Duofold Multisport Mid Layer Jacket
Initial Report - 6 January 2006
 Jacket in Pinnacles National Monument
BIOGRAPHY
Name: Jeff Jackson
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Height: 5’ 10” (178 cm)
Weight: 185 lb (84 kg)
Website: http://www.tothewoods.net/
Email: jwj32542 at yahoo dot com
Location: Monterey, CA, USA
Backpacking Background:
I have been backpacking for about eleven years. I started as a three-season overnight-only hiker in the North Georgia mountains, and have since hiked in California, Colorado, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Weather has generally been mild (50-85 F/10-30 C), although I sometimes hike in winter (~20 F/-7 C) as well. My current pack weight is roughly 30 lb (14 kg). I generally wear only very light insulation and a wind shell when hiking, even in sub-freezing temperatures.
PRODUCT INFO
Manufacturer: Duofold (http://www.duofold.com)
Product: Multisport Mid Layer Jacket (2005)
Measured Weight (Size L): 11.75 oz (332 g), scale accurate to 1/8 oz (2 g)
Color: Black/Grey
MSRP: $70.00 US
Description
The Duofold Multisport Mid Layer Jacket appears to be an excellent active-wear pullover. The front, back and top of the sleeves are made from a wind and water resistant nylon/spandex weave (shown as black in the picture). This wicking material is slippery on the outside and very soft and comfortable on the inside. A grey Duofold logo adorns the left breast.
A grey strip of stretch material (nylon, polyester and spandex) provides extra breathability along the obliques, through the armpits, and to the insides of the arms. The cuffs have elastic inside the stretch material, providing a snug fit at the wrists.
The half zip measures 13” (33 cm) from the top of the standup collar to the bottom of the zipper, which ends around my sternum, and the top of the zipper has a “pocket” to protect the neck and chin from the zipper head when fully zipped. The zipper pull has a 2” (5 cm) lanyard made from the nylon/spandex material, ensuring easy zipping when wearing gloves.
The stand-up collar provides extra wind protection, and is stiff enough to stand up even when the half-zip is opened. It also comfortably folds down when the extra protection is not needed.
The left bicep has a 4” (10 cm) zipper, which opens into a pocket measuring 5” x 5” (13 cm x 13 cm). This pocket is big enough to hold a small wallet and mp3 player.
 Collar with Zipper Pocket |
 Bicep Pocket |
First Impressions
I am impressed with the overall fit and comfort of this jacket, and the grey stretch material really feels like it will provide extra breathability. It is very easy to put on and take off this pullover. The zippers slide easily and do not appear likely to snag on the fabric, and the pocket is easily opened and closed with one hand. It was a bit tricky to open the half-zip with one hand, but no more difficult than with half-zips on similar garments I have used. When the half-zip is fully closed, the zipper pocket does an excellent job of preventing irritation to my neck and chin.
When I raise my arms to shoulder level, however, the sleeves ride up on my wrists to an uncomfortable level, then the elastic makes the sleeves stay there until I shake them back down. I noticed this shortly after I tried on the jacket, so I think I would have noticed this in the store and opted for a larger size. I have contacted Duofold and requested an XL but have not received it yet. I will include details in the Field Report on how well the XL fits.
Test Plan
Fog, wind, rain, year-round temps averaging 40 F to 70 F (4 C to 21 C)...these are the facts of life in Monterey, CA. It’s a great location with numerous outdoor activities within easy driving distance, but it’s a bit too cool for this Southern boy. I will use the Duofold Jacket while lounging at the beach (it’s usually nippy at Monterey’s beaches), while running in the chilly Monterey wind and fog, and on a kayaking trip around Monterey Bay. I also plan to take several 1-3 day hiking trips to Los Padres National Forest and the Big Sur area, and at least one weekend trip to Yosemite National Park. I will test the jacket in temperatures from ~15 F to 60 F (-10 C to 15 C), and at elevations from sea level to ~10,000 ft (3000 m). I will wear it as a stand-alone garment and under a wind shell for a minimum of 30 days during the test period.
I will evaluate the jacket on the basis of comfort, durability, performance and style.
- Comfort. How well will the XL fit my body? How well do the stretch panels allow the jacket move with my body? Will my shoulders feel constricted when I reach above my head? Will the sleeves on the XL “ride up” on my arms when I reach above my shoulders, like the Large does? Will the shoulder seams irritate my shoulders when I wear my pack? How does the material feel against my skin? Is it comfortable to sleep in?
- Durability. Do the zippers continue to slide easily with one hand? With wear, will they catch any material when opening or closing? Will the cuffs retain their elasticity throughout the entire test period? Does the fabric show any wear over time, such as pilling or fraying? How does it handle the dirt and grunge encountered in the field?
- Performance. How much warmth does the jacket provide? How does it compare to other midlayer garments? How easy is it to put on and take off in the field? How well does it fit under my rain shell? Does the half-zip provide adequate ventilation? How breathable is the material? How well does it move moisture from my wicking layer? How quickly does it dry in the field? How much pack space does it require when compressed?
- Style. Never substitute function for fashion when tooling around town. How good do I look in it?!
What I Like (So Far)
- Very comfortable
- Extra breathability in armpits and elbows should provide a performance bonus
- Bicep pocket is very convenient for activities like running when I do not carry anything in my shorts pockets
What I Don’t Like (So Far)
- Sleeves ride up, but the larger size may remedy this
I would like to thank Duofold and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test this excellent piece of gear.
Jeff Jackson
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