We put Icebreaker's Kodiak/Arctic water-resistant merino jacket into our holiday gift guide, now we've put it to the test.
This jacket, part of the company's "Realfleece Nano" collection, actually repels water.
"Made from cozy 320gm Realfleece brushed merino, the Arctic Zip has added bluesign®-accredited nanotechnology," Icrebreaker says. "Tiny nanotechnology particles attach themselves to the merino, creating a ridged surface -- water, mud and oil simply run off."
And it works, but our biggest question was: How does it breathe?
If the jacket can keep water out so well, what's stopping it from trapping sweat in, and potentially turning you into a cold and clammy mess?
The answer: It has several panels -- on the side ribs, under the arms and two small sections on the back -- that aren't treated with the water-resistant coating. These panels will breathe like regular merino, helping to move moisture out and away from your body. The entire garment isn't the most breathable thing I've worn, but it's good enough that you won't overheat, provided it's cold enough outside.
Update: Reps point out that this jacket wasn't designed specifically for running. It is technically a lifestyle garment, they said, but I say it's still great for any outdoor activity.
In the cold -- I mean frigid cold -- is where this jacket performs best. For me, it's too warm to wear above 30 degrees, though bikers may find they can wear it at slightly higher temperatures. You can also get away with it for any activity when the wind is fierce; the merino weave is so tight it does a surprisingly good job keeping the chill off.
When the temperature is between about 25 and 32 degrees, I've been wearing it with just a lightweight, short-sleeved technical shirt. With a strong wind chill, or in any sort of precipitation, I'd probably opt for a long-sleeved shirt. I went the long-sleeve route this week during a light snow -- it was below 20 degrees -- and was quite comfortable.
You won't need to add layers until the temperature really drops.
And yesterday it did drop: On Wednesday in D.C. it was 16 degrees at 7a.m. Before I went for my usual run around the Mall I threw on a long-sleeved -- though lightweight -- Patagonia tech shirt, the Arctic and my orange fleece Buff on the top; on the bottom I wore fleece-lined Sacony tights, Point6 merino-blend socks and added 3M's thermal insoles (more on these later) to my Altra Intuitions. Oh, and Outdoor Research mittens with Little Hotties hand warmers. Just for kicks -- and probably out of frozen fear -- I added a Patagonia Nine Trails superlight jacket as another windbreak. (Is that enough brand name-dropping for you?)
Half a mile in I was too warm and ditched the Nine Trails jacket. For the rest of the run I was completely toasty and comfortable. The jacket breathed really well and I was warm but not at all sweaty.
I'm actually disappointed I can't wear it in a wider range of temperatures. It's so comfortable that I'd like to wear it more often, but on the few runs above freezing I've practically overheated.
Features: Two lower zip pockets, plus a media pocket up top. Asymmetrical cuffs help eliminate the gap between jacket and glove on really cold days.
Fit: Icebreaker's online size chart is spot on. I typically wear a medium, but followed the chart and ordered a small; it fits perfectly. The women's version fits fairly snug, which is my preference, and also ideal if you want to use this as a base layer. The bottom of the jacket covers my hip bones without feeling too long and the sleeves are just the right length to keep some of my hand covered. I have broad shoulders, so I feel just the slightest bit constricted across the top of my back. Most women are not shaped like the Hulk, so this is probably a problem exclusive to me.
Quality:
The folks at Icebreaker say the water-resistant treatment will last for the life of the jacket -- which is about 50 washes, they said.
I was initially worried about how quickly anyone would burn through those 50 washes, but so far this hasn't been an issue.
Why?
Because I haven't washed it. I haven't needed to. (I recognize this is fairly gross, it's all in the name of research!)
Because it can only be worn when it's freezing cold, I don't get as sweaty as when I'm in my 40- to 50-degree gear. When I get done the jacket is barely damp. Plus, the merino doesn't hold onto odors like synthetic fabrics often do. The Arctic smells almost as fresh as it did the first wear, despite the fact that I've been wearing it almost nonstop (for running and as an everyday jacket) since it arrived.
(We'll post a update on how -- or if -- the water-resistant coating changes over time with lots of wear and washings.)
Care: Wash on cold, line dry.
Wish list: This list is short, and very nit-picky.
First, I'd love to see some kind of reflective embellishments somewhere on the front and back. I do most of my morning runs in downtown D.C., where it can feel more like playing Frogger than being out for a leisurely jog.
I also wish the media pocket were slightly taller to fit the iPhone 5. This is super-duper picky, as the jacket came out right around the same time as the new iPhone, so I don't fault them for making the pocket the size it is. My phone does fit, but it's pretty snug when the headphones are plugged in.
I also wish there was some kind of vent under the arm pits. Allowing for just a little bit more breathability would increase this jacket's wearable temperature range.
Last of all: Monkey thumbs. I wish all my jackets had thumb loops, and I'll forever wish this one did too.
Cons: The price is high, but arguably worth the splurge. This can take the place of two jackets I used to have to layer to get the same result.
Verdict: This has become my go-to cold weather jacket. It's ideal to wear in winter weather such as sleet or snow. It'll keep you warm and dry, without roasting you from the inside out.
If you're an all-weather runner in a location that gets a fair amount of snow, cold or nasty winter weather, this would be a great addition to your kit. If you live in a place where below-freezing temps are rare, than you can opt for something lighter (and cheaper).
Buy the Arctic long sleeve zip for $250; $270 with the hood.
The men's version, the Kodiak, is here, also $250 and $270.
Sara Davidson is an ultrarunner and our resident women's gear destroyer. She hates being cold more than she hates running on the treadmill.
