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$REI Switchback Parka - Men\'s$

REI Switchback Parka - Men's

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Product Description,
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Reviews

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

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REI Switchback Parka - Men's Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

REI Switchback Parka - Men's

4.2

(based on 5 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Breathable (5)
Versatile (5)
Durable (4)
Good size/fit (3)
Lightweight (3)

Cons

Best Uses

Wet weather (5)
Casual wear (4)
Travel (4)

- Sizing:
- Feels too small
  
  Feels true to size
  
  60%
  (3 reviews)
  Feels too large

Reviews

Reviewed by 5 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-5

Dec

2008

(6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Loved this jacket but...

By mike

from Ashburn, VA

About Me Casual Adventurer

See all my reviews

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).

Nov

2008

(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

I love this coat!!

By Bicycle Billy

from Chicago, IL

About Me Casual Adventurer

See all my reviews

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.

Dec

2008

(1 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Windproof???

By NatureBoy Dave

from Benicia, CA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

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.

Jan

2010

4.0

REI Switchback Parka

By rickwb

from Colorado Springs

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Durable
Lightweight
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Travel
Wet Weather

Comments about REI Switchback Parka - Men's:

I liked the design and well placed pockets. The material seems to be very durable and the hood is functional (The velcro strap at the back is to adjust the front overhang of the hood, by the way). The fit across the waist and upper body is a little snug, particularly with a liner. I prefer a looser jacket unless I'm out running or otherwise extremely active. The zippers are smooth and seem durable, but the liner zipper is somewhat difficult to use. Not a big deal unless you plan to place and remove the liner quite often.

Dec

2009

4.0

Excellent with just a few fit challenges

By Joel in NM

from Albuquerque NM

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Attractive design
Breathable
Durable
Versatile

Cons

Poor Fit

Best Uses

Casual Wear
Travel
Wet Weather

Comments about REI Switchback Parka - Men's:

This is a very handsome and functonal jacket. A major advantage that makes it travel well is that it can be used alone as a wind/rain shell, or you can zip in either the REI Muir Woods Fleece Jacket or the REI Muir Woods Fleece Vest. there's plenty of pockets, and pit zips, and a detachable hood.
There are some drawbacks related to fit: The waist of the shell and the waists of the zip-in liners are a a little snug. My biggest complaint is that the cuffs of the Muir Woods Fleece Jacket don't stay snapped into the shell sleeves. As a result, the fleece sleeves protrude. Both the waist and the cuffs of the Switchback can be cinched up, so why did they have to be made so snug when they are un-cinched?
One last thing: can anyone tell me the function of the velcro strap at the back of the detachable hood? Is it to run your goggle strap through?