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Red Ledge Elite Parka
Initial Report – April 5, 2006
Tester Information:
Name: Jason Boyle
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 6"/ 1.68 m
Weight: 170 lb/ 77 kg
Chest: 42”/ 107 cm
Sleeve: 28"/ 71 cm (from the middle of my chest to my wrist)
Email address: c4jc "at" hotmail "dot" com
City, State, Country: Snoqualmie, WA, U. S.
Backpacking Background:
I have been camping and backpacking for about 17 years. My introduction to the outdoors started with the BSA and has continued as an adult. I have hiked mostly in the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. I am generally a lightweight hiker, but will carry extras to keep me comfortable. I have recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest and spend most of my time hiking and backpacking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but I can be found exploring the other wild areas of Washington!
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Red Ledge
Model: Elite Parka
Size: Large (received) also available in XS - XXL
Color: Firefly/Quart, other color options available
Year of Manufacture: 2006
URL: www.redledge.com
Listed weight: none listed
Measured weight: 12 oz/ 340 g
**Disclaimer: The closest my scale will measure is in whole ounces.**
Fabric Content:
Lamination: T-Core LX®:25 layer waterproof/breathable with wicking/protective raised microprint
Seams: 100% taped
Shell: Diamond shadow ripstop nylon with DWR (durable water repellent) finish
MSRP: $119.99 U.S.
Country of Manufacture: China
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Product Description:
The Red Ledge Elite Parka is a rain jacket, no doubt about it! It has the following features as listed on the hangtag that came attached to the jacket: Exterior storm flap, Pit zips, Detachable hood with peripheral vision, roll away function
and adjustable drawcords, Micro-tricot lined collar, Two zip pockets with mesh lining, contoured cuffs with Velcro closures, Adjustable drawstring at the waist. The hangtag also has the size, warranty, and seam sealing process information.
Red Ledge says the following about their 2.5 layer series clothing: “Combination of an outer shell fabric w/ a DWR, one of our exclusive waterproof/breathable T-Core laminate barriers and a microprint half layer that wicks away moisture.” The outer layer is slick almost rubbery in feel. The inner material feels similar and I cannot detect any microprint that would wick away moisture. All seams are taped and in good condition.
The Elite Parka is backed by Red Ledge’s warranty against any defects in the material or workmanship. This warranty only applies to the original owner.
Initial Impression/Use:
I was pleasantly surprised when I found the box containing this jacket on my door step. It is spring here and seems to always be raining so getting new rain gear is a good thing! I immediately tried the jacket on and it fits me well. I would classify this cut of this jacket as generous. I can easily fit a mid-weight sweatshirt like my Ibex Shak Hoody underneath it and not feel constricted in my movement. I also like the fact that the rear part of the jacket comes down past my posterior. The micro tricot lining feels nice against my face.
The jacket’s features are pretty simple like most Red Ledge gear. There are two zip pockets that are lined with mesh. Inside of one of the pockets there is a smaller mesh pocket sewn onto the bigger one. Not sure what this is for except maybe to hold something like an mp3 player or something small like that. I have not had the chance to use the hood and its features, but it is something I will explore further in the Field Report.
Red Ledge recommends machine washing the jacket on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent, no bleach, line dry, no heat, do not iron, and do not dry clean.
Improvements:
None at the moment
Expected Field Conditions:
Average temperatures range from highs in the 50’s F to 60’s F and lows in the 20’s F to 40’s F (10 C to 16 C highs and -7 C to 4 C lows). The average precipitation in April, May June and July for the Seattle area is 3+ inches per month (8 cm) and will take all forms, rain, snow, and sleet. Most of my trips during this time frame will be in the Mount Baker and Snoqualmie National Forest. Specifically in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, 20 minutes from my house. Elevation may vary from sea level to 14,000 ft (4267 m), although Mt Rainier will probably not be on the agenda until mid June. My normal outdoor routine consists of at least two day hikes a month, and no less than 2 nights of backpacking a month.
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Test Plan:
I will examine the Red Ledge Parka on the following characteristics through the duration of the test.
Durable:
- How durable is the Red Ledge proprietary 2.5 layer fabric in the parka?
- I tend to lean against whatever is available when resting be it a rock or tree. Do I need to worry about easily tearing or puncturing the fabric?
- Do I need to be overly concerned with off trail hiking?
Usefulness:
- It can be extremely wet here and rain for days on end. Is the parka able to take rain day after day?
- How breathable is the Parka?
- Can I hike uphill without getting drenched in sweat?
Parka Specific Questions:
- How easy are the pit zips to open?
- Can they be opened with one hand?
- How easy is the front zipper to open?
- Does it allow water to penetrate the jacket?
- Are the chest pockets waterproof?
- Is the hood articulated?
- Will it move easily with me while wearing a ball cap?
- Is it stylish enough that I can wear it around Seattle?
Thanks to Backpack Gear Test and Red Ledge for allowing me to participate in this test.
Read more reviews of Red Ledge gear
Read more gear reviews by Jason Boyle
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