Well, the search for gear for Purple Pack Lady (PPL) has started, and I think everything may go easier than I expected. Shopping with her went fairly well the first time out. I know, I know, mentioning anything about the process while still in the act could jinx things, but I think the preliminary results are pretty good. I'm not saying it was easy, just not as many problems as I imagined!
I decided to start the shopping and, more importantly, the sizing at a nearby REI Co-Op so that if things didn't go smoothly, the trip home would be short. I don't shop REI anywhere nearly as often as years past, but I went in anyway for the reasons mentioned above. The store was to be used as a size reference, since there is a North Face and Mountain Hardware outlet within an hour away.
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| REI Picture. NOT Purple Pack Lady! |
After arriving at the store and wandering around looking at other things, we finally entered the Women's section. Several jackets from different manufacturers were tried on, and they were found lacking.
Size? Okay.
Fit? Okay.
What was missing? Color. Yes, the defining factor that sealed the deal on an all-season GoreTex Jacket was the color, specifically the red one shown on the left. Now, there's nothing wrong with choosing a color you like, but I'm personally a fan of "features first, color rather further down the list", and Red is really low on my personal palette.
From the REI website:
- GORE-TEX® Paclite® gives you a windproof, waterproof and extremely breathable shell that’s lightweight and easy to pack
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish sheds drizzle
- Articulation throughout for ease of movement
- Zippered hipbelt-compatible hand pockets and convenient chest pocket keep essentials secure
- Pockets are mesh lined to double as core vents
- 2-point adjustable hood lets you fine-tune the fit and allows for improved vision
- Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs and hem drawcord seal out the elements
Trying things on BEFORE purchasing is something I really, really like to do. Buying and returning things over and over just wears me down, even if returns are easy and free. Ditto for clothes intended for outdoor wear in the elements. PPL usually wears a Small in jackets and if this wasn't going to be potentially worn in really cold weather, that would be more than fine. But if a fleece or bulky sweater was worn under this jacket, a Medium was needed. The sleeves are too long, but the length and chest measurements work just fine.
Since the red color was perfect and the jacket was GoreTex, the drive to the outlets wasn't necessary! The next item(s) will be pants, "I don't like these, they make too much noise!" and possibly hiking shoes. Shoes, not boots, since "I don't like tall boots" even if they are mid height. Ah well...
Recap And Takeaway
- I can't argue with a successful start the get my friend equipped with real outdoor gear, in place of trendy label, pretend clothing.
- Purchased at REI, XERODRY GTX Jacket, $110 regularly $159
- Nothing else was ordered or purchased this week, but there is a definite Shopping List to be gone through!
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NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.
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