As this “puffy weather” has continued, I’ve been glad to hve the GoLite Cady 2477 jacket at my disposal. It is a synthetic-fill insulated jacket to maintain warmth when wet and lends itself more to being used for cold-weather activities. While many of these types of jackets are great for warmth during sedentary times, the Cady 2477 is built for action, so that’s what I dished out to it.

Features of the GoLite Cady 2477:

• Multi-directional front zipper
• Mesh stuff pocket for self-stowing
• Media pocket with cord routing
• Zippered, fleece-lined side pockets
• Fleece-lined collar
• Pit zips for venting
• GoLite® stuff sack
• Made with recycled content
• Colors: Field Green (tested), Red Rock, Grease, Black
• MSRP: $150

GoLite Cady 2477 Jacket Review

So, what’s really different about the GoLite Cady 2477 jacket? First off, it’s built for actual use in the field. It’s cut a little longer than most of the competitors to maintain coverage and avoid the dreaded hindside gap (which can be much worse than an annoying gap if you fall backwards in the snow). With that extra length, the jacket maintains coverage even during extreme activity.

Add on top of that pit zips (another unique feature of this type of jacket) to dump extra heat in a hurry and you’ve got a much more versatile synthetic puffy jacket than is typical in the market at this price.

I really decided to push the limits of this jacket by using it for Winter trail running. Conditions have been cold, so I’ve been out now several times with this jacket in 15-20 degree weather. The trails have been mostly snow-covered with a moderate wind. When engaging in an aerobic activity, such as trail running or backcountry skiing, you typically start out intentionally colder than is comfortable. The reason being is that within 5-8 minutes, your blood is pumping and you are producing enough heat to be warm. I didn’t follow that advice and instead started out comfortable as can be in the Cady to see how it would perform.

As I heated up, I took advantage of the pit zips to provide ventilation and successfully avoid overheating. While I pushed the limits of function, I was sweating quite profusely (hey, that’s what you do when running), and the back of the jacket seemed to breathe very well. The only part of the jacket that didn’t breathe as well were the sleeves–ending up a bit more damp than the back of the jacket.

I know that most jackets have multi-directional zippers, but I really don’t see much value–especially when I found myself fiddling with getting the lower zipper correctly placed before being able to zip up the jacket. I suppose access to a heart rate monitor or an interior pocket may be easier from the bottom than from the top, but that’s about all I can think of.

Good Cady 2477

• Extra length provides more coverage during activities
• Pit zips are welcome and rare in this type of jacket
• Lightweight feel
• Fleece-lined collar is soft, warm and is the perfect height and diameter
• Lined pockets offer extra warmth
• Kudos for recycled poly exterior, interior and 50% recycled insulation materials

Bad Cady 2477

• Fit is a bit bulky… would prefer more athletic cut
• Dual-direction front zipper must be seated properly for unzipping and initial zip-up

Bottom Line: GoLite Cady 2477 Jacket

Cut with a bit extra length for full-coverage and built for adventure with pit zips and a comfortable collar, the GoLite Cady 2477 jacket is a unique player in the world of synthetic puffys.

Buy Now: Search for GoLite Jackets

About the Sierra Designs Kenosha Jacket

Built lightweight for athletic pursuits, the Kenosha Jacket is ready for windy and cool conditions year-round. The 100% polyester exterior with DWR keeps wind and water at bay while remaining breathable. Add on top of that a Cocona Lite wicking liner for moisture management and you’ve got more than a simple athletic jacket.

Features of the Kenosha Jacket

• 100% recyclable polyester exterior with DWR
• Cocona Lite liner for moisture management
• Three pockets: handwarmer and upper-chest
• Drawstring waistline
• Elastic sleeve cuffs
• Breathable stretchy inserts in underarm
• Colors: True Blue/Granite (tested), Paprika/Granite, Granite
• MSRP: $100

Sierra Designs Kenosha Jacket Review

Just in time for some cool weather, the Sierra Designs Kenosha Jacket has been on several trail runs and mountain bike rides in temperatures hovering around freezing. When venturing out in the cold, it’s always best to be a little chilly when starting because once your blood gets flowing, you heat up and will achieve the perfect comfort level.

I wore the Kenosha with both short-sleeve and long-sleeve base layers–depending on conditions. The Cocona Lite liner does a fantastic job of distributing the moisture for faster evaporation times. Never did I feel like the sweat was pooling in one area, but instead it spread across the entire back of the jacket. After exercising, I could wear the jacket without feeling like it was a wet sponge.

