Fall is definitely very close here in Maine. I have a new Woolrich Mineral Springs Jacket in a nice fall color – Pomegranate. I didn’t think I’d be wearing it yet though. I
Women's Mineral Springs Jacket
figured it would be late September or so. Our nights are getting cool, very quickly.
The jacket has the following features (from the website):
When I tried on the jacket, I didn’t notice the hood that is stored inside the back of the collar. The first time I wore it, was during a heavy rain. We were heading out to dinner, and I put it on figuring I’d see how it did in a downpour, instead of waiting until I was out hiking somewhere. Other than my head, I managed to stay dry. Did I say that I didn’t notice the hood? The jacket fits well, with sleeves that actually reach, and slightly cover my wrists. I’ve worn the jacket a few more times, on short morning hikes, when the temperatures were in the high 4o’s F. The jacket was perfect – kept me just warm enough to be comfortable, without feeling ‘clammy’ from the humidity. I especially like that the wrists are adjustable. I like them loser while hiking, but if the weather gets wet or windy, I’d like to be able to tighten them up and keep warmer and drier.
I like that this jacket is a dual-purpose – designed for hiking, and its nice enough to wear out somewhere casual. I’m looking forward to seeing how well it wicks moisture on more strenous hikes, and how well it blocks the wind. Stay tuned for an update in a few weeks.
November 2009 Update:
I’ve been wearing the Mineral Springs jacket quite a bit over the last month or so. I take quite a few early morning hikes, when the temperatures are in the low 30s to mid 40s F. I try to go at least 5 miles, if not more. Mostly I am hiking for the exercise, and to clear my head. A ‘quickie’ early in the morning, usually gets the day off to a great start. I’ll pull the jacket on over a fleece pullover and head out with just a water bottle, if its for a short hike. Some times, it is a leisurely trek, where the jacket helps keep me warm, and blocks the wind. It is very good at that – it is very noticeable in how well it keeps the wind from causing me to feel chilled. Other days, I try to keep a faster pace, and burn some calories. On these mornings, I usually end up unzipping the jacket after a short time, as I warm up. It allows for enough ventilation to keep from getting too warm. I don’t like having to take something off and put it back on as I slow down. This jacket just keeps me comfortable, with minimum fuss.
On longer hikes, I wear the jacket, and then store it in my pack when not needed. Many times, I’ll be warm enough while hiking, but cool off when we stop to eat or take pictures. Its easy to stuff it in my pack’s outside pocket, and pull it out quickly when needed. While kayaking, I have worn it under my pdf, for the extra wind break. Its comfortable, and doesn’t bunch up under the pdf. Thankfully, I haven’t had to test how quickly it dries!
I like the looks and cut of the jacket. Its not restrictive in any way. I can lift and reach for things, without the sleeves sliding up too far, or restricting my range of movement. The Mineral Springs jacket looks good enough to wear out and around town too. I have come to really appreciate items that serve more than one purpose. The jacket still looks new, even though its been washed more than once. The zipper and hook and loop fasteners on the cuff work without problem. One small, but nice thing I’ve noticed is that the hook and loop pieces do not catch on other things. I’m not sure I’ll be using the jacket much for the next few months, as winter has arrived here in Maine. It will be put to use again come spring though!
~Leesa
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