Perfect 2010 Jacket

The Arc'Teryx Jackets (Spring 2010) Avg. Weight: 2 lbs. 4 oz.; 1.04 kg. (size large)Center Back Length: 29in.Usage: Backcountry; Alpine Climbing Fabric: Body: SL Ripstop Lining: 30D Flat Taffeta Insulation: 650-Fill Down Laminate: Conduit SL Features: Adjustable, Velcro cuffs Baffle construction Conduit SL - waterproof jacket and breathable Fleece lined hand pockets Interior water bottle pocket Interior zip pocket One handed hood and hem draw cords. reinforced abrasion areas Stuff sack included. This Arc'teryx product is a Top Pick by Rainer Mountaineering, Inc. Zip chest pocket Zip-off, detachable down hood".
As a photographer, I am often out in both pre dawn cold, but also just standing there. When I need to keep warm while not moving in really cold winter weather this arc'teryx jacket is my turn to jacket.
If you stop and think about it, a dependable climbing jacket is as essential as a reliable mountaineering rope. A four-season mountaineering shelter can save you from the elements and a -40F rated sleeping bag can provide adequate warmth, but it's your jacket that's going to protect and insulate you all the way back to civilization, which is why this 650-fill down Sub Zero SL Hooded Jacket is such an essential fit for expeditions and extended climbs. It offers waterproof/breathable performance in the form of a special Conduit SL laminate that facilitates vapor transfer without sacrificing body heat. You'll find reinforcement fabric along all key abrasion areas of the garment and plenty of internal and external pockets for gear.
I've had this jacket for at least 5 years. It's been on one major expedition and numerous climbs in the Cascades. The longer I own it the more I like it. I'm a bit rough on it, stuffing it in the top of my pack along with screws and other sharp stuff, but there is not a single puncture or rip in the fabric.
Pros: very warm, good fit, hood adjustable to any head-size, convenient pockets.
Cons: velcro closure over zipper has started wearing out threads on jacket front after two years of wear. Excellent jacket. Looks good and fits good. It's windshell is windproof and it's reinforced in the right spots. Plenty long to cover down to the hips and you can wear this over a shell if necessary.
The Jacket is big, puffy, and warm.This is an excellent men's insulated jacket at all point of view, nice design, high quality fabric, strong and still supple, Conduit fabric is wonderful. A versatile winter women's insulated jacket for mountaineering and town.
If I had a wish, it would be to add a down section at bottom back because even for a XL men it was a little shorter for my 69.