share it

Westcomb Mirage Jacket

currently retails for:
$449.95
MSRP: $450.00 (men's)

where to buy:

User Reviews

A wee bit on the heavy side, but the best hardshell…

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: 350$

Summary

A wee bit on the heavy side, but the best hardshell I had in my whole life.

Pros

  • eVent material is absolutely great
  • Durable

Cons

  • A bit heavier and stiffer than an Arc'teryx

I really don't know what is wrong with the previous reviewer. I had the Mirage Jacket for about two years now. I used it for mountain climbing, skiing, and for my work as a cameraman. I used this jacket in pouring rain, in freezing temperatures, in hot and moist temperatures, while doing strenuous exercise, and for sleeping on the floor and still can't find much fault with it.

GoreTex jackets often feel uncomfortably moist on the inside. This is because GoreTex material needs to transform the vapor into water before it can transport it thru the membrane. The eVent material transports the vapor directly, which means that you will always feel comfortably dry in this jacket. This is a very important advance from any of the aging GoreTex fabrics in my opinion. Once you tried an eVent jacket it's hard to go back to GoreTex.

As for the jacket, one has to try it to see if he likes it. It is extremely sturdy and you can use it to protect yourself from the branches while off skiing. You don't have to worry to rip it... it won't. In may ways it's the opposite of an Arc'teryx or Mammut jacket, of which I love the thinness and lightness but always feel a bit vulnerable.

This is a serious jacket for peoples that don't mind an additional 50g for something that will give them perfect comfort... for a lifetime.

Comments
Please sign in to comment

I have done plenty of outdoor activity in harsh conditions…

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars

I have done plenty of outdoor activity in harsh conditions and the Westcomb Mirage was great every time. I recommend this jacket for anyone.

Comments
Please sign in to comment

I'm an outdoor active type of guy (ultras, cycling,…

Rating: rated 1 of 5 stars
Fabric: eVent
Fill: shell

I'm an outdoor active type of guy (ultras, cycling, skiing, etc.) that is generally unaffected by weather - assuming planning and competent gear. I spent a long time doing research and focused on the eVent fabric as the current technological top-dog. Price was not an issue, I just wanted the best I could get.

Sorting through the manufacturers I chose the Westcomb version in the Mirage. I liked the Mirage styling for its overall purpose, though some features are overkill (i.e., the curved main zipper is gimmicky, doesn't hold together under athletic movements, and is down-right annoying). My low rating is more for the fabric than the jacket itself - though I wouldn't buy it again even if it had Gore-Tex.

The eVent fabric FAILED TO PERFORM in phenomenal fashion. I've had it a year now and it has never shed rain, and overall has performed about as well in moisture protection and venting as my retired 12-year-old North Face Mountain Lite (now my dog park jacket).

My advice is to stick with Gore-Tex. I think there is a good reason the major manufacturers have not picked up eVent fabric, and it is not because it is expensive. It just does not work in the real world in the manner they expected in the lab.

Comments
Please sign in to comment
Have you owned or used a Westcomb Mirage Jacket? Write a review »

Description

The Mirage Jacket is a hard shell jacket made by Westcomb. It has an average rating of 3.5 stars (out of 5), based on 3 user reviews

MSRP: $450 (men's)

Where to Buy

Buy Online Compare prices from 2 outdoor retailers:

sponsored links
Store
Price

Recently on Trailspace

Review: Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero

I bought this hat almost 20 years ago and it still does its job. I lived in the Seattle area when I bought this hat and it seemed appropriate because South King… Read More »

11 Tips for the Best Outdoor Gear Reviews

Whether you're reviewing your 20-year-old backpack, the latest solid fuel stove, or any other outdoor equipment, clothing, or footwear, follow these tips to write the best outdoor gear reviews. Read More »

Review: The North Face Men's Paramount Cargo Short

Bought an earlier version of these shorts in 2002. Have put them through all kinds of abuse since then. They are still going strong and the Velcro is only now starting… Read More »

Review: The North Face Women's Verbera Hiker GTX

Light hiker: Nice and light! Waterproof but breathable—I hiked 15 miles, 92 degrees in Florida with wool socks and didn't think my feet got too hot. These boots… Read More »

Add your voice to the world's most comprehensive and useful collection of independent outdoor gear reviews. Review Your Gear