Spring is finally here and it’s time to trade in your heavy down jacket for a lighter model. This season, Carhartt, known for its work gear, has expanded its offerings by creating a line for men and women that features all different kinds of outerwear. The newest and most impressive in the series is the Force Equator Jacket. I was recently supplied with a Force Equator to evaluate it on my own terms.

At first glance, I was impressed with the overall design, which is simple but not dowdy. Completely black with a visibility strip on the back, as well as a sleek hook that easily lays flat, this is a great alternative for a night out, as well as a hiking trip.

Though it is incredibly light, the jacket features three polyester layers that offer superior protection from the rain and other elements. The inside of the jacket includes FastDry Technology that wicks away sweat and vents the jacket to prevent overheating. The next layer is a breathable membrane Carhartt named the Storm Defender. This provides a second layer of protection in case the outer layer, called the Rain Defender, does not fully repel water. I didn’t find this to be an issue, however, as the outer layer seemed completely water- and wind-repellent. The result is a jacket that keeps you cool and comfortable regardless of the conditions.

Unlike any other jacket I have seen, the quality of Carhartt’s jacket is unmatched—a fact that is made apparent by construction that features fully-taped seams. This simple addition adds protection to the jacket and promises not only complete water protection, but also durability. I was equally impressed by the jacket’s material which, unlike most rainwear, was not plastic, uncomfortable, or hard to move in. Instead, it was soft and moved with me.

This was a great running jacket because of the sleek design that (when tightened by the bungees at the bottom and the Velcro strips around the wrists) kept the jacket from moving too much while providing optimum protection from the spring wind. The vents under the armpits and the mesh vent on the back are also great features for those who are participating in rigorous activities because it gives the option of additional air flow through the jacket without completely exposing you to the rest of the elements.

The Force jacket also has a number of other great features including a hood that stays in place as you move, whether you have it on or not.

The two lower-front zipper pockets are a great place to keep your ID, phone, or other small belongings safe. I used the internal media port that let me keep my iPod in the jacket while allowing my headphones to remain fastened as well.

The main drawback to this jacket was sizing. For me, a small was way too big—I was swimming in it. The arms were a bit long no matter who was wearing it, but the Velcro wrist straps helped to keep them at a more comfortable length. Though I am a tough critic on windbreakers, Carhartt’s Force Equator is a great addition to their outdoor wear line.

Images by Lauren Montemurri