Date: July 19, 2005
 Product Information
Product Tested: Integral Designs eVENT Rain Jacket
Manufacturer Website: http://www.integraldesigns.com
Year of Manufacture: 2005
Fabric Description: eVENT Storm 3 layer waterproof breathable
fabric at 3.1 oz/yd2 (105 g/m2) is an ePTFE membrane
sandwiched between a triple grid ripstop face fabric and tricot lining,
100% nylon
Color: Dark green (also available in yellow)
Sizes Available: Small 34-36 in
(86-91 cm) 8.5 oz (242 g); Medium 38-40 in (97-102 cm) 8.9 oz (251 g);
Large 42-44 in (107-111 cm) 9.5 oz (270 g); X-Large 46-48 in (117-122 cm)
10.3 oz (293 g)
Size Tested: Large
Weight Listed: 9.5 oz (270 g)
Weight as Delivered: 9.7 oz (275 g), zippered silnylon storage bag
.3 oz (8.5 g)
MSRP: $220
Product
Description
According to the Integral Designs website, the eVENT Rain Jacket is
“designed to provide protection from rain and wind, this lightweight,
fully waterproof unisex jacket is comfortable to wear all day long.
Features include a fully separating waterproof front zip and an integrated
elasticized hood. Adjustable cuffs and bottom hem are trimmed with black
coated taslan nylon for increased durability. A large (8 in x 9 in/20 cm x
23 cm) vertical zippered breast pocket is designed to store maps and small
items Sizing is snug as the eVENT Rain Jacket is designed for active use
over one or two base layers”.
Information On eVENT Technology
Basically BHA Technologies has developed a “better Gore-Tex”, which is
branded as e-VENT. Both Gore-Tex and
e-VENT are an expanded PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, a.k.a. Teflon)
membrane laminated to a nylon fabric. The difference is that the Gore-Tex
PTFE membrane is coated with a thin layer of polyurethane (PU) on the
inside that is hydrophilic (water absorbent) to make it permeable to
water. The PU layer is necessary to protect the PTFE membrane from fouling
by body oils, but the downside is that it greatly restricts the
breathability of the fabric. BHA Technologies found a way to make the PTFE
membrane oleophobic (oil resistant), so it does not need the breathability-inhibiting
PU coating to protect it from contaminants. The result is a
waterproof-breathable fabric that will move moisture 30%-200% (depending
on humidity level) faster than Gore-Tex XCR.
Field Test Report
Test Locations and
Conditions—During the first two months of testing I have
taken the eVENT Rain Jacket on six outings consisting of snowshoeing, peak
ascents, day hiking, and backpacking.
In early May I snowshoed up to 12,000 ft (3658 m) on two occasions
and used the jacket during periods of snow showers and wind. In early
June I wore the jacket to shed an icy wind on the summit of two 13,000 ft
(3962 m) peaks. On one backpacking trip in the Weminuche Wilderness I wore
the jacket in camp as an outer shell layer over a synthetic-insulated jacket.
Most of my use of the jacket so far has been for wind protection. There
has been very little rain during the past two months, so opportunities to
test the jacket in the rain have been minimal. That will change soon, as
our summer monsoon season approaches I will be subjected to almost daily
thunderstorms.
Quality ,Construction, and Fit—The
construction and workmanship are superb. Seams are sewn straight and
tight. I could not find any flaws whatsoever. The jacket (in size large)
fits me perfectly. It has a trim fit, but there is still enough girth left
for a thin insulation layer under the shell. The sleeves are long enough to
cover my wrists, but not long enough for me to retract my hands. The
jacket is about 3 in (8 cm) shorter than most rain jackets, but still
extends about 6 in (15 cm) below my waist, which seems to be adequate to
overlap rain pants.
Features—Elastic hem around
the hood (no adjustors), waterproof full front zipper, waterproof front
pocket zipper, large front pocket, elastic/Velcro adjustable cuffs,
elastic drawcord bottom hem with two cordlock adjustors, 3 in (8 cm)
dropped tail, set-in sleeves, all seams taped.
 Ease
of Use—The ID eVENT Rain Jacket is elegant
in its simplicity. Integral Designs has done a great job of retaining
essential features while keeping this jacket as simple and light as
possible. I especially like the hood, which has only a simple elasticized
hem on the front (right photo), yet fits very well. Some people may grumble that it
lacks a stiffened brim and multiple hood adjustments. I
usually wear a billed cap under the hood, so I don’t need a brim on the
hood. Also lacking are
features such as a chin warmer, fleece-lined collar, and stow-away hood. I don’t miss these features
either.
I also like the large Napoleon pocket on the front of the jacket. It is
large enough to stow quite a bit of gear and keep it handy. The
water-resistant zippers work smoothly and don’t have a storm flap to get
caught in the zipper.
The jacket fits snug over a down-insulated jacket (Feathered Friends
Helios), but is adequately roomy for a synthetic insulated jacket (Moonstone
Cirrus Pullover or Bozeman Mountain Works Cocoon Pullover). The rain
jacket is shorter than any insulated jacket I have worn it with, so the
bottom of the inner jacket is exposed (left photo). The shorter length of the rain
jacket requires some getting used to. So far, I would prefer to have it a
least an inch (2.5 cm) longer.
Performance—The ID eVENT Rain
Jacket rocks! The eVENT fabric is so breathable that I can detect a light
breeze going through it when wearing it in the wind. I would much rather
adjust underlayers for comfort under the eVENT jacket, than wear a
jacket that has limited breathability. For hiking or other aerobic
activities in cool or overcast weather, I am usually comfortable with a
light polyester or wool hiking shirt under the eVENT jacket. When wearing
the jacket in the sun, I have found that it quickly gets too hot inside,
unless its windy. On one occasion while snowshoeing in early May I
measured the surface temperature of the jacket to be 110 F (43 C), so
it’s no wonder that it gets too hot inside. Under those conditions there
is no need to be wearing the jacket anyway.
