Gear

Westcomb Mirage Jacket with eVent

June 19, 2008

It seems that I've come full circle on the concept of a functional shell for backcountry skiing and similar outdoor pursuits. Years ago it was a lightweight single layer shell with plenty of layers. Then it was the heavy duty 3 layer Gore Tex with or without fleece lining that either way was overkill for 99% of all situations. Now I'm back to a lightweight shell that employs better technology and features that minimize the need for the many layers. For backcountry skiing this past season I picked up the Westcomb Mirage Jacket and have been more than stoked on it's performance. I think I've found the jacket built for me. The specific jacket that I picked up was the Westcomb Mirage Special Edition Jacket that Westcomb and Backcountry.com teamed up on this past winter. It varies slightly from the standard Mirage Jacket which has a few more bells and whistles but either way you go the functionality and dependability of this jacket is tops! The jacket has an athletic cut and you'll also notice the asymmetrical sleeve ends that cover the outer portion of your wrist a bit more. The other standout visual feature of this jacket is the "S-curve" zipper that ensures zero chaffing of the jacket's collar on your chin. It's certainly not your ordinary jacket off the shelf. Westcomb spent some time on this one rather than just pumping out yet another sku. Features of the Mirage Jacket include: eVent shell material 3 external pockets -2 hand, 1 chest Internal pocket with iPod port - handy for those ultra long ascents Articulated elbows Compact storm hood that fit over my ski helmet Contoured obstruction-free front zipper The standard Mirage includes a sleeve stash pocket with "window" Quick Review of the Westcomb Mirage Jacket I've put about 25 days on this jacket in wicked cold and wind, snow, rain, and everything else mother nature threw at me this season and I didn't once regret the choice of buying it. Utilizing eVent material for the shell accomplishes what any backcountry skier or adventurer needs: keep the water and wind out but allow for the most amount of breathability. When putting on the Mirage I feel confident that regardless of any aerobic activity, like climbing and then skiing Reids Peak in the Uintas two weeks ago, that the jacket will do it job while I do mine. Despite the many scrambles and 5th class rock that we climbed I didn't feel all sweaty and balmy with the jacket on. Considering that it is very lightweight when I needed to stow it in my pack it took up little to no volume. I raved enough about it that three of my friends each picked one up as well. Really, what else could I say to review this jacket? You can't go wrong with the Mirage if you're in need of a lightweight, bomber jacket that actually breathes rather than tell you it breathes. Buy Now: Visit BackcountryOutlet.com to pick up the Special Edition Westcomb Mirage Jacket

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