Paul Gallaher
Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Pro Texatherm Jacket Review
I was recently able to sample the Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Pro Texatherm insulated jacket.
Details: First, this jacket, the Routeburn Pro insulated jacket, is a puffer jacket filled with what Jack Wolfskin calls “Texatherm Pro,” a synthetic down alternative also known as Primaloft. The manufacturer did not skimp on fill, as the insulation on this jacket feels a bit bulky (but not heavy). It has a windproof, highly breathable, yet water-repellent fabric.
It is not waterproof but will keep you dry for short stints in light rain or snow. There are two well-placed, large hand pockets and a pocket on the left external chest. Interestingly, Jack Wolfskin has added a third material to this jacket. They placed (you guessed it, Texa…something) Texadry synthetic wicking fleece in large underarm and lateral panels all the way down the torso to promote the wicking of moisture away from the body. This area of the jacket is mostly shielded from wind and external moisture by the arms so it’s an interesting design.
Of note, this jacket runs small, and for sizing, it is recommended that customers order “one size up” or fully two sizes bigger if the jacket will be worn with multiple or heavy layers underneath.
Wear testing: I live in the high mountains of Colorado, which means that cold weather and even occasional snow start coming in very early fall. I did order one size up on this jacket, and when worn with a thin sweatshirt or fleece under it, it fits well. It does have a trim fit, but I think it is not uncomfortable.
This size large jacket fits me well, as I am 6’3” and 170 pounds. The arm length is good for me, and the waist is long enough to provide ample coverage below the waistline. I like the adjustable elastic waist cord to keep the wind out. Arm mobility feels natural and does not seem constricted. I believe part of this fit is due to the very flexible Texadry panels under the arms.
The collar does nicely cover the back of my neck on breezy days. I did notice this jacket seems to block the wind pretty effectively unless, for some reason, I’m flapping my arms around a lot. Jack Wolfskin calls this a “hiking” jacket. This jacket would be great for short-medium distance hikes during shoulder seasons.
The underarm/side panels make this jacket more versatile than one might believe. It’s also a great jacket for running errands on cold days. I’ve added this jacket to my short list of outerwear for cool days when I’m out walking the dogs and don’t need a ski jacket, but I do need a cool-weather jacket (think 25 degrees to 50 degrees F).
This jacket comes in several colors and has sizes available from small to 3XL. Jack Wolfskin prices this jacket competitively with a retail price of $159,95. Currently, several colors and sizes are marked down on sale on the direct to consumer website.
This jacket is also available for women in a variety sizes.
Paul Gallaher
Paul grew up in Minnesota where he learned to love the outdoors, riding his bike, fishing and canoeing in the summers and skiing in the winters on Minnesota’s 300 foot-tall “mountains”.
After finishing college, he was commissioned as an officer in the USAF eventually becoming a special operations and reconnaissance instructor navigator flying and serving around the world for twenty-two years.
Living and traveling around the world has given Paul opportunities to explore outdoor passions. He is an advanced scuba diver, a pilot, a sailor and has skied in the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
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