Cut and climb jacket opinions

[SteveA]

We bought 4 SIP Keiu jackets about 2 months back. They've had a bending just lately, one of the lads climbed in it all day in the rain Monday, it was a crown reduction on an Oak tree, so very exposed.

 

Bearing in mind we were all drenched his overall opinion was the that the jacket was brilliant. Ok, it's not that old and is due its first wash this weekend so the waterproofing will still be in good condition. My only complaint would be that the big bulky neck that stores the hood is a bit uncomfortable and generally it's a hot jacket to wear. I suppose you could try wearing it with the hood out to make the neck less stiff and bulky. I undid the underarm zips to let in some air whilst reducing a Laurel hedge on the same day, this was the only bit that got wet.

 

The material seems very robust, the arms are nice and long to accommodate reaching and the long back covers your backside. I had the pocket open yesterday while tipping off and caught it on the truck somehow, fearing a tear I looked down and it was fine.

 

They look minging now so need washing this weekend, it says 40 degs but I'm tempted to put them on 30 but for longer. I'll also be hanging them in our conservatory to drip dry as instructed, see how it goes.

 

All in all, so far we all like them.

 

(Just slightly gutted that whilst I was investigating this jacket the price jumped from £76 to £90 odd:sneaky2:)

 

I agree about the hood. I believe it's designed to be big enough to fit over the top of your helmet.... but I've found its too small for that as it restricts movement too much (when turning your head to the side).

 

I've opted for putting the hood under my helmet and moving the sides of the hood to the back so that I can position my ear defenders straight onto my ears, rather than over the hood (if that makes sense?)... but that's not a perfect solution.

 

Overall, I think it would be a better jacket of it didn't have a hood and had a better fitting collar instead.

 

Waterproofing on the SIP Keiu seems good, so far, but I've not washed it yet.

I like the large pit zips.... which certainly helps on breathability and it has plenty of pockets.

 

cheers, steve