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Reviews > Rain Gear > Jackets and Pants > Keela Rock Jacket > George Griffin > Long Term ReportKeela Rock Jacket
Long Term Report 28th March 2006 Personal
Bio
Name: George Griffin Age: 43 Gender: Male Height: 5' 7" (1.7 m) Weight: 223 lb (101 kg) Email: griffin42 (at) tiscali (dot) co (dot) uk City: London U.K Backpacking Background I have been backpacking since 1986, mainly in the Peak District, Lake District, Wales and Southern England. I am also the London liaison member for the Backpackers Club. In recent years I have backpacked with two friends. Most of my trips are from September through to May, I normally get four 4+ day trips in that time, plus the occasional weekend. Terrain and elevation on these trips can be anything from coastal paths to mountains, sea level to 3,000 ft (900 m). Temperatures range from 23 F to 75 F (-5 C to 23 C). Product Information Manufacturer: Keela Website: www.keela.co.uk Model: Rock Jacket Colour: Bluestone/Grey Size: XL Weight: 30 oz (875 gm) MSRP: £120 Main Features 4 outside pockets with storm flap Internal O/S map pocket Double storm flap with Velcro closure Underarm zip ventilation Fold away wired peak hood with volume adjustment Scooped back Chin guard Long Term Report Unfortunately there hasn't been as much rain in the U.K. over the past four months and this has had an effect on the amount of wet testing I have been able to do. In fact it has been so bad that we are already facing a hosepipe ban and rainfall is down 30% on last Winter. Throughout the last two months, I've continued to use the jacket on my daily journey to and from work. I've also used it on day walks, trips to the shops and a 3-day backpacking trip in February. Normally I wouldn't use a Waterproof jacket as a warmth layer, only as a last resort if temperatures drop really low. Saying that; I have worn this jacket as an extra layer and it worked wonderfully well. The 'double-glazing' effect does seem to work in helping to keep me warm when only wearing a T-shirt and jumper underneath in colder temperatures. Although I think the jacket is heavy at 30 oz (875 gm) when it is actually on my back it doesn't feel that heavy. That said carrying it in a backpack does add a lot to the pack, also the bulk is an issue. My normal waterproof goes in to one of the side pockets on a G4, with this jacket it took up a whole pocket on its own and this meant my packing system had to be changed. When I have encountered rain the jacket has performed exactly as I have expected. At no time have I felt or had rain enter the inner of the jacket even when riding my scooter and the rain is driving in to me. Useful or not Some of the items on this jacket I have found to be useful and work, others not so useful. The dual protection system has worked well and I haven't had any major problems with condensation and I have also found that the 'double-glazing' effect does work. The underarm zip ventilation I never really needed to use as temperatures were always on the cold side. These may come into play in the summer months. I also found that the five pockets were overkill, as I really only use three regularly; the two midriff pockets and the internal map pocket. All the pockets are deep enough to stop stuff falling out but maybe just a bit too deep for small items like walking pole spike covers, which I was always thinking I had lost but found it in the deepest corner of a pocket. Although I don't use conventional maps anymore (I print digital maps out on A5 paper and then laminate them), I found the internal pocket to be useful for carrying my printed sheets. A lot of manufacturers make jackets with map pockets that will not take a Post-It note, never mind an Ordnance Survey map. This pocket will easily take an OS map, wallet and keys. I didn't like the way the Velcro on the storm flap is, it consists of 3 x 6½ in (16 cm) strips of Velcro. Personally I would like one long strip. The Velcro strips on the sleeves are also a bit annoying, as to close the sleeve down the Velcro flap needs to come a long way across and this leaves a large piece of material to flap about. 
 Overall, this is a well constructed jacket. In the four months, I have been using it there have been no stray threads and no problems with the materials. This jacket works just as well on the hills as it does on the High Street and personally I feel this is where the jacket disappoints. It is trying to please two sets of users; the regular hillwalker and the person who wants a good waterproof jacket that will also keep them warm when out in the High Street or at a rugby or football match. Don't get me wrong this jacket works well out on the hills; it will keep you dry and warm but at a price and that price is the weight. If I was going for a day walk with the possibility of rain - I would grab the Rock. If I was going shopping in the rain - I would grab the Rock. If I was going to a rugby or football match - I would grab the Rock. If I was out on my scooter and it was raining - I would grab the Rock. If I was on a 2/3 day (or longer) backpacking trip, I would be happy to be a bit damp and clammy wearing my 12 oz (350 gm) waterproof for a day, knowing that for the rest of the time I would only be adding 12 oz (350 gm) instead of 30 oz (875 gm) to my backpack. Read more reviews of Keela gear Read more gear reviews by George Griffin Reviews > Rain Gear > Jackets and Pants > Keela Rock Jacket > George Griffin > Long Term Report | |||