Description of Sierra Designs Microlight Jacket - Men's:
From sightseeing tours in Rome to misty trail runs through the coastal forest, the Sierra Designs Men’s Microlight Jacket gives you convenient wind and water resistance in a comfortable and lightweight package. This full-zip jacket has an adjustable hood and hem draw cord to keep out the weather, and Sierra Designs included a small stuff sack for easy packing.
Bottom Line: A go-to jacket for light weather protection.
This is a good jacket for what it is. It is not a true rain jacket, and in prolonged rain it will not keep you completely dry. But it works just fine for occasional/brief showers. It packs very small (in its bag, it is about 6" x 3" x 3") and is nice for throwing in your daypack (or car) in case you may encounter a stray shower or some wind. The fit is pretty much true-to-size, especially if you aren't heavily layered underneath it. It's nice to have a stuff sack, rather than having to deal with trying to stuff the jacket into one of its own pockets. All-in-all, this is a useful 'just in case' jacket, but if I knew that I was going to be encountering heavy rain, I'd opt for something more waterproof.
The Sierra Designs Microlight Jacket is a great jacket for many reasons. First, it is packable to the size of about a 16 oz beer can and weighs next to nothing. Second, the jacket fits well and doesn't run small or large. It has draw strings on the waist as well as the hood. It is also inexpensive, and you get your money's worth, especially when it is on sale now for $30.
However, I had never been stuck in a downpour with this jacket, only light showers and misty/drizzly mornings. That is until several weeks ago when the skies opened up and let me have it. Granted it kept a lot of the water out, my clothes underneath the jacket did get damp, which I was surprised as I had thought it was completely waterproof. I am happy I know that now.
In the future, if I am going for a hike and see heavy rain in the forecast, I may opt for another jacket, but if it's just showers, I'll bring these without hesitation.
It works. Haven't used for prolonged periods, but is true to size. The hood is shaped well and keeps rain off your dome. Packs down extremely easy and very small, super convenient even to keep in the car or office desk drawer for an unexpected shower. Would recommend. I don't think it's offered anymore, but the red color is MUCH more maroon than it looks in the pic. Bottom line: Great to have around, not for torrential long lasting downpours.
