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Integral Designs Dolomitti Jacket
November 5, 2003
Personal Information:
Leesa Joiner
ljo@midmaine.com
Southwestern Maine
41 years old
Female
5'7" (1.7 M)
150 lbs. (68 kg)
Product Description:
Color: Cobalt
Size and Style: Large with zip-off hood
Manufacturer: Integral Designs
www.integraldesigns.com
Advertised weight: 1 lb 8 oz (670 g)
Actual weight: as tested is 1 lb 9 oz (722 g) with hood.
The jacket arrived in a sturdy cardboard box, along
with a stuff sack, another test item and a catalog. The contents were in
perfect condition. I immediately tried it on- right there in the driveway!
It fits very well. The nylon zipper is well constructed and has pulls at
the top and bottom. The seams appear to be well constructed. The Dolomitti
is advertised as an “all-season lightweight jacket” that can be used as part
of a layering system, alone or as part of a sleep system.
The shell and lining are Pertex and the insulation
is a single layer of 5 oz. (142 g) Primaloft with 1"(25 mm) loft. There
is no stitching on the body of the jacket for baffling. The cuffs are made
from smooth, black Spandura fabric.
The two zippered hand pockets are well insulated and roomy. There is
also an inside zippered pocket in the chest area. There are shockcord and
toggle adjustments at the bottom of the jacket and for the hood. They are
secured to the jacket with a loop of fabric. The pocket area, shoulder
and elbows are reinforced with Black Taslan nylon.
The Dolomitti Jacket definitely compares favorably
with the information provided on the web site. What the web site fails
to mention is how good if feels to wear it!
Background:
My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included
trips varying in length from one day hikes to 2-week trips. My experience
hiking began with my father when I was about 6 years old. We hiked along
the river pathways in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. During
cold weather, I backpack, hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, go ice fishing
and winter camp with friends and family. Although I am not a lightweight
backpacker, I am trying to ‘lighten up’ and even have converted to using
a hammock while camping.
Test Plan:
During the test period, I will be participating in
numerous backpacking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trips.
The trips will range from single day to four day trips. All will be in western
Maine, and northern New Hampshire and Vermont. After the first of the year
ice fishing season begins, and I will spend many weekends walking on frozen
lakes checking fish traps with my children.
Over the next 6 months our weather conditions will range from the current
day temperatures of 40-50 F to -20 F (16-21 C to -29 C) with rain and snow.
Most of my outings are done at elevations below 3000 ft. (914 M) on various
types of terrain. Hikes in this part of Maine include some rocky climbing.
How will I actually test this Jacket? Primarily, it
will serve as an outer layer; one that is easy to take off or put on as
needed. Weather conditions change frequently during the winter here in
Maine. One use would be to wear it in the early morning when out snowshoeing,
and once I warmed up, I could stow it in my pack until I either stopped
for a break or the weather turned cooler. Many times, while out hiking,
snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or ice fishing with kids, there is a lot
of time spent standing around, either waiting for someone to catch up or
to finish whatever the activity is. While waiting, I tend to cool down too
much, then it is difficult to warm back up. Wearing this jacket as an easily
removable layer may allow for less perspiration thus leading to less cooling
to uncomfortable levels.
As with most items, the jacket will be tested looking at comfort, durability
and usability. Obviously, if it doesn’t fit comfortably, it won’t get
worn much. I would want a jacket that allows free movement without restrictions.
I have had the opportunity to wear the jacket one
evening- the temperature was 30 F (-3 C). I was able to maintain an even,
comfortable body temperature. I was not engaged in any real physical activity
other than walking at a slow pace. As our temperature continues to drop,
I will be able to test this jacket in more appropriate conditions.
Read more reviews of Integral Designs gear
Read more gear reviews by Leesa Joiner
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