EMS Men's Orion Jacket

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Men's Orion Jacket:

I bought this jacket wondering about the System Three 20K and how it matched other waterproof materials. It breathes well, plus it has duel zippered pits zips. The waterproof capabilities are great with no wet patches or slimy feeling inside jacket even after several miles of rainy backpacking. The coat layers well over a puffy coat for a mulit-season system and has a nice amount of stretch which eases the coat off/on over layers. It does seem an inch or two short and could be a tad lighter but it is an overall great jacket!

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Men's Orion Jacket:

I bought this jacket while on a trip to NYC this fall (from MN). Very impressed with the quality and detail put into the jacket. My only regret is that I purchased an XL where a L probably would have done the trick. Under casual use it is great -- lots of extra space to hide behind in poor weather. However, I have had difficulty skiing in the jacket as I feel like I am swimming in it. Again, I probably should have gone with a L in lieu of the XL.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Men's Orion Jacket:

I bought this jacket specifically for snowshoeing. Its color stands out in the snow, and it looks great. It does everything EMS says it will. Highly recommended; however I agree that it seems a bit short.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Men's Orion Jacket:

I used this jacket periodically for hiking and primarily for riding my bicycle to work when it rained. It worked great for about 3 months, then it wouldn't keep me dry for the 10 minute bike ride to work. I treated it per store recommendation (following instructions) using the Nikwax product line. This temporarily made it a bit better, but it was never the same.

I am very disappointed because it has waterproof prices, but it doesn't stay that way for very long. Save yourself the time and buy a patagonia or mountain hardwear. At this point I've paid the price difference in Nikwax products trying to keep this thing alive.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Men's Orion Jacket:

I work outside quite a bit as a photographer/videographer and bought this as a cold weather rain/snow shell. I've had it out in the rain and snow quite a bit and have stayed nice and dry inside the jacket. I'm 6'3" and skinny, so the XL is a bit wide around the middle for me, but perfect in terms of length. The extra room allows nicely for layering. I like the waterproof zipper and the tall collar. The hood is a bit large, probably good for a ski helmet, and the shock cords allow for adjustment.

I agree with the previous criticisms about small pockets. I was also worried about the standard zippers with no velcro flaps on the pit zips, but they've been no problem thus far.

The stretch material allows for a more comfortable fit than other more rigid waterproof/breathable jackets I've owned. I'm a little concerned about the long-term waterproof qualities of the stretch material. Initially, water beads up on it as you would expect, but after a long time in the elements, it seems a little more absorbent than other similar materials. I never experienced any leaking, though, so the lining must be doing its job. I guess it's a trade-off between this more comfortable/flexible material and other more water-repellent/stiff and crinkly nylon type materials.

I've always had good experiences with EMS products, so I'll trust that this stretch material will hold up.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Men's Orion Jacket:

Just got this jacket home. Constructions seems good but one question: where's the fabled "right pocket key clip"? It's advertised on both the website and on the product tag - but it seems to have been omitted on my jacket. I'm a little troubled that the product is seemingly missing a feature and still passed it's quality check.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Men's Orion Jacket:

I liked everything about this jacket until I tried a layer of fleece under it. Then it was unpleasantly restrictive. This was a medium I ordered online. I tried a large at the store, but it was too large. It seems I am 'between sizes' for this product. Perhaps it will work better for someone who is on the smaller end of medium.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Men's Orion Jacket:

I spent a while trying to find a versatile, technical shell that fit well and looked good. Most were big $ and fit like I was 120 lbs. This jacket provided it all. The fit on this is great. Others have complained about it, but I think it's one of the best aspects of the jacket. I ski in it and it's not baggy, but there is enough room for winter layering while being able to move around comfortably. Something not many other competing shells provide. I have the EMS Primaloft jacket that snaps into it for super cold days.

I know this isn't a ski specific coat, but cuffs could be a tad bigger to fit easier over golves and it is about 1/2 inch shorter than the snap-in Sync insulated jacket, but only directly in the front. Small sacrifice for the otherwise good fit. I'm 6'1, 185 and have the Large.

After a season, I'm impressed with the quality construction and performance on the hill. It's light, moves well and breathes well. Wore it in 45 degrees and bitter cold, with different layers. Also, it is essentially a 4 season jacket, adding to it's value. I wear it every time it rains or snows. Dry so far.

I've tried on other jackets with coated zippers that were near impossible to zip and unzip. While tight, function is not an issue on the Orion. Hood fits easily over a helmet and adjusts to fit better when you are not wearing one.

I don't like MHW / arc'teryx type style and fit. Nor do I like baggy outerwear. The Orion is just right and has a classic style that doesn't look overly techie. Haven't hung out in a downpoor, but the performance seems great.

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Men's Orion Jacket:

So far I have no complaints. Then again I have only owned the product about 2 weeks. I got the jacket to replace my EMS Helix Ascent jacket which was problematic for me. A thanks to EMS for giving me this jacket to replace that one.... It seems to be plenty waterproof and breathable as I have not been wet in it yet despite being caught in a couple downpours. However I am a little concerned about a couple things. First would be that I dont like how the pit zips are not urethane coated, windproof or waterproof. I'll remain skepticle on this issue unless it becomes a problem. My second concern would be the oxford stretch nylon part of the shell. It would suprise me if it keeps out high winds well. Or rain accompanied by high winds. My reson for saying this is because if held up in the light (it doesnt even have to be that bright) it appears to be almost see-thruogh which in my opinion will become a serious issue when the weather turns colder and windy. as I plan to use this as a winter shell as well. For now though I will remain skepticle as I have had no problems yet. Just hoping this jacket does the trick as I have had problems with their shells in the past...Fingers crossed!

Comments about Eastern Mountain Sports EMS Men's Orion Jacket:

Just ordered and recieved the jacket. It is what it claims to be. I feel like the length is close to perfect. Not sure why so many people are saying that it is too short. Hope it lasts at least a year, hopefully longer. My last EMS shell's zipper broke after a few months of casual use, but this one seems more sturdy. All in all, a quality product.