View Full Version : REI Taku Jacket
The REI Taku jacket is 50% off ($100 vs. $200) right now and I'm seriously considering going for it. Does anyone have any experience with this jacket? Besides the outdoor magazine "gear of the year" review I haven't been able to find much on it. Thanks in advance.
chknfngrs
12-16-2006, 20:11
from what I recall of the jacket they integrated soft shell components with some hardshell features. the first year it was out had some glitches, like the top, including hood was not waterproof. I think now they have the waterproof zippers and whatnot. I think it would make a great in-between, like a great softshell. I wouldn't necessarily use it as a rain coat, as it'll get heavy when wet. But as a fairweather insulation/protection piece would work well.
Johnny Swank
12-16-2006, 20:28
Depends on your purpose. Day trips, skiiing, and that sort of thing would be fine. Thru-hiking? Forget it. It's the worst of both worlds for a long hike from what I can tell. Not waterproof, yet not very breathable. Heavy, but not insulative.
That said, I wear for a day to day piece in town or dayhikes.
Johnny Swank
12-16-2006, 20:29
That last line should read "I'd wear..." I don't own this jacket.
mythicyeti
12-18-2006, 16:24
The Taku is a very cool jacket.
- great hood
- smart construction
- good value
But I wouldn't choose it for long distance hiking. Why?
- too heavy
- while it's waterproof enough it needs it's DWR (durable water repellancy) to be in tip top shape. Otherwise it will leak on your back.
$100 is a sweet deal and you'll use the snot out of it. It's well made and you get the lifetime REI guarantee so you can't go wrong there. I just think that their are a number of better choices for long distance hiking.