Kapil,
Trusting you & others are well. I offer the below words of my experience with the Qaras jacket from you folks at Mishmi Takin. Use these words as you see fit with my blessings...
I’m a 62yo, 5’9”, 150-165# (Currently 150# Summer weight). Most would say I’m very active. I’m outdoors constantly. I find myself in nasty 4 season weather often, cycling, hiking, climbing, just love storms, blizzards, the oceans , mountains, been this way since a kid. Now about this new nicely black Mishmi Takin Qaras...
- [ ] Overall the Qaras I’d say is visually quite classy, exuding the high-performance high-end performance gear should. It looks & fits right, its purpose is clear. I was able to try both medium & Large Qaras. Interestingly I was able to wear 2 sizes., Medium & large. The medium would fit fine if wearing maybe 2 thin layers, with the large that plus vest, sweater, etc I would have enough room. I chose the large as that will be my go-to Fall/winter shell. The Qaras hangs nice on the body, snug where it needs to be and very comfy. Excellent full arm rotation movement, high-end YKK zippers are verrryy smooth. Pit zips barely noticeable. Waist adjustment pulls are well hidden...nice. Immediately obvious are very high quality materials. The outside material is substantial yet smooth & quiet (in rain, against, branches, etc), big pluses for me. It will also be comfy to sleep in. When one looks inside...the interior shows the fine craftsmanship that obviously built this jacket. Take the label off, I could assume the Qaras was Swiss-born, like an Assos cycling jacket I’ve had for 15 years... oozes quality, built for the long haul, quite ruggedly built. Very nice work. This jacket should definitely excel in nasty & inclement weather. The fleece lining one of the many highlights...very, very nice, silky, smooth. Zero clothing snag putting on & off. The fleece is full sleeves too, certainly a 3 season jacket leaning on the cooler side altho I tested in 69F weather and did not overheat. The neck/hood interface fits particularly nice
- [ ] The weather here on the Mid-atlantic coast has been all over the place...Summer storms, temps 70-98F, decent winds, tons of rain, great for testing this Qaras...and test it I did. Not being a seam-taped jacket the Qaras met my approval hanging out with some plentiful Summer Pacific Ocean precipitation in both nasty 90+hot/humid to 69 wet/windy with a chill...the Qaras breaths VERY nicely. Dry too, after a good rain dump. Great wind blockage performance all around. This Qaras definitely performs. Pretty awesome for a $119 shell. The hood stays nicely with no drooping, snug with enough room. Does nicely. Arm cuff tabs could use more substantial velcro for me but thats a nit pick.
- [ ] So...Best-in-class? Oh yes, I would assume nothing else is close for $119... I’ve looked around. An outrageously great deal for your customer.
- [ ] To anyone considering buying a Qaras, just buy one before Mishmi Takin comes to their senses and raises price, and then it would still be a great value. You will have this jacket a long time. Looking forward to a pair of your Kamengs and a Misti from you folks. (Btw I have no affiliation with Mishmi Takin, yet, lol)
Have you considered an outdoor performance short/pant ? You seriously should.
Bright blessings to all, apology for being long-winded.
KLN