Gear Review: Immersion Research Long Sleeve Zephyr Paddling Jacket
Stay dry and comfortable with this breathable paddling jacket from Immersion Research.
[paddling jacket]
Save your rainshell for the trail. On the water, stick with a paddling jacket—and make it the Zephyr, which offers high-end bells and whistles at a mid-level price. Velcro wrist and neck closures seal those key areas, a drawstring waist tightens around spray skirts, and a paddling-specific cut means arms move freely.
Made from a burly 70-denier ripstop nylon with waterproof/breathable laminate, testers report the Zephyr proved a force field against splashes, rain, and rough conditions. An antimicrobial mesh lining is pajama-comfy and eliminates next-to-skin clamminess (letting you wear it over short sleeves), and a big, zippered chest pocket fits energy bars, maps, and more. $127; 1 lb. (m’s L); m’s S-XXL, w’s S-XL; immersionresearch.com