The firefox is overall an extraordinary jacket. Great looks combined with Gore's new active shell membrane make it a taker for fast paced activities. It fits a bit large, and long (I wear women's S at 5.4 athletic built) and it feels a wee bit bulky. On the plus side I can actually fit a primaloft layer underneath for colder temperatures. Zippers run very well, small on first look but no problems so far; The hood is helmet compatible (also for the new bigger helmets), and the chin guard comes up nice and high, almost to the nose for those windy days. The hood is also easily adjustable with a drawcord on the back of the head. The wrist guards are super easy to adjust, and have nice sticky velcro that even works when wet. Two chest pockets are perfectly placed above the harness line for those of us who take this awesome piece into the alpine world - good size for bars and gus or a small cell phone.
The most impressive thing about the Firefox Active Shell - super light at 320g, and fits into a mesh bag smaller than a standard cup. Plus - the breathability is amazing! I walked up a glacier this summer in the evening, so it was a bit chilly, I wore a thin icebreaker and the Firefox Active Shell on top. After I while we had a break - I hadn't felt like I was sweating but the jacket was wet on the outside - This is a huge positive point for me, as I tend to get quite hot on the appraoches to climbs but then cool down very quickly when I stop - so it is great to have a jacket with a membrane that breathes so well and wicks moisture to the outside like this.
The lightness and breathability come to a bit of a cost though - super lightweight fabric means this jacket is not as robust as a Gore-Tex paclite or proshell - I would give it a slight minus on durability as the wrist cuffs are wearing out a bit after 7 months of hefty alpine abuse - but that is the prize we have to pay for super light gear I think. Overall, amazing jacket for any fast paced activity..and it makes you look like a pro (which is what we all go for, no?)
Sandra, affiliated with the Gore Tex Mountain Tech program