Outdoor Research Alibi Jacket

This is a little different take on a soft shell, and I love it. It has a very nice and slim fit. It has different thickness of material strategically placed. It has a thin and stretchy material on the back. It sometimes feels like you don't wear anything on your back, which is good if you are doing something very sweaty but don't plan to use this jacket for warmth in cold weather.

This is a high activity jacket. I don't ice climb, but could see how this jacket would be perfect for this. But it works well for other things as well. It has arm muffs with holes for your thumbs which are great for keeping the arms down, fitting into the glove and provide extra warmth.

It also has a built in hood liner which is great to wear under a helmet with the hood on the outside. You don't need to remember to bring a hat. When the liner is rolled up, it is a little bit annoying on your neck but I just leave it out pushed into the hood. The hood fit is good and goes well over a helmet.

The side vents have an unusual solution starting to unzip from the bottom and half way up your side with a button down at the bottom. Did not like it in the beginning, but after using the jacket hiking and wearing a pack it makes sense, much easier to operate since you have the shoulder straps in the way for conventional under arm straps.

It is water resistant, but I would not wear it for a longer time in heavy downpour and expect to stay completely dry to the core, nor would I plan on using it in wet snow fall.

Super breathable. Non-restrictive, well ventilated if needed.

I scored the jacket on geartrade for a steal. Brand new. However, I feel it is worth the $260.  I have worn it general mountaineering in the Northeast. Right away I noticed how breathable it was...all I had on under it was a midweight EMS base layer.  I burn hot and and heat up quick...on the ascent. 

There was only a few times that I felt that I need to unzip the pit zips/side zips, which is also another great feature. One thing I love about it is its stretch. It never restricted my movement in anyway. Not even when I gained enough weight to qualify as an overstuffed sausage. It still wore comfortable.

It sheds moisture really well.  Unless there was a downpour or an absolute dumping of very wet snow, it kept me dry the whole day. It also excelled at ice climbing...again the stretch coming in to play. Excellent jacket!