Review: Backcountry.com Stoic 2.0 Shell

As the site’s namesake suggests, I am an unapologetic gear fiend, and this is especially true when it comes to jackets. The reason for this can be almost entirely attributed to my physical build. I am of average height and weight (5′10/170) but have been blessed/cursed with disproportionately long arms (35-36″ sleeves). Having not taken to boxing or basketball, I’ve never been able to capitalize on this, and as such its been purely a cause for pain when trying to find jackets that actually fit me.  In a technical shell or jacket, I generally prefer the trim, athletic fit that has been popularized by outdoor brands like Arcteryx and Westcomb. Typically if I buy a shell that should fit my torso properly, the sleeves are about an inch too short. If I buy one that will have long enough sleeves, the jacket’s mid section usually ends up being as form fitting as an oak barrel with suspenders; There is never a happy medium. Its also been suggested that I look at rock climbing or pure-mountaineering shells as those typically have longer cut sleeves because their intended use involves a lot of upper body movement. Unfortunately most of those offerings come at the sacrifice of features I have taken for granted in a more ski-centric shell (waterproofness, pockets, powder skirts, etc).

Enter the Backcountry.com Stoic 2.0 Shell, a highly waterproof, wind resistant, form fitting shell with longer cut sleeves and unparalelled range of motion. I have to credit the product development team at Backcountry.com, they have been cranking out outdoor apparel with amazing fit and function that is packaged up in understated design, all at a price that won’t bury you like the afforementioned “top shelf” brands. This shell is no exception to that trend.

Specs:

• 3-ply Bombshell 2.0 stretch nylon weave with bamboo-carbon tricot backer
• 20K Waterproof Rating
• 15,000g Breathability Rating
• 2 Side, and 1 Napoleon pocket
• Welded Seams
• Deep, brimmed hood for extra protection
• Neoprene cuffs for added comfort and mobility
• Long Underarm Zips
• Weight: 1lb 6 oz
• Lifetime Warranty

The jacket is made from a stretch hardshell material that has a softer feel to it when compared to more traditional shells. This equates to a jacket that moves with you and is quiet on the skin track. The material itself is thicker than the average shell which indicates that it was built to last a long time.  The pit zips are huge and are great for dumping heat, and the deep hood with brim provides amazing protection from the elements by eliminating exposure almost entirely from all sides. I tried fitting the hood around my Giro G10MX helmet and found it to be extremely tight, so I would not say the hood is universally helmet compatible. If you had a smaller mountaineering or ski helmet it would probably provide a cleaner fit. The waterproof zipper comes all the way up to a high front cuff that leaves plenty of breathing room to reduce fogging while providing great facial protection from the elements. As with almost any backcountry.com top I have tried on, the sleeves are cut long (finally!) and fit me perfect. I could have gone with a medium and still had good sleeve length with an ideal fit in the torso, but I opted to size up to allow for a little bit of layering as I intended to use this shell year round. Even at the larger size, the fit remains athletic and I have the perfect amount of space to accompany a midweight layer beneath it. I have yet to get out in winter conditions, but after spending the weekend on at Cape Cod while the remnants of a hurricane dumped half a foot of rain and brought in gusting winds, I can attest to the waterproofness and breathability that this shell provides. Walking the shore during inclement weather left my bottom half soaked to the bone, but anywhere the Stoic 2.0 covered was warm and dry.

The Bottom Line:

A bomber 3 (or 4) season shell with great fit, function and appearance that will keep you dry wherever the trail takes you, at a price you can actually afford. I picked it up on SteepandCheap.com for a song – keep your eyes peeled for similar deals.

Gear Sloot Rating: 4.5/5