Initial Report: Integral Designs eVent Rain Jacket
Date: May 20th, 2005 Manufacturer Name: Integral Designs Website: http://www.integraldesigns.com/	Product Information Manufacturer: Integral Designs Model: eVent Rain Jacket Year of Manufacture: 2005 Color: Yellow Size: Large MSRP: $220.00 (US) Listed Weight: 9.5 oz (270 g) Measured Weight:            Jacket: 9.8 oz ( 278 g)           Stuff Sack 0.4 oz (12 g)

Product Description

Integral Design eVent® Rain Jacket arrived in good order via Canadian expedited parcel, thus my first clue that Integral Designs is a Canadian manufacturer operating out of Calgary, AB.  The jacket is packaged/mechanized in a flat zip style stuff sack with an information card of specifications/features of the jacket, and properties of eVent® fabric.

The jacket weighed in at 9.8 oz (278 g) and is well within tolerance of the manufacturer’s listed weight of 9.5 oz (270 g) for size large.  The zip style stuff sack, as per the photo, is constructed of silnylon and easily accommodates the jacket.  The stuff sack, at 0.4 oz (12 g), is functional, but I would prefer a standard cinch cord stuff sack, as it would be less prone to damage.  From a marketing point of view, the flat zip style stuff sack makes for an appealing display.  On a positive note, the small stuff sack could be used to store small valuables, that could otherwise slip out of a top closing cinch style sack.

First observation is that the yellow color is pleasing and is not an obnoxious bright neon yellow.  It has a slight burnt orange/golden shade, and immediately caught my wife's attention with a comment on the great color.  The attached photos do a decent job of depicting the color.

I’m of slender build, 6 ft (1.83 m), 165 lb (75 kg), and wear a size 40 sport jacket.  According to Integral Designs sizing chart I should be in a medium, but I generally wear a large to accommodate my longer arms.  No exception with this jacket, as the large fits nicely, and is not overly bulky.  Sleeves fit correctly and there is ample room to accommodate activity.  The sleeves are not articulated, but neither are they confining.

The jacket is cut quite slim; so-much-so that when worn over a down vest, the stitching lines of the vest show through.  I’m definitely glad I requested the large, as a medium would not accommodate under layers.

I found the rain jacket to have the shortest hem of any of my jackets.  Coming in at 28 in (71 cm ) from base of neck seam to bottom rear hem.  A full 2 in (5 cm) shorter than any other large rain jacket I own.  Although not having yet worn it in the rain, I’m anticipating I would prefer a longer hem.

The eVent fabric resembles 3-ply Gortex, with a bonded laminate between nylon.  This one aspect of the jacket is significant, because I’ve never seen a jacket weighing in this light and utilizing 3-ply waterproof/breathable material.  Significant, because I’ve found issues with 2 ply waterproof/breathable material in several of my other rain jackets.  I have two jackets constructed of 3-ply Gortex and find that they perform well in all conditions, but are on the heavy side.  I have several 2-ply rain jackets, and find that they do not breath well and that the laminate wears off or delaminates over time.

The attributes of eVent are available on Integral Design's web site, but in the event this report is being read in the coming years and the data is no longer available, I'll provide a synopsis of the attributes.  Moisture generally passes through waterproof/breathable fabrics in a slow absorption/diffusion process, but eVent fabric offers Direct Venting™ of perspiration through microscopic vents in the membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).  Dry System Technology™ is also utilized and avoids the buildup of moisture within the fabric itself.  Escaping perspiration vapor is not trapped within the fabric, thus eliminating the wet feeling against bare skin.  Additionally, eVent fabric is chemically formulated to repel body oils that would otherwise hinder the laminate's ability to maintain performance.

