Customer Reviews 2 item(s)
- Solid, Light, Dependable
-
After 18 months fairly solid use in the Invercargill weather the Adrenaline has surpassed my expectations.
So what has it been used for? Pretty much everything from 3hr bike interval sessions to mountainbiking to watching the Phoenix actually win a game!
During high intensity sessions I noticed a build up of moisture on the inside. I have to stress a couple of points here- 1. by high intensity I mean interval sessions on the bike or tempo runs (4-4.15 min/km pace). 2. I sweat a lot when I exercise. This meant often my back and shoulders would still end up wet when I had finished training. Opening the pit zips helps a little but not much. The reality is even my Spoke jacket ends up sopping wet after these sessions.
During low - moderate intensity exercise it is a different story. I remain warm and dry inside and out! The only caveat is if I have a pack on then my shoulders and back where the straps and pack run can get a bit damp. Basically the straps prevent the jacket breathing efficiently.
This was exemplified the other day during a MTB ride- Chest area nice and dry, shoulders and back damp from wearing my hydration pack. Further, I threw it in the wash only to discover my speedo and camera went through the wash too. Both came out BONE DRY. Not a single drop of water got into the pocket!
Keeping warm and dry was my first priority for the jacket, second up was packability. The Adrenaline ticks this box as well, scrunching down to next to nothing meaning it can live in my pack for commuting or form part of my 'Required gear' during the likes of the Motutapu event.
As an Earth Sea Sky garment; style, build quality, finishing and durability were not concerns that I had for the Adrenalin as these qualities are endemic in all ESS kit.
If there is any change I would make to the Adrenaline it would be to make one of the zips double sided enabling it to be packed into itself.
After 18months use and abuse my Adrenaline hasn't missed a beat and I would recommend to anyone. - Good offering in the ultra light weight category of jackets
-
The Adrenaline as a featherweight multi-activity jacket, designed for adventure racing, multisport or any activity in which grams matter. It is constructed from Entrant DT2.5 fabric. DT stands for ‘dry touch’ and refers to the half layer, which is really just the inside surface being slightly raised so as to avoid clamminess and the need for the traditional third layer of shell fabric. At 450 grams, it is planted firmly at the breathable/lightweight end of the spectrum.
To test the breathability, rated at 8,000g/m2/24hr, I donned it for a walk up Shadow Basin at the Remarkables Iced and Mixed Festival. To test the waterproofness, rated at 10,000mm, I walked to the supermarket and back in a pouring southerly. In-between times, I used it for ski touring, biking to work and on-piste skiing. It performed well. Rain didn’t get in and a lot of sweat got out. Simple.
With regard to features, it has a lot going for it. The hood is roomy, adjustable, has a visor-wire and turns with your head. My preference would be for it to be permanently attached, but I understand that others prefer the option of taking it off. The elasticated cuffs have a perfectly adequate velcro closure and the zips are waterproofed. Gusseted shoulders mean you can reach with your arms up, around and across. It is perfect for athletic mixed climbing moves or pointing up at the menu at your local café.
The objective of reducing weight has been ruthlessly pursued. You don’t get a fluffy chinguard muff, for example. The chest pockets and underarm vents use the same zip on each side, which takes a bit of getting used to.
The configuration of the pockets is my only, and minor, criticism. I am not sure if there is a solution for this, or if it can be achieved without increasing weight, but I think it is natural to access chest pockets from across the torso with the opposite hand, rather than crooking your elbow and shoulder to access a pocket that can easily be confused with the underarm vent. First world problem, I know.
This jacket does need to be washed regularly and I am assured that its performance will hold up to regular washings and prolonged use. However, I wouldn’t take it into the bush and I wouldn’t want to rough it up against rock or icy snow.
If you are really keen on stripping grams it is well worth a look.
