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In my view, the First Chair GTX seems a pretty solid option for those who enjoy snowsports, value durability and comfort, and also have an appreciation for eco-friendly practices. Its design appears to offer robust waterproofing, insulation, and room for layering, all of which could come in handy for activities like snowboarding and skiing. The sustainable materials and production in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory make it a good choice for the environmentally-conscious.
However, it might not be the best fit for everyone. Those in warmer climates, or not intending to partake in snowsports, might find it too robust. Those who prefer lightweight, flexible wear or need high mobility for their activities may also find it a tad restrictive or heavy. It may also not agree with those on a tight budget or those who prefer fewer pockets and a more fashion-forward design.
In the end, whether the First Chair GTX is the right jacket for you or not depends on your individual needs and preferences. It has a lot to offer, but it’s all about whether it matches what you’re looking for.
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REI Co-op First Chair GTX Jacket Men’s Review: Who is it for?
In my humble opinion, the First Chair GTX jacket is an ideal pick for someone who is passionate about snowsports, such as snowboarding and downhill skiing, as it is specially designed for these activities, according to the technical specs. If you’re someone who braves through the toughness of winter weather to enjoy these adrenaline-pumping sports, you’d find this jacket quite handy, I reckon.
This jacket is a great fit for those who value robustness and durability. The 2-layer GORE-TEX technology, coupled with a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment, ensures the jacket’s resistance to water. This, I infer, would be particularly beneficial for someone frequently exposed to snowy conditions or light rains.
For someone who usually layers up in cold weather, this jacket seems to be designed with a good room for that. Its water-resistant recycled polyester lining would smoothly glide over an insulated jacket underneath, making it comfortable without feeling bulky. Plus, the helmet-friendly hood could be a useful touch for those who are safety-conscious during their sports activities.
If you’re someone who appreciates thoughtful details, the First Chair GTX jacket might be to your liking. The high collar lined with fuzzy tricot to eliminate chin chafe, the shaped cuffs that seal out elements, and the easy-to-use pit zips for quick heat release are some features you might appreciate. Moreover, if you are the type of person who likes to carry their essentials during their snowsports activities, the different pockets including the media port, lift pass pocket on the wrist and a drop-in goggle pocket may prove quite useful.
Another group of people who I think would be happy with this jacket are those who are eco-conscious. The jacket is made with bluesign® approved materials, which means it meets certain environmental and safety standards. The fact that it’s also made with recycled materials and produced in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory reflects REI’s commitment to sustainability, which might appeal to those who value brands that care for the environment and fair practices.
In terms of fit, I’d say this jacket could be a good fit for someone who prefers a hip-length style. According to the specs, the back length of the jacket is 32 inches. Also, the dropped back hem for added coverage may add a bit of style and practicality for some.
All in all, the First Chair GTX appears to cater to a broad range of needs, from practicality and comfort to sustainability and style. It’s a pretty decent option for men who enjoy snowsports, value durability and comfort, and care about the environment, based on the features and technical specs. At the end of the day, it’s all about what floats your boat, isn’t it?
REI Co-op First Chair GTX Jacket Men’s Review: Who isn’t it for?
So, moving on to a different aspect, who might the First Chair GTX jacket not be the best fit for? In my humble opinion, if you’re someone who lives in a warmer climate or you are not planning on any snow sports adventures anytime soon, this might not be the ideal pick for you. It’s designed with robust waterproofing and insulation features, suitable mainly for cold, snowy conditions. So, if you find yourself more frequently in sunnier and drier climates, this jacket might be a bit overkill.
Then, there are those who prefer a lighter jacket, perhaps for a quick run or jog in a winter morning. Despite its many features, the First Chair GTX might be a bit heavy for that purpose. The weight is listed as 1 lb. 11.7 oz., which, while not excessively heavy, might still be a tad much for someone looking for a lightweight, flexible wear.
Speaking of flexibility, if you’re someone who enjoys high mobility activities, like climbing or parkour, you might find the jacket a bit restrictive. The specs say it has a hip-length back length, which may limit movement a bit and make some activities less comfortable. Also, I assume the jacket’s robust design and the number of pockets, while useful, could add some bulk that might interfere with maximum mobility.
Furthermore, if you’re on a tight budget, it could be worth mentioning that jackets with GORE-TEX technology, while offering high performance, often come with a higher price tag. If you’re looking for basic protection against the cold without a need for high-end snowsport features, there might be other jackets on the market that could serve your needs without straining your wallet.
Also, the jacket might not appeal to those who don’t like a lot of pockets. Some people prefer a cleaner, sleeker design without numerous pockets, so the media port, lift pass pocket, goggle pocket, and hand pockets might not be a selling point for everyone.
Lastly, let’s talk about style preference. The First Chair GTX seems to have a more functional rather than a fashion-forward design. If you’re more about making a style statement and prefer a jacket with a sleek urban look or a classic peacoat style, this might not be your cup of tea.
In conclusion, while the First Chair GTX jacket has a lot to offer for a certain user profile, it might not tick all the boxes for everyone. Like I said before, it’s all about what suits your needs and preferences the best, right?
REI Co-op First Chair GTX Jacket Men’s Review: Conclusion
In my view, the First Chair GTX seems a pretty solid option for those who enjoy snowsports, value durability and comfort, and also have an appreciation for eco-friendly practices. Its design appears to offer robust waterproofing, insulation, and room for layering, all of which could come in handy for activities like snowboarding and skiing. The sustainable materials and production in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory make it a good choice for the environmentally-conscious.
However, it might not be the best fit for everyone. Those in warmer climates, or not intending to partake in snowsports, might find it too robust. Those who prefer lightweight, flexible wear or need high mobility for their activities may also find it a tad restrictive or heavy. It may also not agree with those on a tight budget or those who prefer fewer pockets and a more fashion-forward design.
In the end, whether the First Chair GTX is the right jacket for you or not depends on your individual needs and preferences. It has a lot to offer, but it’s all about whether it matches what you’re looking for.