Cyclone Parka

By sha4540159 Ranked #445 - Women's Rain Jackets April 20, 2011

Overall it's a great jacket but could use one or two improvements to get a 5 star rating. It hasn't rained enough for me to really test how waterproof yet so the review is more on fit and jacket features.
My one big complaint is that the "pit zips" run from about elbow and stop 2 inches shy of the armpit. Very poor location. They don't help vent heat because of the placement.
I wish the jacket was 1-2 inches longer. I really wanted a parka length and this is somewhere between ending at the hip and a true parka. I'm average height for a woman (5' 6") so it isn't because I'm too tall. Won't quite keep my tush dry when cycling in the rain.
Jacket is very lightweight. Perfect for backpacking or anytime weight might matter.
Love the soft collar lining. I wish the whole jacket was lined with a light mesh because it does feel a bit cold/clammy when worn over short sleeves. The description says tricot liner but the jacket is unlined.
I really love that you can cinch in the waist through the pockets and don't have to unzip your jacket. Cool feature.
Minor complaint- the jacket has velcro closures for the zipper flap. I really prefer snaps. The velcro catches my long hair and drives me crazy.
Overall good fit. I'm 5'6" and 140lbs. I bought the medium. I can put my down jacet under it for warmth but not a lot of ease when wearing both. An extra inch in width at the bottom edge would be nice for those of us with curvy hips.
I bought the plum color which is gorgeous.
So Sierra Designs- add an inch or two in length, move the pit zips to the proper location, line the jacket with a light mesh and this would be a 5+ star jacket.

View Details: Sierra Designs Cyclone Parka - Women's

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