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Reviews > Rain Gear > Jackets and Pants > Adidas Wandertag Mens Rain Jacket > Test Report by Brett Haydin

Adidas Wandertag Men's Jacket
Test Series by Brett Haydin
Initial Report - April 25, 2016
Field Report - July 8, 2016
Long Term Report - September 19, 2016


TESTER INFORMATIONAuthor

NAME: Brett Haydin
EMAIL: bhaydin AT hotmail DOT com
AGE: 43
LOCATION: Madison, Wisconsin, USA
GENDER: M
HEIGHT: 5' 11" (1.80 m)
WEIGHT: 200 lb (90.70 kg)
CHEST: 42 in (107 cm)
WAIST: 36 in (91 cm)
SLEEVE:33 in (84 cm)

I started backpacking in Wisconsin as a youth, being involved in the Boy Scouts programs. As a young adult, I worked at a summer camp leading backpacking, canoing and mountain biking trips. I now generally take short weekend or day trips. I plan several longer trips each year in different parts of the US, where I typically carry about 40 lb (18 kg). I prefer to be prepared and comfortable, but I have taken lightweight trips as well.



Initial Report

Wandertag
Image courtesy of manufacturer

Product Information & Specifications

Manufacturer: Adidas
Year of Manufacture: 
2016
Manufacturer's Website: www.adidas.com
MSRP: $99 US
Listed Weight: n/a
Measured Weight: 17.1 oz (488 g)
Color Tested: Green
Size Tested: Large (also available in S, M, XL)
Breathability: 10,000 g/sqm/24hr
Warranty: 30-day return policy, no questions asked

Other Details provided by Manufacturer

  • climaproof provides breathable, waterproof and windproof protection from extreme weather
  • Front zip pockets; Security pocket inside left chest; Ventilation pockets
  • Full zip with pre-shaped hood for best protection and improved comfort; Adjustable hook-and-loop cuffs
  • Drawcord on hem for adjustable fit; Mesh lining
  • Regular fit
  • 100% polyester dobby
  • Imported – Made in Bangladesh

Product Description

The Adidas Wandertag Solid Jacket (or just “jacket” or “Wandertag”) is a waterproof, breathable, hooded jacket. The jacket comes with four hang tags, two of which describe the waterproof technology as climaproof. The other hang tags are a brand tag and a sales tag. The jacket comes with a hood that has a bill and a draw cord to help keep the wind, rain and snow out of my face. Since it is almost summer as I write this, I don’t think I need to worry much about the latter!

The Wandertag could easily be mistaken for any other rain jacket at first glance. A closer inspection shows much more. The lining of the jacket is part mesh, part polyester. The mesh covers my back while the polyester lines the sleeves and front. There is a polyester-lined pocket on the inside of the jacket. The inside collar is lined with microfleece as is inside, near the top of the front zipper. I really like that last feature on my jackets.

The full length seamless zipper has an easy-to-grasp pull string. The zippered side pockets have a similar pull string, but are not as seamless as the front. The pockets do have a rain flap covering the zipper. The pockets are also lined with the same polyester fabric as the lining. It is soft and pleasant to touch. The bottom hem also has a draw cord to keep a tight fit if desired.

The sleeves are the perfect length for me. They have hook and loop closures to keep the weather out. There is an Adidas logo on the left sleeve. The word “climaproof” is also printed on the jacket, but at the bottom left front panel.

The hood stows away in a pocket on the back collar. The hood rolls up and is held in place by a hook and loop tab. The hood also has a hook and loop tab on the back to help make it even more adjustable.

Zipper

Seamless Zipper

Initial Impressions

I like the way the Wandertag fits. With a regular cut (as opposed to athletic), the jacket has enough room to not feel claustrophobic, and yet not so much to feel bulky. The zippers are all easy to operate and the craftsmanship is exquisite. The materials feel top-notch. I had a chance to try the jacket out in a brief drizzle and the water just beads off the jacket.

I also like the polyester dobby. It gives the jacket just enough texture. I also like the lining of the pockets. The soft polyester is nice and I think that on a cool morning hike, they will do nicely keeping my hands warm. I am a little confused by the website stating there are "ventilation pockets." The lined pockets have no obvious signs of egress for perspiration. With no other ventilation, I am anxious to see how breathable climaproof is! Bring on the muggy summer!

Reading the Instructions

As with many jackets I have owned, the care instructions are provided by the sewn-in-tags on the interior of the jacket. Adidas states that the jacket should be machine-washed on delicate in cold water. It warns to not use fabric softener. But it does recommend tumble-drying to reactivate the waterproofness. It also recommends that I wash and dry with the fasteners closed.




Field Report

Wandertag on Ice Age
Hiking across a stream on a cool morning along the Ice Age Trail

Field Conditions

Since receiving the Wandertag, I have been on three backpacking trips in surprisingly diverse areas. My first trip was a 10 mi (16 km) loop in the Kisatchie Wilderness Area in Louisiana. The weather was quite warm, with a high of 86 F (30 C) and a low of 54 F (12 C). Sadly (?!) there was no precipitation, although it was quite humid! The forest was spotted with mesas, bogs as well as some impressive stands of trees. 

My second trip was a 20.7 mi (33.3 km) overnight along the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. Temperatures were between 44 and 75 F (7 and 24 C) with no precipitation. It was rather cool in the morning, so I used the Wandertag as a shell early in the day until it warmed up some. The trail follows kettles and moraines (very hilly) with mud and rocks along the way.

