When it gets chilly out or you’re heading to a cool place, packing for traveling gets tougher. You can’t just throw some shorts and t-shirts into a bag, knowing it’ll be warm the whole time. So then comes the question of what jacket to pack, one that will work for whatever situation you’ll be layered up for. In the fall or spring, a heavy fleece jacket will do it—maybe.
My problem with a lot of fleece jackets I’ve used is that they’re barely one step up from a sweater, not really fit for traveling with gadgets and accessories. This Alpental jacket is loaded with pockets though, as in two breast pockets, one at the bottom, two where your hands go (with zippers when your hands aren’t in there), and a zippered one on the outside for your sunglasses or music player. It’s also got Spandex binding at the sleeve cuffs and bottom of the jacket to keep the wind out.
The ExOfficio Alpental is thick enough to keep you warm, but at just 22 ounces, not much of a burden for packing away until arrival. And though it feels soft and warm, it’s 100% Polyester like most of them out there, so it dries quickly after you wash it. No bells and whistles in terms of high-tech waterproofing or wind barriers, but this jacket only requires two figures at the cash register—-it lists for $75. Sizes run from M to XXL and the Alpental comes in three colors.
There’s a women’s version too, with the proper slimmer fit, but in either a pullover zip version or a hoodie.
ExOfficio’s hot weather clothing is close to indestructible, but for some reason when the cold weather rolls around, their care instructions get all wimpy on us. The care tag on a soy fibers sweater I tried out last year might as well have said, “treat me like the silk robes of royalty.” This jacket seems pretty sturdy, but the care instructions say otherwise. “Machine wash cold; Gentle cycle; Wash inside out; Wash with like colors; No bleach; Tumble dry low, remove promptly; Do not iron.” Well, hopefully you won’t have to wash it too often.
This is one warm, comfortable jacket though, which is what really matters the other 99% of the time. I’ve taken it on two weekend trips this fall and out for a few walks as the leaves were falling and it performed as expected. Like a favorite cozy blanket, once you have it it’s the one to grab.
