ProsGreat Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
I bought this jacket recently before heading to Alaska for vacation. It was wonderful when we were on a boat in Seward and it started to sleet (in July). I wore a fleece under it and everything was great. I love the fit! It, also, kept me warm in Denali when it got windy. I love everything about it!
To give it an accurate rating this coat has been worn through an entire wet, windy Manchester UK winter before I write this review. First it must be noted: this coat is not insulated. Initially I was miffed that it was not designed to have a zip-in liner. But hey! I wore it with a cheapo vest from a reputable supermarket and it was definitely warm enough all winter. Its utility lies in the high-techy fabric: outside a highly waterproof tight woven stuff and inside something like finely woven aluminium which is windproof and keeps the heat in, while also being breathable and never sweaty. So you can drive in it as well as go walkies in all the most wretched weather. Pockets in the right places include a safe inside wallet pocket and a cell phone pocket, plus your regular hand-pockets. None look too bulgy when decked out with contents. Elastic in the hood is adjustable but the toggles don't stay put, I discovered this after loads of fiddling on a really rainy day. That's the only slight criticism. The fabric does crinkle like a candy wrapper but it's early days for the Gore-Tex folk; they'll make "silent" fabric maybe in the next decade. Note of caution: first time I washed it, the washing instructions (which are printed in some sort of plastic print on the inside of the coat) peeled off in stretchy filmy bits. Not to worry. It washes fine. I do hope the coat proves to be durable, because it was expensive. So far: worth it.
