Analytical Daniel

As a man who sweats at the drop of a hat, I have long searched for a rain jacket that breathes and adds minimally to my temperature. Three days ago, I had occasion to hike in my new Oracle for seven hours of constant rain ranging from drizzle to downpours. The temperature began at a pleasant 68, and quickly moved to 84. The Oracle never gave me that clammy feeling at the neck and chest that even the best of its predecessors did. The vents and pockets proved useful and just where they needed to be. My only concern is that the sizing is a bit small in the chest, and Marmot seems to think our arms are about an inch longer than reality. In all, this is my best rain gear by far!

The North Face says the Gear Loft One works with the Tadpole, but it is too wide, thus hanging in your face. With four gear pockets, the Tadpole doesn't need this or any loft; put up some cord instead!

While TNF remains the king of bombproof tents, this one's not in that great tradition. It is as flimsy as its impossibly-light weight would suggest. It is susceptible to side winds, requires full guying in the lightest breezes to feel secure, and for all the weight-saving mesh in its sides, it is not at all well-ventilated. Its top-tier price makes it all the more disappointing. Good wall verticality and large size for the "two-man" (one with elbows) category are the lone positives.