Westin W8 Jacket Carbon Black

Description

The Westin W8 Jacket in Carbon Black is the flagship of Westin's technical fishing outerwear range, built for the lure angler who needs total mobility and dependable weatherproofing in hostile conditions. At its core is a Toray Dermizax membrane. Unlike standard breathable membranes, Dermizax is non-porous, so it will not clog with salt or dirt over time, maintaining its waterproof and breathability ratings for the life of the garment. High-wear areas are reinforced with 500D Nylon-66 Cordura, giving the jacket the durability to stand up to professional angling use. - Primary Fabric: Toray 100% Nylon Taslan Oxford (Dermizax Membrane) - Inner Lining: Circular knit back for "next-to-skin" comfort - Reinforcement: 500D Nylon-66 Cordura with PU coating - Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm - Breathability Rating: 10,000mvp - Main Zipper: YKK AquaGuard Vislon (Water-repellent) - Seams: Fully taped with specialized Hipster Tape - Hardware: Duraflex buckles, D-rings, and adjusters - Hood: Fully adjustable, packable, and stowable The W8 has a tailored, active fit. If you intend to wear heavy mid-layers, consider your sizing carefully. - Small: 36" - 37" - Medium: 38" - 40" - Large: 42" - 44" - X-Large: 46" - 48" - XX-Large: 50" - 52" - 3X-Large: 54" - 56" The circular knit back is a notable difference from standard jackets, which often feel clammy or plastic-like against the skin. The W8 feels like a soft-shell on the inside but performs like a hardshell on the outside. The 500D Cordura in high-wear areas means you can lean against boat rails or scramble over rocks without worrying about tearing your gear. Where it suits: extreme boat fishing, where there is nowhere to hide from horizontal rain and salt spray; rugged shore trekking and coastal lure fishing where you are constantly moving and rubbing against abrasive rocks or heavy vegetation; professional guiding, where the non-clogging nature of the Dermizax membrane ensures the jacket breathes as well on day 500 as it did on day one; and sub-zero winter sessions, where the 2-way stretch Toray fabric allows for full movement even with three layers of fleece and base layers underneath. What makes Dermizax different from standard Gore-Tex or similar membranes? Most breathable membranes use tiny pores that can eventually become blocked by salt, sweat, or dirt. Dermizax uses "moving molecules" to transport moisture out, so it is exceptionally stretchy and does not lose its breathability even after heavy use in saltwater environments. Is the W8 jacket heavy? Surprisingly, no. Despite the inclusion of 500D Cordura and a high waterproof rating, the Toray fabrics are lightweight. The circular knit back also eliminates the need for a separate hanging mesh liner, further reducing weight and bulk. What is 'Hipster Tape' on the seams? Hipster Tape is a specialized, high-strength seam-sealing tape used in high-end technical apparel. It provides a more durable and flexible seal than standard heat-pressed tape, ensuring the seams remain 100% waterproof even as the jacket stretches during casting. How do the pockets handle water? The four main pockets use YKK water-repellent zippers. While they are designed to keep the rain out of your essentials, such as lure boxes or line, moisture-sensitive electronics are best kept in the internal zipped pocket for absolute safety during a downpour.