The REI shuksan just went on sale, however the jacket does NOT have pit zips. Would it be fairly easy to put these into the jacket? I have no skill in sewing, and I live in the Beaverton/Portland area of Oregon

An eVent jacket really doesn't need pit zips--stuff is pretty amazing. Promise.

Also, if you wear a small, you can save $50 and 4oz if you like the looks of either of these:

http://www.backcountry.com/backcountry-stoic-event-shell-mens
or,
http://www.geartrade.com/item/150590

I have the Bombshell jacket by Stoic and, though heavy, the thing is bombproof in every sense of the word.

Edited by Dzrichwm on 10/08/2010 14:30:10 MDT.

Putting pit zips on an eVent jacket defeats the purpose of eVent. Why not just buy something not breathable with pit zips and save some substantial cash?

When I exert myself I sweat a lot--not because I'm out of shape, but I've always been that way. Even in reviews containing eVent jackets, the reviewers have always been more happy with the addition of the pit-zips.

Or maybe I just need to go try one out since REI's return policy is so good...

Mike I'm in the same boat as you - I was just looking at the Westcomb Cruiser jacket w/ pit zips. I think that's going to be the ticket!

Agreed - pit zips are key. But if you are overwhelming the fabric so that the sweat is not leaving the inside of the jacket, then buy something way cheaper with pit zips.

Your logic escapes me.

I was looking for the same thing . I ended up with a Montbell Rain Trekker . The Breeze-Dry fabric is very much like eVent , good set of pit zips, good pockets that ride above a hip belt. Best of all you can go to Oregon Mountain Community in N.E. and try one on . And they price match if you can find a deal online. Check it out.

It seems the point of having the most breathable jacket possible is that there will be a much wider comfort range in which the fabric is able to keep up with perspiration and pit zips aren't necessary. Push beyond this range, and open up your pit zips for better venting.

I like pit zips, but they do leave gaping holes along each side that can let in cold rain/snow/gusts of wind. I think of pit zips as an additional step up in venting to be used as necessary, and don't use them if I don't need them because when I'm wearing a shell, I often want full protection from the elements. Regarding eVent shells, it's reasonable to assume you won't need pit zips as early/often, which may be of benefit in many conditions. Whether or not this is worth the money is more of a personal decision.

Matt

edit: double post.

Edited by matt_f on 10/08/2010 16:49:13 MDT.

If you're sweating so much you feel you need pitzips, you're wearing too much clothing. Either take off the shell or wear something thinner underneath.

Seriously, if you're so hot that you have to completely open up a jacket, you're overwhelming the system, and you're obviously warm enough to not need the shell. I've found that people, including myself, tend to overdress for conditions.

If you're hiking in 30*F rain, shove the under and shell sleeves up around your elbows, unzip the chest as you can.

Thank you everyone for your input.

I decided that I'm just going to go ahead and order it, and if I need pit zips--I'll consult here about how to do that without hurting my jacket. It's still cheaper than the TAD gear Raptor, and I kinda need to save all that I can right now.

-M