Hardshell Jackets
Product 2019
We were able to test this ultra-light Gore Wear R7 Gore-Tex Infinium Partial Light Jacket for many months. We used it in many situations: in the rain, wind, trail running and we also diverted its use and wore it cycling, even if Gore Wear already has this matter in hand with dedicated products: Gore C7 Gore -Tex Shakedry.
The waterproofing and resistance to very heavy showers may be limited for the Gore Wear R7 Partial Gore-Tex Infinium, but its breathability is over and above the best when in the action as it delays the moment when you overheat and the jacket behaves like an oven. This jacket is very comfortable and a nice balance between protection and moisture evacuation.
When cycling you have the same performance. You are protected from the wind and light showers. You can also slip the thin hood under the helmet for added protection. Otherwise, just roll it up and slip it in the collar so that it does not catch the wind.
The snug fit is ergonomically well-designed to respect movements and not to flap about in the wind. Please note though, due to the tailoring you can’t fit a trail running pack underneath or thick warm layers. The various stretch panels fulfill their mission well, we ended up forgetting we were wearing the jacket, even if its fabric makes a slight rustling noise when running.
Wearing a backpack didn’t produce any signs of wear and tear. We will confirm this after several months of use. In general, even if the fabric looks very thin and light (which you can see on the scales), its strength is pretty reassuring. Even if going through thorns hasn’t damaged the Gore Wear R7 Partial Gore-Tex Infinium, it would be necessary to listen to more user feedback.
The jacket compacts down well, very handy when you slip it into a trail bag, your travel bag or a cycling jersey.
The only criticism is the central zip that slides well, but whose slider traps the inner flap: very annoying when you are running or cycling when you want to close the jacket with one hand.
The collar height is ideal, the neck is well-protected and the hood envelopes the head perfectly. There’s an elastic at the rear of the head that gives full adjustment. Peripheral vision is unobstructed and the hood does not fall onto your eyes. A thin strip of fabric above the forehead provides comfort and protection: skin contact is very soft. In general, the Infinity Gore Wear R7 Partial Gore-Tex fabric is very comfortable and can even be worn in direct contact with the skin.
The size adjusts automatically thanks to two elastics. Big GPS wrist watches slip right under the fabric. Be careful when taking the jacket off. A stretchy panel under the cuffs facilitates the maneuver and provides comfort in this area.
We appreciated the reflective strips and a small chest pocket (convenient to slip a key or gel).
The manufacturing quality is top-notch and with high-level waterproofing treatment.
This Gore Wear R7 Partial Gore-Tex Infinium put the cursor to breathability. Its waterproofness does however allow you to face most non-extreme weather situations. We appreciated its comfort, lightness, and compactness. An excellent multi-sport jacket designed for endurance disciplines.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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