CYCLONE AND CROSSFIRE JACKETS FROM DRI DUCK As I reported in our last newsletter, Dri-Duck manufactures some of the toughest, best looking, quality designed outerwear that I've ever seen - truly "Top Rated Outfitter" kind of stuff. In February, I had another opportunity to field test two of their jackets. The Cyclone and the Crossfire. The two-layered construction of the Cyclone, combines 12 oz. cotton canvas Boulder Cloth with a special membrane film for a truly waterproof barrier finish. A Teflon Extended Durability coating guarantees that it will maintain its good looks-despite the beating you give it. Additional features include a fleece body lining, zipper security chest pocket, large reverse welt hand pockets, a drop tail and bi-swing back as well as articulated elbows and adjustable cuff. The Crossfire jacket is made of Power Fleece 400, making it one of the softest and warmest jackets I've ever worn. It almost looks like a heavy sweatshirt, but it's not. It's bullet proof stature comes from the triple needle stitching; and includes a three piece hood, 12 oz, 80% cotton/20% polyester shell, with a textured thermal lining, as well as a heavy duty metal zipper and inside cell phone pocket. I put these two coats to the test during the 2nd week of February in the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah. I had been invited by some friends of mine, at the US Forest Service, to assist them in the reinforcing of half a dozen warming huts and latrines, which are used by snowmobilers and cross country skiers. When we pulled into the Spruces parking lot, the outside temperature was 10°. After work assignments were made, my co-workers offered me some of their government issued down parkas and shells, but I declined and opted instead for the Dri-Duck that I had brought. Since my first job was going to require pulling the tool sled back and forth from the job site to the parking lot, I decided to wear the Crossfire jacket. Despite the physical exertion in below freezing temperatures, I was very warm and comfortable. After hauling the tools and material we began the process of nailing, pounding and reinforcing. I probably could have continued wearing the Crossfire, but because I had to carry some rebar and other material in my arms, I changed over to the Cyclone. About this same time it began to snow. It was comforting to look down and see the flakes of moisture merely beading up and rolling off my coat as I carried armloads of wood and metal; a job that I maintained throughout the project because the others didn't want to tear or damage their parkas and other snow clothes. We finished up around sunset and I enjoyed looking over a days work done well. I personally was satisfied to know that even though my friends had treated me like a "Rented Mule", I had outsmarted them with the coats I had worn. Outfitters, Cowboys, Farmers and Construction Workers-- should all be wearing Dri-Duck.