Trew Super Down Shirtweight Jacket Review: Light but Mighty

Price and Where to Buy Trew’s Super Down Shirtweight Jacket: Trew’s Super Down Shirtweight Jacket for men and women is $185 at Trewgear.com.

How the Super Down Shirtweight Jacket Rates

• Usefulness: 10/10. One jacket, two key uses. Use this ultra-lightweight (but still comfortable and warm) piece as a jacket for transitional seasons and milder winters. In colder places, slip it on under a heavier jacket or coat to significantly boost warmth without adding bulk. This single item can transform all of your existing outerwear into efficient winterwear in a way not even the warmest, bulkiest sweater ever could.  The nylon shell is water-repellant, the down insulation is waterproof, and the jacket packs into its own pocket for easy stowing on the go.
• Value: 9/10. The Shirtweight Jacket is technical outerwear, and it’s priced accordingly. But its durability (see more about that below) and adaptability (see the Usefulness section above) make it an attractive workhorse worth the investment.
• Portability: 10/10. The Shirtweight Jacket easily packs inside its own pocket. Tucked into its own stuffsack, the jacket is about as big as two burritos side-by-side (note to self: do not write reviews while hungry).
• Durability: 9/10. Strong stitching, minimal wrinkling when unpacked from its stuffsack, and fabric that doesn’t tear when you strain against it while active make this a tough piece of clothing. Its only weakness is that, like all puffy jackets, the fabric can sometimes block the path of the zipper, and requires pulling to the side a bit to zip up. Note that even when that happens, though, the fabric doesn’t seem to tear.
• Cool Factor: 10/10. The Shirtweight Jacket really isn’t much heavier than a shirt, so it’s an easy and attractive layer for both men and women. But it packs serious warmth into its sleek styling, and has your back (and front, and sides) in colder conditions. Which, cool.

Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews, or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at editor@smartertravel.com.

(Photos: Trew)