Merrell NADA Cirque Jacket : Snow White, Eco Right

Dye isn't something I usually give much thought to. I just take for granted that my clothes are whatever colors they are and that's that.

When I had the chance to test Merrell's new NADA (Not Any Dye Applied) jacket I paused for a moment.   "A white jacket, hmm?"  With some gentle pressure from my editor ("C'mon, you're manly enough to wear white...aren't you?") I decided to give it a whirl. I'm glad I did. (Merrell also makes a women's version of this jacket.)

It sat in my closet for a while before I made the mental leap to wear a white jacket, but in the end it proved to be a pain-free transition.   What got me over the hump was the jacket's eco credibility. By removing the dying process Merrell is able to significantly reduce the environmental impact of making this jacket. I can get behind that sort of innovation, especially since the jacket performs well and looks smart.     

My first real outing in my new jacket was for a snow hike on a drizzly late autumn day. My buddy and I had planned to snowshoe but the snow was rock hard so the "slow shoes" stayed on our packs.   I was quick to notice and appreciate that the hood is cut in such a way as to keep the wind out of my face and the rain off my glasses but it doesn't encroach to obscure my vision.    

Because of the wind and omni-directional drizzle this was a good time to test the waterproof-ness of my Cirque jacket. I started out with the hatches all battened down. No outside moisture was getting in but I eventually got too warm. I removed the powder skirt and opened the pit zips to find a pleasant equilibrium of warmth retention and ventilation.  

So, color me impressed. I think it's really cool that Merrell is taking steps to make a technical softshell jacket with a reduced environmental footprint.  

Also available in a women's version called the Nanuk.   

Bottom Line: Stylish and eco, with all the right tech specs, such as sealed seams, waterproof and breathable fabric, and lightweight. Sometimes less is more. --A.S. (Dec 09)

BUY ONLINE: $229

Manufacturer Site: www.merrell.com

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