initial thoughts

By abl5339199 January 14, 2012

I was super excited to get this jacket, but a little bummed after my first use. I used it on a 20 degree night with moderate snowfall all night. I had it over a lightweight fleece and two very light long underwear.

Pros: super breathable (I cart some small kids around the ski hill). Absolutely windproof and waterproof. It felt great to be able to pick up a kid and move to the next lift without getting all clammy underneath. Plenty of pockets for stashing the family's gear (or your backcountry gear if you are cooler than me :)
Cons:
Within an hour of use there was a small rip right in the chest area. This was not on a seam, and wasn't caused by hitting anything, so I have no idea why it would fail.
The fit was unusual. Snug on the hips and baggy in the chest area. I am 5'8" with a 38 inch chest, medium build. The medium puffed out enough that it looked a little ridiculous when I sat down (sleeves were long but that is usual for me). I noticed on the product tag (didn't see it anywhere on the website) that it is an "oversized" look. I'm ordering the small to see if it fits better.
Minor inconveniences: tall chin guard and smallish hood meant I had to unzip the chin guard to put the hood over my helmet. It fit great on the helmet, though, and stayed in place, so I could live with that.
The fabric is quite noisy and stiff; not sure if that would be less so once it was broken in a bit.
The mesh pockets are ok, but I wish there was one non-mesh so that I could stash a pair of wet kids gloves without soaking my clothes underneath.

Despite these complaints I'm trying out the small; hope that fits better. I'm also ordering another jacket to compare.

UPDATE: got the small. Fits better, though arms still long. I'm sending it back in favor of the Marmot Tamarack, which is just as breathable but a much quieter fabric and better fit for me.

View Details: Sierra Designs Rad Jacket - Men's

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