I just couldn’t help myself. There I was, minding my own business, when I saw that our local Eddie Bauer store had marked their Rainier jackets down from $350 to $200. Burning a hole in my pocket was some birthday money, and I was armed with Eddie Bauer’s amazing ProDeal discount and a friends & family, invitation only discount. I couldn’t have held back if I tried. Other manufacturers give us products to test; Eddie Bauer almost did after the discounts.
The Rainier—aptly named, I know—is a top-tier product for Eddie Bauer’s First Ascent line of high-tech gear and clothing. Ultimate protection “for four-season” use (they don’t live in Oklahoma, but we’ll see), the shell is an amazing piece of equipment and replaces a North Face shell I’ve had for a few years.
Here are some highlights:
WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE–Three-layer, 3.77 oz 50-Denier WeatherEdge® Pro fabric with StormRepel™ durable water-repellent (DWR) finish; rated to 20K/20K
THERMAWELD™ CONSTRUCTION THROUGHOUT–Fully welded seams reduce weight and improve performance in wet weather
PIT ZIPS–For quick, easy venting. Single-slider, low-profile zippers don’t get in your way
INTEGRATED HOOD–Fits easily over a climbing or ski helmet
WATER-RESISTANT ZIPPERS–Sealed to eliminate need for flaps
ARTICULATED ELBOWS–Facilitate easy movement
ERGONOMIC POCKETS–Compatible with harness and pack
LOW-PROFILE CUFFS–Adjust for snug fit
The shell is 100% Polyester DWR and weighs in at 16.58 oz for those of you counting. I’m looking forward to a fall and winter of wet and in-climate weather and can’t wait to get back to you with more info on this amazing shell.
