Jones Snowboards

Peak Bagger Jacket - Men's

Nice But Niche Piece With Weird Sizing

Familiarity:

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

I run very hot and typically use a ultralight softshell (Black Diamond Alpine Start) for my shell when splitboarding but was interested in this piece for its claims of similar breathability while providing improved weather resistance and (hopefully) more durability and more pockets for storage. After going back and forth on ordering it sight unseen, I was able to try it on at Backcountry's retail store while in Salt Lake for a trip. I am 5'11", 190 lbs, athletic build but not overly bulky with average length arms and torso. I tried on the M and L; L was quite baggy in the torso with arms a little longer than desired while M fit perfect in the torso with arms a little shorter than desired. I took a gamble and purchased the M. I did end up using this for one day in the backcountry and one day in the resort. By far the best thing about this jacket is the fabric; it is thinner than normal softshells but thicker than ultralight pieces like my BD alpine start and extremely stretchy, making it very comfortable to wear. I wore it in the resort first, low 40s at the base, sunny with light wind. The breathability and air permeability was quickly apparent as I felt chilly on the chair wearing this with a moderately thick merino base layer underneath (would have been hot in similar weather in my normal uninsulated resort shell). I did note that the arms seemed a little short. The next day I went splitboarding in the high 30s, sunny with light wind. I wore this jacket with a thin long sleeve merino shirt underneath and was very comfortable. It definitely breaths very well, similar to my typical ultralight shell. Unfortunately, the short arms were even more apparent while touring and the sleeves continuously would ride up and bunch. Happily I was still able to return the jacket thanks to Backcountry's awesome customer service, and the search continues for my perfect jacket. Maybe Jones will tweak the fit for next year and I'll give it another look. So who is this jacket for? I would say if you tour in softshells for their breathability and stretch/feel but are interested in more waterproofing, this jacket is definitely worth a look. Bear in mind that due to the breathability it doesn't block much wind and I certainly wouldn't recommend it for wintertime resort riding. It could be a nice spring resort shell for the right person.