REI Shuksan Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's

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

I was very excited about getting this jacket with the REI sale. I read all the reviews and articles, and could only find that people complained about the zipper being difficult. But the new version says it right there in the headline description; "has an updated, smooth operating front zipper." So I figured this is good to go. I had an old Taku jacket with a very difficult REI zipper, so that is something I didn't want to deal with. It's too bad they didn't really fix it. I don't know why REI still makes the double zipper. It only causes issues, and I never use the bottom zipper. But I would not describe this zipper as smooth, by any means. The bigger problem for me, and one I haven't seen mentioned anywhere is the hood. If I am buying an all-around jacket, without a powder skirt or other snowsport-specific features then why does this have a hood big enough to fit a football helmet? Here's a newsflash to all the manufacturers: If I'm wearing a helmet, I likely don't NEED a hood. If I need a hood, that means it is raining and I'm not wearing a helmet. Simple. The bottom line is the hood on this jacket is a mess. It is so huge that when I pull it on, it covers my entire face and comes down to my chin. It is so wide that you could probably use it if you had two heads. If you cinch it all the way down it becomes usable, but only just because it still wants to slide down over your face. I would say wearing a baseball cap is a must if you plan on using the hood, just so you can see. This renders the jacket's use for rain almost useless, which means this is no longer an all around jacket. They might as well add the powder skirt. I will second all the positive comments about the rest of the jacket, including the fabric, the build, the look, fit and color. All of that stuff is spot on. But unfortunately this is going back because of the above issues.

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

I've worn several waterproof/breathable jackets in highly aerobic activities. Nearly all of them are waterproof. They repeal water. But frankly the breathable part was mostly "marketing". Some of them were "no name" membranes. Some are famous brand name membranes. Every single one of these jackets has always disappointed me on the "breathable" factor.

Regardless of the outside temperature, cold or warm, if I'm hiking or backpacking, I'm going to work up a sweat. When I do, I usually start soaking my jacket because all these membranes just do not have sufficient capacity to vent it out. Over the years I concluded, particularly in warm weather, that I might as well just get soaked from the rain. I was going to soak my clothes from my own sweat that failed to evaporate through my "breathable" membrane.

However, about 2 years ago I kept getting these glowing reviews from the old hands that work at REI about their new eVent jacket. I did my research and concluded it might be the best that's available. So when there was a sale I purchased this jacket 18 months ago.

Without equivocation, I can attest this is the most breathable jacket I've every used. Essentially, I've tested it on the AT in pouring spring rains, summer showers and in bitter January snowy winds in the teens. I've yet to soak my lower layers.

It is really a rather amazing jacket. I can actually feel the evaporation. I noticed in cold weather that during aerobic activity it had the ability to keep me warm with a minimum amount of cloths (a base layer and 1 light shirt). It's durable, lightweight and comfortable. I admit you do have to learn how to use the zippers but they are durable and you just have to not be afraid to let them know who's in charge.

For all you men and women who don't just "perspire" but really "sweat" then this is the jacket for you.

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

The jacket is solid. The hood is large but easily cinches down. If you don't ever wear a helmet it is easy to adjust the hood and leave it to your desired size. The bill on the hood has a good amount of rigidity and feels right.

E-vent does what it says and does it well. I recently hiked along the PCT when it was moderately warm but rained for 24 hours straight. I spent 12 hours hiking in the rain over 20 miles and was perfectly comfortable. I stayed dry from the rain and again stayed dry because of the breathability that kept sweat from accumulating. Not that it is needed but pit zips would have been a nice add on.

I see a lot of complaints with the zippers. I honestly don't understand why it is a big deal. The zipper requires more effort to pull but in my opinion is only a minor issue.

The jacket feels durable and is well made. It is waterproof, comfortable, keeps you warm, and breathes well. I could maybe see myself liking the high end arcteryx more but the Shuksan is half the hurt on the wallet and still very competitive.

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

I have had this jacket for about three weeks and it has handled everything that has been thrown at it. I was in a torrential downpour for about 3 hours ascending Mt. Lafeyette in the White Mountains and this jacket kept me dry and warm. On the way down the temperature changed about 30 degrees and I never had to peel it off which is amazing since I am always hot. So far,great breathabilty, waterproof and windproof.

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

I have had this jacket for 6 months.This jacket is the best piece of rain gear I have ever used period. I have had it through a rain/snow storm in yellow stone on my motor cycle this june and it kept me bone dry. I have ben in total down pours and it has also kept me bone dry. I have gone hiking in the mountains and had no problem over heating. It is truly breathable. The pockets are in ideal locations for any one back packing. They are located just above the hip belt so you can easily get into them with your pack on. And the inside pockets are nice as well and can fit one liter water bottles in them if you choose. And this whole zipper thing, If you just set it correctly its not a problem. It has some friction when you pull it but its a WATER PROOF ZIPPER !!! The sales man at the store showed me the proper way to set it and I have not had one problem with it. To make it slide easier I have heard silicon lubrication works well but I have not tried it because the pull on the zipper does not bother me at all. If you are looking to stay dry all day and not over heat or feel clammy this is a great jacket. And it looks nice too!

