REI Taku Jacket - Men's

Comments about REI Taku Jacket - Men's:

I Bought the REI Taku jacket over the summer and was stoked to get it. When I first used it a couple times in the rain while working it held up great. It has a nice fit But I Live in Oregon and now that fall has arrived and it is starting to rain, the waterproofing isn't what it is hyped up to be. I have been using this jacket almost non-stop everyday since the end september when it starts to really rain and pour, so it's been about 4 weeks, on my daily bikes commutes to and from school, and around town, and walking. I was hoping to have this jacket a good few years and go to multiple camping trips with it, but it looks like that is not going to happen.
This Jacket is good against wind and keeping the body warm,and is very durable as I found out in a bike crash, but other than that the water proofing is lost within about a month of use in a good rain, not sprinkles, but a steady amount of cold rain that we get here in the Northwest. Today when I walked to lunch and biked home in the rain I noticed that the arms were damp inside the coat, and I feel that for the price I should have gotten a better product.

Comments about REI Taku Jacket - Men's:

I've had this jacket for about 6 months now, and it's midway through its first winter in the Portland rain. The verdict is, the waterproofing is breaking down, and I wish I would've spent more on something made of eVent.

First, the pros:
- I'm 6'4, 200 lbs and I appreciate the athletic fit and longer arms on this jacket.
- With a down sweater or fleece layer underneath, it's a serviceable outer shell for our mild winters in Portland. It's windproof and stands up to a light rain.
- The zippers are stiff but waterproof, and I like the pit zips for the added breathability on light hikes.

Now, the big con:
I tried to use it as a hard shell on my last ski trip. After an hour of skiing in a light snow fall, I noticed that the waterproofing was breaking down on my shoulders and arms. After 3 hours, the jacket was soaked through to my down layer. I was really happy to take it off when we got back to the lodge.

Now that I'm back to using it on rainy day walking commutes in portland, it's standing up ok. Though if I'm outside in the rain for more than 15-20 minutes, the shoulders start to bleed through.

Since this jacket's primary use is for it's waterproof properties, I can't really recommend it. I'll probably stick with it for another season because I can't buy a new jacket every year, but will have my eye on something a little more high end after that.

Comments about REI Taku Jacket - Men's:

I got this jacket after my last rain jacket got messed up in the dryer. I wanted to get something that would be versatile enough that I could use it in everyday use and use for hiking trips. I went to a football game over the weekend and it rained pretty much the entire time, this was no light drizzle either, it was POURING! This was my first time using this jacket and it held up great! My friend ended up buying a poncho because his North Face jacket was soaked through, but mine had just beaded up the water and wasn't letting anything through. The only negative I really have about it is that it's not quite as lightweight as some other rain jackets, but I think it could still get down to a decent size where it wouldn't take up too much room in a pack. I'm looking forward to using this on a hiking trip because it really turned what would have been a miserable day into a much more bearable one.

Comments about REI Taku Jacket - Men's:

I've been wearing this jacket regularly for the last 3 weeks and am very pleased with its performance as well as its looks. There is some issue with fit/sizing - more on that later, but overall It makes for a cool and functional addition to any gear closet.

Here's what works: Great materials, decent design and good, solid construction. The use of two different stretchy nylon fabrics makes for a dynamic piece, with more mobility and more durability/protection from the elements than a piece made from one face fabric could provide. The combination of a tight weave and good DWR application on top of REI's Elements waterproof laminate means that precipitation beads right up and slides off clean, leaving me nice and dry. I've found breathability to be above average - just one of the joys of a good softshell. The pockets and pit zips are well placed and and the micro fleece patch in the chin is a welcome detail.

Here's what doesn't work so well: The over-all sizing/fit/cut of the jacket is a little strange. This is indeed a subjective matter as we are all shaped a little differently and technical outerwear tends to only come in a handful of sizes, but it's important to know the peculiarities of each piece. As others have mentioned, this jacket does have a slim, athletic fit. Tight in the torso, plenty of length in the arms and cut a little long in the back. In principal all of this is good, but in practice it fits a little funny. I have long arms, so that works for me, and at 6'1", 155lbs, I am pretty slim, but when I bend over the jacket bunches up a bit in the chest. Also, when riding my bike, the jacket wants to slide up and it can be uncomfortable on my chin. Finally, the hood is a little bulky. It's designed to accommodate a helmet (which is to be expected in a technical garment), but something about it feels a bit off. I should note that I am wearing a small (which is unusual, I'm usually a solid medium) and am able to put a mid-weight insulating layer underneath.

That said, I'm confident in my 4 star rating, I would give it 4.5 if I could. Despite the fit issues, I have been very pleased with the jacket's overall performance. On recent bike rides ranging from 35 and rainy to 50 and sunny and a summit of James Peak with 60+ mph winds and snow, I have been grateful to have this jacket on my back.

Comfort, protection, nice red color

Comments about REI Taku Jacket - Men's:

This jacket was highly recommended at my local REI. I tried this jacket out on a very wet weekend in central Oregon. After a 2 hour hike in a continuous downpour, I felt cold, sweaty and wet under this jacket. I was most disappointed by the poor breath ability of this jacket. Also, I was troubled by the very long lengths of the arms.

