Lukes Ultralite now using eVent

Looks pretty cool, I would love to hear how the cut is for people.

I really like that you can add pit zips and adjustable cuffs. I tried to send a request, via the website, for the weight of a jacket with those features, but it wouldn't send through?

Cool nonetheless, considering my Montane Event jacket was about the same price and heavily discounted.

I'd try giving them a call to get those questions answered.

If you are new to the “waterproof zipper” game, you need to know –

“ The Patent
Uretek, U.S. company, is the owner of US Patent No. 6,105,214, EP1150586B1, EP1629740B1, and a number of other patents around the world. These patents relate to water repellant slide fasteners. YKK Corporation is a licensee to manufacture and sell products protected by these patents.” [emphasis added]

And from CRUX

“The standard water-resistant zip, as developed by YKK, consists of a normal coil zip (which has no water-resistance at all) with a PU-coated strip on the outside of each half. Although these two PU strips meet in the middle when the zip is done up, a small gap remains between them that is sufficient to let in water…. Furthermore, the action of the slider moving over the PU tape abrades it, eventually leading to reduced water-resistance and failure.”

Unless there has been a design change, Luke does not place a flap behind the zipper to act as a gutter.

YMMV

Tall option would be nice.

I don't know for certain this still holds true, but when I purchased my rain gear from Luke a couple years ago, it was all customizable in true "cottage" fashion. Based on my admittedly dated experience, I'm pretty sure if you want a tall option or a gutter behind the zipper, all you'll have to do is ask. (He did a tall/slim version for my oddly proportioned friend.)

Luke was great to work with. All I purchased was a silnylon shell, but Luke was so great I still rave about the experience!

"Furthermore, the action of the slider moving over the PU tape abrades it, eventually leading to reduced water-resistance and failure."

So is that 100 runs of the zipper or 1,000? Eventually is pretty vague.

Ryan

Mine leaked when new. I can see daylight through it.

Not much, but "waterproof" it is not.

I have both a PacLite and an eVent rain suit and, of course, eVent breathes much better and it is my preferred rain suit. The parka is my main ski parka.

PacLite suit-> Cabela's Rainy River

eVent suit-> REI's Kimtah

I miss the low prices of the Paclite stuff. For rain pants I'm happy with less breathing.

"So is that 100 runs of the zipper or 1,000? Eventually is pretty vague."
I'd say the uretek generally looks pretty worn in the 250-500 run range.

As a gram weannie, I refuse to buy something that is heavier then what its replacing. I preferred the lighter paclite which I understand from other posts on this forum also lasts longer in terms of wear. I'm only now thinking about replacing my current paclite jacket from 2006 which has had a lot of use over thousands of miles of hiking. If Luke hadn't run out of the green color several months ago I would have bought one before he dropped it.

Sean, I actually asked him about the Paclite jacket in early September (or somewhere thereabouts- it was a little bit before he put the eVent jacket on his site). He said that he was really not happy with the quality of the Paclite that he had been getting, and was actively recommending the other jackets in his line (Pertex/Shield, eVent, sil, etc.). I have a feeling that, as much as anything else, this might have led to him dropping the Paclite jacket.

Paclite is too prone to condensation, making it pretty uncomfortable. Never again. At least that's for me.

I wonder if he would make a Poncho out of the eVent? That would be pretty sweet breathability wise, very hard to beat except maybe Paramo type stuff, but you're getting a pack cover too.

Tall confirmed, at least in the PacLite. Great jacket and Luke is great to work with. Sure would be nice if other cottages made clothing for tall folks (I'm looking at you ZPacks).

http://jolly-green-giant.blogspot.com/2013/09/lukes-ultralight-gore-tex-limited.html?m=1