The valdez also uses the new Pro Shell which breathes a little bit better and also is more durable. Either jacket is great, both are outer layer pieces and for most riding, you can probably get away with not wearing alot of under layer pieces especially if you are in the backcounttry where there is not a lot of wind and really cold air. If you do not want to spend the coin on the valdez, the tomahawk is bascially last years valdez except cosmetically for $100 cheaper.