Zealot Jacket - Men's

Comments about Outdoor Research Zealot Jacket - Men's:

I have been wearing a Columbia Titanium pullover all 4 seasons for the last 8 years, and it's a great bombproof jacket with many more years in it. But it's a bit of overkill in warmer weather and heavy for those canoe trips to the Boundary Waters of MN. The Zealot weighs an estimated third of my Columbia, so I'm guessing 2 pounds of weight savings on those portages. And betting that it's a better breather as well.

The jacket comes as advertised. Looks well made. No hanging threads. I think the zipper is pretty easy to manipulate. Single cinch hood (at base of skull) easy to reach and adjust. Sizing was perfect for me (I usually wear XL and the XL Zealot fits great in chest, arms and length even with a heavy fleece underneath). Bought the same jacket for my wife in size L with similar results.

Although it's cold here now and snow fell this week, I am looking forward to rain in the spring to test the Zealot out. More importantly, looking forward to the next canoe trip and lighter loads!

Top it all off with MG sale, and getting the coat at nearly half price!

Comments about Outdoor Research Zealot Jacket - Men's:

Where this has gone with me:
- Deserts of Utah (snow)
- Deserts of Arizona (sand storm)
- Pico de Orizaba (18,400 feet - wind)
- La Malinche (14,600 feet - wind)
- NY/NJ/Penn/Vermont/Canada (ice climbing, skiing, hiking, camping, rock climbing in snow, rain, wind)

It does exactly what you want it to do, it prevents the wind from getting at you, keeps the rain and snow off, and is amazingly breathable. It's light and packs well.

Seriously, what more do you need?

It's also very durable. I've had mine for a long time and it has been put through hell and back again. The results? Not a scratch on it. Amazing!

In 5 months I blew through a pack (broken buckle, punctures in its side, broken straps) and I've had this jacket for 2 years without any damage on it!

If this one ever dies, I will certainly buy another.

Comments about Outdoor Research Zealot Jacket - Men's:

At under 10oz. This jacket packs down to nothing. It is a great jacket for climbing (I've used it all winter on both ice and alpine routes) and back-country skiing. Its breathable, but waterproof enough to keep you warm and dry. It has a hood that fits over a climbing helmet, one chest pocket, and a two way zipper. That's about it. Definitely not a jacket for someone looking for a bombproof shell with lots of features, but if you spend a lot of time in the backcountry, and weight/packability is a big issue for you, this is one of the best shells out there.

Comments about Outdoor Research Zealot Jacket - Men's:

This is the best piece of rain gear if you are a minimalist, period. After thru-hiking the 500 mile Colorado Trail and putting up with 20 days of thunderstorms and rain this was a champion in protection and breathability. I am NEVER going to use any other jacket besides this one. Remember this is for a minimalist!

Comments about Outdoor Research Zealot Jacket - Men's:

TOO SMALL..RETURNED FOR EXCHANGE

Comments about Outdoor Research Zealot Jacket - Men's:

Probably my own fault for not looking at it in more detail but the jacket has no pockets! Great jacket but just can't live without having a place to stash my mits.

The hood is sized for a helmet and is too large for everyday use.