My latest backpacking trip was 16.8 mi out-and-back to San Gorgonio Peak along the Vivian Creek Trail in California. The weather was again pretty good with temperatures between 44 and 80 F (7 and 27 C). Again, I had no precipitation, although the jacket provided some relief from the winds. The trail was quite steep at times with over 5,000 ft (1,500 m) of elevation gain and a mix of subalpine forest and a whole lot of rocks. I’m not going to lie, it makes me want to go back for the 9 peaks challenge!

While my backpacking did not provide me any rain (armadillos? Yes! Rain? No…) I certainly got rained on wearing the jacket around town. We get quite a bit of rain in Wisconsin and while this spring and early summer has been “light”, we still have had more than 6 in (15 cm) of rain in the past two months. I took the Wandertag on my spring turkey hunts as well – about 12 days total. Since I was tucked behind a ground blind, the green color was not a problem to bring along. I also took 3 other day hikes in Wisconsin, none of which involved rain.

 Observations

I have had a generally good experience with the Wandertag. First off, this jacket sheds the rain really well. Despite some heavy deluges, I never had a problem with rain sneaking in past my collar or in any odd places. It provides a great overlap for my rain pants, which is always a plus in my book. Even when sitting on a log in the rain, the jacket provided great cover for me on a day hike at Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin.

The jacket fits me like a glove. I haven’t notice it scrunch up in any odd places on my body. My only complaint is that when I have the hood rolled up in the collar, I really do notice the bill on the back of my neck. I’ve resolved to keep the hood out when I hike, so it really doesn’t bother me.

I haven’t minded wearing the jacket in the cool spring temperatures. However, as the temperatures gave way to summer temperatures, the jacket really gets warm in temperatures above 60 F (16 C). Since there is no ventilation other than the main zipper, I found myself pretty damp from perspiring on one warm summer rain. I also wonder if the liner contributes to this as the jacket does keep me warm in cooler temperatures.

So far durability has not been a concern. I did feel like I was bushwhacking on my hike in Louisiana, but the jacket is no worse for the wear. I have only notice a minor amount of wear on the mesh liner, particularly near my rear end. I suppose I should take fewer rests, eh?


Long Term Report

Porkies
Taking a break in the Porcupine Mountains

Field Conditions

I've been able to wear the Wandertag on a few more trips, and I am happy to report I finally experienced some rain! My first trip was a two-night, three-day backpack in the Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I hiked 24 mi (39 km) through a good mix of hardwoods and coniferous forests as well as along the rocky shores of Lake Superior. It was here that I (finally) saw some rain in the backcountry! It rained one afternoon a fair amount but the temperatures were warm (for that far north) with highs of 77 F (25 C) and overnight lows of 52 F (11 C).

My next trip was an overnight camping trip at Hendy Woods State Park in Northern California. I spent a couple of days exploring this beautiful old growth redwood forest. The temperature was great with a high of 85 F (29 C) and a low of 65 F (18 C). With the drought in California I didn't expect rain and Mother Nature did not disappoint. I did hike approximately 9 mi (14 km), but spent much of my time relaxing. 

My last trip was another overnight along a different section of the Ice Age Trail backpacking 23 mi (37 km) in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. The terrain was fairly hilly with elevation gain on some hills over 300 ft (90 m). That isn't a lot compared to the mountains, but western Wisconsin is not flat! Temperatures were a little more moderate between 58 and 72 F (14 and 22 C). It rained most of the afternoon and into the evening on my first day.

Observations

Inside Jacket
Perspiration clings to the lining on my arms

The Wandertag performed very well at keeping the rain out. I really appreciated that the rain doesn't leak in and trickle down any odd places. However, I will say that without any significant place to vent, I was a little uncomfortable, mostly on my trip in the Porcupine Mountains. It could be that I had a slightly heavier load in my pack. However, with the pack on my back and high humidity, I still felt drenched at the end of the day. Still, it was better than not having a rain jacket on at all! 

It was noticeably better when I went hiking along the Ice Age Trail. While still humid, I think the cooler temperatures provided some relief. That said, I do wish there were some armpit vents or another way to shed some perspiration. The inside lining also contributed to the lack of breathability, seen in the image to the left. I took the picture shortly after the rain stopped and it is still pretty damp inside. 

The durability has been great. A close inspection of the seams, zippers and fabric show no signs of abnormal wear. Despite some bushwhacking through the woods on some day hikes scouting for the fall hunting season, there are no tears or rough spots. And even with the sweating, I haven't really needed to launder the jacket. Or at least nobody has complained that it smells bad!

I still love the way this jacket feels. On some of the cooler mornings, even if it wasn't raining, I found myself reaching for this jacket as a way to beat back the chill. The lining is really comfortable and the fit is great. 

The earlier issues I had with the hood really haven't been any further concern. I don't roll up the hood, which to me is not a problem - less work! The jacket easily fits in my pack as well. Visibility with the hood was good. The bill has held its shape very well and provides great cover from the rain. Even when I pulled the hood closed, I could still see well. As far as other aspects of the jacket, the pockets were convenient and easy to access. On occasion I would use them to keep my hands warm and they held my arms at a good angle. 

Summary

Overall I am pleased with the Adidas Wandertag Jacket. It has performed the job of shedding the rain well and has served as a decent shell in cooler temperatures. It is a well-made, functional jacket that strikes a good balance between comfort features and weight. While I found it uncomfortable in the heat of the summer, I think this will easily be my "go to" rain jacket for the spring and fall. 

Pros: Superior construction, great fit, sheds the rain with no leaks, and easily fits in my pack. It is also quite comfortable!

Cons: Poor ventilation for hot & humid environments, bill of the hood packs away oddly on collar.

This concludes my Long Term Report. I would like to thank Adidas and BackpackGearTest.org for allowing me to be a part of this test series.

  



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