Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s Review

Let’s Talk About Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s

The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s promises versatility and performance in a lightweight package. Marketed towards hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, this jacket aims to be the ideal layering piece or standalone option for milder conditions. The Element Outdoors brand is staking its reputation on a design that balances ruggedness with practical features, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

My search for a versatile jacket that could handle both early-season hunts and cool-weather hikes led me to this product. I needed something that wouldn’t restrict my movement, offered some degree of weather protection, and could easily be layered. The promise of a quiet shell fabric and features like the integrated treestand harness passthrough piqued my interest.

Upon unboxing, the jacket felt surprisingly lightweight, which was a definite plus. The material had a soft, almost brushed feel, and the stitching appeared to be well-executed. My initial assessment was that Element Outdoors had paid attention to detail in the construction.

I considered options from brands like Sitka Gear and KUIU, but their price points were significantly higher. The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s seemed to offer a comparable feature set at a more accessible price, and that was a major deciding factor. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to put it through its paces in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s was during an early-season deer hunt in the Appalachian foothills. The weather was cool and damp, with intermittent light rain throughout the day. I wore the jacket as a standalone piece over a base layer.

The jacket performed admirably in the light rain, with water beading up and rolling off the Neverwet Hydrophobic Water/Stain Blocker treated fabric. The wind resistance was also noticeable, cutting through the chill effectively. I appreciated the freedom of movement it offered while navigating through thick brush.

Initially, the thumb holes at the cuffs felt a bit awkward, but I quickly grew accustomed to them and found they provided extra coverage and warmth. There were no immediate issues, though I did notice the EO Shoulder Grips seemed a bit aggressive; more on that later.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple hunting trips and a few moderately challenging hikes, the Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s has held up reasonably well. There are no major signs of wear and tear, although I have noticed some slight pilling of the fabric in high-friction areas. The Neverwet treatment seems to have lost some of its effectiveness after repeated exposure to rain and mud.

Cleaning the jacket is relatively straightforward; a gentle wash and tumble dry on low heat seems to do the trick. The Polygiene Odor Control and Odor Crunch technology appears to be effective, as the jacket has not developed any significant odors despite repeated use. Compared to my previous hunting jacket, which was heavier and less breathable, the Element Outdoors jacket offers a significant improvement in comfort and mobility.

Breaking Down the Features of Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s

Specifications

The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s features a quiet shell fabric bonded with an inner EO Grid. This construction is intended to provide both noise reduction and thermal regulation. It boasts YKK Zippers, known for their durability and reliability.

Other key specifications include: an active apparel fit, designed for ease of movement; a laminated liner for windproof/water-resistant fabric; EO Shoulder Grips; a waist cinch; a rear dovetail; an integrated treestand harness passthrough; Neverwet Hydrophobic Water/Stain Blocker; and Polygiene Odor Control and Odor Crunch. These specifications contribute to the jacket’s intended use as a versatile and functional piece of outdoor apparel.

Performance & Functionality

The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s performs well as a layering piece or standalone jacket in mild conditions. Its water resistance is adequate for light rain, and its wind resistance is effective in blocking chills. The integrated treestand harness passthrough is a thoughtful feature for hunters.

However, the EO Shoulder Grips, while intended to keep slings and packs in place, can be overly aggressive, causing discomfort and potentially damaging softer pack straps. The Neverwet treatment, while initially effective, requires reapplication after extended use. Overall, the jacket meets expectations for a light to mid-weight jacket at its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s has a comfortable and functional design. The active fit allows for a full range of motion without feeling restrictive. The waist cinch helps to customize the fit and keep out wind.

The larger hood provides ample coverage and warmth, however, it lacks a structured brim which would improve its performance in windy conditions. The overall design is user-friendly, with easily accessible pockets and intuitive features. There is no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The jacket’s durability is generally good, although the fabric is susceptible to pilling in high-friction areas. The YKK Zippers are robust and should provide long-lasting performance. The jacket is easy to maintain with regular washing and drying.

However, the Neverwet treatment will require periodic reapplication to maintain its water-repellent properties. With proper care, the Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s should provide several seasons of reliable use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s does not come with any specific accessories. There are no readily apparent customization options beyond the adjustable waist cinch and thumb holes. However, the jacket’s neutral design makes it compatible with a wide range of accessories from other brands, such as backpacks, slings, and harnesses.

Pros and Cons of Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s

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Who Should Buy Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s?

The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s is perfect for hunters seeking a versatile and affordable layering piece. It’s also well-suited for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who need a lightweight jacket for mild weather conditions. The integrated treestand harness passthrough makes it particularly appealing to tree stand hunters.

This product is not ideal for those who require maximum water or wind protection in extreme weather conditions. Individuals who are particularly sensitive to abrasive materials may find the EO Shoulder Grips uncomfortable. Those needing a jacket for consistently wet environments should consider a more robust waterproof option.

Must-have accessories or modifications include a high-quality water repellent spray to reapply the Neverwet treatment. Also, consider adding a lightweight hat with a brim to complement the hood in windy conditions.

Conclusion on Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s

The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s is a solid and versatile jacket that offers excellent value for the money. While it’s not without its flaws, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile investment for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts on a budget. The Element Outdoors brand has delivered a functional and comfortable jacket that punches above its weight class.

At a price point of $91.49 – $153.99, the Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s is a justified purchase for those seeking a reliable layering piece. It provides a good balance of performance, comfort, and durability.

I would personally recommend the Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s to anyone looking for a versatile and affordable outdoor jacket. If you’re in the market for a new hunting or hiking jacket that won’t break the bank, give the Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Jacket – Men’s a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.