REI One Jacket

This is my second REI One Jacket.  Very happy with the first, even though the neck zipper protector and arms cuffs wore out.  I did wear it a lot for nearly 10 years.

The new jacket has some nice improvements, both at the neck with a much better and more durable zipper cover (it could still be slightly larger but works) and the cuffs are more robust with better adjust-ability and comfort than before.

I really like the left chest zippered pocket with the headset hole out the back into the inside of the jacket.  The chest pocket drops down just a little and very nicely such that small electronics don't fall out even with the zipper fully open.  Two other hand-warmer pockets are also zippered so that all compartments/pockets are very secure for storage, a good thing.

The jacket is very quiet to wear and even before a light spray of water repellent it does a good job of keeping the rain and water spray off.  The water beads and rolls away. Also the outer shell seems very resistant to usage wear and another thing I really like is the 4 way stretch.

The jackets' fleece seems at first, to be a little on the thin side but with the overall thickness of the jacket (somewhat thick) it does a very good job of keeping in the warmth and out with the moisture, wind and rain.

A 50/50 point, is that the jacket is a little heavy for ultra light packing.  Otherwise I wear it nearly all the time, home and camping.

Only thing I did not like and from the beginning is the color scheme.  I would much prefer a solid color throughout, not two tone.

Yes, I do recommend and have bought again from REI.

I have found the REI One to be a very versatile jacket. The jacket will block wind, but will not keep you very warm in colder conditions with low aerobic activity such as a leisurely walk.

I like the very conservative appearance of the older style without the accents on the pocket. I can wear it while playing a game of touch football in 40 degree weather and I will not overheat. Later on, I can wear it to the office and it will not look out of place.

The drawstring at the waist and on the collar work well to keep the cold air out. However, the cuff has no such closure. There is no panel behind the zipper except at the very top to prevent chaffing from the zipper. The inside has a thin fleece lining that feels soft to the skin.

The fit is fairly close but does not restrict movement. It could also be used for layering under a shell.

It works well at keeping water and light rain out, but it is not completely waterproof.

It is a great jacket, but unfortunately I ruined mine when my friend's car broke down. When we opened the hood, the battery had ruptured and was spraying acid which melted and discolored several spots on my jacket. They have also updated the style with accents on the pocket which I do not like.

So this is the first soft shell I've ever owned and I have to say that it is amazing. I've worn it in the rain, wind, and in temperatures as low as the 20s. I feel air pressure from the wind, but I don't feel the cold. And because it has a microfleece lining, I don't feel the wet material (that often feels cold on rain shells) on my skin when the jacket gets wet. I've never owned anything that claimed to "wick moisture," but if anything does, it's this jacket. I've felt light sweat from walking pulled off of my arms.

My only problem with the jacket is that it has no hood, but this isn't really a problem since soft shells are meant to be layered under a rain shell in inclimate weather.

The name of this jacket speaks for itself. REI's the One is the only one for me. Having taken this jacket across the country it has proven to be the most versatile jacket I have in my pack. Not only will it stop the wind but also stand up to a cold wet snow shower. This jacket will surprise you with the amount of warmth it has as opposed to the lightweight construction.