Integral Designs PLQ Jacket
Field Report - January 31, 2006
Tester Information:
Name: Jason Boyle
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 6"/ 1.68 m
Weight: 170 lb/ 77 kg
Email address: c4jc@hotmail.com
City, State, Country: Snoqualmie, Washington, U.S.
Backpacking Background:
I have been camping and backpacking for about 17 years. My introduction to the outdoors started with the BSA and has continued as an adult. I have hiked mostly in the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. I am generally a lightweight hiker, but will carry extras to keep me comfortable. Most of my hiking and backpacking takes place in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but I can be found exploring the other wild areas of Washington!
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Integral Designs
Model: PLQ Jacket
Year of Manufacture: 2005
Size: received large, available small through extra large
Color: Black
URL:www.integraldesigns.com
Listed weight: 11 oz (312 g) for a medium
Measured weight: 11 oz (312 g)
**Disclaimer: the closest my scale will measure is in whole ounces**
Listed Dimensions for a large: 47" chest, 45" waist, 32" sleeve, 25" front length, 29" back length
MSRP: 200 USD
Country of Manufacture: Canada
Product Description:
The PLQ jacket is a lightweight insulated jacket with minimalist features. The shell is made of a 20 denier ultra light weight microfiber (Pertex) with 3oz Primaloft Sport fill. The sleeves have reinforced thumb loops, and there is a 12” (30 cm) front vent zipper. Inside of the vent zipper there is a small zippered security pocket. For more information please see my initial report.
Summary:
After two months of use I am happy with the jacket so far. It has done a good job of keeping me warm and cuts the wind well. The jacket is a little warm for aerobic activity.
Field Conditions:
Rain, lots of snow and the occasional sunny day greeted me over the past two months as I used the jacket. I used the PLQ jacket in the outdoors over 8 days the past two months. My trips included an overnight trip to Ollalie Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Mt Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, a two night trip in the Buckhorn Wilderness, in Olympic National Forest, and five ski trips. Elevation ranged from sea level to 5000’ (1524 m) and temperatures ranged from 16 to 45 F (-9 to 7 C).
Field Test Results:
The PLQ continues to fit well. I have noticed that if the jacket is not pulled down all the way wind will find its way up inside of the jacket. I have tried several different layering combinations underneath the jacket. One of the combinations that I used was a synthetic t-shirt and a long sleeve t-shirt and the second combination that I used was a synthetic t-shirt and my Ibex Shak Hoody. Both combinations have worked well and did not restrict my movement.
I have used the jacket as an outer layer and as a mid layer underneath a waterproof shell. The jacket is very warm, and in my opinion is too warm for hiking except in the coldest or windiest situations. Every time I have tried to use it while hiking I have quickly begun sweating, even with the venting zipper completely open and had to eventually shed the layer. The one time it has come in handy hiking was heading down from the Boulder shelter, 5000’ (1524 m), in the Buckhorn Wilderness. It was blowing 25-35 mph (15-21 kmph) and temperatures where in the low 20’s F (-7’s C). I really appreciated the warmth the jacket provided then.
I have found that the jacket is the most useful for me when I have reached my destination for the day. It is easy to slip on once I get to camp and has done a good job of keeping me warm while performing normal camp chores such as cooking and sipping coffee around the campfire.
It also integrates nicely into my sleep system; either as an extra draft collar or as a base layer worn while sleeping. I use a GoLite Feather sleeping bag most of the time and I always have trouble with the zipper getting snagged in the collar making the bag hard to get in and out of. On the trip to Ollalie Lake, I left the zipper partly unzipped and used the PLQ jacket to fill the gap. This worked great and allowed me to easily get in and out of my sleeping bag. I have also worn the PLQ jacket to sleep in on my trip into the Buckhorn Wilderness and it kept me warm and did not hinder my movements while sleeping.
The PLQ jacket also works well as a base/outer layer while skiing. It has provided good warmth and wind protection. On a trip to Mt Baker Ski resort, I used it as an outer layer while skiing in heavy wet snow. The snow eventually wetted out the Pertex shell, but did not permeate past the Primaloft. Even with the jacket’s shell wetted out, my upper body never felt cold.
The jacket has proven to be durable thus far. I have not noticed any pulls, tears, or wear spots, even after a few falls while skiing. I will continue to monitor this over the next two months.
Improvements:
The only improvement that I can think of at the moment would be offering the jacket in multiple colors.
Testing Plan:
I will look for the following characteristics in this jacket over the final two months of this test period:
My answers based on the first two months of use are in parenthesis and italics.
Fit:
- How well does the jacket fit? (The jacket fits well. It has an athletic cut that fits snugly with room for a couple of base layers underneath.)
- Is the sleeve length proportional to the jacket size? (Yes, and the thumb loops fit naturally. I am able to “hug” myself even with the thumb loops on and only feel a slight tug from the thumb loops against my hand. If the jacket sleeves were too short I would not be able to “hug” myself.)
- Since there is not any sizing information on the ID website all the sizing information; chest, sleeve length, body length, and neck size will be provided. (See product information at the top.)
- ID says this jacket can be used as a layer or as outerwear, but can I realistically wear anything under the jacket? (A couple of small base layers, for example, a t-shirt and a long sleeve t shirt.)
- Do I need to wear anything under the jacket? (No, but I find it more comfortable to wear at least a t shirt.)
- Is the 12” (30.5 cm) venting zipper adequate for venting the jacket during high intensity periods?(Not in my opinion. See the above paragraphs for more clarification.)
Durable:
- I don’t normally baby my gear, so it is important for my gear to be durable.
- How durable is the ultra light 20 denier fabric? (After two months there is no noticeable wear.)
- Do I need to be concerned during off trail hiking? (So far I have not had any issues.)
Warmth:
- What temperatures is the jacket most comfortable in? Yes I know this is subjective to the wearer, but it is still important information! (Hiking, even below freezing, generates too much heat for me. It is great though around camp and while downhill skiing.)
- Does the Primaloft insulation provide wind resistance? (Yes!)
- Does the Primaloft insulation provide protection and warmth if it is wet as is likely to happen in my part of the world, like ID says it will? (The jacket provided great warmth when it got soaked during a heavy wet snow fall on Mt. Baker.)
Style:
- Living here in the trendy Pacific Northwest is this jacket stylish enough to wear on a rainy day diaper run to Target or while out at dinner in downtown Seattle? (I have enjoyed wearing it around town on the windy and cold days we have had so far this winter.)
Thanks to BackpackGearTest and Integral Designs for the opportunity to participate in this test.
Read more reviews of Integral Designs gear
Read more gear reviews by Jason Boyle
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