GoLite Dakota Wind Shirt Review
The Colorado weather is fickle and can change in 10 minutes. This is true year round and is compounded as you gain altitude. This fact makes clothing decisions crucial. You may encounter wind, rain, sun or snow, during a trail run or day hike. I don’t want to pack 3 shells, but I don’t want to suffer either. Thus I look for pieces that can be used in a variety of conditions. The Dakota Wind Shirt from Go Lite is one of those pieces.
The Dakota doesn’t have any one single purpose, rather it is meant as a light, outer- layer you can use for just about anything outdoors. Of course it’s light weight, only 4 oz., and packs down into it’s own pouch. The Dakota is a mix of 88% Tier 1 recycled polyester, 12% anti-static polyester for the body then 100% nylon stretch panels for the sides and inside ¾ of the sleeves for better breathability. The high collar and ¾ zipper help keep the wind out as well.
I’ve used the Dakota Wind Shirt on several outings from trail runs to ski racing. The fit for me was good. There was no extra material to flap around on windy days, but it wasn’t too tight either. The fabric is so light you barely notice you have it on. I’m not so sure about the ¾ zipper however. The anorak style makes it more difficult to put on and take off and I’m not sure the benefit outweighs the convenience. Personally I would like a full zipper, but it’s not a deal breaker for me. The thin material made me a bit nervous about durability, but after a spill at high speed on the slopes didn’t damage the Dakota, I figured it’s tough enough.
This piece is designed with aerobic activities in mind, and it performs like a champ. Some jackets can act as a sauna, like the old sweat suits of the past. I wore this during the 12 Hour Endurance Challenge, a ski endurance race, and never over-heated despite the tremendous amount of body heat I was generating. The nylon panels let heat escape, keeping your temperature down. I found the amount of wind protection to be more than I expected. Being a thin, light-weight piece it won’t keep you insulated from the wind completely, but again, this piece is designed to do several things well, not just one.
The Dakota Wind Shirt provides a small amount protection from the elements in a light and small package. I was impressed with the mix of light-weight fabrics that moved well and gave me a barrier from the elements. If you are looking for a piece that you can pack for those just-in-case scenarios, or when you will encounter changing weather conditions, check out the Dakota Wind Shirt.
MSRP- $80.00
