I have 3 of the original fake Jack Wolfskin branded Fauxdinis (hereafter called the JW). You know, the ones that generated a multi-year discussion. Love them… 2.8 ounces in Chinese XXL (equivalent of a small large or larger medium) , super breathable, dirt cheap. The problem is that the XXL is too small for some, and even for someone average like me (5’10”) the sleeves are a couple of inches short. People have tried a lot of alternatives but most ended up not nearly as breathable. The other day I took the plunge on a possible alternative I found on Aliexpress. Here is the verdict….
The good news: It is very breathable, much better than the current Patagonia Houdini. It may be very slightly less than the JW version because the fabric feels more substantial. In other words, feels more like the Patagonia version, breathes more like the Fauxdini. The XXL is slightly larger than the JW version, but the sleeves are about 2 inches longer. This should be a possible solution for larger than medium people and especially those who are bothered by the short arms.
The bad: weighs about 3.9 ounces versus 2.8 ounces (but it is larger). I am wondering what it weighs in the XL. Hood does not pack into the collar.
The good or bad, depending on your point of view: instead of a chest pocket, it packs into a zipper pocket inside the jacket. It also has 2 outside hand pockets…useless when carrying a backpack but nice to put your hands in for wearing around camp (where I use it most). I would have preferred a chest pocket. It has an elastic drawstring with a cord lock on the bottom. Nice feature, but adds weight. Hood is larger than JW Fauxdini version.
Here is the link… http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-Outdoor-trench-sunscreen-Men-Women-s-Fast-Drying-Anti-UV-Waterproof-wind-protector-Breathable/1688111578.html
I will add some pics of the jacket on me in the next post…
