Integral Designs PLQ Jacket
Delivery and contents
The PLQ Jacket was safely received by mail from Integral Designs in Canada. Attached to it were PrimaLoft Sport and Pertex tags. There was also a small sheet present describing the construction and use of the garment. Included too was a silnylon stuff-sack of appropriate size, well-made and bearing the Integral Designs logo. The jacket was not shipped in this, presumably because the prolonged compression might affect the loft.
Website and Warranty
The Integral Designs website is straightforward and easy to navigate. It presents detailed dimensional information for each of the available sizes (small, medium, large, extra large), along with instructions on how to measure to ensure a good fit.
The warranty is one fairly standard in the gear industry and elsewhere. “All Integral products are warrantied to the original owner against defects and workmanship. If a product fails due to manufacturing defect, Integral will repair or replace it at its option. Repairs due to accident, improper use, or wear and tear will be charged on a time and material basis.”
Features and Design
In order to be certain that the PLQ Jacket fit well, I supplied my measurements to Integral Designs. Taken using the firm's suggested methods as noted on the website, they were as follows:
- Sleeve, arm extended laterally, neck to wrist 28.5 in (72 cm)
- Back, bottom of collar to waist 21.5 in (55 cm)
- Chest, with arms extended 46 in (117 cm)
- Waist 40 in (102 cm)
Despite significant differences between the dimensions I provided and those of the XL version of the jacket that was supplied, (most notably in sleeve length), the match is admirable. The sleeve length was measured on me with my arm extended straight out, and was taken from neck to wrist, whereas the measurement provided by the company as presented on the website appears to follow the curve of the shoulder, which may be a partial explanation for that difference. In any case, the jacket fits me in a manner that I would describe as “snug but not tight.”
As the PLQ is intended as a layering piece and is designed to go over a shirt and probably not too much else, this is exactly what is required. The literature states that the PLQ can “layer comfortably under a shell jacket, perform as a stand alone camp jacket or provide an extra layer of warmth in a lightweight sleeping system.“ There's probably enough room for a light insulating piece, a vest for example, in addition to my usual winter-weight wool or Capilene shirt. I'll be testing to see what underlayers work best.
The jacket gives me complete freedom of arm movement, and even with the thumb loops deployed (see below for details on these) there's no feeling that the jacket is restricting my range of motion, except when I'm reaching directly overhead. When the thumb loops are not in use there's no restriction at all. Since the garment is constructed of Pertex Quantum, a smooth fabric, it slides easily over other layers. All of this is important for its use in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and non-technical winter ascents, which will be my primary uses for the PLQ.
The jacket appears to my eye to be very well constructed. I carefully examined the stitching on the collar, probably the most complex area of the garment, and the word “impeccable“ is actually what comes to mind. The seams are neatly stitched (I counted twelve stitches to the inch, though I'd not claim that this number is definitively accurate). There are no wavering lines of sewing or loose threads. In short, the jacket is of top-notch construction.
As noted above, the shell material (described without name on the information slip as a “20 denier ultra-lightweight microfibre shell and lining fabric“) is in fact Pertex Quantum. This textile, widely used in sleeping bags and lightweight garments, is among the most compressible of shell materials currently available. The fabric is stated to have outstanding durability in the field, an outstanding strength to weight ratio, and silky softness (from manufacturer's label). I can already state that this last is very true; this is a fabric of luxurious feel.
As to the PrimaLoft Sport insulation, the manufacturer (Albany International) claims that it is breathable, fast drying, water resistant, thermally efficient, lightweight and compressible. The last is clearly true; the other aspects (especially breathability) will be examined over the course of the test.
On to features. This jacket is definitely constructed in a minimalist manner. It lacks a full zip or waist draw-cord. Based on casual wearing, the lycra waist stays put just about as well as a draw-cord would. I have slight reservations about the lack of pit zips, but certainly these are not needed in a sleeping piece or a camp jacket, though as a base layer jacket I am curious whether it will get overly damp when I'm exerting (I run hot when hiking). Still, I usually shuck most shells in winter after the first five minutes, and it's likely that once warmed up this will be worn mostly during rest stops during the day, in all but the very coldest weather.
That the insulation is synthetic implies that if through my inattention the jacket does get damp with sweat, the loft and warmth should be almost entirely preserved. This is the great advantage over down offered by synthetic insulation. This is also an advantage in a sleeping system, though truth be told, I've never had a layer of any kind damp out at night. In winter, I often wear a vapor-barrier shirt and socks to minimize the chances of perspiration entering my bag and jacket, though condensation of breath is sometimes a minor issue, if I turn in my sleep in such a fashion that I am exhaling into the hood.
