@Cataboo - that's a really helpful link, thanks! I love finding people who care about and help get the word out about various options that are more "fair trade" than our typical gear. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like Backcountry/Cutter is making a jacket this year...at least I can't find one anywhere...

@Kiwi Stoker - thanks!! I'll check that out...if you have any experience with their fit I'd appreciate it.

And for you PDX folks...I know if I ever again live in a rainy place all my gear will come only from recommendations made by PDX commuters. Y'all KNOW rain. While I grew up on the (rainy/foggy) CT shore, I'm now addicted to Colorado sunshine, so my needs are more around a jacket that can handle the cold mountain air at the start of a ride, and the afternoon thunderstorm later on in the day...so the SP Elite 2.0 is more of a full on contender (and less pack & stash) than I need.

I love getting this kind of feedback! The forum rocks...