Have you ever been on an outdoor adventure and found yourself just a little chilled, but neglected to bring along a jacket because: 1) you didn't think you would need a jacket, or 2) you didn't have any room to carry a jacket? If you have spent any time at all outside, you know exactly what I am talking about.

Sometimes, it would be handy to have an extra jacket around, but so many of them are bulky and a pain to carry, especially if you are traveling light, and the odds of really needing one are slim.

For example, I remember a trip I made up Makapuu Point on Oahu one winter. While it was warm at the base, once I got to the top, the wind and air was very chilly, and I wished I had a light jacket to put on.

To help meet this need, Outdoor Research has the ideal solution, the Electron Windshirt. This ultra lightweight and highly compressible windshirt is easy to pack and carry, and provides an added boost of warmth just when you need it.

Here's what makes the Electron Windshirt world class:

• The Electron weighs about 4.5 ounces and compresses to a size smaller than a softball. In fact, the windshirt's pocket can be used as a stuff sack. In the picture above, you can see the size of the jacket stuffed inside the pocket. With so little weight and bulk, there is no longer any excuse not bring it along on any outdoor adventure where cooler than expected weather may strike.
  
   
• The Electron is made out of Outdoor Research's Shadowbox fabric. This ultra lightweight, tightly-woven, 30 denier nylon and polyester fabric offers superior wind protection, along with being water-resistant. Because the fabric has no coating or laminate, it also breaths well, helping to prevent moisture build-up. Unlike some windshirts, there is no liner material, which of course helps reduce the garment's bulk and weight.
  
   
• There are draw cords at the waste and neck you can use to seal out virtually all cold air, if the need arises. On the other hand, the draw cords can be released to allow additional venting. The Electron also has a deep front zipper which also aids in ventilation, if necessary.
  
   
• The Electron has articulated shoulders, which help to prevent shoulder binding or exposing your lower back when you reach over.
  
   
• There is one pocket in the front which can store small gear, be opened for additional ventilation, and be used as a stuff pocket for the windshirt.
  
   
• It's really cool looking. The illustration above doesn't do it justice.

The Electron Windshirt is ideal for hiking, cycling, climbing, trekking, and adventure travel. You can pack it in a hydration pack, daypack, or fanny pack, and still have room for you other necessities.

Using the Outdoor Research Electron Windshirt in the Real World

The first thing I want to mention is that the Electron has a technical fit, which means that it is designed for a relatively tight fit. Because of this, it will easily fit over a base layer or shirt, but not over heavier garments. If you prefer a looser fit, you may want to get a size larger that you would normally get, for extra room.

I have been wearing the windshirt over a base layer (short or long sleeved), and nothing else. When you put it on, any wind instantly stops, and you warm up. At this point, you can tighten or loosen the drawstrings around the waist and neck to adjust ventilation to meet your current needs. Breathability has proven to be good, with very little, if any, moisture build-up.

Another way to take advantage of the Electron is to match it with a fleece jacket. As you know, fleece is warm, but it is not windproof (unless you get a fleece jacket with a windproof barrier). By combining the Electron with a fleece jacket, you have the ability to wear the windshirt by itself, the fleece jacket by itself, or you can wear both of them together. This provides a lot of flexibility for your comfort. For example, if you only have a windproof fleece jacket, your comfort options are much more limited.

While the jacket is water-resistant, it is not waterproof and is not a good substitute for a waterproof shell during downpours. But it does a good job of preventing light rain from getting you wet for short periods of time.

If you have the windshirt stuffed into its tiny pocket stuff sack, and then remove it, it comes out quite wrinkled. But after wearing it a little while, virtually all of the wrinkles disappear.

The material and construction of the Electron is superior, and the windshirt should last you a long time.

Recommendation

If you need an ultra lightweight jacket that doesn't take up a lot of space, then you should seriously consider the Electron Windshirt from Outdoor Research.

Product Notes

The Electron Windshirt is available in five sizes and is designed for both men and women. It is available in two colors: steel and indigo. The MSRP is $90.00.