Men's Torre Jacket

fantastic jacket, great construstion for free movement
Fantastic jacket, great construction for free movement

Bombproof
This jacket has everything I was looking for: excellent protection from snow, wind, and rain, highly functional napoleon pockets, pit zips, roomy enough to throw over layers, zip out powder skirt, durable fabric, and costing hundreds less than comparable shells. All in all a great design, excellent attention to details, and a highly functional shell that can be used year round in the alpine environment.

Solid Construction; OK Design
Overall, this is a great jacket. However, in my opinion, it's more of a mountaineering or hiking jacket than a skiing jacket. It would probably be perfect for someone who likes to hike or skin their way up and then ski down. But I bought this to serve as my primary ski jacket (mostly resort, but some backcountry), and for that purpose, there are probably better options for the price. This jacket has no side pockets (i.e. hand-warmer pockets); it only has the two Napoleon pockets. While the Napoleon pockets are fine for storage, I'm used to sticking my hands in my pockets on lifts (to keep warm), or at sporting events, or just walking around town. Also, I'm not a big fan of the hood being integrated into the collar without being stowable. It provides great neck coverage when zipped-up, so it's great on cold days. But on warm days, if you want to unzip a little bit, the collar and hood just kinda flop-around. I prefer a hood that is either removable, stowable, or at the very least, set-back off the collar away from your face. Here's my summary: PRO's: very solid construction and feel, Gore-Tex weatherproofing and breathability, slightly stretchy, helmet-compatible hood, awesome color (Raven), zip-off powder skirt, and pit-zips. CON's: Napoleon pockets only...no side pockets (i.e. handwarmer pockets); hood is not removable or stowable, making it awkward if you like to unzip at the neck to cool down.