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$REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men\'s$

REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's

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REI Kimtah Rain Jacket - Men's

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Product Description,
Product Specs,
Reviews

The lightweight REI Kimtah men's jacket with eVent™ fabric is a perfect spring and summer choice for active pursuits where windy, wet weather is a concern.

eVent fabric has a unique membrane structure that allows sweat vapor to quickly escape to the outside of the fabric
No matter how hard you work, overheating is unlikely due to this Direct Venting™ technology
And because you remain dry on the inside, the likelihood of an uncomfortable, post-exercise chill is eliminated
eVent technology works so efficiently, no pit zippers are needed; all seams are sealed for complete waterproof protection
Windproof to 60 mph
Fully adjustable brimmed hood features easy-to-use ripcord-style cinches
Includes a full-length water-resistant front zipper with windflap and chin guard
Features adjustable hem drawcord and snow-resistant rip-and-stick cuff tabs; angled sleeves extend coverage over top of hands
Hand and chest pockets feature lightweight water-resistant zippers and mesh linings that boost breathability; earphone cord port in chest pocket
Tapered fit with slim construction is engineered for performance

Imported.

Item 794208

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REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's

3.9

(based on 27 reviews)

78%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Comfortable (24)
Lightweight (21)
Breathable (20)
Durable (12)
Windproof (10)

Cons

Best Uses

Hiking and camping (22)
Casual wear (19)
Wet weather (18)
Cold / extreme (5)

- Fit:
- Feels too small
  
  Feels true to size
  
  96%
  (23 reviews)
  Feels too big
- Sleeve Length:
- Feels too short
  
  Feels true to length
  
  87%
  (20 reviews)
  Feels too long
- Chest Size:
- Feels too small
  
  Feels true to size
  
  96%
  (23 reviews)
  Feels too big

- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (14), Avid adventurer (12)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (18)

Reviewed by 27 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Mar

2010

(40 of 53 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Its waterproof

By B. Miller

from Los Angeles, CA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Lightweight
Waterproof

Cons

Best Uses

Casual Wear
Hiking and Camping
Intermediate backpacking
Wet Weather

Comments about REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's:

I was looking for a basic waterproof jacket for overnight backpacking in both 4-season temperate and desert California conditions, and am reviewing the 5 jackets I tried against that use.

This is a good intermediate level backpacking jacket. It is lightweight, and is waterproof. A close look at the zippers reveals waterproofing techniques which make the zippers harder to pull. I did not have the opportunity to test durability or breathability of the fabric, but I have heard that in warm rainy weather, its lack of pit zips make it unable to keep up with sweat production when there is water on the outside of the jacket. The jacket seems targeted toward intermediate level backpacking, so the zippers are not in a position friendly with harnesses or backpack waistbands, and pockets are not meant to hold a 1-liter sized water bottle. It also lacks a hood adjustment. Having lived in the midwest, I think this is the cheapest jacket you could get that would truly keep you dry as a 45-minute thunderstorm passes.

In my 10 minute home shower test with a fresh t-shirt underneath, I was completely dry, the least expensive jacket I tried for which I got that result.

General comments after testing 5 rain jackets: I found you must spend at least $200 for a jacket that is truly waterproof. Even then, expect to be wet from your own sweat in a rainstorm no matter what breathability claims the manufacturer prints. Some experienced mountaineers have told me to just buy fleece and wool midlayers that will keep you warm when wet, because you can't avoid being wet in a lengthy rainstorm.

Apr

2010

(21 of 23 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great so far...

By RoweBacon

from Massachussets

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Comfortable
Durable
Waterproof

Cons

Best Uses

Casual Wear
Cold Weather
Hiking and Camping
Wet Weather

Comments about REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's:

I was looking for a jacket that I could use in a variety of situations. i.e. around town in wet weather, backpacking, cross-country skiing etc. I have only had the jacket for about a week so I can't quite comment on its back country use yet. However, I can tell you what I've observed during a very wet and cool week in New England.

First, I spent a windy day on a docked battleship in Fall River. I was able to comfortably layer a Wild Things belay jacket underneath and stayed warm all day. In addition, the wind did not bother me at all. So, put a bunch of stars in the windproof category.

Second, I've spent some limited time in the rain. The jacket seems to just repel water. I can't say for sure how it would handle extended exposure to rain, but I do have reasonable confidence that I'll stay dry.

I'm looking forward to a more exhaustive test where I can really push the breath-ability and waterproofing.

Some features that I like:
1. REI added a bit of fleece in the chin area, which is nice. Lack of fleece was a complaint on the Shuksan.

2. The hood, with visor, is a nice size if not wearing a helmet. It is also adjustable in a couple of ways.

3. Velcro on the cuffs of the sleeve adjusts nicely.

4. Upper chest pocket is nice to have. Also, pockets are mesh lined, which I imagine could help with venting if needed.

5. Overall quality seems high. A nice looking jacket with a good fit. The Night Sky color is a nice change from traffic cone orange (Amber). I've already had a few compliments.

The primary reason I gave four stars instead of five is that I am planning on using this jacket backpacking and it would have been nice if the side pockets were higher to avoid the waist belt of the backpack.

Other small annoyances are that the chest pocket could be a little deeper or wider to accommodate a map more easily. Also the hood adjustments are tucked under the fleece in the chin, which make them a little awkward to manage. But, once I adjusted them to cinch up the hood a bit I just left them that way so there's no more fussing. So overall, those are minor nits.

