Sierra Designs Hurricane HP Jacket

For two years, both my jacket and my son's worked as advertised. Good value for the money.

I and my teenage son have each owned these jackets for two years, and we wear them every day (even in summer I use mine essentially as a sweater at work, and my son does the same at school).  We have had no problems with failed zippers, tearing, or other craftsmanship issues. My son has successfully used his for riding to class on a bike in the rain at college.

The only problem is that these are, indeed, inexpensively made, and they do wear out a little faster than similar more expensive products. In fact, I'm online now looking for a replacement for my son's as his has worn out and is no longer waterproof. Mine is still good, but there is some noticeable wear and tear.

Note that this jacket is just a shell.  It has no fleece (or other warm) lining.

For comparison, I owned a similar jacket (REI brand) that cost nearly twice as much. Unfortunately, I don't remember how long it lasted, but I believe it was in slightly better shape at this point in its life. It had a very thin plastic interior lining, which made for a slightly thicker, warmer jacket, and a richer feel. This thin plastic lining, however, was the first thing to wear out -- little plastic crumbles started falling out of it -- which essentially ended its useful life. Its pockets were more robust, and they were fully integrated into the jacket rather than being obvious separate pieces sewn on.

Having owned both, the slight benefits of the REI jacket, which is the second cheapest of this sort of very lightweight waterproof jacket I could find, is not worth the extra money to me.

I use it all season.

I bought this jacket mainly for a rain coat during the spring and summer months. It has quickly became a very versatile tool in my backpack as it is never left behind.

I really enjoy wearing this as a primary jacket due to the fact of how nicely it blocks the wind and takes the chill off. If it gets too warm the pit zips do a nice job of shedding the heat, and the adjustable cuffs mean you can roll them up a ways on your arms.

I have had zero issues with my zippers sticking or catching and have experienced nothing but smooth zips since the beginning. In the rain it can get a little clammy, but that's how it goes, not bad at all, especially in cooler weather.

I have just recently also started using this jacket as a shell during the winter months. Surprisingly it retains heat extremely well with only a down sweater underneath. Cinching the hood draw cord tight lets your ears and head warm up while still being able to move your head freely.

Sierra Designs did a nice job with this coat. I really enjoy this and think you will too. 

I had this jacket for less than a week before the zipper on the chest pocket broke. A week later it ripped along the pit zip and down the sleeve of the jacket.

Wore it in a downpour and after about 30 minutes it seemed as if I wasn't wearing a rain jacket at all! I would NOT recommend this jacket to anyone! Spend the extra money and buy something better...