Review | Wal-mart's Realtree Insulated Parka

Realtree AP HD Insulated Parka

 



I'd like to start by saying that this jacket is not necessarily a "Wal-Mart Brand", however I've never seen it sold anywhere but Wal-Mart. Another thing I'd like to say is I can't find my exact jacket in Wal-Mart stores any more. With Realtree introducing the "Xtra" and "Xtra Green", the AP HD pattern had been harder to find, which is unfortunate because this is my absolute favorite pattern.  So if you can't find my jacket, there is one exactly the same, but the coloration is different.



The built in half gloves are one of the
features I love to hate in this jacket.

I'm absolutely in love with this jacket, and for the price ($50.00 after tax), it's hard not to love it. Keep in mind that I live in the upstate of South Carolina, and we don't see temps in the single digits (like ever) so keep that in mind if you live in North Dakota or some such state. This jacket is warm, waterproof, windproof, and silent. It features nifty little half gloves built into the sleeves, which are both a blessing and a curse, and I'll touch on them later. It has the removable hood, and is minimal on the pink, unlike most ladies camouflage nowadays.
 I have worn this jacket chasing coons through the mountains in twenty degree weather, and I wear it every time I hit the woods once the temps hit around 50 for a high.  I do layer, which can be a little hindering with this jacket. I bought it when I was pregnant, so I got a size larger than normal, and thank God I did! If its going to be a cold morning (I'm talking 25 to 35 degrees), I'll wear a thermal under shirt, my regular shirt, a hoodie or other mid-weight jacket,  followed with this jacket on top. I stay toasty, but it is so hard to move with that many layers on. And if you're a bow hunter, you can forget trying to wear a release with the built in half gloves. I love them if its a mild 40 degrees or so, but any colder than that they just get in the way of any gloves you wear. I'll just warn you, you will be frustrated trying to fit your arm in the sleeves with that many layers on, much less try to pull back a bow. Other than the sleeves and half gloves, this jacket is great. I took off my hood because if I ever do need a hood, which I rarely do, I'll just use the hoodie underneath. I would definitely recommend it if you're going to be hunting in mild to cold weather, but keep in mind that the more layers, the harder it is to move.

All in all, I'm happy to give this jacket a good review, because I really am happy with the jacket. If you are looking for a mid-heavy weight jacket low on cost and high on quality, I'd recommend this! Therefore, I give this jacket 7 out of 10 points. For what I use it for and with the temperatures I deal with, it's exceeded my expectations. I would NOT recommend this jacket if your hunting in anything lower than 20 degrees, it's just not made for it. With the aggravating half sleeves and tight arms, I had to deduct some points. Other than that, this jacket has definitely been worth the fifty dollars spent on it!