REI.com
  • Online: www.REI.com
  • URL for this product:
  • From the U.S. and Canada — Call 1-800-426-4840
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
  • International — Call 1-253-891-2500
  • Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.
REI Switchback Parka - Men'sOnly At REI
deep forest/canteenzoomZoom image

REI Switchback Parka - Men's

Item # 770838

$189.00

Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)

1. Size Chart

2. Qty

3.

Product Rating
Share It
Email this to a friend Email this to a friend
Bookmark and share Bookmark and share

REI Switchback jacket offers serious weather protection for just about any backcountry endeavor—no matter what the season.

  • REI Elements®/slubbed nylon two-layer laminate construction offers reliable waterproof, breathable protection
  • Mesh and tricot linings are combined and placed to enhance airflow, speed moisture wicking and add light warmth
  • Windproof to 60 mph
  • Zip-off hood with side and back adjustments furnishes excellent protection while allowing peripheral vision
  • Two-way pit zippers offer personalized ventilation
  • Double draft flaps protect two way front zipper; lined collar and chin guard ensure comfort next to skin
  • Drawcord hem and adjustable cuffs seal in heat
  • Features two zippered hand pockets and zippered chest pocket; inside there's a zippered pocket with headphone port and a stretch mesh pocket
  • Zip-in compatible with REI Muir Woods jacket and vest, each sold separately

Imported.

Item 770838

REI Switchback Parka - Men's Specs

Specification

Description

Shell fabricNylon
WaterproofYes
WaterproofingWaterproof breathable laminate
Lining(upper) polyester/(lower) nylon
Average weight2 lbs. 4 oz. ounces
Back length32 inches
GenderMen's

REI Switchback Parka - Men's Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
REI Switchback Parka - Men's
 
4.3

(based on 3 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Breathable (3)
  • Good fit (3)
  • Versatile (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Casual wear (3)
    • Wet weather (3)

    Reviewed by 3 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-3

    Back to top

    Dec

    10

    2008

    (5 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Loved this jacket but...

    By mike

    from Ashburn, VA

    About Me Casual Adventurer

    Pros

    • Breathable
    • Good Fit
    • Lightweight
    • Versatile

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Casual Wear
      • Travel
      • Wet Weather

      Comments about REI Switchback Parka - Men's:

      In searching for jacket (and coat) options it came down to this one and the comparable REI Triad. These two jackets are almost exactly the same. The differences between the two that I found were: the Triad didn't have zip pits; the Switchback didn't have a zip out liner and that made it less expensive (though there are other zip-in jackets you can purchase to up grade); both shells had lining though the Switchback had a soft, light cloth lining (better) versus a mesh lining (okay) in the shell of the Triad; the Switchback offers a more true black color, with some alternate coloring under the arms that looked better. In the end, the zip pits became a con (for me) for the Switchback. I like the idea of zip pits for more venting options, but (for me) I found that when zipped the piping for the zip pits rubbed just enough to be an annoyance. In the end I went with the Triad, but if you aren't affected by zip-pit piping, this is a great jacket! Also, noticed someone felt it didn't provide wind protection. The week I used the Switchback (before exchanging it for the Triad) it was cold and windy. I felt it gave great wind protection, but without a liner cold air being pushed up against the jacket can take away heat because of lack of insulation rather than lack of wind protection (not trying to be contrary to the other reviewer, just my take on my own experience).

      • Gift:
      • No
      • Sizing:
      • Feels true to size

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (5 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Nov

      1

      2008

      (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      I love this coat!!

      By Bicycle Billy

      from Chicago, IL

      About Me Casual Adventurer

      Pros

      • Breathable
      • Durable
      • Good Fit
      • Lightweight
      • Versatile
      • Windproof

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Casual Wear
        • Fitness
        • Wet Weather

        Comments about REI Switchback Parka - Men's:

        I just got back from a windy bike ride along Chicago's lake front bike path and I can't stop thinking about how glad I am I bought this coat. I've only had it for three weeks and it couldn't have come at a better time. In that time, I've been in some nasty rain, and plenty of wind. No water got in, no wind does either. It makes me wish I would have bought a coat like this years ago. The removable hood and the pit-zips make this coat extra versatile. I like the fit way better than other coats I had tried on when I was still shopping. It isn't bulky at all and allows me to be active while wearing it.

        • Gift:
        • No
        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

         - You may also flag this review

        Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

        Dec

        6

        2008

        (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Windproof???

        By NatureBoy Dave

        from Benicia, CA

        About Me Avid Adventurer

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Breathable
        • Durable
        • Good Fit
        • Versatile

        Cons

        • Not wind resistant

        Best Uses

        • Casual Wear
        • Fitness
        • Travel
        • Wet Weather

        Comments about REI Switchback Parka - Men's:

        I purchased this jacket to wear in wet, cold, and windy weather conditions. I have worn it once while hiking with my dog on a windy, foggy day. If the jacket is rated for withstanding a 60 mph wind it must have been a 61 mph wind howling that day (I estimate the gusts were around 15 mph to 20 mph). I did not feel warm while wearing the jacket; however, as I hiked under fog ladden trees water falling off the leaves and needles beaded up as it hit the fabric keeping me perfectly dry.

        I am rating this jacket 4 stars because of its waterproof properties and side ventilation zippers otherwise I would have given it a 3 star rating. Adding a quality liner will make this the perfect jacket for me and would earn it 5 out of 5 stars.

        • Gift:
        • No
        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

         - You may also flag this review

        Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

        Displaying reviews 1-3

        Back to top

        REI Switchback Parka - Men's Related Items

        Things that go well with this item:

        Other items like this:

        You might also like:

        Join REI and Enjoy the Benefits

        Members are eligible for an annual refund on qualifying purchases. Plus, they enjoy many more benefits. Get a lifetime membership for $20.

        Add an REI membership to my order.

        How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.

        • Shopping Cart 
        • |
        •  
        • Buy REI Gift Cards
        • REI Gift Cards
        • Fast, easy and one size fits all.
        • Buy now!
        • Join REI today!
        • REI Membership
        • REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
        • Join REI today!
        • Sign up for REI Gearmail®
        • and get 15% off selected items!
        • Store Locator
        • Locate an REI store near you.