I was unable to resist buying this jacket at the superb price of $150. I had been admiring Ibex products for a long time but just couldn't part my $$ for the full asking price of $225. I must say that the jacket fits incredibly well and I agree with other reviewers in that it performs real well in a variety of conditions including but not limited to around the town. It is really a stellar performer during high output activities like xc-skiing because the clima-lite fabric really doesn't allow much moisture to build up. I wear this jacket with various underlayers from 0 degrees to 40 above. This jacket also acts like my wind breaker/shell because during high output activities I'm always generating enough heat. On a recent trip a friend of mine was wearing a hard shell and fleece underneath and when we stopped he was soaked to the bone and I was almost completely dry, if you haven't gone softshell yet you don't know what you're missing. My issues with the jacket start with the low front pockets. If I'm wearing a backpack the pockets are pretty useless because you can't get into them. The pockets are also bulky so I'm never sure if I should wear my climbing harness on the outside of the jacket or the inside. Either way it's tough to see what's on your gear loops. The napoleon pocket works great but I want something that holds more than a power bar. I have also seen some unusual wear on the back of the jacket, it's kinda like wools version of pilling. I wear a backpack alot, but I have never worn through a jacket in the shoulders/back area before. Anyway, I have had this jacket for just over a year and I'm going to try another brand of softshell mainly because the front pocket issue and I'm also keen to see if all softshells are comparable in performance. I would recommend this jacket highly if you aren't always wearing a backpack with a padded waistbelt or a climbing harness.

Customer Service

haven't tried

Similar Products Used:

patagonia R2 windproof fleeces marmot driclime windshirt

I asked for it and, with a closet full of technical jackets, my wife broke down and bought it for me for Christmas. I didn't know this when I bought her the same (the Cirque) for her birthday, right after Christmas. I've now given away or sold many of the jackets in my quiver, including my Gamma SV, two different fleece jackets, and a couple of vest just because I was on a roll. The Icefall is just that versatile. The other reviewer here says this is his everyday jacket, and I concur. Around town or last night in a camp on the Edwards Plateau in the Texas Hill Country, this jacket, layered of Ibex' Shak Jersey and Patagonia's R2 Levitator pullover, I was comfortable watching the stars fall on a cloudless, moonless, 25 degree night (with Ibex' knit cap to keep my head warm). Now that there are companies making serious, and seriously comfortable, non-petrolium-based outerwear, I have begun moving away from fleece and synthetics whenever possible, and companies like Ibex and Smartwool allow me to do that without compromising anything. The Icefall is a supreme garment, worn Christmas shopping in frigid temps in Germany, to backpacking in the cold, to running errands.

Customer Service

I'm a pain in the arse, as some at Ibex might tell you. The majority of my e-mails have been answered, though a few have been ignored, due no doubt to my tactless ways in dealing with people. That said, the two or three e-mails out of a dozen this year alone, that have gone unanswered, in no way mars the prompt and extremely helpful e-mails and phone calls they're made to answer questions and help with purchases. Great people, willing to and trying to, and almost always succeeding, going the extra distance.

Similar Products Used:

Arc'teryx Gamma SV (I know, not a true shell, but nearly so), Arc'teryx Gamma LT

None

Awsome jacket! I was very suprized with the performance of this jacket, and the temp range, I have worn it in warm weather, and been fine...and cold weather and been warm! Super comfy, and a great cut. It has become my every day jacket around town. I can not say enough good about this jacket. I love it so much, I just ordered the backcountry pants to go with it.

Customer Service

remarkable. I e-mailed a few times to ask about the climawool material, and got very nice helpfull e-mails back, and when ordering the pants I felt as though I was thier most important customer.

Similar Products Used:

Marmot Dryclime windshirt, Polartec 200 weight fleece,