Along with the Earthtec Laurel Softshell Pants, Vermont based outdoor retailer Climb High sent me the Water Lily Hooded Softshell Jacket. I have worn the jacket almost all winter now, across Colorado, Utah, and even in the cold and wet winter weather of San Francisco.
The Water Lily Jacket is constructed out of a durable stretch-woven face fabric. Made from 94% recycled PET and 6% spandex, this softshell fabric is treated with a DWR finish in order to repel water and stains. A permeable membrane blocks the wind, while allowing the jacket to breathe so you don't work up a sweat when moving.
The super soft and velvety velboa lining is made from 100% recycled PET and feels great against your skin, especially inside the hood. The Water Lily Jacket design includes the same fun frog accents as the Laurel Pant and the rest of the Earthtec apparel line.
The softshell jacket features two exterior zip hand pockets, a zip chest pocket perfect for storing your phone or iPod, and two internal stash pockets for extra gloves or snacks. A drawstring hem, elastic cuffs, and a snap flap over the front zipper help to keep the warmth in and the weather out.
As the Water Lily Jacket is somewhat heavy, I would not wear it for highly technical pursuits such as ice and alpine climbing. However, the softshell jacket makes an extremely warm everyday winter jacket and would also be great for lighter winter pursuits such as hiking, snowshoeing, cross country or even downhill skiing and snowboarding.
In terms of fit, I would recommend ordering a size up from normal if you plan to wear layers underneath. Though a medium fits me pretty well through the body, the arms and shoulders are both too tight and too short.
Bottom Line: The Water Lily Softshell Jacket is reasonably priced, stylish, functional, warm, and does good for the planet at the same time.
The Earthtec Water Lily Softshell Jacket comes in a hooded and non-hooded version, with four different colors (purple, white, blue, black), and retails for $140 over on the Climb High website.