JACK WOLFSKIN MEN ESCALADE PACK 80

This bag can carry a lot. The construction is top-notch. The zippers work flawlessly. It is so handy to be able to flip the bag around and not have anything drop out. The zipper compartment within the main compartment keeps things separate. In the small compartment, a Velcro closure pocket keeps small object in place. As a guy, I was looking for something that would keep my hands free, but was less bulky that a messenger bag. This bag holds all my gadgets: two 5 cell phones (in slim cases) 20000Mah charger, charging cables, small notebook, compact 1st aid kit, keys, pens, wallet, folding keyboard. There is also a very handy pocket on the strap where I keep small items close at hand. The quick-release buckles make it easy to remove. My one issue is with the secondary strap when not in use, it hangs down. I solved the problem by using a thin s-biner clipped to the hanging cord. I do wish there was a mesh water-bottle holder though. Otherwise, it is nearly perfect.

Stretches too easily and a bit baggy around the arms.

A Review of the Columbia Men’s Watertight Rain Jacket

The Columbia Men’s Watertight Rain Jacket is a lightweight waterproof jacket with a slim design. As the name suggests, the jacket is very much capable of keeping you dry on a rainy day; however, its value goes way beyond a rain coat. Here are several features that make this jacket a wonderful addition to your wardrobe.

Waterproof and Windproof
This jacket is truly waterproof. It helps you stay clean and dry even in the pouring rain. With the waterproof technology comes the wonderful stain repellent feature. No matter how dirty the jacket gets during a rainy day, a simple wipe is enough to take care of it. The windproof feature provides an extra protection against the cold. Meanwhile, the fabric is still breathable that it allows moisture vapor to move away from the skin. The only downside is that the waterproof feature can post difficulty when it comes to washing this jacket. You may find a pouch of water when you take it out of the washer. An extra cycle of drying will take care of the issue if this ever occurs.

Design
This jacket is lined with a soft layer of mesh and is very light weight. The longer arm length and body length provide enough coverage to keep you dry no matter how hard the wind is blowing. The hood comes out far enough forward to shield your face while the drawstring helps keep the hood on even in strong wind. Two front pockets with zipper are big enough to protect a phone, a wallet, a set of keys, and even a pair of gloves from getting rained on. The slim design delivers a more modern look than its competitors, helping you keep the style even on an awfully crummy day. Meanwhile, the jacket is still generous with space around your chest so that you always have enough room for a sweater or a hoodie or even a coat. Another notable feature is that the entire jacket can be packed into the front left pocket, which comes with a double-sided zipper.

Versatility
Few jackets are as versatile as this one. The waterproof and windproof features make this jacket practically perfect for a fishing trip. The breathable fabric makes sure that you can throw this jacket over your favorite tee on a rainy day in the middle of the summer. You can also layer up under this jacket for fall or winter use. The matt finish and the slick look ensure that no one knows you are using a rain jacket as a spring/fall windbreaker. You can also use this jacket to protect your pea coat from getting wet on a snow day.

Overall, the Columbia Men’s Watertight Rain Jacket is a high quality jacket that can be worn in many occasions. It surely has room for improvements. But for the price you are paying, you can hardly find a better deal than this.