Light Jacket Reviews

Well, we’re edging into summer. But rain continues to fall in Northern California necessitating the need for a light jacket every now and then. Our inventory includes a handful of old favorites and new additions that we think might fit in your equipment locker or coat closet as well.

The products in this review include an offering from Kuhl — the Interceptr — and two solid offerings from Castelli and Chrome. Each takes a different approach to keeping you warm and dry. Check them out and let us know what you think.

Kuhl Interceptr Jacket

Kuhl recently joined the ranks of our favorite brands thanks to the brand’s unique styling and outdoor esthetic. The company’s fabric choices range from retro and modern. The contrasting stitching sets it apart. And the articulated joints and mindful detailing make their offerings practical and functional.

Over the past couple of weeks, we added Kuhl Interceptr Jacket to the arsenal too. Same tough construction as the Rydr’s. Same odd spelling quirk too. The Kuhl makes the Interceptr from a blend of acrylic and polyester fleece. The body fabric provides more bulk. The side panels present a slimmer profile. Contrasting stitching keeps everything tight and with a consistent look evident across most of the Kuhl product line.

Fit for the Kuhl Interceptr is pretty slim. I needed to go up to a mens large from my normal medium. Sleeves hue tightly but seem to stretch enough to keep them comfortable. Kuhl places two zipped chest pockets on the front of the Interceptr and two handwarmers at the waist too. There’s a nice standup collar to keep the cold out. It’s lined with a microfleece for comfort.

Find the Kuhl Interceptr at REI. MSRP $115.

Castelli Race Day Track Jacket

We first covered the Castelli Race Day Track Jacket two years ago. Its deep black with red accents and Castelli’s trademark scorpion logo on the left chest. Not something you’d probably wear cycling, but very cool nonetheless.
The Race Day Track Jacket sits as part of the company’s casual clothing line. It’s meant to be warm but not at all windproof, waterproof or engineered in any way for breathability.

Castelli makes the Race Day Track Jacket out of a cotton and poly blend. The interior is a very comfortable nubby French terry cloth. The collar stands upright and is lined with a red stripe, allowing the Race Day Track Jacket to cut a pretty rakish profile. The waistband sports the same red stripe and ribbing.

Find it at TriVillage for about $60.

Chrome Cobra Merino Wool Hoodie

The Chrome Cobra Merino Hoodie is impressive. Why? When we first reviewed the product way back in 2014, we cited a number of reasons. First, the product looks amazing. It’s a deep black color with a subtle red Chrome logo on the lower left side. Second, it’s heavy. Our men’s large sample weighed it at one pound, four ounces. Absolutely great heft and feel. Third, the jacket boasts numerous, very well-thought-out details. Four pockets are located around the jacket including a large zippered cycling pocket on the rear, two zippered handwarmers and a zippered key stash on the left wrist.

The Chrome Cobra hues pretty close to the body. I normally wear a medium but found the men’s large was a more appropriate fit. Don’t be afraid to size up unless you like a more form-fitting approach.

The Chrome Cobra Hoodie made from Merino wool might just be the nicest one around. The styling is great. The details well thought out. If you’re looking for a top-notch hoodie to complement the rest of your collection, check out the Chrome Cobra.

Find it at REI for about $180.

Thanks for reading another outdoor gear review from GearGuide.