Even although this summer time and fall have been comparatively dry in my components, it’s nonetheless sensible to hold a rain jacket. And as soon as November hits, you really want a rain jacket. REI’s Swiftland H20 Working Jacket was designed with runners in thoughts, however does it additionally deserve a spot in your backpack? Time to seek out out.
REI Swiftland H2O Working Jacket (Girls’s) At-a-Look
MSRP: $149.95
Supplies: Ripstop nylon (Bluesign permitted)
Waterproofing: 2.5-layer laminate
Weight: 10.4 ozREI weight. My massive tipped the scales at 10.9 oz
Origin: Imported
Circumstances of Overview
I acquired the REI Swiftland H2O Working Jacket in mid-summer and have labored exhausting to get it out within the rain throughout this very dry summer time and fall within the Midwest. It has traveled with me on climbing, tenting, and backpacking journeys to Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore in Michigan’s higher peninsula, Massive South Fork Nationwide Recreation Space in Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and all through Ohio.
Since Working is within the identify, the jacket has taken some soggy path/highway runs as properly. I’m 6’ 2”, 180 lbs, and the scale massive match properly.
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Meant Use
Like the opposite gadgets within the Swiftland line, REI states one of the best makes use of for the rain jacket are working, path working, and health. Since that is The Trek, I assumed I ought to take it tenting and climbing as properly.
REI Swiftland H2O Working Jacket Options
Put on it anyplace: Whereas it’s totally taped and waterproof, the softshell end and quite a few particulars end in a jacket that appears good and is comfy to put on. Actually, not one I’ll want to cover deep within the pack when it’s not raining.
Waterproof, but breathable: The material itself is breathable, however there’s additionally main air flow inbuilt throughout the again. The jacket was pleasantly “ethereal” whereas working or on a day hike. Nevertheless, sporting a backpack blocks the vent, defeating a significant good thing about the design.
Small particulars: The emblem and small areas on the sleeves and again are reflective, serving to with visibility if highway working in rain/low gentle. The sleeve ends are elastic to assist hold the rain off your arms. The pockets may be zipped closed and the jacket itself may be packed into its personal pocket.
Revolutionary hood: I hardly ever use a hood except it’s pouring. Typically, I’ll simply put on a ball cap as a substitute, particularly once I’m working. In these circumstances, a hood can actually be a ache within the neck. In actual fact, I’ve gone as far as to chop the hood off one in all my rain jackets (it didn’t end up properly).
The hood on the Swiftland was a nice shock although. After I did put on it, it match properly, particularly over a cap, and could possibly be simply adjusted to remain off my face once I turned my head.
After I didn’t put on it was the place it actually shined. The “hanging loop” mixed with a small hook allowed me to roll the hood up and out of the way in which when not wanted.
How’d it do?
When working or simply climbing out within the rain, the jacket labored nice. I stayed dry, but didn’t really feel like I used to be caught in a sauna. Breathability was good. The hood labored properly once I wanted it and stayed out of the way in which once I didn’t. On high of that, it’s a cushty, handsome jacket.
For backpacking nonetheless, it’s simply not that nice of a match. As talked about earlier than, a backpack closes off the principle air flow. And when it does, it’s noticeable. Plus, when in comparison with the competitors, different choices are lighter and pack down smaller.
Left to proper: Helium, Nalgene, Swiftland.
For comparability, my Outside Analysis Helium Jacket is what I sometimes convey backpacking. The exhausting shell end is a bit noisier and the hood doesn’t match as properly, nevertheless it packs right down to nearly nothing and has a broadcast weight of 6.3 oz. Whereas sporting a pack, the breathability of the 2 appears comparable, giving a slight edge to the Helium. Since rain jackets spend more often than not inside my pack, the burden and measurement financial savings are extra necessary than the again vent which isn’t actually helpful for my software.
REI Swiftland H2O Working Jacket Execs
Fills its function: The REI Swiftland H2O Working Jacket is a cushty, well-made rain jacket. When working, it retains you dry whereas letting your physique moisture escape higher than most different rain jackets.
Nice particulars: The zippered pockets, well-designed hood, reflective accents, and total building end in a jacket I’ll seize even when it’s not raining.
REI Swiftland H2O Working Jacket Con
Not one of the best for backpacking: Working and backpacking are considerably completely different sports activities. Whereas I’m hard-pressed to consider a con when utilizing the jacket for working, its particular design doesn’t translate to an awesome thru-hiking rain jacket. The additional few ounces that imply little on a day hike or run are exhausting to justify on a multi-week hike. The big again vent serves no function when it’s smashed shut by a pack. Pit Zips would supply a lot better air flow underneath these circumstances.
Total Worth
Morning espresso on the large lake they name Gitche Gumee.
At $149.95, this jacket just isn’t low cost. For those who want a rain jacket for working although, and don’t thoughts paying a bit extra for superior design and building, it’s positively value contemplating. If nonetheless, you’re looking for a rain jacket for climbing the AT, I’d hold wanting.
Store the Males’s Swiftland H2O Working Jacket
Store the Girls’s Swiftland H2O Working Jacket
Comparable Rain Jackets
Outside Analysis Helium Jacket (Girls’s)
MSRP: $170
Weight: 6.3 ounces
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket (Girls’s)
MSRP: $299
Weight: 5.4 ounces
Enlightened Tools Visp Rain Jacket (Girls’s)
MSRP: $250
Weight: 6.4 ounces
Disclaimer: The REI Swiftland H2O Working Jacket was donated for the aim of evaluate.
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