Decrepit Old Fool

Hot Damn!  The weather’s supposed to be miserable tomorrow!

Q: “What do you think, son?  It’s my new REI Ultra-Light waterproof windbreaker jacket.” 

A: “Gee, dad, I suddenly have the urge to throw a bucket of ice-water on you!”

It is a pretty nifty jacket.  I also like my Sierra Designs MicroLight windbreaker though it’s more for Spring and Fall where the REI is for the sleet and howling gales.  It is a versatile, configurable jacket for rough conditions.

That is, if you’re the type who prefers a windbreaker instead of a heavy coat even in extreme weather.  The idea is you can fine-tune the amount of insulation as simply as putting on a bulky sweater under it.  I just find the windbreaker more comfortable when I’m bicycling or doing other physical work.  A heavy coat restricts movement.

Pete got the first REI in the office, and Webs got the second one.  But neither of them were geeky enough for jacket-blogging.

Update: 18 February 2008.  After using the REI jacket for a few months, here’s what I found.  It is great protection from severe weather, except the neck isn’t big enough to zip up comfortably.  (I have the same problem with shirts; if you are pencil-necked, it won’t be a problem.)  And it has no document pocket; a place to stow an office envelope or a magazine would be nice.  Sierra Designs has an extreme jacket similar to the REI; I may try one since I like my SD light-duty jacket so much.