Packable minimalist protection

By James MacDiarmid Ranked #1291 - Men's Rain Jackets August 25, 2008

This jacket is light and packs up small. There's no reason not to bring it along. At 5'11" 170 lbs with a 42 inch chest, the large fits me quite well. I like the length a lot. The Gore-tex Paclite is crinkly, but not annoyingly so. It was look pretty wrinkled after being balled up, but flattens pretty quick with wear. I've only had it out in light rain so far, where it did the job well. I simulated a downpour in my shower, and there were no leaks after 15 minutes. The elastic cuffs fits fairly tight, but without velcro closures will let in a little seepage up the wrists. (But so will cuffs with velcro, eventually). The hood is compatible with my bike helmet, and for having only one pullcord to adjust size, secures incredibly well on my head, with helmet and without. The brim worked pretty well and keeping water off my face too. The Paclite breathes pretty well for me, and I can wear it running on foggy 50 degree mornings as a windbreaker and not sweat horribly much more than I do wearing a wool base layer, standalone. Breathable enough that on cooler days, without the exertion of too much uphill climbing, I think it serve as a wind jacket. The elastic cuffs can be pushed up my arms to adjust to warmer conditions/exertion, though I'm not sure how long it will be before that causes them to lose elasticity. The Paclite is thin, but has seemed good so far, not snagging in a couple minor encounters with bushes, but I don't plan on testing that any further except accidentally. Overall, a great addition to your gear, especially if you can get it on sale. For full price, I might just go up to the Celestial, for 3 ozs extra but adding handpockets and pitzips.

View Details: Outdoor Research Zealot Jacket - Men's

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