The Alpinist Mountain Standards reviews apply Alpinist's tradition of excellence and authenticity to gear reviews by providing unbiased, candid feedback and anecdotal commentary to equipment tested (hard) in the field. Our panel is comprised of climbers who use the gear every day as part of their work and play. Only the gear they would actually buy themselves, at retail price, qualifies for the Alpinist Mountain Standards award. The five-star rating system is as follows: No Stars = Piece of junk. One Star = Below average. Two Stars = Average. Three Stars = Above average. Four Stars = Pretty dang good. Five Stars = Nearly perfect. An Alpinist Mountain Standards award-winner. The reviewer would buy this piece themselves. Review Panel Aimee Barnes Chris Brazeau Larry Goldie Angela Hawse Sarah Hueniken Julia Niles John Race Will Stanhope Jon Walsh Jed Workman Editorial and Guest Reviewers |
 Cloudveil Serendipitiy JacketPosted on: July 30, 2005 
MSRP: $200 This jacket demonstrates Cloudveil's ability to create clothing that performs well in the backcountry yet also corners the fashion market for the "post-adventure" night out on the town. Compared to the other soft shells on the market, the Serendipity "fits to flatter," but it is also comfortable enough to wear three weeks straight while guiding Denali. The fleece-lined color is comfy, the fabric is thoroughly durable and wind and water resistant, and the wrist cuffs are easy to Velcro tight. I loved how water beaded up on it during drizzly days in the Buttermilks. Cloudveil's designers were definitely using their noggins when they placed the pockets out of the harness's way. Genius. All around a must-have layer for that cold and not-too-wet weather out there. |
