orvis cloth a-2

[shoeshineboy]

You guys really helped me alot with my leather jackets, but I spotted a cloth a-2 at orvis...it looks like there are several companies out there offering the same jacket for a whole lot less.

But my big question is has anyone had any experience with one of these and just how waterproof are they...are they a light spring summer jacket ?

Thanks guys and gals in advance for your input !!!

mark the shoeshine boy

 

[Mike K.]

Hey Shoeshineboy,
Although I do not own the specific jacket in question, I can almost guarantee that it will not be waterproof. Water resistant perhaps, but not waterproof. Looking at the product description, you will see that it repels water, stains, etc. This means, in all likelihood, that it has a Teflon treatment (often called DWR or durable water resistant) applied to the outer surface. This coating will wear off over time, but can be renewed with many available products. The jacket should be good for spring/summer and will most likely stand up to a light shower, but not for extended periods of time or during torrential downpours. If this is more your game, then you will need to look for something labeled waterproof-breathable (like Goretex, Sympatex, etc.). A general rule of thumb is that the more waterproof you go, the less breathable the garment (and vice versa). You might try someplace like rei.com for a good summary of the current waterproof, waterproof-breathable, and water resistant textiles available. Also, I don't know if it is still available but cabelas.com used to make an A-2 style jacket in cotton ventile, perhaps as water resistant as you can get without applying any surface fabric treatments. Hope this helps!