Reader Reviews

Rating: 4 / 5

This is a very interesting garment, Golite made a similar model a while ago, that features a 50g synthetic insulation body with 15 denier nylon along with stretch fleece sides. The fleece adds to the breathability and mobility so it is better suited for on the go insulation but I have a few qualms with this idea.
From some of the hikes and daily outings I've been on I have decided that while it is very useful jacket, it is only a compromise between breathability and warmth and really 2 or even 3 different layers could achieve a much better comfort range for not that much extra weight. The jacket is windproof as are basically all synthetic insulated jackets, but I've found that the mass of fibers does not provide the breathability required when active, and the fabric also is not as comfortable after sweat and moisture is added.
From a quality standpoint my jacket had a few loose threads on the zipper, and insulation occasionally shows on some seams. While I was originally enamored with stretch fleece, I don't think it is up to the wind resistance, warmth, or quality, of powerstretch, and I origionally loved the thumbholes and fleece cuffs but piling has started to annoy me and the thumbholes themselves are rather narrow, but they help greatly in reducing the problem wrist area from being exposed with or without gloves.
The fit overall is good, but I found the neck to be too tight and also did not feature any of the useful stretch that the sides and cuff have, and the hem was a little to wide to not feature a drawcord. However the overall layout is very well thought out and I plan on using it as part of my pattern for an eventual powershield/powerstretch hoody that I will make to take the Thermawrap Action's place. My rating however is rather high because I feel that the jacket is great, but I use it for purposes that other jackets may be better suited for the purpose I have used it for. For many people it would make the perfect insulation layer for trips that do not dip below 50.

Edited by hotrhoddudeguy on 01/24/2008 14:49:02 MST.

Rating: 4 / 5

I agree with the previous reviewer almost completely. I also think the design is very nice - trim, thermally efficient cut; works great as part of a sleep system; protects from wind while offering some breathability through the stretch side panels.

It works great as a walking jacket in cool to cold temps, but up the exertion level and the ballistic nylon lining will start to get clammy quick.

For those people who prefer to use a midlayer under a shell around camp (rather than use the belay jacket overeverything concept) it would be great. Also may work for those who run cool and don't sweat a lot. I run hot and like the belay jacket concept, so this isn't the answer for me. But it will remain in my kit for some cool not cold trips and country walks.

The ballistic airlight nylon is surprisingly strong. The Pokatex DWR works well. The warmth is a little better, I think, than a 100 weight fleece + windshirt. The elastic hem works great for me, and the neck fits snug, unlike some collars I've seen.

Fit: I've got a 40" chest and the Men's medium fits snug but comfortably on me (the fit chart has 37-40 inch recommended for medium). Despite the close cut, the waist area has significant extra room compared to the chest. My waist is 33 and I could gain about 15 pounds before my belly would start to take advantage of the stretch fleece side panels. Someone with 40" chest and 36" waist would still be comfy I reckon.

I've had no problems with seams, etc. The quality seems excellent.

Overall, great bit of thermally efficient insulation - but not an action jacket as advertised - thus the 4.