| |
Gear Reviews
Documents
Tools
|
Integral Designs PLQ Jacket
Long Term Report - April 1, 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. This is the third of three reports. Please see my initial and field reports for more information.
Summary:
I have continued to use the PLQ jacket as an overcoat when resting on the trail and relaxing in camp and as a mid/outer layer while downhill skiing. I have even worn it while walking my dogs on cold windy evenings. It has continued to do a great job at keeping me warm and shows no signs of wear. It has earned a permanent spot in my standard winter gear ensemble.
 |
Long Term Field Conditions:
A little snow, some windy, cloudy days and some clear desert evenings were experienced while wearing this jacket. My trips included a snowy day hike to Olallie Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Mt Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, an overnight backpacking trip in Joshua Tree National Park, CA, several evening walks with my three dogs and on skiing trips at the Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort. Elevation ranged from sea level to 5000’ (1524 m) and temperatures ranged from 30 to 50 F (-1 to 10 C).
Long Term Test Results:
Not much new information to present. This is a solid warm jacket! I keep it at the top of my pack for easy access. For example while on a snowshoeing trip to Ollalie Lake I slipped it on during a lunch break. The PLQ kept me nice and toasty while eating my lunch and feeding the Gray Jays.
I have also continued to use it as part of my sleeping system and enjoy the added warmth and comfort that the jacket provides. The slick outer Pertex shell allows me to freely twist and turn in my sleeping bag without getting all discombobulated.
I still think that the chest zip does not provide enough ventilation for me to use this jacket while hiking or backpacking. Other than adding a full length zipper or pit zips I don’t think it is possible to ventilate the jacket any further.
One other small nit pick is the thumbhole loops. They are great to wear when I am not gripping something like hiking or ski poles. If I am gripping something they can cause fatigue quicker and can hurt after a while. I also noticed if I am not using the thumbholes they make a good conduit for wind. I found that unless I pull the sleeves down over my gloves, wind will blow right through the hole and make for a chilly spot on my wrist.
|
Improvements:
I would like a greater choice of colors. I would also like to see a full zip version.
Testing Plan:
I evaluated the jacket on the follow characteristics over the past four months.
My answers are in blue.
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? (I have used a t shirt, a long sleeve t shirt and a wool sweatshirt as layers underneath the jacket and did not experience any lack of movement.)
- 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. The jacket is super warm especially when I am doing any sort of aerobic activity. More venting options would be needed to make this jacket friendlier for high intensity activity.)
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? (I have experienced no durability issues.)
- Do I need to be concerned during off trail hiking? (I would not spend too much time in thorns, but I have not experienced any problems over the test period.)
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. I would say it is best between 20 F to 55 F (-7C to 13 C))
- 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. Please read my Field report for more information.)
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 this windy and cold 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
|
