Lowe Alpine Wind River Jacket - Waterproof (For Men)

We have not had the opportunity to test this jacket in the rain yet, but it replaces a similar version of a Lowe's jacket with their Triple Point Ceramic (TPC) fabric (also purchased from Sierra Trading Post) that provided years of excellent service under varied conditions. The men's medium size version of this jacket seems a little tight, so if you are at the large end of medium or like a loose fit, you might want to consider a large.

The jacket is relatively lightweight and well-constructed with handy pockets, sealed seams, and a mesh liner to further help breathability. It does not have pit zips. Lowe's assertions to the contrary, the TPC coating on our old Lowe's jacket did begin to flake after many years of hard use (often under a heavy pack), but this hardly ranks as a complaint. No breathable, waterproof jacket seems to last forever.

It's hard to do a fully objective comparison of the TPC to similar materials, but it seems to have worked as well as a more expensive (but more fully-featured) Gore-Tex jacket purchased at about the same time. Probably the strongest endorsement is that we bought this jacket to replace the older Lowe's product without a second thought.

Room to layer but not bulky. Great material that isn't noisy (compared to others). Zipper easier to use than others. Has hand warmer pockets that many lack, plus an inner zip pocket.

The fit is excellent, the seams are perfect, and the hood stows away tidily. Nice looking jacket, very comfortable and well made.

I am upgrading this jacket Lowe Alpine Wind River Jacket from 2 stars to 4 stars because STP exchanged the not clearing stated UK sizing for the originally ordered XL UK 44" chest jacket for the XXL UK 46" jacket quickly with their express exchange policy.This means they send the replacement jacket to you prior to receiving the exchange jacket back from the you the original buyer. Note that this will cost you $2.95 each way and will require a CC at time of exchange. Still..... minimal hassle and STP made it right.

> I want potential buyers to NOTE the jacket is UK sizing which is not clearly stated in the on line ad and specs. UK sizing is typically approx. 1 size down from traditional US sizing. Example: a Mens UK XL is approx. 44" in the Chest where US XL is typically 46-48 " in chest. This is important if a potential buyer would like to layer under the jacket in colder climates or perhaps if the buyer is barrel chested. Had full disclosure on the UK sizing been apparent I would have given it a 5 star rating.

The Lowe Alpine rain jacket itself is of very good quality and design especially the triple point ceramic water prof yet breathable fabric and wind resistance both of which I have tested with satisfaction. I like the ability to stow the hood in the collar and the fact the front and especially the drop in the back are longer than similar rain jackets for extra coverage. The waist and hem cinches are nice to have also. You should know that since it is UK spec the zipper is left loading rather than the typical Mens right loading zipper. This is not a deal breaker for me and the zipper works well enough when you become aware of the loading. Again..... not to beat a dead horse...... please note this jacket comes in UK sizing and if that is OK for you then buy in confidence.

Catch and Release,
fish

I am extremely disappointed that I will have to return this jacket due to UK sizing. This Mens Lowe Alpine Wind River waterproof triple point ceramic jacket in Navy blue was constructed offshore (China). It runs SMALL in the body and sleeve circumference compared to traditional US XL sizing. The tag in this jacket collar states UK (United Kingdom) XL. I can wear traditional US sized XL manufactured both in the US and off shore including China and have plenty of layering room as is the case in 100% of my current outer wear jackets and coats so I expected this to be no different.

Sadly I was wrong as this jacket in UK XL is similar to a Mens US size L. Try as I might I cannot find reference to the UK XL sizing in the STP on line sales advertisement and specifications for this product. The collar tag in the jacket that I received upon inspection states UK (United Kingdom) XL. Had I been advised properly, I would have originally ordered the XXL or not ordered one at all.

For full disclosure, the reason I purchased this particular jacket was the Lowe Alpine reputation for quality, the versatility of the adjustable and stowable hood, adjustable waste cinch, 2 way front zipper, Velcro front rain flap, cuff closure system, the 32 inch back length for more rain coverage, plus the triple point ceramic breathable water proofing. At first blush, the Lowe Alpine Wind River jacket appears to well satisfy those advertised feature/benefits but it runs SMALL again due to UK sizing.

Shame on me for not verbally verifying US XL sizing prior to purchase. Shame on STP for not disclosing the UK sizing in plain sight on their online sales ad. As a result time and money are wasted.

Finally, I have previously purchased many products from STP with full satisfaction and more than likely will continue this relationship. In the past, STP has disclosed seconds or size ordering differences so maybe this was just an oversight regarding size on STP or my part. I hope that was the case and I am sure that STP will make this purchase right with a XXL or full refund..

Catch and Release,
fish