In reply to TobyA: Hi Toby, I have put my wallet and camera in the pockets before and they have suffered, mainly when it's raining and the jacket isn't breathing as well as it does in the dry (saturated outer layer, yes yes, I should probably tumble-dry!). It's not a huge issue, as if it's raining I won't have the camera out anyway, and now I just wrap my wallet up and stick it in my pack, and keep food in the pockets.
I will say though, that I've never used my pockets for venting - the idea just seems a bit odd, plus if you do have anything in the pockets, you'll have to stop and move them before venting. Surely when the pocket zips are open, the pockets don't open up to allow breathing? - They'll be flat against the chest, and won't allow for air-flow. Right?
The other slightly odd thing with the Exum jacket is the giant MARMOT logo on the inside of the jacket - why? It would have looked quite good on the outside, but surely a bit pointless where it is. Millet did the same on their K jacket a few years ago - a massive logo and picture laminated to the inner fabric, and I assume totally un-breathable. Crazy!
Not sure if the Alpinist has anything like this (I hope not).
It sounds like the Alpinist is a pretty bombproof jacket like the Glenmore jacket was - really tough and hard-wearing fabric with a great hood. Nearly got one myself, but bought the Exum as lighter and smaller pack-size alternative.
Jamie