The Brooks Range Cirro Extreme jacket is a lightweight “no-nonsense” jacket made by a reputable company. I spent last summer using their Ultralight Quicktent and consequently I had high expectations for this jacket. After a winter season of rock climbing, skiing, and camping, this jacket was a constant companion in temps ranging from 40° to below freezing with a high wind-chill factor. The Cirro Extreme has ended up replacing all of the other jackets, both down and synthetic, in my closet.
The jacket has an excellent fit – it is neither too big nor too small and I could easily layer under or on top of it. The Pertex Quantum outer fabric was quite durable and resisted tearing, even when sliding on a surprise patch of ice while skiing at the local ski resort. The fabric also did a great job of blocking the wind – a feature that I particularly enjoyed while riding the low-speed double in sub-freezing temps. The hood is quite big as well. I could easily fit it over a rock climbing or ski helmet. This feature was especially appreciated when the wind picked up as I could cinch down the draw cords and seal out the wind.
The jacket features two chest pockets and two hand pockets. All of the pockets are plenty big and feature large zipper-pulls for easy opening and closing, even with bulky gloves on.
This jacket is nearly perfect but it is missing two features that would make it unbeatable: The first is an inside pocket, as it would be nice to be able to keep items that you want to stay warm or secure inside the jacket. The second is a double main zipper. It would be a superb feature to un-zip the bottom of the jacket and would especially come in handy while belaying (or when you needed to relieve yourself).
The Cirro Extreme is similarly priced and spec’d in weight as many of the other options by competitors out there. If you are in the market for a new synthetic down jacket, this one is worth a serious look.
Pros
- Light
- Warm
- Durable
- Big hood
Cons
- No inside pockets
- No double main zipper
Manufacturer: Brooks Range
Date available: Currently available
Manufacturer’s Website: brooks-range.com
MSRP: $229.95
Listed Weight: 17 ounces (Medium)
Actual Weight: 17.6 ounces (Medium)
Materials: Primaloft Insulation & Pertex Quantum fabric
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