The only downside to the Cocona liner is when putting it on when the sleeve lining gets bunched up and pushed out the cuffs (see pic below). After getting it on, it takes a little bit of finagling to finally get in place comfortably. I’d suggest the sleeve lining being attached to the outer shell to avoid this. While I’m on the topic of the sleeves, the shoulders are a tad tight as well, so until you get the lining/sleeve combo situated properly, it may feel a little uncomfortable. Once up and going, it’s no big deal and feels great.

I really appreciated the lightweight and breathable nature of the polyester outer shell. It’s much quieter than nylon fabric and is also more environmentally-friendly.

The size Medium gives me both the perfect sleeve and hem length without being restrictive on my 5’11″ 175 lb frame. The extra sleeve length is great for pulling over your hands when running in colder weather and also maintains coverage on the mountain bike.

The lined collar is comfortable and maintains warmth when needed, but could be 1/4″ shorter for my tastes. The zipper isn’t of the one-handed variety either, so when ventilation is needed, it’s a two-handed affair–nothing that really detracts from the excellent function of this jacket.

Good Kenosha

• Inner lining wicks moisture well and provides a comfortable feel
• Very breathable outer fabric
• Lightweight
• Collar is just the right height and diameter for mid or outer layer
• Usable pockets
• Perfect sleeve length for extra coverage in a pinch
• Built-in underarm ventilation
• Just enough DWR to shed light rain (did not test in downpour, but light rain beaded up nicely)
• Sierra Designs always gives you good bang for the buck

Bad Kenosha

• Lining in sleeves tends to grab long sleeve under layers
• Fits a bit tight around shoulders
• Requires two hands to zip/unzip
• Front zipper is unbacked and allows some wind penetration
• A hole in the chest pocket already

Bottom Line: Sierra Designs Kenosha Jacket

Once you give the Kenosha some time to settle down after first putting it on, it is a sleek wind jacket capable of shedding light rain and maintaining proper moisture control.

Buy Now: Search for Sierra Designs Kenosha

As an example, Arc’teryx is definitely one of the premiere manufacturers of core outerwear, clothing, backpacks and accessories for demanding outdoors enthusiasts. They have a strong reputation in the industry for building bomber-quality gear to meet specific needs. I’d say Arc’teryx is what other top manufacturers used to be–100% committed to the core athlete who demands a lot from their gear. As a result, Arc’teryx products are consistently high-rated and sought after by those who beat the tar out of their gear.

About the Arc’teryx Accelero Pullover Jacket

Though clearly I don’t know where to draw the line between jacket and shirt, the folks at Arc’teryx have skillfully blurred that line with the Accelero pullover. Simple and lightweight, the Accelero is best worn as an outer layer when it’s chilly outside.

Here are a few highlights:

• Dry Web Fabric: Breathable stretch polyester double-weave with bamboo charcoal next to the skin
• Laminated side pocket with headphone port
• Non-locking 3/4 length zipper
• Reflective logo and piping
• Stretch-woven cuffs
• MSRP: $98.95
• learn more

Arc’teryx Accelero Pullover Jacket Review

Though Arc’teryx has a strong following in the mountaineering and climbing crowd, they have lots of great pieces that span multiple core outdoor activities. The Accelero pullover is a great example of a piece that can be used for many activities. As outerwear, it’s perfectly-suited for a brisk morning run or an early-season mountain bike ride. As a middle layer, it’s also well-suited as lightweight insulation.

The material found on the Accelero is soft and lightweight. It doesn’t have that swish swish feeling you get with most synthetic outerwear (think of those parachute pants you wore in elementary school). That’s because it is a fine mix of woven polyester and bamboo (Dry Web fabric), which makes the fabric soft, stretchy, wind-resistant and water resistant as well.

The size Large I received fit me well, but I think I could have gone with a medium. That said, this is an athletic cut (thankfully)… which means that it was designed to fit the body snug or loose where it should be. Because of that, it was still form-fitting and not at all bulky.

I wore the Accelero on a handful of trail runs and on bike rides. I love how lightweight the fabric is and how comfortable it is overall. It does a fair job at blocking the wind, but isn’t completely windproof. Because of that, it breathes extremely well and does a great job at taking the edge off a cold wind to keep your core warm and dry. The non-locking 3/4-length zipper is great as well. You can pull it open very easily to increase ventilation, but be careful when taking this thing off because the zipper can catch your nose (maybe my nose is larger than average?).

On bike rides, I stuffed the jacket away in my hydration pack just in case. At only 241 grams, the Accelero is light and packable. I just shoved it to the bottom of my hydration pack and never noticed it. Aside from the asymmetrical, non-bulky sleeve cuff design, the only other detail worth mentioning is the welded side pocket–perfect for stashing away a key or an iPod Nano. I tried to stuff my iPod Touch in there to no avail, but it’s perfect for my Nano.

