| Still hunting for good, light-wt, moderately priced rain jacket 
by Kim
Pros: 1. Relatively economical for a waterproof jacket
2. Large front pockets (Storage space runs from bottom hem to clavicle--easily fits big maps w/o bulky folding or a nalgene bottle
3. Love the pit zips for ventilation!
4. Good length coverage--won't ride up/expose lower back when sittingetc
Cons: 1. Main jacket zipper is difficult to zip up (heavy friction w/ water-resistant coating/tape; eventually ~1mm of the coating peals off from constant contact when zipping. The irony is that it actually makes zipping easier & still prevents water penetration but I've lost confidence in the quality if it delaminated that fast)
2. After a couple uses the "polymer matrix pattern" becomes extremely sticky & rubbery making layering a pain--jacket sleeves stick to everything so I can't easily slide my arms through. I did notice a different pattern for 2006 --mine was early 2005 model w/ "snowflake" pattern--so I don't know how the 2006 version compares.
3. I'm becoming a big fan of outer chest pockets--this one has an interior mesh zip chest pocket so you have to unzip yourself halfway to access it--not pleasant in heavy rain or extreme cold!
4. Not sure how long DWR finish lasts but I've had rain shadow for 1 yr rarely in heavy rain but noticed some minor areas where water no longer beads & sheds off. The jacket's still kept me completely dry inside but I'm surprised since it hasn't seen much rain.
Great jacket! 
by Anonymous
This jacket is great stuffing in your pack for those days that look like rain is coming. It's super light and keeps off the rain. It's comfortable underneath my day pack. Good color fair price.
Very impressive - incredibly lightweight
by Keith O
This was a christmas present for my girlfirend - she just got to try this week in a 3 hour downpour on the italian mountains - she wore a light fleece underneath from a warmth perspective but the jacket kept her incredibly dry - ease of motion was also excellent
Does not breath well
by Steve Skinner
Beautiful to look at terrible to walk in. I am drenched every time I take a walk in this jacket. It is as bad as Gore Tex or worse. DWR blows this material away
Great jacket
by Donna
Great travel jacket. Easy to pack easy to wear and protects me from the wind and rain. I've had my jacket since last fall and it has served me well traveling through Europe and for quick trips to the store. Looks great with slacks and jeans works with casual skirts. It easily stuffs into a day pack and is ready to wear with a quick shake. I've recommended this jacket to friends who are traveling or just enjoy being out in any kind of weather. It's very light weight but does heavy duty work for wind and rain protection.
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