Gear Review: Sherpa Lithang Jacket
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8.5
Location of Test: Mt. Hood, my bike, hiking, and much more
Duration of Test: 2 months
Product Name: Lithang Jacket
Product Brand: Sherpa
Best Use: Alpine climbing, daily driver
Materials: 3 layer jacket, Himaltec or Event waterproof membrane (depending on production year)
The Full Review:
Sherpa is one of those brands that doesn't always get the appreciation it deserves. Not only are they doing super rad stuff for the country of Nepal, but they make some super awesome apparel. I've spent the last two-ish months wearing the Sherpa Lithang Jacket any chance I get, and I've been quite impressed.
The version I've been wearing is two seasons old simply because the fit is better for me than last years. Other than the fit, the major difference is that Sherpa switched from using Event fabric to Himaltec, their proprietary waterproof membrane, however, the two are quite similar.
I found the Lithang to be a well-fitting jacket with a simple set of features. The jacket has a great two-zipper system, allowing you to zip up the bottom of the zipper to make room for a harness when belaying, which I greatly appreciated. It has fully taped seams and waterproof zippers on every zipper, including the two lower hand pockets and the two upper chest pockets.
In my opinion, the ultimate test of a shell is how it holds up over time. Though I've only owned the shell for two months, I did my best to test its durability. I ate it on my bike while wearing it (without a single tear!), I slid down various snow hills and took it dry tooling. The jacket still shows very few signs of wear and has not wet out any easier than the day I got it.
Because the brand was founded by a Sherpa and built in many ways with that community in mind, the build of the Sherpa people is reflected in its fit. Generally speaking, Sherpa's fit is a bit boxier and stouter than other brands. for my shape, this happens to work perfectly. The Lithang fits me well in the shoulders, has well-cut sleeves, and a nice slim but comfortable waist area.
I've been incredibly excited about the Lithang jacket and I'm stoked to take on more alpine adventures.
The Full Review:
Sherpa is one of those brands that doesn't always get the appreciation it deserves. Not only are they doing super rad stuff for the country of Nepal, but they make some super awesome apparel. I've spent the last two-ish months wearing the Sherpa Lithang Jacket any chance I get, and I've been quite impressed.
The version I've been wearing is two seasons old simply because the fit is better for me than last years. Other than the fit, the major difference is that Sherpa switched from using Event fabric to Himaltec, their proprietary waterproof membrane, however, the two are quite similar.
I found the Lithang to be a well-fitting jacket with a simple set of features. The jacket has a great two-zipper system, allowing you to zip up the bottom of the zipper to make room for a harness when belaying, which I greatly appreciated. It has fully taped seams and waterproof zippers on every zipper, including the two lower hand pockets and the two upper chest pockets.
In my opinion, the ultimate test of a shell is how it holds up over time. Though I've only owned the shell for two months, I did my best to test its durability. I ate it on my bike while wearing it (without a single tear!), I slid down various snow hills and took it dry tooling. The jacket still shows very few signs of wear and has not wet out any easier than the day I got it.
Because the brand was founded by a Sherpa and built in many ways with that community in mind, the build of the Sherpa people is reflected in its fit. Generally speaking, Sherpa's fit is a bit boxier and stouter than other brands. for my shape, this happens to work perfectly. The Lithang fits me well in the shoulders, has well-cut sleeves, and a nice slim but comfortable waist area.
I've been incredibly excited about the Lithang jacket and I'm stoked to take on more alpine adventures.