INTRODUCTION

    We recently covered another SCOTTeVEST
(SeV) 4.0 product, the Sport
Tec jacket, and in the interest of being free and fair to all jackets
(okay, so I still have a jacket problem), we have decided to take a
closer look at the 237D. But rather than cover every nit pick detail
again (as a lot of them are the same), just the highlights and differences
are covered here. The 237D is slated as a jacket that can be worn 237
days of the year. And in my current location, finding a jacket that
fits such a large swath of metrological blah can be difficult. Some
days I have to venture outside in my shirtsleeves before deciding on
the level of jacketness required. How does this jacket compare to the
Sport Tec? Could you really get by with this jacket 237 days of the
year? Read on for the review!

WHAT’S HOT

    Once again, the ability to stuff as much
electronic goodies into a single, easy to carry location is my preferred
‘hotness’. As winter approaches, I’m actually saddened that I can’t
fit as much bits into my heavier jackets.

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

    First, let’s take a look at the features
of the SeV
237D jacket:

(all images link to higher resolution)

    The first
difference that I really noticed were the cuffs. On the Sport Tec, I
would have to consider this to be my biggest complaint. I’m not a big
fan of elastic-style sleeves, and so the straight, velcro closure cuffs
on the 237D are a big deal. In the image above you can see the two available
colors together. The fabric itself (on the outside of the jacket), has
more of a rough feel, rather than having the shine of the Sport Tec.
I really didn’t have too much of a preference either way on this difference.

Two waist pockets can
be found on either front side of the jacket. Not much snap and pizzazz,
but workable (I keep my PDA in one of these on most days). As with any
SeV pocket, these both have TEC access to the rest of the jacket.

    Moving
to the inside of the jacket, we find a completely different liner. This
is more of a satin feel with tiny SeV logos hiding in the pattern. Specifically
on the left side, there is a nice sized clear pocket (my Gameboy Micro
slot), and four meshed pockets that just happen to hold a GBA cartridge
perfectly. Between these smaller pockets is an extra pen holder. Moving
up from there, we find two deep pockets.

The first deep pocket
is closed with a zipper (with too small of a pull, in my opinion) and
magnet. By default, the pocket is split by velcro, but can be changed
into a large pocket by simply separating the two sides.

    The second
deep pocket (found on both sides), has a zippered/magnetic side closure
and a magnetic top closure. If you look closely in the image above,
you can see the DCC+ or Detachable Cargo Cache. Okay, so it’s not much
more than the soft side of velcro, but as Scott tells me, this is a
great place for a holster or other objects that you would need quick
access to.

   At the
bottom of these pockets (on both sides) are eight battery loops. Or
rather, intended for battery loops. You could use these for extra pens,
markers, chapstick, etc…

The hand warmer pockets
also feature the DCC+ functionality (in addition to the key lanyard,
and bottle holder). Takes a bit to get used to, but certainly not uncomfortable.

A second shot, loaded
to the gills. But as my wife pointed out, even though the jacket felt
very heavy, the amount of gear didn’t show.

Continue
On: Bugs and Wishes / Pros and Cons / Conclusion . . .

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HELP SUPPORT

    Along with the included Owner’s Manual and
idea cards, SCOTTeVEST has a great website. They go out of their way
to give you support links and even a phone number to call if you have
any questions. Also on the website is a FAQ and care instructions.

BUGS AND WISHES

   

Since this jacket is really closely related to an SeV jacket I preferred
(and part of the same 4.0 line), it was still difficult to find a good
list of wishes for this jacket. The larger zipper ends still need to
be used throughout the jacket (or at least ones I can get my large fingers
around easily). As with the last jacket, I would still like to see more
separation in the inside pockets. With large gadgets, the bigger pockets
didn’t manage the weight quite as well. I felt more weighed down than
weight-managed when heavily gadgetized – even if it didn’t really show.

PURCHASING

   
You
can purchase the SCOTTeVEST 237D Jacket here
for $159.99 (regularly $179.99) USD.

PROS

• 
  

  Great fit

• 
  

  Lightweight yet weather resistant

• 
  

  Pockets everywhere

CONS

• 
  

  Small zipper ends (on some
  of the pockets) are tough with large fingers

• Water resistant, but not waterproof

Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

What
do these ratings mean?

OVERALL IMPRESSION

    Once again, I think that this is one of
the best jackets Scott has produced – I prefer it to the Sport Tec mostly
because of the sleeve ends. It’s comfortable, light, and makes it easy
to manage all your pieces and parts. While it may not cover you in the
deep winter, it is roomy enough to combo with say, a hoody or sweater.
As I’ve said before, if you are in the market for a jacket, or even
just looking for another way to pack your gear with you, one can’t really
go wrong with this new line.

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