Field and test information
In the approximately two-month period discussed in this Field Report, I conducted three backpacks using the PLQ jacket, along with numerous day-hikes. It was used in sub-freezing weather, down to 20 F (-7 C). At the high end of the range, I was carrying it as a wind barrier at temperatures up to 60 F (16 C). It's generally been an unseasonably mild winter, so far. The elevations at which the jacket was used range from 1200 ft, 366 m (Harriman State Park, NY State) and 3500 ft, 1066 m (Catskills, NY State).
Product Use and Performance
To date, I have been generally delighted with the warmth and functionality of the PLQ jacket. As a fall to early winter warmth layer (something to throw on when stopping to eat, or setting up camp) it's remarkably toasty for its weight. It is, as Integral Designs states, a snug fit (but not tight); however, I find that I can wear it comfortably over a favorite Gore WINDSTOPPER vest (itself worn over a medium-weight merino wool shirt).
This combination works well, but it has one drawback, which illustrates the only significant design change I'd like to see. The vest has a high neck, as does the PLQ. When the vest is zipped up fully, the jacket's zip has a tendency to slip down, and the collar becomes unzipped allowing cold air to enter. All that would be needed to prevent this is a locking zipper, or a tab of fabric extending across the top of the zip, with a patch of Velcro or a similar fastener to which it fastens.
Other than this issue, I have found the PLQ jacket remarkably windproof (I've been comfortable sitting on an exposed, windy ledge eating my lunch in sub-zero temperatures). The weight-to warmth ratio would be hard to beat, it seems to me; it may be a function of design, but I have down pieces of equivalent weight that are no warmer. The Pertex shell appears strong (at least, I haven't ripped it in occasional encounters with stray twigs and the like), although this is not a garment that I'd consider for smashing through brush on a bushwhack, at least not without a shell over the top! So far, he jacket shows no wear-and-tear, despite fairly considerable use, and I'd describe the quality of the construction as robust (no loose threads, loosening seams, or similar issues).
I love the thumb loops at the end of the sleeves. When my thumbs are slipped through, the end of the sleeve cuts across my palm, creating a perfect gaiter between the jacket and my gloves. This isn't needed with mountaineering mitts or gloves that have a long gauntlet, but for gloves of shorter length it means that my wrists are not exposed to the elements. There's enough "give" in the sleeves that use in this manner doesn't cause any limitation to my arm mobility, although the thumb loop does, in a very minor way, feel tight against the web of thumb and forefinger.
I've hiked wearing the jacket a few times, especially on descents. I tend to chill slightly heading down (I'm not expending quite as much effort as on the way up). I'll generally only use the jacket if I'm on my way back to the car, as it's not possible to regulate well with the PLQ, as the only venting possible is at the neck. In consequence, I usually end up with it a little damp, but this is my fault for not stopping and taking it off. I don't consider the lack of "pit zips" or a full zip in the front an issue, as for me use while actually hiking is secondary. I run very warm when I hike, and most of the time don't need any more than a minimal layer, except on the coldest days of winter.
I've not used the jacket in heavy rain (nor will I), but I've used it in light drizzle and in conditions where wet snow is falling from trees, and I have managed to get the exterior pretty well soaked (it is hard to tell whether the insulation within is wetted, though). I find the Pertex reasonably water resistant, but it will soak out eventually. In this circumstance, the jacket does seem to retain its warmth.
As a sleeping layer, it's extremely handy, particularly when first getting into the bag. I'll wear it around camp, then slip into my sleeping bag, and take it off once I start to feel to warm (unless I fall asleep in the interim). The relatively sheer fabric and snug fit is useful in this context, as it doesn't bind as I toss and turn, which can happen a bit with (for example) a loose cut fleece. I tend to roll within my bag, as well as with the bag. It's very hard to quantify added warmth within the context of a sleeping system, but (for now) I have the sense that the jacket adds about 15 degrees F (8 degrees C). It may be more, but conditions so far this winter have been deplorably mild, so I haven't pushed the limit.
In short, the PLQ jacket has proved a very useful addition to my cool- and cold-weather kit. I've used my down shirt and vest very little since acquiring it. Wet down is useless as an insulator, and I rather like the reassurance that I'll stay warm in the PLQ even if (through some mischance) it gets damp or wet.
Summary
In the testing strategy in my Initial Review I outlined a set of questions, many of which I am now in a position to address.
Fit: the XL size of the jacket seems a pretty good match to my body type. I'd not mind a little more room, as I'm a big guy, but "snug" is what the manufacturer's description states, and this is indeed how it fits. The sleeves are of good length, and mater perfectly with gloves via the thumb-loops. It works well with my sleeping bag for extra warmth.
Comfort: the Pertex is a very pleasant fabric, to my taste. The collar of the jacket is comfortable directly against my neck. Venting through the zip is only minimally effective, but I haven't really found this to be a point of concern yet. The jacket doesn't impede movement, so far as I have noted.
Materials: the cuffs are perfectly comfortable and don't constrict, though there's very slight rubbing against the webbing between my thumb and forefinger when the thumb loops are in use. The fabric seems reasonably strong, though I haven't (and won't) deliberately test it to the point of destruction. The jacket has a pretty high loft for its weight, it is quickly achieved after light compression (although I generally prefer to carry it looser than the supplied stuff-sack), and I've noticed no alteration in loft. I've not noted any cold spots in the construction, the jacket is very windproof, and adequately waterproof. It does stay warm when damp; I've not noted any deterioration in performance.
Ease of use: because of the fairly close fit and lack of a full zip, I usually take the jacket off with arms crossed, grasping the hem. This results in an inside-out jacket, but that takes a few seconds to rectify.
Pro
- High warmth to weight ratio
- Sturdy construction and materials
- A useful additional layer for sleeping
Con
- A minor issue, the tendency of the zip to slip when worn over another neck layer.
I thank BackpackGearTest and Integral Designs for permitting me to participate in this warm and cozy test!
