Two Cents; Issue 1; Outdoor Research's Furio

-Outdoor Research's Furio hard-shell provides great all around protection and is tailor made for alpine climbing. 





It's Job

I had heard that for each person there was a small handful of jackets that would be perfect, and do what they want need it to do. Mine needed to be water proof, of moderate weight, durable and work with the gear I already had.  That meant I was looking for a Gore-Tex alpine shell, not a cheep market to be in. However, as part of my plan to acquire as much gear as possible before my NOLS trip, finding the right shell was paramount.



Brand Loyalty

Something, I'd heard of, but never subscribed to.  However, when the realization hit me that this could be something that I would have for decades it did sway more decision in which company to buy from. It wasn't going to be a deal breaker, but it was a consideration. Owning a hard-shell from an American company also was important to me. Outdoor Research met all of those criteria.

I now own three jackets from them.



The Pro's

• Two types of Gore-Tex
• More durability where it is needed
• Water proof zippers without storm flaps
• Two Way pit zip's from the bottom of the garment 
• For easy use around harnesses
• Helmet compatible hood
• Three way adjustable for when the weather gets nasty
• Drawstring around the waist 
• Adjustable on both sides
• Pockets perfectly placed for designed use

The Con's

• Main zipper hard to start 
• Garment length is 2 inches short 

Worth Mentioning

While there are a couple of pockets that are placed in weird places, my biggest complaint is the length. When standing the bottom falls an inch and a half over the top of my pants. But it's not long enough for my tastes. One possible reason for OR's choice to make the length short could be it is designed to slide beneath a harness, that's my best guess.  

In Conclusion 

The Furio is a wonderful light weight alpine hard-shell that keeps winter at bay and the rain away in the summer. It walks away with a 8/10. It does everything it said it would and more, and only receives an 8 because of the length of the garment. This jacket will stay in my arsenal for many years to come.


Go, No Go;

This jacket receives a go form me. It is a great piece: not too heavy for summer use, but beefy enough to use in the winter.  Two thumbs up.



Two Cents 

The two cents articles will be gear reviews from my inventory.

Enjoy the articles as they are written about what I consider to be my family; my gear.


K