Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Pro
The Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Pro does what I want an insulated hiking jacket to do: it stops the wind, breathes to lessen sweat buildup inside, and keeps me warm even when wet. And the $169.95 price is a great deal for an insulated jacket that does those three things.
Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Pro Specs
MSRP: $169.95
Weight: 12.3 ounces men’s, 11.2 ounces women’s
Outer Shell: Texashield Pro
Insulation: PrimaLoft
About the Routeburn Pro
This is a good jacket for throwing on to stay warm on cool nights in camp, as an outer layer during shoulder season hikes, and as an inner or outer layer while snowshoeing in the winter. The Routeburn’s warm-while-damp insulation means I don’t have to fret about staying bone dry during wickedly wet weather. And as an outer layer it’s great at cutting the wind.
Routeburn Pro Features
Shell: Texashield 20D ripstop made from 100% polyester recycled windproof outer fabric. Texashield is Jack Wolfskin’s trademark breathable outer shell that’s wind and water resistant.
The Rain Test: I don’t expect to leave my rain shell at home and rely on the Routeburn for rain protection, but it’s good to know that it can get wet and still insulate. During a short hike in the rain water beaded up on the outer shell and did not penetrate inside, nor did water get through the fleece side lining. Impressive.
Insulation: PrimaLoft is a synthetic insulation that packs small and stays warm when wet. I prefer wearing a PrimaLoft coat during the New England shoulder seasons when cold rain and wet snow are always possible.
Warmth: The PrimaLoft insulation in the Routeburn is the equivalent of 550-fill down, which is good as the main insulating layer for temperatures in the 30s. When the temperature dropped below 30 I put put on insulating layers under the Routeburn or wore the Routeburn under a hard shell.
Pockets: Three; two deep hip pockets and one chest pocket. The chest pocket is large enough to hold a phone and keep it warm, or stash a hat.
Zipper: Generous draft flap on the front zipper, with zipper garage at the neck. I especially like the soft lining on the draft flap where it snugs up against my chin.
Adjustable Hem: Cords at each hip are easy to reach and pull tight to keep cold air out.
Stretch Fleece Sides: The long strips of stretch fleece that run from the armpits to the waist on both sides of the coat act like pit zips, and it’s a setup I haven’t seen in an insulated coat. But I like that I can feel cooling air through the fleece when I’m heating up during a hard hike.
Warranty: Jack Wolfskin US has a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for all its clothing.
Sustainability: The PrimaLoft insulation and Texashield Pro shell fabric are made from recycled polyester.
Routeburn Pros
Wind, Rain Protection: The coat blocks wind like a champ, and water beads up on the outside without getting through. The water resistance is a plus, but it’s good to remember that this isn’t a rain shell.
Weight: 12 ounces is a respectable weight for a synthetic insulation coat considering the three pockets, fleece side strips, and wide front zipper draft flap.
Side Stretch Fleece: The fleece stretches to accommodate extra layers of clothing, and provides good ventilation when building up body heat during a strenuous hike
Routeburn Cons
No Hood: This is more personal preference than a con, but I like hoods on my coats, and the Routeburn doesn’t have one. The Routeburn Pro Hybrid, with stretch fleece on the arms and back, does have a hood, and costs $149.95.
Overall Value
The Routeburn Pro is a good price for a coat of this warmth, and with rain and wind protection. I have a synthetic insulation coat for nearly twice this price that isn’t as wind and water resistant. And I am impressed by the coat’s four-season versatility.
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This product was donated for purpose of review.