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from Intervale, White Mountains of NH on 1/31/2008
For me, this is much better than a Gore-tex type winter shell. I get soaked in anything "waterproof-breathable".Those shells do not breath in any meaningfull way, for me. This Scholler WB400 allows lots of breathing to take place. For really heavy or persistant rain, I expect to need a rain shell, but for most normal winter conditions, this is an ideal shell for people who sweat a lot. Also, having the hood is very valuable for bushwacking, even just a little bit, through snow covered tree boughs dropping snow down your neck. I use this shell over my wicking layer, while hiking and under fleece or down parka when I stop on the trail. I was especially glad to find the shell to be roomy enough for a fleece sweater under it. Also the arms are loose enough so you do not have to struggle to put the shell on over a fleece layer. So many of the similar type of shells made by other companies were almost skin tight or way too tight. Oh, The pit-zips are another valuable and useful feature on this shell. Additionally, I have skied in this shell, and while in the chair lift and catching the high wind gusts off Mt. Washington, I found the wind resistance to be very good, not perfectly windproof but neverless, very good. I like this shell!
I've had the EMS Apollo for about 4 years, and just upgraded to the Ascent, which is the identical jacket, but with a hood. The hood makes a good thing even better by extending the comfort range and weather resistance. The WB-400 fabric is great- super stretchy, very weather-resistant, warm, and breathable. Note that the hood is NOT WB-400, but is something like Schoeller Dynamic or Drytech (could be house-brand fabric?). Also note that the fit is trim- I'm 5'9 170lbs with broad shoulders and 33" sleeves. The Medium fits well in the sleeves and chest, and leaves room for a base layer and maybe a light midlayer- a thick fleece will leave you feeling like a pig in a blanket. The comfort range is great- I've worn my Apollo on a winter ascent of Mt Washington, and out to dinner on cool summer evenings. Suggested improvements would be a more substantial hood, and a velcro patch to stow the hood when not in use. Overall, a bomber piece and a great value. If it fits, you won't be disappointed. 4.5 stars
from Middle Georgia on 10/30/2007
Just came back from 4 days in Jackson Hole, and I took this jacket along for the ride. The Ascent WB-400 has definitely earned its place as a coveted member of my softshell quill. Very stoked and majorly impressed by its durability against the elements. The inner fleece lining is great against the skin and did great for t-shirt wear. I was able to keep warm in every aspect. The hood has very liberal stretch qualities, but I only had to use it a few times, its designed for fit over a helmet, but it also works well just to keep the wind out of your face. In the weather I experienced I didn't overheat, but the pit zips are a good option to have if you start to get too warm. What a great jacket. Thanks guys.
from Raynham, MA on 10/27/2007
Great jacket! Well designed and can't go wrong with the WB400 fabric. Schoeller makes bomber stuff! Very comfy, pit zips are a huge plus! The high pockets make wearing it with a harness work. I would like to see water resistant zippers, and they tend to run a bit small (I went 1 size bigger). Overall, great jacket!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Enfield NH on 10/27/2007
I bought ths coat to keep me dry and warm on those cool rainy hikes in Oct. Coat fit and looked great. First cool morning stayed warm inside and wind stayed out. Lite rain stayed dry. Then came the heavy rain. First the back of my neck, Then the pit zips, Then all the seams. Was very dissapointed. Its a nice coat but "Water Proof" needs to be removed. [...]