Once I have some more extended time in bad weather wearing this jacket, I'll return with an updated review.

Mar

2010

(16 of 19 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

I Love this eVent jacket.

By Jakofall

from Chicago, IL

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Pros

Breathable
Comfortable
Lightweight
Windproof

Cons

Not Enough Pockets

Best Uses

Casual Wear
Wet Weather

Comments about REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's:

Wore this jacket while running a 8K race in Chicago, the conditions were windy, rainy and cold. The jacket worked out well, it blocked the wind and rain beaded off, I was not soaked and the best part was I was dry. I was hot and sweaty from the run, but the jacket was not tacky on my skin, very breathable.
The only thing that bothered me was it was a little tight on the waist while zipping up the jacket and the lack of additional pockets.

May

2010

(12 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

At complete ease

By TheZenful1

from Chicago, IL

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Comfortable
Durable
Lightweight
Warm
Windproof

Cons

Best Uses

Casual Wear
Cold Weather
Extreme Conditions
Hiking and Camping
Wet Weather

Comments about REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's:

When I went to REI to look at some rain gear I was surprised at what I walked out with. After deciding to spend this kind of money on a jacket, soon all my worries were set at ease.

I took this jacket along on a vacation to WA state on various day hikes and through some wet/sleety weather. I have to say I'm impressed. Even up on the Northern coast where the winds were blowing pretty hard & it was chilly, this jacket alone kept me warm & dry to enjoy some time out on the beaches of the Olympic National Forest. The only thing I would suggest is maybe a pair of pit vent zippers to increase airflow. At times it felt like I got too hot & had to unzip the front to cool myself back down.

Apr

2010

(10 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Breathable, light, strong

By Matthew McDonough

from Los Angeles County

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Comfortable
Lightweight
Windproof

Cons

Best Uses

Hiking and Camping
Wet Weather

Comments about REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's:

This piece is fully a 1/4lb lighter (and more breathable) than the "go-faster" offerings from other highly reputable mfrs. Construction quality is quite good, and eVent works as advertised. I have yet to build up a sweat in this jacket, even in warm conditions and without an intermediate layer. This is excellent kit. I *would* like to see it in other colors.

Dec

2010

(8 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

2.0

loved the jacket except not waterproof

By Goal Seeker

from midwest

About Me Professional/Guide

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Comfortable
Durable
Lightweight
Stylish

Cons

NO Waterproof

Best Uses

Casual Wear
Hiking and Camping
Skiing/Snowboarding

Comments about REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's:

I purchased this jacket in June 2010 and really love the sizing cut (medium) and the hood is wonderful because when you put it up, you dont need a baseball cap or anything, it stays out of your eyes yet offers coverage from the elements. Unlike the rei shukshun jacket which has a horrible zipper and terrible hood (which I purchased at the same time and returned because of the hood alone), this kimtah jacket I really, really liked. UNFORTUNATELY while in Peru during a heavy rain, the jacket will not hold up to any standing water. Creases in my elbows, midchest, stomach all were thoroughly soaked when canoeing in the rain. I think that it may be too tough for this fabric, but then again I wont spend $200 on a jacket that is supposed to be waterproof only when you stand vertically just so that any creases dont form to allow water to enter. Its too bad as this is the most comfortable and best fitting rain jacket I've tried. Sorry REI, its coming back and I guess I have to get a jacket I will sweat in just to have waterproof perfomance.

Sep

2010

(8 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Super Breathability

By Alaska Grown

from Anchorage, AK

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Comfortable
Durable
Lightweight
Warm
Windproof

Cons

Best Uses

Casual Wear
Cold Weather
Hiking and Camping
Wet Weather

Comments about REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's:

The sales person told me to try this jacket and if I didn't think that Event fabric was better than Gore-tex I should bring it back. The minute I started wearing this jacket I could feel how much more breathable this jacket was. Do yourself a favor and just try this jacket.

Apr

2010

(7 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

I like it alot!

By bray the bper

from Columbia, SC

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Comfortable
Durable
Lightweight

Cons

Zipper Scratches

Best Uses

Cold Weather
Hiking and Camping
Wet Weather

Comments about REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's:

Very nice jacket. I really like it. Have not had any problems with it. The zipper is a little rough sometimes but I can live with it. I am 6'3" 175# wear the medium.

Mar

2010

(7 of 41 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

eVent-yes, weight-no

By the iceman cometh

from El Cerrito

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Breathable
Comfortable
Waterproof

Cons

Heavy

Best Uses

Wet Weather

Comments about REI Kimtah Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's:

The seemingly unattainable holy grail for backpackers and others who are looking for a rain jacket in this price range is:
1)made of eVent fabric,
2)fit to allow movement and room for insulating under-layers, and length that covers the butt,
3)appearance (colors)that allows for travel use (airports),and
4)weight 12 ounces or less.
The Kimtah meets all these criteria, except that it weighs 16 ounces. The fit is great, size M for 155lb 5'9" male, and the sleeve design and length keeps hands and wrists dry. But in the age of fast and light, 16oz. is too heavy (only a small improvement over the 18oz. Shuksan). Hopefully the next version will be closer to 12 oz. (drop the chest pocket). Also could use a double slider in front zipper.