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Reviews > Clothing > Jackets and Vests > Mishmi Takin Qaras Softshell > Test Report by Brett Haydin

MISHMI TAKIN QARAS SOFTSHELL JACKET

Initial Report - April 29, 2018
Field Report - coming soon
Long Term Report - coming soon

TESTER INFORMATION


NAME:  Brett Haydin Tester
EMAIL:  bhaydin AT hotmail DOT com
AGE:   45
LOCATION:   Madison, Wisconsin, USA
GENDER: M
HEIGHT:   5' 11" (1.80 m)
WEIGHT: 200 lb (90.70 kg)
CHEST: 44 in (112)
WAIST: 36 in (91 cm)
SLEEVES:   33 in (84 cm)
  
 
I started backpacking in Wisconsin as a youth, being involved in Boy Scouts programs. As a young adult, I worked at a summer camp leading backpacking, canoeing and mountain biking trips. I now generally take short weekend or day trips. I plan several longer trips each year in different parts of the US, where I typically carry about 40 lb (18 kg). I prefer to be prepared and comfortable, but I have taken lightweight trips as well.

Initial Report

Product Information & Specifications

Manufacturer: Mishmi Takin Qaras
Year of Manufacture:   2018
Manufacturer's Website: www.mishmitakin.com
MSRP: $180 US
Listed Weight: 30.6 oz (868 g)
Measured Weight: 30.2 oz (856 g)
Color Tested: Pirate Black (also available in Dirty Yellow)
Size Tested:  L (also available in XYZ)
Material: Outer: 86 % Polyester, 14% Spandex ; Fleece Lining: 100 % Polyester
Warranty: Not stated Photo: From Mishmi Takin's website

Other Details provided by Manufacturer

  • Fabric Waterproof rating – 10,000 mm, Fabric Breathability rating – 10,000 g/m2 
  • Made in Vietnam

Product Description

front
back
The Qaras softshell jacket
The Mishmi Takin Qaras is a softshell, hooded jacket. The Qaras, which I may refer to as jacket, is constructed of a 86% Polyester/ 14% Spandex material for the exterior. It is both streatchy and waterproof. There is a logo imprinted on the wearer's left chest as well as in the center of the back. The hood is well sized, but not large and bulky. There is an elastic draw cord with dual cord locks that wraps around the frame of the hood and another in the back of the hood to help shape it to my noggin better. The rear cord wraps around the top of my skull, as opposed to other hoods I have used that simply pull the top of the hood back. There is a small visor built into the hood as well. The hood is not detachable, nor does it stow away.

The Qaras is lined with a furry, orange layer of fleece that contrasts nicely with the pirate black, which has an almost blueish hue. The manufacturer states this high loft fleece is for superior warmth, but I think it is exceptionally cozy! This lining extends the full length of the sleeves as well as in the interior. The sleeves end with a Velcro cuff adjuster that can make the ends as tight or as loose as I want. The jacket has an elastic cord that is sewn into the hem and can be adjusted with two cord locks located inside the jacket. There is a full length zipper that has a nice orange, contrasting color.

The jacket has two large pockets, one on either side of the jacket for my hands and loose items. The pockets measure 13 by 5.5 in (33 by 14.0 cm) and can be closed with a 8 in (20 cm) zipper with a zipper pull with the orange accent color. The pockets are not lined with the soft lining material as the rest of the jacket, but rather has a mesh material on one side while the other, jacket-facing side of the pocket is lined with fleece.  There are also pit zips
that measure 14.5 in (36.8 cm) long, each with two zipper pulls for a wide range of adjustments.

Initial Impressions

The Qaras is a good fit. I ordered the large size based on the manufacturer's size chart. I do find the shoulders to be a little tight, but I have broad shoulders. The fleece lining is very nice and I find that wearing the Qaras is a very pleasant experience! Just trying on the jacket and wearing it around quickly, a little bit of the orange fleece has rubbed off on my base layers, but I hope this is just normal for a break in period. I do like the fit of the hood. It cinches up nicely to really fit the shape of my head quite well.

The jacket is certainly functional for many of the weather conditions I expect during this test series. Nights in Wisconsin can get rather cool, even into July and August. Likewise, rain in the midwest is fairly regular. I did manage to test out the waterproof material in the sink. Water beads right off so I hope it can hold up in a full day downpour! I would have preferred for the pocket lining to be fully fleece-lined, but they are not uncomfortable at all.

Reading the Instructions

The manufacture's care instructions include to wash in cold on a gentle cycle. I should use powdered detergent and should NOT dry clean nor use bleach. I can tumble dry on low and it can be ironed on low as well.

Summary

The Mishmi Takin Qaras softshell jacket is well-constructed and comfortable. It seems warm and seems to shed water well. I am excited to get this out in the field! .

Pros: Comfortable! I love the stretchy nature of the jacket too. Good construction.
Cons: A little tight in the shoulders. A little on the heavy side.

This concludes this initial report I would like to thank Mishmi Takin and BackpackGearTest.org for allowing me to test the Qaras softshell jacket. Please check back in approximately two months to see how the jacket is performing in the field.


Field Report

Field Conditions

Coming soon!

Observations




Long Term Report

Field Conditions

Coming soon!

Observations




Read more reviews of Mishmi Takin gear
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Reviews > Clothing > Jackets and Vests > Mishmi Takin Qaras Softshell > Test Report by Brett Haydin



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