More technical product info here |
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| I just received this jacket and haven't had a chance to wear it in trail weather conditions. Usually I'd wait longer to review this sort of product, but there are some basic features of this jacket that aren't covered in the product info or existing reviews on the web I found. It's light and nice, but there are more important things ahead technically. Love the colors on the absinthe jacket, quality seems great. For the basic urban or casual user, what you really want to know is that if you intend to wear this jacket under about 55 deg, you likely need a fleece or warm underlayer below the shell. It's sized generously to allow that. The arms are on the longer side for me with shorter arms, but can be satisfactorily adjusted with the wrist velcro. Technical info: #1. I find some form of shell core venting ESSENTIAL, although Golite does sometimes forego it on breathable jackets. YES! this jacket does have it: the hand warmer pockets are all open mesh, so if you overheat you can unzip them for some direct venting (bypassing the membrane's transport capacity and doesn't require front unzipping that compromises the shell's waterproofness in extreme wet conditions). Full pit zips have indeed been sacrificed for weight. #2. I needed a medium in the Golite ether jacket because of the chest (I'm usually on the line lately for that reason as a size 8ish, but often on the smaller side). I wondered if I should order up an extra size in the paclite shell in order to fit a fleece or other insulating layers. Answer: NO. This shell seems large to me now in the summer, but as I consider and try it on with some winter underlayers, the sizing is probably perfect for a fleece or trim insulated coat, with shirt or thin sweater, and movement space, although I almost wonder whether I could do a small. #3. I may have some minor doubts about the hood, but I think it will be okay. I thought I might want a slightly deeper hood in a downpour if I had my hair pulled back in a bun or pony (I have a large head and medium length hair), but since there's no depth adjuster (just the slightly stiff brim and perimeter bungee cord), it's better spot on than too big; I can change my hair if needed. Yes, the hood roll-up is a little primitive as a "collar", but I almost never wear a shell unless I also need the hood. I totally don't get hoodless outer shells as a concept; I'm much more a hood person than a hat person. Yes, there are some feature sacrifices for the light weight, but many of the extra "features" like more napoleon pockets or velcro rain flaps often tend to annoy me by snagging or getting in the way of zipping. If you agree, this is probably a great jacket for you, too. Hope that helps-- I can't review breathability of the Paclite on the trail yet, but lots of people have done that, and this was the info I would've needed to make a more informed order. |
| Hiker Chick at Sierra Trading Post on 08/15/2008 |
Good value |
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| I bought this as a replacement for a Lowe Alpine paclite model that my dog chewed up (care tip - do not leave dog treats in the pocket of your Goretex!). My original coat was discontinued, and this GoLite was the closest match I could find at a reasonable price. Pros: longer back for better rear coverage, great when biking; fabric flaps extend slightly over the pocket zips allowing you to keep pockets open in mild rain for ventilation; bottom cinch cord is indispensable when it's really windy; extremely light-weight and very breathable; fit is roomy enough to allow for layering but does not bulky when worn as only shell. Cons: no hood volume adjustment, although it fits my pony tail fine; hood can be folded away, but just has a small hook-and-loop closure to "hide it" - not a great aesthetic, but functional. Overall this is a great value for a Paclite-material jacket. |
| Flatlander at Sierra Trading Post on 07/08/2009 |
nice jacket |
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| I didn't realize this jacket did not have pit zips, although it is supposed to be breathable due to the gortex. I would still feel more comfortable with more ventilation options. A similar golite jacket does have them so I just ordered the wrong style. The red color is nice. The fit is somewhat tight in the hips and wider in the shoulder area making me wonder if this was a man's version slightly modified for women. It is nicely constructed and lightweight. I did not test it outside and cannot comment on its waterproofing. |
| rlm at Sierra Trading Post on 05/13/2009 |
so far so good |
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| I have not got the chance to use the jacket yet. I like it so far, first, it's gore-tex at a very good price. Second, it is very light weight. Third, it's roomy enough (I usually order jacket one size up for layering), unlike some other feminine style jacket, so that I have enough room for layering, even with a fleece jacket. I will write some more review once I put it to the real test. |
| camper at Sierra Trading Post on 08/17/2009 |
Nice jacket - it fits! |
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| I like this jacket. It fits me well: it has a good straight cut, not a curvy "busty" woman cut. I can live with the odd roll-up-and-fasten hood. I would have preferred a better hood-arrangement, but at this price I can't complain. I don't know how long the zipper is going to last; it runs a little 'heavy" but so far so good. Would have loved an inner security-pocket - but ... no deal breaker. |
| Kaye at Sierra Trading Post on 07/13/2009 |
Perfect light jacket for summer drizzle |
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| Bought jacket for two week trip to UK during summer. Anticipated that jacket would be useful during drizzly days, and found that it was perfect for trip--lightweight, water resistant, packs to very small volume, and not suffocating in humid weather. Goretex rules. |
| UK trekker at Sierra Trading Post on 08/11/2008 |
Simple but nice... |
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| The jacket was for my wife and the only issue I had was the way the hood rolled up. Not a very neat design for lack of a better term. But none the less, a quality jacket. |
| Texas Aggie at Sierra Trading Post on 04/15/2008 |
A great jacket |
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| I haven't been able to use this jacket yet since it's the middle of summer. However, it seems well made and is extremely light weight. So far so good. |
| KT at Sierra Trading Post on 07/24/2008 |
A recommended buy. |
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| This jacket is great for price and style. It's gor-tex shell is a nice fit and durable. It's definitely a great first buy for me. |
| msquarey at Sierra Trading Post on 04/22/2009 |
Great value, Excellent Product |
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| Think this will be great for hiking/backpacking. Very lightweight yet looks like a quality product. Very similar to my husband's pricey Arcteryx! |
| Suzie the Lite Packer! at Sierra Trading Post on 08/14/2008 |
