OR - Spruce Run Insulated Jacket - REI
Nov 9 2008 |
Owner Information |
Owner Bio:
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Name: |
David Wilkes |
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E-Mail:
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amatbrewerATyahooDOTnet |
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Age:
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42 |
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Location: |
Yakima Washington USA |
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Gender: |
M |
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Height:
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5' 11" (1.80 m) |
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Weight: |
197 lb (89.40 kg)
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Biography:
I started backpacking in 1995 when I moved to Washington
State. Since then, I have backpacked in all seasons and conditions.
I have usually only managed time for 1-3 trips a year averaging 2-5
days, and as many day hikes as I can. I am currently getting into
condition to summit some of the higher peaks in Washington, Oregon,
and California. I prefer trips on rugged trails with plenty of
elevation gain. While I continuously strive to lighten my load,
comfort and safety are most important to me. My current pack is
around 30 lbs (14 kg), not including
consumables. |
Product Information |
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Manufacturer:
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REI
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Year of Manufacture: |
2007 |
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Manufacturer’s
Website:
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WWW.rei.com |
MSRP:
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US$149.99 |
| Shell & Lining fabric: |
Ripstop nylon |
| Insulation: |
PrimaLoft One polyester microfiber |
| Average Weight: |
15 oz / 425 g | | Measured Weight: | 14.8 oz / 420g (including 0.4 oz / 11 g stuff sack) | | Listed Back length: | 29 in / 74 cm |
Product Description:
The REI Spruce Run is a very lightweight packable PrimaLoft insulated jacket with removable sleeves. | |
Images courtesy of REI
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Owner Review |
Features:
- Ripstop nylon shell resists rain and is windproof to 60 mph
- Insulated
with high-performance, water-resistant PrimaLoft® One synthetic
microfiber to provide soft, low-bulk warmth for very little weight
- PrimaLoft One mimics the physical and thermal properties of goose down, but continues to insulate if wet
- Underarms feature decreased insulation to reduce bulk and increase comfort
- Sleeves zip off to convert jacket to a vest; zippers are color-coded for easy reattachment
- Windflap backs sleek, reverse-coil front zipper; chin guard protects against zipper abrasion
- Features a hem drawcord and stretch binding at cuffs and collar
- Two handwarmer pockets and a zippered inside pocket with headphone port
I
found the Spruce Run to be a very comfortable jacket, the shell and
liner material is quite soft and silky. The entire jacket is lined
inside and out (including the pockets) with the same silky material.
The chin guard is a bit of fleece material on the backside of the
zipper windflap. The elastic cuffs are snug enough to keep out the
draft but not restrictive. The zippers that attach the sleeves to the
jacket prevent the shoulders from stretching, and I find this can make
the jacket a bit difficult to put on and take off, especially when
wearing a thick under layer. A few times, I worried that I would rip
the jacket while trying to get my arm through. The jacket comes with a
stuff sack made from the same material as the jacket, and packs down
very small. Its low bulk has allowed me to use it as an insulating
layer under a shell while still allowing full mobility.
For its weight, I have found the jacket to be quite warm and it does a very good job at blocking wind.
So
far, my only real complaint about the jacket is how delicate the
material is. It snags very easily, on just about anything pointy. I
already have quite a few loose threads from snagging the material on
various objects. As a result, I am very careful when I am wearing it,
and I would never wear it as an outer layer if there is any chance of
brushing up against things like branches and bark. I have even had it
snag on the edge of a grocery store shelf. I have tried pulling the
loose threads, but they simply continued to unravel more. So I tried to
melt them with a lighter, and that seems to prevent them from
unraveling further, but the material is so thin and delicate every time
I do it I fear I am going to burn a hole in the jacket. I have been
trying to ignore the smaller snags and only melting the larger ones.
While
writing this review I discovered that the jacket is supposed to have
color-coded zippers to differentiate the left and right sleeve. Both of
the zippers on the sleeves of my jacket are black and I discovered a
small label inside of each sleeve with the letter ‘L’, from that I
presume I have two left sleeves. From what I can tell this does not
affect the fit or function of the jacket.
Two of the snags in the material |  |
Usage
- Mt Shasta (3 days) - Washington State 14,179 ft (4,322 m)
- Mt Adams (2 days) - Washington State 12,281 ft (3,743 m)
- 2-3 overnight hikes - Washington Cascades (around 4000 ft / 1200m )
- Assorted day hikes and around home/town
I
have worn the jacket quite a bit this year both on the trail and off. I
purchased it specifically for my (failed) attempt to summit Mt Shasta.
I found it too warm to wear during the hike up to where we camped.
Anticipating a very cold night, I slept in the jacket. It was very
comfortable to sleep in, but even with temperatures a little below
freezing, I found I had to keep my bag and bivy partially unzipped most
of the night to avoid overheating. I wore it off and on during my Mt
Adams trip, mostly at camp and during breaks. During my overnight hikes
I mostly wear the jacket at camp and for sleeping. The jacket is very
warm and I find unless it is down around freezing, I overheat quickly
if I am wearing it during heavy activity.
I have worn it a few times
as a vest, but the sleeves are somewhat tricky to remove and reattach
without snagging the material in the zippers, and I fear I might lose
one or more of the sleeves if I take them off.
Summary
Aside
from the very delicate material, I like the Spruce Run primarily for
its combination of warmth, comfort and low bulk. Its light weight and
ability to pack very small, allows me to take it along on just about
any trip. Its low bulk and smooth material allows me to use it under a
shell in wet weather. I have to say that I would probably not recommend
the jacket to a friend without stressing how delicate the material is.
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