn't work right? So i bought it on trust.I stood right in front of Skogafoss. a 75fttall massive waterfall in Iceland this last week and got drenched for about 4 or 5 minutes...but only on the outside!:) It has surpassed all the claims it makes,i feel and i'll say i'm really happy with it.I haven't yet cycled in it but i do know that i used to get wet from condensation in my gore-tex and yet this hasn't happened yet with my Alta 11 on even tough climbs uphill and so i don't expect it to fail me on the bike - so breathability is the best i've ever encountered despite it being warmer than other waterproofs.On that subject,however,i would suggest a different waterproof for summer,this is the only drawback, because even though i feel the cold more than most and love to wear this in the rain in most weather,i did get very hot in this when walking in the summer.So i'd say to keep the old gore-tex jacket for the hot days.The pockets are in all the right places, access easily when wearing a rucksack and they're big aswell- chest pocket big enough for a map,easy access velcro pocket on the other side and hidden inside pocket for keys etc--even a keyclip in there.The hood fit over my big wool hat AND helmet whilst ice-climbing and adjusts to fit my hatless head also when needed.Its great for climbing as its so comfortable and warm for belaying too.Its long enough not to ride up when scrambling.So,Yes, i love it, i big thumbs up from me and was well worth my money :D
Caroline
(Written by: merle)