As soon as I put it on, I was struck by how stretchy, yet durable the fabric felt. Made with Polartec® NeoShell® material, the Armor is waterproof but breathable; It’s designed to stop outside elements from entering while allowing inside moisture and hot air to escape.
This specialized fabric keeps your core at a stable temperature and wicks away moisture for better regulation in all activities and conditions.
The Armor also exhibits durable stitching fully seam taped for extra protection from the elements.
Specialized Features
At 18oz., the Armor is a lightweight jacket featuring a number of other awesome details to aid your backcountry adventures.
For starters, the Armor has four pockets: 2 mesh chest pockets and 2 hand warming pockets situated high enough for easy access while wearing a harness. It also has superb ventilation, sporting six zippered vents in both front and rear.
Each of its pockets and vents are closed by YKK® water-resistant zippers, virtually waterproof while moving smoothly and holding up over time. Inside each zipper is an internal flap for added defense.
The Armor is intended to be worn over layers, though I found the less I wore underneath, the more comfortable the jacket fit. For heightened layering ability, I’d recommend choosing a size up from normal.
Easy to grab drawstring cords modify the size of the jacket’s openings and are sheltered by tunnels to eliminate flapping in the wind. In addition, the hood features protected drawstring cords and is compatible with a helmet.
Brooks Range Light Armor Jacket Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Stretchy and durable Polartec® NeoShell® fabric
- Excellent ventilation with water-resistant zippers
- Designed for backcountry adventures with four pockets
Cons:
- Requires layering for optimal comfort
- May need to size up for layering
Overall Impression
The form is part of the function in this jacket. With articulated elbows, rise free arm construction, and asymmetrical cuffs, you truly have freedom of movement and protection in the Brooks Range Armor Light Jacket ($115).
Though Brooks Range Mountaineering is not quite a household name, I now confidently stand behind the quality of their goods. After experiencing the Armor Jacket, I trust in this company’s ability to serve the needs of mountaineers through their products.
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