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: One Star = Piece of junk. Two Stars = Has one or more significant flaws, with some redeeming qualities. Three Stars = Average. This solid piece of gear is middle-of-the-road on the current market. Four Stars = Better than most comparable gear on the market. It has one or two drawbacks, but still 90% positive. Five Stars = Is there such thing as perfection? An Alpinist Mountain Standards award-winner. Review Panel Adam George Caroline George Larry Goldie Blake Herrington John Race Bert Severin Jed Workman The rest of the MS Team |
 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. |
