Let’s Talk About Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s
The Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s is Element Outdoors’s answer to the call for a versatile, women’s-specific hunting and outdoor mid-layer. It boasts a quiet shell, thermal regulating fleece, odor control, and a treestand harness passthrough; designed for the serious female hunter who demands performance and comfort. It’s more than just a jacket; it’s a crucial piece of equipment for extending your time in the field.
I was seeking a jacket that could bridge the gap between a lightweight fleece and a bulky outer layer, providing warmth without sacrificing breathability. The integrated harness passthrough and odor control features also caught my attention, as I often find myself wearing a harness and need to stay scent-conscious while hunting.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s’s soft, quiet outer shell and the cozy feel of the grid fleece interior. The jacket felt well-constructed and lightweight, but substantial enough to provide some insulation.
Compared to my other mid-layers, such as a generic fleece and a lightweight down jacket, the Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s stood out with its integrated hunting features and quieter fabric. I chose this jacket primarily for its specialized design tailored towards hunting, giving it an edge over more general-purpose options.
My first impression was excitement; the jacket seemed to perfectly address my needs for a versatile hunting mid-layer. I was eager to put it to the test in the field and see if it lived up to its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s during an early-season whitetail hunt in the Midwest. The weather was cool and damp, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the mid-50s.
The jacket performed admirably in the damp conditions, shedding light rain thanks to the Neverwet treatment. The grid fleece kept me warm while allowing moisture to escape, preventing overheating during periods of activity, and I appreciated the quietness of the shell fabric while moving through the woods.
The fit was comfortable and allowed for a full range of motion, and the harness passthrough worked flawlessly. I was able to quickly and easily connect my treestand harness without having to adjust or remove the jacket.
Initially, I was slightly concerned about the waist cinch being uncomfortable when wearing a backpack, but it didn’t cause any issues and helped to seal out drafts effectively.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s continues to perform exceptionally well. It has become my go-to mid-layer for all my hunting trips, and has also seen use during several fall hikes.
The jacket has proven to be durable, showing no signs of wear and tear despite being subjected to brush, branches, and the occasional snag. The YKK zippers are sturdy and reliable, and the stitching remains intact.
The jacket is easy to care for; I simply machine wash it on cold and hang it to dry. The odor-destroying Odor Crunch treatment seems to be effective, as the jacket doesn’t retain any lingering odors even after extended use.
Compared to my previous hunting jackets, the Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s outperforms them in terms of versatility, comfort, and specialized features. Its thoughtful design, quiet fabric, and integrated harness passthrough make it a superior choice for the serious female hunter.
Breaking Down the Features of Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s
Specifications
The Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s features a quiet shell fabric bonded with inner EO grid fleece, providing a balance of silence, warmth, and breathability. The jacket includes YKK zippers, known for their durability and reliability.
It has three pockets: two lower hand pockets and a chest pocket, offering ample storage for essential items. The garment is treated with Neverwet Hydrophobic Water/Stain Blocker, repelling water and stains. It also incorporates Polygiene Odor Control and Odor Crunch technologies to minimize odor.
The specifications matter because they directly contribute to the jacket’s performance in the field. The quiet shell fabric is essential for stealthy movement while hunting. The water-resistant treatment helps keep you dry in light rain, and the odor control technologies minimize scent signature, increasing your chances of success.
Performance & Functionality
The Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s excels in providing warmth, breathability, and stealth during hunting activities. It effectively regulates body temperature, keeping you comfortable in a range of conditions.
Its strengths lie in its quiet fabric, comfortable fit, and specialized hunting features like the harness passthrough. The waist cinch effectively seals out drafts, and the EO shoulder grips prevent slings and packs from slipping.
The only potential area for improvement could be the addition of pit zips for increased ventilation during high-exertion activities. Overall, the jacket meets and exceeds expectations for a high-performance hunting mid-layer.
Design & Ergonomics
The Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s boasts a well-thought-out design that prioritizes comfort and functionality. The materials feel high-quality and durable, and the jacket is lightweight, allowing for comfortable all-day wear.
The 3-piece hood and 3-piece cuffs offer added protection from the elements, while the rear dovetail allows for easy layering. The waist cinch provides a customizable fit, and the interior ID patch pocket is a convenient feature for adding identification.
The jacket is user-friendly, with no learning curve required; it is simply comfortable and functional from the first wear.
Durability & Maintenance
The Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s is constructed from durable materials and is built to withstand the rigors of hunting. With proper care, it should last for many seasons.
The jacket is easy to maintain; machine washing and hang drying are sufficient for cleaning. The Neverwet treatment helps to prevent stains, further simplifying maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s does not come with any additional accessories, focusing instead on core functionality. However, its design allows for easy layering with other hunting apparel.
The jacket is compatible with most treestand harnesses, and the roomy pockets can accommodate a variety of hunting essentials. Due to the nature of the garment, there aren’t really any customization options available.
Pros and Cons of Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s
Pros
- Incredibly quiet shell fabric for stealthy movement.
- Comfortable and thermal regulating EO grid fleece for warmth without overheating.
- Integrated treestand harness passthrough for convenience and safety.
- Durable construction and high-quality YKK zippers for long-lasting performance.
- Neverwet hydrophobic treatment and odor control technologies for enhanced functionality.
Cons
- Lack of pit zips may limit ventilation during high-exertion activities.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s?
Perfect for female hunters seeking a versatile, comfortable, and stealthy mid-layer for various hunting conditions. Also, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate quality construction, functional features, and odor control technology.
Those who prioritize maximum ventilation during intense physical activity or require extensive customization options may want to consider alternative options.
Must-have additions might include a high-quality base layer for added warmth in extreme cold, and a waterproof outer shell for protection in heavy rain.
Conclusion on Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s
The Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s is a well-designed and highly functional mid-layer that is specifically tailored for female hunters. Its quiet fabric, comfortable fit, and specialized features make it a valuable asset in the field.
At $137.99, the price is justified by the jacket’s quality construction, performance, and thoughtful design. It represents a solid investment for serious hunters who demand the best.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s to any female hunter looking for a versatile and reliable mid-layer. Invest in your comfort and performance; gear up with the Element Outdoors Prime Series Quarter Zip Jacket – Women’s and experience the difference it makes on your next hunt!