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UOG TOP PICK --Torrid Insulated Jacket, The Torrid Insulated Jackets warmth to weight ratio is unmatched by any other synthetic I have used; it packs down incredibly small, shields you from the wind, and will keep you toasty even when wet. The Torrid is everything we here at UOG love and is easily one of our top picks.
Enlightened Equipment says:
A favorite of long distance backpackers, The Torrid Jacket offers warmth, wind protection, and moisture resistance at an ultralight weight. Designed to keep you warm while keeping your pack light, the jacket starts at just 7.60 ounces (215g). Built using 2oz/yd² CLIMASHIELD™ APEX synthetic insulation, the Torrid maintains warmth and breathability even when damp.
The smooth ultralight nylon fabric has a durable water repellent finish for better performance in light precipitation. The adjustable waistband and elastic cuffs keep warmth in and cold out. The optional hood adjusts with a shock cord, and a grosgrain zipper garage at the chin increases comfort. Zippered pockets keep the essentials at hand. The Torrid Jacket is slightly oversized to accommodate layers, and has raglan sleeves for a full range of movement. For those who won’t let weather get in the way, the Torrid Jacket is the perfect 3-season layer.
Our Verdict
This is the best insulating jacket I have used for long-distance multi-day hiking; it's incredibly light, packs down incredibly small, and is super warm! It's the first synthetic I have used that rivals Downs warmth to weight ratio, yet the Torrid has a margin of wet weather protection that Down cannot offer. The smooth, ultralight nylon outer fabric blocks out the wind and has been treated with a durable DWR coating, which helps the Torrid shed light rain, mist and snow.
When needed, the hood adds significant warmth and wind resistance and can be cinched around the face with two ultralight shock cord facings. The elasticated hem and cuffs seal in warmth, and the hem can be adjusted with shock cord adjustment tucked away in the pockets. The hand-warming pockets are zippered so that you can store valuables inside worry-free.
I'm six foot and relatively slim; I used the medium jacket, which fitted me perfectly; it's a slightly oversized fit so that you can accommodate layers underneath.
The fabric never seems to feel clammy so must breathe pretty well. It also offers decent wind protection and the DWR will resist a shower or drizzle. I was initially nervous about damaging the 7D fabric but can say that during extensive use it has held up fine.
The EE Torrid Apex jacket has the best warmth to weight ratio of any synthetic jacket that we have seen, we love it.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
In-depth Reviews:
Features
- Cinchable, shock cord adjustable, insulated hood.
- Raglan style sleeves to increase comfort and range of motion.
- Zippered insulated handwarmer pockets with shock cord waist adjustment in pocket.
- Elastic wrist closures to keep out drafts up sleeves.
Specifications
- Small weighs: 194g
- Medium weighs: 222g
- Large weighs: 250g
- XLarge weighs: 278g
Material & Construction
- 2oz/yd² CLIMASHIELD™ APEX insulation performs better than down in wet and humid conditions, dries quickly, packs small, and is easy to clean.
- CLIMASHIELD™ APEX weights may vary +/- 10% due to production variances.
- This jacket features 7D nylon fabrics.
- Fabric colors might appear slightly different from images shown.
- For help picking the correct sizing, watch our Apparel Sizing Video. Sizes run about a half size large for layering purposes.
