Sierra Designs Gnar Jacket Review
Sierra Designs should be recognized for the time and effort they put into creating some bomber gear for outdoor enthusiasts. The SD Gnar micro puffy down is yet another piece that I would have to say we absolutely love.
Center Back Length: 28" (L) Weight: 11.5 oz. MSRP: $199
Gone are the days of super puffy Michelin man jackets and now we see more of these slimmer cut smaller loft mini down jackets that stuff down to nothing and keep you warm, all the while being small enough to easily fit under a shell should the weather turn bad. The amazing heat retention of the goose down fill allow this jacket to be worn from the burly cold days to the just mildly chilly ones. And it packs down small enough that you can start the day out wearing it and as soon as you've warmed up a bit it easily compresses down and can be stashes anywhere you have an opening in your pack.
I really can't say enough about this jacket, I mean it really makes me happy! But I guess as a review I should go a bit into detail, so I'll break it down. This jacket fits great, keeps me toasty warm, looks killer, and packs away tiny. It is akin to the others on the market when it comes to features and warmth. And there is a great reason why you see so many of this style jacket around...because they are awesome! Now don't get me wrong I will always love my giant puffy but in reality this jacket fits the bill more often that the old one does. As many of you know I am not a fashion guy and in fact I usually wear my "camping/trekking" gear as everyday wear so for me this jacket is a no-brainer. Backcountry or the pub this thing just makes sense.
- 800 Fill Goose Down
- 100% Polyester Taffeta Lining
- 1 Interior Zip Pocket
- 2 Interior Dump Pockets
- Center Front Storm Flap
- Elasticized Hem and Cuffs
With all of that enthusiasm you'd think I had been bought off by SD and I assure you I have not. And it is only fair that I let you know of a few things that were lacking. The SD site says that the jacket features the "elevation" shell material but that didn't really tell me anything and as far as I could tell aside from a very mild bit of snow this jacket would probably end up the same as any other down, perhaps a DWR finish would be nice. The zippers themselves are tiny and a few times I got them stuck when I was hastily zipping the pockets. But as you can see neither of these were show stoppers!
Sierra Designs is rapidly becoming my company of choice for technical outerwear.
Steve Hitchcock
Yeti
Yeti is an all around outdoor adventurer, enjoying everything from mountain and road biking, climbing and bouldering, orienteering, skiing, surfing, backpacking, trail running and exploring. Yeti is proud to make his home in the Colorado Mountains with his wife and son.
Hi, I own this jacket as
Hi,
I own this jacket as well. It's a nice fit. I plan on altering the zippers+ to make them more maneable with gloves by drilling a small hole and adding a nylon zipper pull.
A few comments of constructive criticism. I would like to see initial photos of you wearing the jacket to show fit giving your measurements and size of the jacket. Then show additional photos and comments of all the features ie inside pockets uses, etc. A side by side comparison of the Gnar hoody would be a welcome addition to the review imho.
Maybe an actual weight of the jacket compared to the spec would be a nice touch .
A post winter follow up would also be a snazzy touch to see how the jacket holds up to day in/day out usage &/or use in the backcountry. Photos too.
Cheers,
Michael
I agree 100%! I love this
I agree 100%! I love this jacket. I actually lucked out and found it at TJ MAXX for $80, so you can't go wrong there.
Great review for a great jacket!
:)
DANG! Screamin deal....did
DANG! Screamin deal....did you buy 2?
I wish I could have, but it
I wish I could have, but it was the ONLY one. In my size too so that was bonus.
They're a great resource to check every once in a while. I've seen Cloud veil, Marmot, etc.
It's all just luck, when they receive it, put it out, when you stop have time to stop in, ya know?
Be on the look out, that's for sure!
Happy Holidays :)