Good Accelero

• Lightweight and durable
• Soft, woven poly and bamboo fabric is super comfortable
• Breathes extremely well
• Athletic fit
• An awesome mid our outer layer

Bad Accelero

• Side pocket could be a titch larger
• Be carefully when pulling it off… the zipper can catch you right in the nose

Bottom Line on the Arc’teryx Accelero Pullover

I love having a variety of jackets and shirts to wear depending on the weather. As an early-morning activity kind of guy, I dig the comfort and breathability of the Accelero. It takes the edge off harsh winds and keeps me from feeling clammy. This is a great choice for springtime riding or running.

Buy Now: Get the Arc’teryx Accelero

Critical to jackets for trail running or mountain biking is its ability to block the wind and its ability to breathe. On top of that, having just the right fit is also something I look for–you don’t want to have the sleeves flapping in the wind, catching on a passing branch or interfering with the fit of your hydration pack. Fortunately, Outdoor Research seems to have all of this nailed with the new Avido Jacket.

About the Outdoor Research Avido Jacket

Outdoor Research has been stepping up their outerwear line over the past few years and the all-new Mens Avido Jacket is a great example of a functional and versatile, ultralight shell. Perfect for cool springtime or autumn weather or unpredictable summer days while scaling windswept ridgelines, the Avido Jacket provides just the right amount of stretch with strategically-placed ventilation to keep you comfortable under all conditions–well, under all cool-weather conditions. DWR finish keeps you as dry as possible after sudden storms. Style is clean and simple with two front handwarmer pockets and a rear pocket to stash extra goodies.

Nothing fancy… just the basics, but the basics done right. The Outdoor Research Avido wind jacket is a solid piece of outdoor gear for mountain bikers, trail runners, peak baggers or city chillers.

More features of the OR Avido Jacket:

• Weight: 8.3 oz
• Material: Breathable stretch ripstop
• Coating: DWR to keep you dry
• Vents: Mesh vents under arms and behind shoulders
• MSRP: $79.00

Outdoor Research Avido Jacket Review

Looking over the Avido Jacket in detail reveals that this jacket isn’t just a “me too” windbreaker, but it’s a well-designed jacket that takes its style and function from OR’s stellar outerwear lineup. The fabric is stretch ripstop nylon with a DWR finish to repel water. It’s not going to keep you dry in a downpour, but occasional spring showers won’t phase this jacket.

The slight stretch of the fabric gives you just that little extra bit of comfort when you need it, thus allowing the Avido Jacket to never feel restrictive under any conditions.

Trail running in this jacket reveals its amazing breathability. The underarm vents extend over half the circumference of the underarm and down the side panel to allow free airflow from front to back. This cool airflow is noticeable and welcome while working up a sweat. The size and cut of the jacket is also spot on… not too tight and not too loose. The hem has a single drawstring that can be tightened with one hand. Again, simple and effective to maintain the right fit.

Using the Avido while mountain biking once again revealed the versatility of this jacket. This lightweight jacket fits perfectly under a hydration pack (Deuter Race EXP Air) and never felt bulky. I did notice that the zipper from the back pocket did start to dig into my skin a bit with a pack on. Maybe a smaller hydration pack wouldn’t do this, but it’s something to be aware of. The only other item I noticed is that the sleeves could be just a titch longer. Maybe 3/4″ longer would suffice.

Other details to notice on this jacket include reflective material on the back between the shoulder blades, two interior pockets, one rear pocket and two front handwarmer pockets. The pockets have some beef to them so you can carry heavy items like keys or a cell phone without feeling like they are flopping around.

I got this jacket in a size Large and it seems to fit true to size. I don’t know what’s going on between manufacturers, but a size Large can vary from tight to huge. This one seems spot on.

Good Avido

• Well-placed vents let the sweat out while keeping out the wind
• Collar height is perfect
• Super lightweight
• Functional pockets

Bad Avido

• Sleeve length is about 1″ too short
• No longer available (Spring 2009)

The Bottom Line on the Outdoor Research Avido Jacket

This jacket is just what an ultra light shell should be. It’s super versatile for trail running or mountain biking with supreme breathability. There’s no reason not to have something like this along just in case. At a mere 8.3 oz, the function to weight ratio is high. The Avido Jacket is perfect for cool weather activities or packed in your backpack just in case. I dig it.

Buy Now: Get the OR Avido Jacket from MooseJaw.com