Sierra Designs Women's Elite Cagoule

Sizing is all wrong.

I ordered a medium, had to return it. Then a large, had to return that one. While my proportions are a little larger on top, I have never had to order an extra large before.  

Anyway once I was done with the exchange hassle, I was beyond pleased:  

The garment (sorry: cagoule is an idiotic term for this, it's a French word that means balaclava) is long, it hits down at mid thigh, which is great if you use it with the rain chaps that go with it. Water drips down well below the overlap, the hood is roomy and easy to adjust, won't interfere with vision even when turning your head, the sleeves are long enough even with arms raised overhead. Rain will absolutely not drip in.  

There are gusseted vents under the armpits, a deep snap placket at the neckline: great for dumping heat fast. I find that this keeps me drier than the traditional rain jacket and pants because it's so well ventilated.  

Also highly packable: I put it and the chaps in a small stuff sack. It takes no room in my pack and weighs close to nothing.  

While it is mid thigh long, the sides Velcro on and off, which means that if it's rain and you put it on, then put your pack on and the belt clips under the front flap on the garment, so your pack belt stays dry.  

There is a tunnel handwarmer pocket on the front too.  

The fabric is not one one of those typical breathable waterproof membranes, I think it's just waterproof, hence the price, but honestly I find that all the vents make it really pleasant to wear.  

I don't have many Sierra Designs products but this sure sparked my interest.