Main Entry: cir·ro·stra·tus
Pronunciation: "sir-O-'strA-t&s
Cirrostratus clouds are high-level clouds composed primarily of ice crystals. Though these clouds can cover the entire sky, and can be up to several thousand feet thick, they are nearly transparent. Cirrostratus clouds can be seen when cool, dry air meets warm, moist air. This is often an indication of rain.

Personal Biographical Information:

Name:	James E. Triplett
Age:	44
Gender:	Male
Height:	6' 2" (188 cm)
Weight:	195 lb (88.5 kg)
Chest (relaxed):	42" (107 cm)
Shoulder circumference:	49" (124 cm)
Sleeve length:	35" (89 cm)
Email address:	james_triplett@hotmail.com
City, State:	Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Date:	August 23, 2004

Backpacking Background:

I grew up car camping all through my childhood. I later managed to continuously hike the lower 1/3 of the Appalachian Trail, with an external frame Kelty Tioga (loaded to over 50 lb / 23 kg) and some rather massive Vasque boots. Currently, I spend many weekends backpacking and camping and am out on a daily basis on shorter hikes. I try and take at least one one-week backpacking trip each year, in addition to several 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 am continually looking at lighter replacement items for gear I own, which is generally not that hard, since a lot of my equipment is rather dated. I prefer a tent over a tarp, but have not yet tried a hammock.

Manufacturer Information:

Manufacturer:	Red Ledge
Phone:	1-800-722-7345
URL:	www.redledge.com (still under construction)

Product Information:

Year of Manufacture:	2004
Date Item Received:	June 7, 2004

Item being tested:	Red Ledge Cirrostratus Jacket
Size:	XL
MSRP:	$65 US
Listed Weight:	None given
Actual weight:	14.20 oz (403 g)

Additional Product Information:
(from the Spring 2004 Red Ledge catalog)

Fabric:

30 denier ripstop nylon with T-Core(R) and a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish

Features:

Micro-tricot lining
Hood with peripheral vision adjustment and roll away function
Left chest zip pocket
Two lower zip pockets
Elasticized cuffs with adjustable Velcro closure
One-hand adjustable drawcord at hem
Center back length: 28" (large)

Colors and Sizes:

Available in Black, Mercury (Greyish-looking), and Aqueous (blue)
Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

REVIEW:

Test Location and Conditions:
I have worn the Red Ledge Cirrostratus Jacket during three weekend hiking/camping trips in Eastern Iowa, and on and off several times on local day-hikes around my home. The weekend trips provided no rain, and temperatures were between 60 and 70 F (15 - 21 C). Winds were light, and humidity high (above 80%). Early in the test period I was able to wear the Cirrostratus Jacket a couple of times in steady rain, and later, many times in light rain. This exposure was on day-hikes where the wind was again calm and humidity approached 100%. Temperatures on the day hikes have ranged from 49 to 65 F (9 to 18 C).

Initial Testing:
Fit and Comfort:
As stated in my Initial Report, the size XL Cirrostratus is none too big. In fairness, it is none too small either, but it is on the edge of being too small. I was recently in a wedding and they measured me for a 44XL jacket, with the XL meaning "extra long" in this case. So basically I am saying that the fit is trim. The sleeves go exactly far enough to cover my wrists and the hem goes just past my waist. With the jacket zipped up, I can grasp the front of the jacket and pull it out several inches (more than 7 cm) from my chest. The comfort of the Cirrostratus is excellent. The micro-tricot lining is soft, and the jacket seems to have some thickness to it which makes it have a cozy feel. Overall I would say it fits fine and feels great!

General Usage Notes:
All the features of the Cirrostratus perform well. The Velcro adjustment flaps on the cuffs are easy to use while wearing the jacket. The cuffs have elastic running half way around which aids in holding the cuff in place while tightening or loosening the cuff. The hand pockets are not huge, but adequate. I can place my entire hand in the pocket if I curl it up in a loose fist. I generally do not use chest pockets, and have not used the one on the Cirrostratus. The unique hood stores nicely in the collar. When out, it is easy to use and I have come to rather like it. With the peripheral vision adjustment I really can see better to the sides than with a conventional hood. The only trouble I have run into at all is with the main zipper. It tends to catch on the inner storm flap when zipping the jacket up. It does this consistently, so something about the stitching makes the storm flap want to curl into the zipper path. I can use my other hand to hold the flap out of the way, or try and stick a finger in the zipper path, with the zipping hand, to clear a path as I zip it up, but at this point the process is awkward and somewhat irritating.

Actual Use:
The Red Ledge Cirrostratus Jacket seems to breathe incredibly well. My body temperature runs high, so I am usually quick to get warm when wearing any kind of rain gear. The Cirrostratus is warm, and I have gotten too warm while wearing it in conditions such as rain and temperatures approaching 70 F (21 C), but nothing like I have experienced with a waterproof rain shell - even with all vents open. In my opinion, this is wonderful! Another attribute of the jacket, besides excellent breathability, is that it feels lightweight. When wearing the jacket I find that it is not a nuisance at all, it doesn't get in the way of my hiking, and I barley notice it. The coolest temperatures I have used the Cirrostratus in thus far have been just under 50 F (10 C). Believe it or not, this was during August, in Iowa. Not typical conditions, mind you. Anyway, with a light breeze and cool temperatures, the jacket was plenty warm enough, and I still unzipped it while out on day-hikes.

The real deal, though, is waterproofness. In both light and steady rains there has been zero wetting inside the jacket. Unfortunately, due to local conditions, the longest I have hiked with the jacket - in the rain - has been a couple of hours. I was really pretty wet on the outside though, my shorts were soaked and water was running down my legs. When I reached shelter and examined the jacket, much to my surprise, there was not even a hint of moisture inside the jacket. I am really pleased about this.

One additional comment - I have only used the draw-cord in the hem once, other than to play around with it. It is easy to use, with cord-locks on both sides, and the time I needed it was to keep bugs out when passing through an area near a creek which had a particularly heavy infestation of mosquitoes. Zipping the jacket all the way up, tightening the cuffs and the hem cord did the trick.

Test Plan:
We are ending the hot, dry, summer months here in the Midwest. As autumn approaches there will be more rain, and cooler temperatures, both of which will help facilitate more testing of the Red Ledge Cirrostratus Jacket. The long term report is due in January, so there may also be opportunities for testing in fairly cold conditions and possibly even snow.

Summary:
The Red Ledge Cirrostratus Jacket has met my expectations for fit and comfort, and exceeded my expectations for breathability and waterproofness. It has a nice soft feel to it and is relatively quiet compared to stiffer nylon jackets. Additionally, it is very attractive and I am happy to be wearing it every time I put it on.

Respectfully submitted,

-James T.

Read more reviews of Red Ledge gear
Read more gear reviews by James E. Triplett

Field Report

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