While I write these, I want to add a note of caution about reading reviews on outdoor kit. Here are two examples..
First example is someone who marked down a rucksack because it wasn't as 'secure' as other packs. This rucksack is made for climbers, however. The person writing the review travels a lot. So his comment about security, while valid, is fairly pointless as there are unlikely to be pickpockets 300m up on a rocky crag...
The lesson is - where is the reviewer coming from and for what purpose are they reviewing the item, compared to your use of the item.
Second example can be found on Go Outdoors and someone's review of a waterproof jacket. Here is their review which gives a Rab jacket a 1 star rating out of 5:
"I urge you not to buy this jacket, save your money and use a black bag cause even a bin liner is better than this. It's not!! waterproof in heavy rain and breathability is terrible! What a waste of money."I would say that overall the review has nothing to offer. It is pointless! Let's look at what we can learn from this 'review', to help you when looking at actual reviews.
Here are the points worth making about this person's review...
1. What were the conditions like when the jacket was used? I was out in the Lakes and the weather in winter was heavy rain and then fairly heavy snow at times. My well looked after and quality Event jacket was wet through (although was also doing its best to wick away the wet). The lesson is that if it's heavy rain outside then every jacket will eventually wet out as the moisture has nowhere to go.
2. Do you run hot or cold? For example, I have a fast metabolism meaning I eat regularly but also eat small and often. I was recently out in minus temps in the snow with a baselayer t-shirt and a waterproof only. While I was moving I was hot. When I stop however, I can quickly get cold. So what is your metabolism? If you rarely get hot when outside and don't get that cold then breathability in a waterproof will likely be fine. If you 'run hot' like me then often it's not worth wearing a waterproof until you really need to because things like softshell will breath much better. Then you'll need a warm top for when you stop.
3. Did you have too many layers on meaning the moisture was more likely sweat than ingress of rain? If you are running up a hill in the Spring in temperatures of 15C wearing a baselayer, a fleece and a waterproof jacket then you will eventually find that in light rain you are wet inside. The reason is that you are creating more heat and sweat than your clothing can transport away from you. The solution is to wear fewer layers!
4. Was it a new jacket or old and not cared for? Was it dirty and therefore not working? Fabrics like Event especially need regular washing and attention. Dirt, stains and grease will quickly block the ability of Event to move moisture away from your body. So regular washing in Tech Wash, or using soap flakes and then re-proofing is essential - following the care label on your clothing.
5. Your usual pac-a-mac breathes like a bin bag, not an Event jacket which is more breathable than anything except Polartec Neoshell and maybe Gore Tex Pro. Event is a highly breathable fabric. If it is not breathing as it should then return the item for an exchange and / or contact the manufacturer as you may have had a bad jacket!
So when we read reviews, we have to read them with an eye on what the reviewer wants from the item compared to what we want from the item. And we need to think about a review in terms of that person's expectation; their knowledge in terms of what they are talking about; their understanding of fabrics, care and the environment; and any agendas they may or may not have.
This is why I tend to steer away from many reviews online unless they are by people who clearly have a deep and real knowledge of what they are talking about - or like me, they admit that they don't know everything!
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