If you are considering a high end waterproof jacket, look at the REI Event Jacket.

Comments about REI Taku Jacket - Men's:

My Taku has served well over the past three years as a go-to for any outdoor activity where I need to stay warm and dry. It's great as a stand-alone rain jacket or as a cold-weather shell. I can't possibly say enough about the durability of this jacket - it is tear-free despite brambles, snags, and a couple tumbles its owner has taken down wooded slopes. Best of all, it's easy to fold up and shove into the outer pocket of my backpack.

The jacket has been my outer layer for skiing; it has kept me dry on a terrible, dangerous night in the Andes; and with a few knots in the sleeves, it once served as a makeshift grocery bag when a paper one ripped.

Put simply, this jacket is probably the most useful item I have ever owned.

Comments about REI Taku Jacket - Men's:

Recently returned from 15 days and 222 miles on the JMT with only this jacket and a North Face micro fleece. Encountered rain, hail, wind, cold temps, and high elevations and this jacket handled it all very well. Love the durability and stretch in the right places. The pit zips came in very handy. Much of the time I was wearing the jacket and hiking with a 50lb pack. It's not the lightest jacket out there and the zippers are stiff/sticky but it's a good all around performer.

Comments about REI Taku Jacket - Men's:

There is a BIG difference between saying that a waterproof jacket isn't waterproof because it gets "wet inside", and understanding what causes interior dampness. I've had my TAKU jacket for several years in all kinds of rain / sleet / hail / snow storms, and I've been both wet and dry inside depending on what I was doing in the shell while wearing it.

In static or light-exertion conditions, the TAKU is a remarkable jacket -- absolutely, unconditionally, completely and totally waterproof. Unlike some reviewers claims, this isn't a water "resistant" shell -- it has an actual waterproof laminate sandwiched in the layers to prevent moisture from outside seeping in.

Assuming you know to zip the jacket up tight when it's raining or snowing, what causes dampness inside an already waterproof jacket like the TAKU is SWEAT. Like MOST waterproof, "breathable" shells, the laminate used in the TAKU isn't THE most breathable out there, and exertion in this jacket may cause you to sweat.

No problem -- undo the pit/pocket zips and chill for a while. Wear better wicking baselayers. This jacket isn't to blame for solid weatherproofing -- it's what you DO in it while you wear it.

For those seeking the ultimate in waterproof breatheability while staying as dry as can be during heavy exertion in wet weather, step up to the REI Shuksan or Kimtah jackets, or jackets made with NeoShell fabric which is similar. These two tech fabrics are the pinnacle in breatheability and waterproofness, but cost more.

For me -- I prefer my TAKU in cold, wet weather when I'm not exerting myself hard. It's easy to layer underneath, the hood is right-sized and adjustable, the zips work great, and there are plenty of other useful features that are completely great. I've worn mine skiing in the winter and while standing in flooding conditions and it's been superb.

Comments about REI Taku Jacket - Men's:

I absolutely love the Taku. What I prize the jacket for is its versatility. Living in Alaska, I find this jacket perfect for all times of the year. It does a good enough job keeping the rain out, although it's not 100% waterproof. After a while, the inside of the jacket starts to feel a little damp. It's great for active sports in winter weather as well. I was recently out in -20 degree weather and 50 mph winds while mountain climbing. I wore this jacket over four thin layers and was comfortable and cozy in the frigid temperatures and harsh wind. The hood is outstanding as well; you can wear a sizable hat underneath for winter weather and form it sleekly to your head for spring, summer and fall. I've now had my Taku jacket for five years and I wouldn't be surprised to get another 5 out of it, even with the abuse I give it. When the day does come to replace it, I'll be quick to head to REI and pick up another one!

Comments about REI Taku Jacket - Men's:

Although, I just purchased my new REI TAKU jacket a few days ago, I am extremely happy with its performance thus far.

For the past few days I've been wearing my TAKU in 40 degree (F)rainy weather. Nice and dry. Very toasty and breathable. I love the soft liner, which provides some additional warmth and moisture wicking qualities. The TAKU is perfect those cool clammy fall days.

Previously I was wearing a basic Marmot shell. I was looking for a more technical year round waterproof hybrid shell (characteristic of a hard shell but with the feel of a softshell). Unbelievable fabric.

I normally wear a men's Medium to Small. The TAKU runs a bit tailored and snug around mid section; which is perfect if you are into climbing / hiking. I am 30 lbs. slimmer these days. So, it's nice wearing my clothes nice and snug.

The TAKU fabric is so stretchable that I can wear it over my TNF Apex softshell. The tail (back) of the jacket is tailored 2"-3" longer than the front to provide some additional coverage when you're sitting on a bench or resting.

I am quite sure you can wear the TAKU jacket as a ski shell in milder conditions over 200 polar fleece or down jacket.

I doubt you will find another waterproof / breathable shell at this price. Awesome value at the Fall sale price.