Gear Review: Outdoor Research AlterEgo GORE-TEX Jacket

Throughout the 09/10 snowshoeing season, I used the Outdoor Research AlterEgo Jacket in “emergency” cold weather situations.  I always had it strapped on the right side of my pack so it was accessible at any moment.  

My first real test of the AlterEgo was during a snowshoeing trek up to Jones Pass in Colorado.  It was very cold on one particular morning and it was the AlterEgo I wore to keep me protected from the elements.  It performed as advertised: stormproof, breathable and a shell worthy of freezing temperatures.  

The AlterEgo is a GORE-TEX shell with taped seams, zip-off dual-pull adjustable hood and water resistant zippers.  For the skier, the AlterEgo’s hood can fit over a ski helmet.  In addition, the jacket has two internal mesh pockets that can accommodate climbing skins.  

For the snowshoer, the jacket has a zip-out mesh powder skirt that prevents wind from blowing snow into the jacket.  The AlterEgo boasts pit zips and breathable fabrics that allow dampening body heat to escape.  

Additional features:

• Front zipper with internal stormflap
• Internal, expanding mesh pockets with snap/tab closure
• Two zippered chest pockets
• Two zippered hand pockets
• Articulated elbows
• Zip-out, nylon/spandex-knit mesh powder skirt with gripper elastic
• Hook/loop cuff closures
• Dual drawcord hem adjustments

To purchase the Outdoor Research AlterEgo, visit http://bit.ly/d1Rf6A.

For more information on the AlterEgo, visit http://bit.ly/akiTFr.