Name: Louis Luangkesorn
Height: 5' 6” (1.7 m)
Weight: 150 lbs. (68 kg)
Age:34
Gender: Male
Email: lluang at yahoo dot com
Home: Pittsburgh, PA
Jacket Size: 41
Waist: 31in. (.8 m)

I am a beginning to intermediate backpacker. I have gone camping on occasion over the past 10 years. I have started going on backcountry trips over the past 1 1/2 years. I also go on day trips in Illinois and Indiana. I am also a photographer and I try to have my hobbies go well together. While I am lightweight for a serious photographer (manual SLR, 2-3 prime lenses, and occasionally either a compact tripod or a relatively light full sized tripod) the volume and weight of this effectively removes me from the ultralight backpacker category. My total weight (everything but the clothes I'm wearing) for a weekend fluctuates between 25-40 lbs. (11 - 18 kg) depending on season, how serious I happen to be about photography and cooking on that trip and who I am with. Since I've already given up on ultralight, I usually give myself the luxury of a tent, sleeping pad, cooking stuff and an alcohol stove. Other activities include running and bicycling.

Product Description

Manufacturer: Red Ledge

Website: http://www.redledge.com/ (under construction)

Product: Red Ledge Cirrostratus Jacket

MSRP: not available

Year of Manufacturer: 2004

Manufacturer's weight: not available

Measured Weight: 13 oz. (370 g)

Color: Mercury (gray)

Size: Large

Height down back Center: 31 in. (.8 m)

Front zipper length: 27.5 in. (.7 m)

The Red Ledge Cirrostratus Jacket is intended to be a light jacket for protection from rain, but still breathable.In my closet of jackets, it is vying for a niche in between a heavier jacket that is waterproof and breathable, and a plain nylon shell that packs into its own pocket. Its claim to advantage are its coated nylon shell, which allows it to be breathable. It has an adjustable hood, which can be rolled away. For further details, please see my initial report at http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Rain%20Gear/Jackets%20and%20Pants/Red%20Ledge%20Cirrostratus/Louis%20Luangkesorn/Initial%20Report/

Field Conditions

The jacket has been used in southwest Pennsylvania. In addition to day trips, it has been packed for an overnight trip (unfortunately, it did not rain), I've used it when running and in day to day use. It has seen use in both light rain and a thunderstorm. Temperatures where the jacket was used ranged from the upper 40s F (night) to upper 50s F. (10-15 C)

Evaluation

Rain: The purpose for having a jacket with the coated nylon is to handle rain. I was hoping to be able to test it out in the backcountry, however for the first time in three years, it did not rain on my overnight outings. However, it has served the purpose for which it was created on day hikes and in the city. That is to say it does not soak through, actually when it rains the water beads on the surface of the fabric rather nicely. The hood also works well. It has a brim large enough to provide coverage for the head and works when used with a cap as well. The longer back also helps. When I am actually doing something other than walking around the extra length in back means the jacket does not ride up exposing my back to the rain. I also appreciate this when running, as the water that I kick up behind me hits the jacket tail.

Comfort: There are two features that add significantly to the comfort, in particular when compared to the average nylon shell. First, the breathable fabric works. While I still feel it is necessary to partially unzip the jacket to provide ventilation when I am running or the hiking becomes strenuous and the temperatures are around 50 F (15 C), I do not get the sense that I'm getting as wet from the inside (sweat) as from the rain itself. Second is the liner on the inside. As I don't have actual contact with the nylon shell, I don't have the wet clingy feel I get with a nylon shell.

In addition, I find the hood to adjust well. There is a drawstring that goes out the back, pulling on the drawstring effectively makes the hood smaller. Properly adjusted, it is big enough so that the brim gives some protection for the face but small enough that it is fairly snug and moves with my head as I turn side to side.

Convenience: Compared to a nylon shell, the liner adds considerable bulk to the jacket. It takes up less space than my packable parka, but more than a plain nylon shell. That said, it stuffs well in my various bags. In my daily work bag, I stuff it in the side pocket. In my day pack goes into the large pocket in front which is meant for small items only. In my backpacks it can go in either a lid pocket or in a shovel pocket without much effort. I've also stuffed it into a fanny pack that I use for running.

Durability: I have not given the jacket a good test for durability. While I have used it in conjunction with a light daypack, I have yet to see how the jacket will fare when worn under the straps of a loaded pack. So far there is nothing to suggest there will be a problem.

Future testing

Over the remainder of the test period I will continue to carry the jacket for day to day use, either wearing it or carrying it with me to work, activities such as running, biking and dayhikes, and everyday activities. I expect to go on one or two more backcountry trips, and hopefully my previous streak of rain will reestablish itself so I can have good testing conditions. :-)

Pros:
Lightweight, stuffable, hood available when wanted, large hood, breathable fabric.

Cons:
Liner adds bulk and warmth compared to a nylon shell, drawstring loop for hood a possible snag hazard (has not yet occured).

Read more reviews of Red Ledge gear
Read more gear reviews by Louis Luangkesorn

Field Report

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