The jacket works great as an outer shell layer over an insulating jacket
in camp. I like to wear a rain jacket and pants over insulating clothing
to retain heat and keep my clothes clean and dry on chilly evenings and
mornings.
As mentioned earlier, I have not yet worn the jacket while hiking in the
rain. I expect to do a lot of
that in the next two months, so I should have adequate field testing in
wet weather to report in my Long Term Report.
Suitability
for Lightweight
and Ultralight Backpacking— Lightweight backpacking gear needs to achieve a good
balance of weight, function, and durability. At 9.7 ounces (275 g),
the ID eVENT Rain Jacket is lighter than many conventional
waterproof/breathable rain jackets, which weigh around 12 ounces (340 g),
but is not as light as Propore (non-woven) jackets which can weigh as
little as 5.5 ounces (156 g). However, the eVENT jacket is much more
durable and significantly more breathable. The 4 oz (113 g) of extra
weight of the ID eVENT Rain Jacket is offset to a large extent by its
exceptional performance and durability. In my opinion, the jacket would be
great for lightweight backpacking, but is on the heavy side for ultralight
backpacking. If it weighed less than 8
oz (227 g) I would be very tempted to use it for ultralight backpacking.
Durability—The jacket has
taken a few scrapes and shows no damage so far. I am also testing the Integral
Designs eVENT Shortie Gaiters made of the same fabric.
The gaiters have taken hundreds of miles of rough use with little or no
wear, so that’s a good indication of what to expect from the jacket.
Measurements—Size large:
front zipper 26 in (66 cm), pocket zipper 6.5 in (17 cm), front body
length (chin to hem) 27 in (69 cm), back body length (base of hood to hem)
28.3 in (72 cm), sleeve length (middle of back at base of hood to cuff) 36
in (91 cm); pocket dimensions 11.3 inches wide x 10.3 inches high (29 cm x
26 cm), cuffs relaxed 5 in (13 cm), cuffs stretched 6 in (15 cm), tail
dropped 3 in (8 cm).
Washing Instructions—“Hand
wash with mild soap. Drip dry. Do not dry clean or bleach.”
Current
Impressions—The Integral Designs
eVENT Rain Jacket is designed to minimize weight, yet provide the basic
features that most people want and need. This jacket is an excellent
balance of simplicity and essential features. I like the simple
elasticized hood, water-resistant zippers, large front pocket, dropped
tail, and long sleeves. The cut is roomy enough to layer over a thin
insulation layer. The shorter body length will take some getting used to,
and I will report my likes/dislikes on that later on. At 9.7 oz (275 g),
the jacket is fine for lightweight backpacking, but on the heavy side for
ultralight backpacking.
My Expectations For The Integral Designs
eVENT Rain Jacket—Following is an update on my expectations
for the Integral Designs eVENT Rain Jacket.
- The rain jacket will be totally waterproof and will feel dry inside,
even in high intensity/prolonged rains, at high exertion levels, and
in warmer temperatures. (Not adequately tested, so no comment.)
- The jacket will be very breathable, allowing me to wear it for
extensive periods of time in rain or wind without taking it off. This
includes hiking uphill carrying a pack in warm weather. (The jacket is
very comfortable to wear while hiking in cool, windy, and overcast
weather, but too warm to wear in the sun. More testing is needed under
rainy conditions.)
- I will find the eVENT rain jacket to be an extremely useful piece of
gear, and will want to take it with me, in preference to other
(lighter) gear, on backpacking trips because of its comfort and
versatility. (Not sure yet.)
- The rain jacket will be easy to don over other clothing. The hood
will not restrict my vision. The zippers will work smoothly without
any problems. (True. I really like the jacket’s design simplicity,
and everything works.)
- The rain jacket will be long enough to overlap my underlayers and
rain pants or chaps and maintain dryness inside. (Not adequately
tested.)
- The rain jacket will be durable and will easily handle bushwhacking
and scrambling without serious abrasions, punctures, or seams coming
apart. It will retain its waterproofness even when abraded on the
outside. (Not adequately tested.)
- For lightweight backpacking, the jacket’s comfort and utility will
justify its 9.7 oz (275 g) weight. (Not sure yet. I sure wish it were
2 oz/57 g lighter.)
- The jacket will maintain its waterproof/breathable functions with
little maintenance other than occasional washings following
instructions. (Not enough information to comment.)
- The jacket will be equally functional as windwear as it is for
rainwear. (True, eVENT works great in the wind, and eliminates the
need to also carry a wind shirt.)
Reviewer
Name: Will Rietveld
Age: 62
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft (183 cm)
Weight: 170 lb (77 kg)
Chest Size: 41 in (104 cm)
Sleeve Length: 34 in (86 cm)
Email: willi_wabbit@bresnan.net
City & State:
Durango CO 81301
Location for Testing:
Southwestern US (Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico).
Backpacking Background
I have been an avid backpacker for 47 years. I am retired and backpacking
is my passion. During the summer I backpack nearly every week. During the
fall, winter, and spring I backpack, day hike, snowshoe, or ski every
week. I backpack in wilderness areas in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico,
Arizona, and occasionally in other western states.
Backpacking Style—I have been
a lightweight backpacker for 30 years, an ultralight backpacker for six
years, and have been experimenting with super ultralight backpacking for
two months. My wife and I give presentations on ultralight backpacking in
our local area, and have developed a website called Southwest
Ultralight Backpacking to share information.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Integral Designs and the BackpackGearTest Group for
selecting me to participate in this test.
Will Rietveld |
