The shell is waterproof with taped seams. Zip vents under the arms. Great hood, when I need to keep the wind off of me. Very durable and well put together. I am not sure of the style/name of the shell, but I love it.

I have had everything from Columbia to Salomon to North Face. All have been good and most have been a double layering set up. I could never find a good mix of staying warm while dumping heat/moisture. The Mountain Hardwear shell with a thin layer and fleece works just great for me. It's hard to know until you actually get it up on the mountain though. Finding the right fit is easy in a store or online, but until I move in it and start heating up I am not sure what to expect. Then it is a matter of layering up, down, vents open or zipped. When you are paying $$$$ for something you really want it to work.