Merrell Rove Tech Jacket Review

Merrell's apparel line has had my attention since launching in 2007. This lineup includes a variety of outerwear and apparel for those interested in having highly-technical and functional clothing that still packs plenty of style and design sense. Many times, technical outerwear means logos, crazy colors, minimalistic design or other detractors to on-the-street style. With Merrell, their lineup is built seamlessly transition from mountain to Main Street. Merrell Rove Tech Jacket The Merrell Rove Tech Jacket has been my "go-to" jacket for many cold-weather activities. The lightweight and compressible PrimaLoft insulation provides just the right amount of warmth without turning it into a sauna. Breathability is another great feature of the Rove Tech Jacket... it's still going to trap the sweat more than just a shell, but it has proven to be much more efficient than puffy down jackets at allowing perspiration to escape the shell. I've worn the Rove Tech primarily around town and back and forth to the mountains. As outerwear, the jacket is warm and comfortable with just a long-sleeve shirt underneath all the way down to the low 20's. A crisp night out with the family in downtown Salt Lake City and this jacket kept me toasty. The lower hem is easily cinched with a single-pull. The little rubbery tabs are easy to grab and pull, thus reducing the cold air entry. I've appreciated the cuffs which feature a straight cut, but hide an inner cuff to keep the cold and snow out of your arms. It works great with gloves and keeps everything protected. As an insulative layer, however, the jacket isn't the best. Under highly-aerobic activity, the jacket will trap a little more sweat and feel cold to the touch. I much prefer softshell fleece as an insulation layer if you're going to be working up a sweat. Also, the nice cuffs work great when used as the outer layer, but it gets too bulky when trying to put gloves, the Rove Tech and a shell on top. Around town and to the mountains, this jacket is phenomenal. I appreciate the comfort and subdued style. After using this PrimaLoft-insulated jacket, I much prefer it to natural down jackets if you're going to be engaging in any type of physical activity. Synthetic insulation does a better job at breathing and keeping you warm when wet compared to natural fibers. The Good Simple styling PrimaLoft insulation is warm, but not too warm Single-pull lower hem Comfortable, athletic fit Sleeve cuffs keep out the cold The Bad Not the best as a mid-layer for insulation If engaging in highly-aerobic activity, it will trap more sweat than fleece styles Buy Now: Merrell Rove Tech Jacket