User Review: REI Icon Jacket

REI Icon Jacket
Above: The current Icon Jacket, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed January 10, 2008 by Gear-Guru

Rating: rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Fabric: REI Elements
Price Paid: $89.73

This is a great jacket. You are looking at an ultralight jacket here so let me rephrase....this is a great jacket if you are looking for an ultralight jacket. I've had mine for a year now and I am VERY happy with it.

Reviews like the other one here always make me grin; what this consumer wanted was more general use (or multi-purpose) waterproof breathable jacket when weight is not really an issue, but what he bought was an ultralight jacket...a jacket that sacrifices so wonderful features in order to keep weight down and make the article very packable.

If weight and pack size are not more important than the features you loose on an ultralight jacket, then don't buy this or most other UL jackets because if you do you will have complaints like the ones listed here and in other reviews.

The Icon jacket is made of REI's 3 layer elements (a "Gore-tex like" fabric). This is usually considered more desirable than the 2 layer fabrics. Like on many outdoor coats the pockets are raised up to keep bulk away from you hips (for harnesses or waistbelts that may be used). But the pockets are also positioned here to act as part-time pocket, part-time pit-zips. This compromise/dual feature is to cut down on weight and bulk. I have found this to be very nice. If I need the pit zips, I just transfer the contents of my pocket to pack's waistbelt pocket.

The fabric is not as water-resistant an other Gore-tex-like fabrics...even REI's own normal weight 3 layer elements in fact. The fabric is thinner to keep weight and bulk to a minimum...(broken record time).

The REI Icon is a great coat if it is used for what it was intended, a highly packable, light weight water repeller. It's not intended to go with you up Rainier.

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