Each sleeve is equipped with a thumb-hole. When the thmb is inserted, this pulls the sleeve over the palm of the hand, and helps ensure that there is no gap between glove and sleeve (as well as providing a little extra warmth on the palm). I think this is a terrific idea, and I find these pretty comfortable to use. I'm looking forward to seeing how they function in the field. The jacket has a longish “bum-warmer“ tail, and this is also an excellent idea. The jacket is of a good all-round length, in fact.
When in the stuff-sack (inserting it does require some care) the dimensions are a reasonable 5 in (13 cm) in diameter, with a height of 7 in (18 cm). This is pretty good compression, and it does take some effort to get the garment in the stuff sack. Thought I own one silnylon compression sack that might be able to take the volume down still further, I do not plan to do so as I have concerns about permanently compromising the loft of the PrimaLoft Sport. Indeed, I will store the jacket out of the stuff sack when not in use.
Laundry seems routine and easy. The recommendation on the rear of the size-tag is to hand-wash with mild soap, and drip dry. Dry cleaning or bleaching (not that one would bleach a black jacket) are not suggested.
Proposed testing Strategy
Testing plan
I will carry the Integral Designs PLQ Jacket as my middle warmth layer in the late autumn and winter (such a layer is something I always have with me in some form, along with a wind shirt, even on the mildest days, on the principle that one never knows when the need for an unexpected bivy might arise). I will also use the PLQ both as a warm daytime layer and as an upper body layer in my autumn and winter sleeping system. I use combinations of garments (including VB layers) in order to push the temperature envelope on my sleeping bag, and I'll be looking to see how much warmth I gain.
I generally hike at least twice a week, ranging from middling trail hikes to out-and-out orgies of bushwhacking. I'll be out to elevations of 5000 feet (1520 m) over the test period. I will be on numerous backpacking trips, ranging from a night or two on up, between now and the end of the test period, in a variety of venues and conditions. Temperatures are hard to predict, but I'd shocked if the jacket does not see weather down to at least -15 F (-26 C), and probably colder.
Testing details
These are some of the issues that I will be looking at as the test proceeds, in addition to those mentioned in this report.
1. Fit
a. How does the XL fit suit my torso type? Is it loose enough for a light additional layer or layers underneath? Is it thin enough for layering over with a shell without causing the Michelin Man effect?
b. How much can be conveniently stashed in the front pocket?
c. Are the sleeves indeed of good length? Do they mate well with gloves as I expect?
d. When used as part of my sleeping system, is the bulk such that it causes any constriction in the bags I will be using?
2. Comfort
a. Is the Pertex shell and lining comfortable against the skin or does its smoothness make it feel a little slick?
b. Is the collar, which seems to be high, comfortable against the neck? Does it continue to be so when worn with a high-necked shell?
c. Is venting through the short neck zip adequate?
d. How smoothly does the zip operate in the field, and is it waterproof?
e: Is the shoulder articulation adequate for a wide range of motion for camp chores?
3. Materials
a. How tightly do the Lycra elasticized cuffs clasp the wrist? Is there any sense of constriction?
b. Is the fabric reasonably resistant to tearing (impact against rocks and branches) and simple general wear-and-tear?
c. How quickly does the PrimaLoft insulation loft after storage in the sack?
d. Will the loft of the jacket remain constant over the test period?
e. Are there any cold-spots in the construction?
f. Does the construction of the garment guarantee that it is reasonably windproof? What level of waterproofing does it possess? If DWR, can the coating be easily renewed?
g. How effective is the PrimaLoft insulation when damp? Does it retain a significant proportion of its insulating ability? Does it dry through body heat quickly or stay soggy if it does become wet?
4. Ease of use
a. How easy is the jacket (essentially a pullover) to put on and take off?
b. How easily can it be tucked in to pants? Is it long enough for this? If so, does it stay tucked in despite the smoothness of the fabric?
5. Warmth
a. Over what range of temperatures is the jacket comfortable when used in camp? When in exertion?
b. What is the approximate measure of additional warmth the jacket adds when used in a sleeping bag, as part of a sleeping system?
I thank BackpackGearTest and Integral Designs for permitting me to participate in this highly enjoyable test.
