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Reviews > Rain Gear > Jackets and Pants > Red Ledge Elite Parka > James Triplett > Initial ReportInitial Test Report: Red Ledge
Elite Parka  by James E. Triplett April 7, 2006
Personal Biographical Information:
Backpacking Background: I am an experienced hiker, backpacker, and camper, and am gaining more experience with winter camping every year. I hike every day, and backpack when possible, which leads to many weekends backpacking and camping each year. I try and take at least one annual week-long backpacking trip in addition to many one to three-night weekend trips. My style can best be described as lightweight, but not at the cost of giving up too much comfort. I generally sleep in a tent, and seem to be collecting quite a few of them to choose from.
Manufacturer Information:
Product Information:
Additional
Product information: Fabric:
Features:
Colors
and Sizes:
REVIEW:  Back side of the Elite Parka Upon Arrival: Let me start off by saying that I have both purchased and tested a few Red Ledge products previously. Because of that I am aware that when Red Ledge says "Parka", they are referencing a garment's shape and style rather than its warmth and intended usage. Consequently, I was not surprised when the Red Ledge Elite Parka arrived being a full, but light, jacket with an attached hood, and not being the kind of sled-dog "parka" I typically think of. Unfortunately, there was a mix up on the size, and I originally received a size large. Red Ledge promptly sent a replacement in size extra large, and that parka was delivered April 3, 2006. This report is on the extra large parka, but the images are of the large parka. The Red Ledge Elite Parka arrived with the Red Ledge Elite Full Zip Pant which is being reported on in a separate test.  Raised Microprint layer (inside the Parka) Construction: The Elite Parka is from the "2.5 Layer Technology" product line offered by Red Ledge. The two and a half layers consist of the first layer being an outer shell, the second layer being a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) T-Core laminate barrier, and the third layer being a micro print "half layer" that wicks away moisture. The T-Core laminate barrier is advertised as being breathable and waterproof. Simply stated, the three layers are the Shell, Laminate, and Micro Print. That being said, the material appears as if it is one layer, although with the white interior and the colored exterior it is evident that one side is not merely the back of the other side, but rather a laminated additional layer. But enough on that. There are lots of seams (all taped), two front pockets, a hood zipped into the collar, Velcro closures around the cuffs, and a draw-cord around the hem. Hopefully the images in this report will help explain the construction as it is rather cumbersome to explain.  Inside-out view showing mesh vents Initial Inspection: In addition to the observations made above, there are a few more that are worthy of mention. As you can see in the in-side-out picture, the two pocket openings open into two large mesh pockets, running nearly the full length of the parka. The reason is that with the pockets open the jacket is designed to allow airflow to the inside of the jacket through the pockets. The two pocket zippers are not covered with any sort of flap, but there is a cool little cap at the upper end of the zipper to keep the rain off. The main zipper has a storm flap both on the inside and the outside. The pit zips are sufficiently long at 19 inches (48 cm). The rear of the parka is nearly 6 inches (15 cm) longer than the front, creating some posterior coverage.  Pit Zip Initial Fit: The size large Elite Parka that arrived originally was a little snug in the chest, and a little shorter than I cared for. I would have used it if I thought it fit appropriately despite requesting a different size, but I wasn't quite comfortable with the sizing. The extra large Elite Parka fits well in the chest, is about 4 inches (10 cm) longer than the large (depending on where you measure), and the sleeves are a tad bit too long. Still, it is a much better fit and I am comfortable testing this size. I took detailed measurements of both the large and extra large sized parkas, and am a little surprised at which dimensions were different, and by how much. The front of the jacket measured an inch (2.54 cm) longer while the rear measured 4 inches (10 cm) longer. The zippers and the collar height, which I expected to remain constant, also increased. I won't go into all the details, but the back of the jacket is 34 inches (86 cm) long, the front is 28 inches (71 cm) long, and the chest area measures about 54 inches (137 cm) in circumference.  Pocket zipper with cap over the end Other Notes: During my testing of the Red Ledge Cirrostratus Jacket the Red Ledge website was down the entire time. So I was happy to find the website up and running when I started my research for this test series. There is a great deal of information on Red Ledge products, information about the company, and contact information for Red Ledge, as well as for retailers categorized by state. What is immediately noticeable is that there doesn't appear to be a size chart link anywhere on the site. In selecting a size I had to rely on previous Red Ledge experience and my best guess. Also, the images of the products are drawings rather than photographs. This shows the construction lines quite well, but doesn't convey to me what the product will actually look like. Fortunately, the Elite Parka fits well and is an attractive jacket, so any fear of the unknown turned out to be unfounded.  Collar holding the hood Test Plan: I will be using the Red Ledge Elite Parka for all my hiking, backpacking, and camping needs throughout the test period. Additionally, I will experiment with different layer techniques depending on the temperature and weather conditions present when I am wearing the jacket. The timing of this test is perfect for assuring some spring showers here in Eastern Iowa. The elevation here is around 860 feet and the temperature and precipitation data can be found in the table below. My primary concerns for the Elite Parka are weather resistance, ventilation, breathability, durability, and of course comfort and warmth.
 Velcro for cinching up the cuffs Summary: The Red Ledge Elite Parka is a cool jacket. It has two pockets, pit-zips, a draw-cord at the waist, and Velcro wrist closures. It also has a brimmed hood tucked into the collar, and inside the right pocket is a smaller pocket, perfect for keys or a cell phone. The colors of the Elite Parka I am testing are sharp looking, and everything about the jacket seems first rate. The only shortcoming my evaluation has turned up so far, is that the jacket is equipped without a two-way zipper, so it is impossible to vent the jacket from the bottom of the main flap. Otherwise, it looks like all the bases are covered. Respectfully submitted, -James T.
Read more reviews of Red Ledge gear Read more gear reviews by James E. Triplett Reviews > Rain Gear > Jackets and Pants > Red Ledge Elite Parka > James Triplett > Initial Report | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||