Materials
Mountain Hardwear’s Dry-Q Eliete fabric is nice stuff. Its got a soft hand, and is fairly stretchy for a hard shell, but is as breathable as nearly any waterproof shell material on the market. It’s fully seam-taped. Thanks to all that, it is expensive.

Fit
The freeride cut is pretty well dialed in for fit. It’s long in the hem and arms for total coverage even when flailing your arms around. The high collar blocks the wind and the arms are pre-articulated for an easy fit and the cuffs are angled for better weather protection on the top of the hands. It’s roomy for dynamic riding but not boxy. Runs big.

Features
The Compulsion has a zip-out powder skirt, a huge hood that cinches down effortlessly if you don’t want to wear a helmet, two huge interior pockets to stash skins or goggles or extra gloves. It’s got RECCO in case something goes wrong in-bounds or near the resort. The handpockets are high, out of the way of a pack waist belt. Our favorite two features are the giant zipper pull on the front zipper—no fumbling around even in gloves—and the pit zips that are positioned towards the front. That keeps the bulky zipper out of your armpit and allows for more efficient venting when moving forward. It’s protected by a beefy storm flap.