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

I initially purchased a Shuksan jacket October 2010 after my cheap Marmot jacket (now discontinued) soaked through on a fall backpacking trip. I wanted something with a branded membrane that I knew would be waterproof and I went with the Shuksan. As my only waterproof shell, I used the jacket 4-5 days a week commuting back and forth (on foot or bicycle) to school and on several backcountry outings. I returned the jacket near the end of October of this year (2011) because the membrane was separating from the jacket near the base of the hood. I am now on my second Shuksan and I am hoping I will have better luck with this one.

The Pros:

With the exception of the hood, the jacket fits very well. I am 6' tall, 175 lbs. and a medium is perfect - comfortable but with enough room to layer a shirt and a fleece underneath. The sleeves are about an inch or two long when standing, but absolutely the perfect length for riding a bike or simply bending over without exposing my entire forearm. The pockets are probably the best feature of the jacket, with four pockets (all backpack strap compatible) on the outside and two long tubular mesh pockets on the inside that hold a one-liter nalgene (or a foot-long sub sandwich) perfectly. Additionally, the jacket breathes very well and is exceptionally waterproof. I have never gotten wet in this jacket.

The Cons:

This jacket has two major cons that keep is from being a 5-star product: the hood and the durability. As the information states, the hood is helmet-compatible. I can personally vouch for this statement as the voluminous hood easily fits over my bike helmet on exceptionally rainy days. The problem with the hood is that is lacks any way to cinch the back down. There is a front-edge tension cord and another adjuster that makes the hood shallower front-to-back, but it lacks the vertical cinch found on many other jackets, and because of this the hood never really fits right without tucking the back down into itself.

The second major issue and the reason I almost didn't replace my returned jacket with another Shuksan is the durability. For a jacket in this price class, I expect to get 5-6 years of moderate use out of it before it begins to show substantial wear, but the Shuksan wears much faster. With my level of use (20 minute commute + on and off during the day X5 times a week), the DWR began to wear within 2-3 months. I retreated after about 4 months and this helped, but not entirely. On top of the DWR wear though, the jacket material also wore very quickly, showing pilling around the underarms where backpack straps rub after only about 8-9 months of use. The thing that caused me to return my first Shuksan though was the delamination that occurred right around a year after purchase. As the membrane wore, it turned darker and darker until eventually it pulled away from the backing material altogether. My jacket delaminated right near the base of the hood, and while this is one of the highest wear spots on the jacket, failing after only a year is unacceptable.

To sum up, the design is great (and the reason I am now wearing my second Shuksan) and the waterproofing is very good, but for its price, the material and DWR are not durable enough, particularly in high wear areas.

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

I'm from the UK and was looking for a jacket to take back with me after a holiday in the US.

I've heard a lot about the eVent fabric and how good it is but have never really had the opportunity to try it myself. To be honest I was having a bit of a hard time finding a suitable jacket in my size and in stock. The Seattle shop has a permanent 'garage sale' area in the basement so while having a look I came across the Shuksan Jacket. It had been returned to my eyes almost unused with a zipper that was stuck about 15cm from the bottom. As it was priced at something like $55 I though what the heck. I quickly managed to get the zipper unstuck and with a little lube its been perfect ever since.

As we all know England's weather is wet and miserable most of the time. With the current snow etc I've really managed to give this coat a sodding good work out. And all I can say is "What a crackingly good coat" it is! I've wild camped and trek'd and travelled with it and haven't really found anything I dislike about it other than the zip is still a little stiff. Breathability is as good if not better than Gore-tex. Cut is great not too big or too tight in the vital areas. The front pocket has a nice mesh type wallet and the insides have big 'bucket' type sleaves so you can keep things like maps etc flat.

Whats not to like!!!!!

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

I bought this jacket with the expectation that it would be good but to light weight for a cold windy day skiing. I was wrong !!

First day out on the slopes this year and it is 20 degrees, 60mph winds at an altitude of 9820 ft and it is snowing like crazy.

I am wearing this jacket, a North Face fleece, and smart wool top. After about three runs I am sweating. I expected the next ride up the lift will be cold followed by skiing in wet clothes. Not so, the venting in the event products worked perfectly. Never got cold, wet and skied long than usual because I was so comfortable. The light weight design was also a big plus. Half the weight in clothes from last year, just as warm and no sweaty layers.

I just wish the jacket was a bit more rugged in the shoulders and the elbows. Seems like it might rip while sking trees.

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

Excellent shell for city use as well as hiking and climbing. Love this jacket after owning North Face, Marmot, LL Bean and others this is my favorite shell.

If you've been thinking about buying this don't hesitate. The only negative I've found is that the zipper can be a little finicky at times. Can be easily cured by careful use of candle wax or a silicone treatment.

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

Excellent waterproof and windproof,also very breathable. No problem with the updated zipper so far. Fit is right there where I like it. Only complain is the stupid hood design, why such a large hood for helmet and no powder skirt? Even after you tighten the hood down, it still looks a little too much fabric. But this issue alone doesn't changed my opinion about this jacket, still 5 stars.