Reviews > Rain Gear > Jackets and Pants > Red Ledge Cirrostratus > Louis Luangkesorn > Initial Report

Initial Report – Red Ledge Cirrostratus Jacket

June 10, 2004

Tester Biography

Name: Louis Luangkesorn

Height: 5' 6” (1.7 m)

Weight: 150 lbs. (68 kg)
Age: 33
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 came in a plastic bag. This was good because the box it was in was crushed and broken open. It has a ripstop nylon shell with a thin polyester liner. The nylon shell is advertised as having the T-Core coating which is intended to allow the shell to be both waterproof and breathable. There are two zipped pockets for the hands. Each of the pockets is lined with the same thin fabric as the liner. There is also a zippered chest pocket. The chest pocket is lined by the ripstop nylon of the shell. The two sleeves have elastic cuffs with a Velcro strap which can be used to tighten cuffs are around the wrist, or possibly to force the cuffs loose around the wrists for ventilation. The waist has a drawstring cord that can tighten the waist. There is also a rain hood. When not needed it can be rolled up and zipped inside the collar. The hood has a drawstring in the back which can tighten the hood so that it conforms closer to the head. In addition there is a drawstring cord around the opening of the hood.

Initial Impressions

The jacket looks substantial, but when I pick it up it feels lighter than it looks. The bulk compared to a nylon shell comes from the polyester liner. The liner is see-through, but it is too substantial to be thought of as sheer. It is clearly intended to be breathable. It definitely feels more comfortable than a simple nylon shell. It feels comfortable to wear. The shell has the crinkly feel of nylon when it moves, but the liner keeps it from having the sticky feel of nylon on skin.

Test Plan

I intend to take the jacket on day hikes, backpacking trips, everyday use, running and biking. This will be in Southwest Pennsylvania, and probably on other trips in the eastern United States. Over the next 6 months temperatures are expected to range from around 90 F to 25 F (32 C to -4 C). I will be evaluating the following characteristics:

Comfort: How does the jacket feel when wearing it? Does the fabric feel sticky? Is it loose enough to allow movement of arms and head? Does the fabric rub against itself? Is the jacket loose enough to layer? Can it be tightened so that it is not too loose?

Warmth/Wind/Water: Does the jacket provide warmth? Does it block the wind? Does it block water (rain or snow)? Does the jacket breath so that sweat does not build up?

Hood: Is the hood the right size? Can it be tightened? Does it obstruct view? Does it obstruct one's view when active (e.g. running or hiking?) Does the hood work with a bike helmet?

Convenience: Are the pockets usable? Are they usable when wearing a backpack with a hip belt or with a fanny pack? Is the jacket packable? Can I lash it to a back pack or fanny pack using a bungee cord?Wear: Does the shell tear under use? When carrying a pack? Branches, rocks, rough ground? Does the liner tear easily?

Reviews > Rain Gear > Jackets and Pants > Red Ledge Cirrostratus > Louis Luangkesorn > Initial Report