User Review: Red Ledge Thunderlight Parka

Red Ledge Thunderlight Parka
Above: The current Thunderlight Parka, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed January 14, 2005 by Mitch B.

Rating:
Fabric: 100% nylon with Red Ledge's TH-4 'waterproof'/breathable technology

In the summer of 2004 I took this jacket on a backpacking trip to Ireland, and I was extremely disappointed. I found the jacket to be completely useless in the rain. Perhaps I just happened to get a bad one from the store, but it turned out that this material, TH-4 or not, was completely saturated by water each and every time it made contact with rain.

When I returned home, I decided to run the sleeve under the faucet (something I should have tried before I left) and determined that in fact the water was leaking right through. I was not wearing the jacket during the test, so I know it was not sweat condensation on the inside.

All in all, this jacket is quite windproof, which is appreciated, but it failed to perform its one required duty -- to keep me dry in the rain. The PANTS, however, were fantastic and consistently kept my legs dry and comfy.