Article by Dominique Winebaum
Merrell Ridgevent Jacket ($175)
A versatile insulated jacket, the Ridgevent looks like your everyday lightweight “puffy” for casual wear, yet it also functions as active wear for hiking and running (as per specs).
The technical appeal of the jacket resides in its body mapped insulation for warmth and its ventilation channels in the back panel to deliver breathability,
It's a lightweight jacket, at sub 10 oz (medium size women), with insulation made of a proprietary blend of 65% goose (responsibly sourced and waterproofed) and 35% ultra-fine Primaloft synthetic fibers. This is not a puffer with a fill-rating that will make you feel like you are in a cocoon, but one which combines warmth along with ventilation.
The insulation adds up to 85 grams/ (3 oz) everywhere except for the back panel which has 95 grams (3.4 oz) in a jacket that weighs 281 grams (9.9 oz). Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish makes the jacket both water and wind resistant.
The fit is comfortable, affording good range of motion when moving. Attractive looking in its “moonbeam” color it has an overall comfy and soft feel. A go-to jacket with an ease of wear that transitions well from the trails-to-town, albeit better suited to moderate exercise than high intensity as ventilation is limited to the back in the women’s version.
After several runs in the Ridgevent a few degrees below freezing, the lack of ventilation in the armpits makes the jacket not an ideal for running in my opinion. However, it is a great option for moderate exercise, such as walking and leisurely hiking.
There are two side zippered pockets that are quite roomy along with an inner pocket.
And yes, the inner pocket with its design on how to pack the jacket, makes the Ridgevent a great choice when packing light, either on a trip or a hike. A packable jacket is always an added bonus!
For added warmth in colder temperatures, I wear a hat and a neck warmer for better coverage. I find the design a tad too straight and would have preferred a more shapely jacket that hugs the waist and the hips more. Perhaps, this is intended for added ventilation as air can easily circulate as opposed to being trapped. I plan to wear it as a mid-layer under my ski shell jacket.
At $175, the Ridgevent is reasonably priced. It is also available as a “thermo shirt jacket” which has a more urban appeal.
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