Eddie Bauer First Ascent Serrano Jacket

rated 5.0 of 5 stars average rating
Reviewed by 1 Trailspace user

Versatile jacket — excels as a mid-layer, can be…

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $100

Summary

Versatile jacket — excels as a mid-layer, can be used as an outer layer in cool conditions.

Pros

  • Wrist gaiters
  • Stretchy Polartec side panels
  • Eddie Bauer sales

I have had this jacket for a year now and have had the opportunity to test it to its limits.

First, why I wanted to write this review. This jacket is in a segment of the market that is highly congested. Almost every major gear maker has their hand in the mid-weight jacket market. To complicate things even more you have your option of fleece, down, synthetic, wool, etc... I feel this jacket puts itself ahead of the many others with a couple small, but appreciated extras....

Positives:

1) Wrist gaiters


P3180092.jpg
I often don't like wrist gaiters as I feel they cut off circulation, many are built too tight. These however feel really comfortable. They are backed by soft fleece and I have often used them alone to add some warmth if I've forgotten gloves/mittens. They are fully stitched in so no snow can wiggle its way up your wrist..


P3180093.jpg

 

2) Side Polartec panels


P3180096.jpg

Similar to pit zips, these panels can dump a lot of heat while keeping your jacket on. These are made with Polartec's Power Stretch fabric and they are REALLY stretchy. I found it hard to believe, but they allow a lot of natural movement with binding up the jacket. I found it increasingly helpful when ice climbing.

3) Fit.


P3180094.jpg

Obviously this is a very personal thing and won't apply to everyone, but I love the fit of this jacket. For reference I'm 6 feet, 160 lbs and bought the large. I find Eddie Bauer and First Ascent clothing to be cut very slim and this jacket is no different.

I also love that they offer a 'tall' size as well, where the width doesn't increase, just the length. The bottom hem is elastic which I like better than a drawcord as well. The 20 denier ripstop is very soft as help when wearing it as a mid-layer to slide under another jacket.


P3180095.jpg

 

Negatives: If you want to see this jacket's limits look no further than sharp rock or a good bushwacking session. It is clearly not made with that in mind though, and I haven't torn the shell at all in my uses.


PC290021.jpg

Overall, you could find a very similar jacket made by Patagonia, TNF, MH, and the list goes on. I like the little extras, as well as the fact that Eddie Bauer often has great sales prices.


P3180097.jpg

Also comes with a small storage sack, packs up real small and weighs nothing. It's a little thing but an extra little thing nonetheless!

-This jacket has 60g of Primaloft so you can compare that to others when shopping around. I have found it good to -10 Celcius as an outer layer, and about -16 Celcius as a mid-layer with a softshell outer layer.

Please sign in to comment
Do you know someone who might be interested in this?
Share a link to this page via email, Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.
If you've owned or used an Eddie Bauer Men's First Ascent Serrano Jacket, please share your experience.

Where to Buy

Buy Online

The Eddie Bauer Men's First Ascent Serrano Jacket is not available from the stores we monitor.

You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these Eddie Bauer retailers:


Eddie Bauer

You may be able to find it new or used at one of these sites:


Trailspace Classifieds

GearTrade

US | Canada | UK | Aus

Amazon

Retailers: Do you sell this product? List your site here.

MSRP:
$169.00

The Eddie Bauer Men's First Ascent Serrano Jacket is not available from the stores we monitor.

Last seen October 15, 2012 at Eddie Bauer.

where to buy:

You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these Eddie Bauer retailers:

- Eddie Bauer

- other options »

Browse similar products »

Recently on Trailspace

Review: Black Diamond ATC

This style of belay devices is named after this product. It's the Q-tip of climbing. I think my ATC came with a big belay locking carabiner back when I bought it. Read More »

Review: Big Agnes Sunnyside 2

This tent has withstood the test of time! I bought this tent from REI outlet back in 2007 as an upgrade to some gear, along with the footprint. This tent as been… Read More »

Review: Ortovox Thunder 35

Low profile, alpine climbing pack. I bought this pack on closeout at Sierra Trading Post and after using it for a month, I was sad I hadn't picked up a second. Read More »

Review: Scarpa Men's Crux

Low profile, comfortable shoe that works awesome for hikes in to the local crag and to climb in. I have worn the Scarpa Crux approach shoes on a climbing trip through… Read More »

Add your voice to the world's most comprehensive and useful collection of independent outdoor gear reviews. Review Your Gear