View Full Version : EMS Windblast Jacket...reviews?
The EMS Windblast Jacket is on sale right now for just a hair over $50. It weighs in at only 3.7 oz, which seems pretty appealing (along with the price), but there are no reviews that my meager google skills can find. Anyone have one? Anyone even seen one?
Thanks!
QHShowoman
05-02-2014, 14:16
Here's the listing from EMS with some reviews.
http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11769515
Thanks...I think that's the prior year model or something (plus it only comes in small). This is the one I was asking about:
http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=22313296&cp=3707807.12019738.4234291
QHShowoman
05-02-2014, 15:30
Hmm, maybe the newer version hasn't been out very long?
mattjv89
05-02-2014, 19:21
It's often a struggle to find reviews for the EMS house brand stuff, usually what gets reviewed on their site is from other national brands and even then they get far less reviews than you'll find on most of the other popular online retailers. I've got no experience with this jacket but for whatever it's worth I've been very happy with the EMS clothing line overall. I use hiking pants, gaiters, and about a half dozen base/mid layers and fleece from them. Can't complain about any of it and most was a lot less than comparable name brand stuff. If it were my decision I'd go for it based on past results.
QHShowoman
05-02-2014, 21:08
Mattjv89 makes a good point. I am still wearing cargo pants I bought at EMS in 2002. Seriously.
I agree with the last couple of folks. I have no experience with this particular jacket, but I would have ZERO hesitance in buying it if I were in the market for one now. It looks good.
The best synthetic sleeping bag that I've ever owned, in over thirty five years of some pretty extensive backpacking, was an EMS brand. May have been beat out by a Jansport Synthetic Brass Bed, but that was much heavier and long gone from the market. :-)
If you need a wind shirt, this looks like a great option. I'm tempted myself, even though I don't "need" one right now.
I pulled the trigger on the sale...jacket arrives today. I'll throw up a review once I get a few miles under my belt with it.
Favorable first impression. Sizing was right with my large. I have trouble with sleeves being too short, but that wasn't an issue here. Definitely will be able to layer this over a puffy or down vest. Weight was 4.0 oz.
Fabric is comfortable against the skin...very thin but soft. The hood is good, with a drawstring to tighten it in the back.
Too early to to tell about breath ability. I did a brisk 1.5 mile walk with the temp around 65*. Felt good and didn't sweat with a short sleeve poly shirt under the jacket.
Resurrecting a very old thread (and an old white blaze account for that matter). I just ordered one of these wind shirts for $34 and free shipping. check it out...
http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=22313296&cp=3707807.12019738.4234291
Traveler
12-31-2014, 08:26
Ditto on the EMS lines of gear. I have purchased a lot of equipment and clothing from this retailer and still have pants and shirts since 2003 that are in good shape. Their "Ascent" rain gear is about the best I have used in limiting internal moisture during wet weather.