I have no concerns with the durability of the fabric, and if eVent fabric lives up to the manufacturer’s claims, this is going to be a great experience.  The jacket does not have any venting, such as arm pit zips or chest vents, so it will be interesting.  All my other rain jackets have the ability to vent, and are required to reduce heat and expel moisture.  I had the opportunity to wear the jacket bike riding to work once, and found that I didn’t overheat as badly as I expected. 

There are few frills on this jacket, with only one chest pocket, adjustable elastic cinch cord at the hem, adjustable cuffs, non-adjustable sewn in elastic cord around the hood, and no brim on the hood.  At first wear, I was disappointed in the hood, as I figured I needed a cinch chord to accommodate wearing a brimmed hat and to make it fit correctly.  I soon realized the hood probably fits me better than on any jacket I have.  The hood is small, covers the forehead well, and appears to follow my head when turned.  Although it is premature, the hood appears to retain an open view of where I’m looking without obstructing my peripheral view. A note on the chest pocket; although large, it cannot be utilized as a stuff sack for the jacket.

Test Plan

There are several features of the eVent rain jacket that require testing.  First is the claim by Integral Design that eVent material is a superior breathable fabric that doesn’t require wearing polypropylene underneath to eliminate the sauna feeling.  Of course the jacket needs to accomplish this while maintaining waterproof integrity. 

Second is determining the jacket's fit and functionality.  I’m referring to comfort, ability to not feel confined while backpacking, and ability to maintain an open view with hood in place and wearing a pack.  Jacket length is also a consideration for fit and waterproof integrity.

Unless something drastic happens, durability will likely be something saved for the Long Term Report.  Several factors will be considered, such as shoulder wear, zippers, seam taping, and abrasion resistance.

Testing will be primarily backpacking in central Idaho, eastern Washington, and a trek around Mount Rainier in Washington.  Additionally, I will begin using the jacket immediately while riding my bike to work, as this will provide a good comparison between 3-ply Gortex and eVent in the aspect of breathability.

Most of my May trekking will be dry weather as they will be close to Boise, Idaho where I live, but starting in June it will be the lower Eagle White Cap Wilderness and a couple treks into the lower Idaho Sawthooth wilderness.  July will start with a traverse across the Idaho Lost River Range and I fully expect thundershowers and rain during the night.  Additionally there will be extended weekends into the Idaho Sawtooth wilderness and again thundershowers.

The first week of August is a trek around the rainy Mount Rainier National Park, via the Wonderland trail.  There should be at least two days of drizzle accompanied by scattered rain.  Then it is off to northern Idaho/Montana border for a week or a trip to Glacier National Park.

September will be Oregon Eagle Cap Wilderness for a week, and then on to the Idaho Pioneer mountains, Idaho White Cloud mountains, and Idaho Frank Church Wilderness for early October. 

Other than the Mount Rainier trek, I’m familiar with the weather patterns and fully expect frequent thunder storms and scattered showers in the mountains.  Generally, showers are limited to not more than a day, except in late September and October.  From what I’ve read, scattered rain should be expected for the majority of Mount Rainier.

Summary

Pros:

• Yellow color is very pleasing

• Light weight

• Hood appears to not limit peripheral view

Cons:

• I would have preferred a cinch cord style stuff sack over the zip style

• Short hem, as I would prefer 2 in (5 cm) more in length

Tester Information & Background

Name: Andy Rad

Gender: Male

Age: 47

Height: 6 ft (1.83 m)

Weight: 165 lb (75 kg)

Email: aisrad@cableone.net

I started backpacking 21 years ago, most were short three-day trips, but are now generally five-day.  By backpacking, I’m referring to summer, winter camping, and fall hunting.  About half my trips are light weight solo and the other half with my family.  I used to own a llama, thus allowing me to continue backpacking with my small children.  In recent years I’ve substituted a collie for the llama. When I’m not with the family I tend to take less-traveled trails or bushwhack the hard mountainous terrain in and around Idaho.  The majority of my trips are in central Idaho, with a few into northern Idaho, eastern Idaho, and eastern Oregon.