Gear Review: GoLite Phantom Jacket and DriMove L/S Top

I’m always delighted to test gear that’s well made, bulletproof and waterproof. I’ve tested outdoor gear from Marmot (a favorite), The North Face, Columbia, to Arc’Teryx and a handful of other elite manufacturers. And so I finally got my hands on some GoLite gear. Although the Snowshoe Magazine gear-testing department is small, we have the honor of working with some of the best companies in the business. My initial thoughts and experiences with GoLite are phenomenal and I can only hope to get my hands on more.

So what is it about GoLite?  What makes this company special?  Based in Colorado = A+ in my book. But what gets my blood pumping the most about GoLite gear is that it lives up to its brand name: It’s lightweight and durable. The Phantom Jacket and DriMove L/S Top exude GoLite’s greatest brand qualities: Stylish, packable, lightweight, warm, functional, snowshoeing-friendly, and seething with GORE-TEX delight.

Phantom Jacket

I think the No. 1 feature of the Phantom Jacket is how light it is – all the while boasting full GORE-TEX material that’s waterproof and breathable. Once I had this in my gear arsenal, it immediately became the shell for all my outings. On warm days, I would wear a light base layer (such as the DriMove L/S Top) with the Phantom as my shell. On cold days, I would pair the Phantom with one of my favorite liners.

I was amazed at the Phantom’s functionality and versatility. If I got too warm, I can easily take the Phantom and stuff it in my pack – no worries at all. The watertight zips also provide for added features along with the dual-action hood that rolls into the collar. GoLite advertises the Phantom as having the most packable, durably waterproof, breathable fabric available. Not a bad deal with all these useable features.

GoLite has made the Phantom with Gore’s most advanced PacLite laminate and says it’s “40% more breathable than classic Gore versions like XCR.”  Now I love GORE-TEX like any other outdoorsman, but the Phantom is strictly about utilizing Gore’s greatest elemental product. I’m glad the Phantom is part of my go-to gear, packed perfectly in my snowshoeing backpack.

More Phantom features:

• Imported
• GORE-TEX PacLite waterproof-breathable laminate
• Watertight front zipper
• Taped seams
• Fleece-lined chin guard
• Pit Zips with watertight zippers
• Dual-action adjustable hood rolls down into stand-up collar
• Hem draw cords
• Elasticized cuffs with adjustable Velcro tabs
• Two Chest Napolean pockets/vents

DriMove L/S Top

Have you seen those Bud Light commercials on TV?  The whole premise of the ads are to communicate Bud Light’s “Drinkability” and that Bud Light isn’t like any other beer on the market today. Similarly, GoLite’s DriMove L/S Top isn’t like your average performance base layer for winter activities. In my humble opinion, it has snowshoeingability…or whatever. I think you know where I’m going with this.

As mentioned earlier, the DriMove goes well with the Phantom jacket. It’s a base layer you won’t want to be without. Of course, a base layer is only good as the material it’s made with and it’s only as good as its wickingability. Right? 

If it dries quickly and keeps you warm, it’s a base layer worth having. Figuring GoLite knows where they’re doing, the DriMove does just that: quick drying and lightweight (living up to the brand and as advertised). The DriMove has Raglan sleeves, wicking polyester knit, and flat seam construction.

For more information about GoLite products, visit www.golite.com.  To purchase the GoLite products on Backcountry.com, click here.  To purchase the DriMove L/S Top on Backcountry.com, click here.