I’m not ashamed to admit it – I get excited over new workwear. Every piece of clothing I own has a story. Every paint splatter, knife puncture, and metal shard is the result of a project that I’m proud to have put my name on. New clothing carries with it the potential of what projects it’ll carry me through and protect me from the environment and minor injuries. Above everything else, if clothing is going to make it as part of what I put on everyday, it’s got to be comfortable in addition to functional. That’s the role the Walls Storm Protector Solid Softshell Jacket is hoping to step into.
Having a Fit
It doesn’t matter how well a piece of clothing is designed, if it doesn’t fit, you’re not going to wear it. I have several jackets and pants in my closet waiting for me to lose ten pounds and do enough push ups to fill out my chest and arms more. I never wear them.
If you’re like me with a slimmer athletic build, size guides usually involve a trade-off when it comes to jobsite workwear. I went with a large on the Walls Storm Protector Solid Softshell Jacket. According to sizing charts, that’s a 16 – 16.5″ neck and 42 – 44″ chest.
It was a perfect fit for my 6’2″ frame for sleeve length, jacket length, and shoulder width. As it is with most workwear, it’s a little big in the chest – but I’m not built like the average construction worker. Even though the fit is a little off for me, I think it’s a good balance for most guys my height. It’s actually very much like Truewerk’s Double-Stitch Jacket with more room in the chest.
Fresh Style
Walls Storm Protector Solid Softshell Jacket is a medium-weight full zip jacket designed for easy movement and protection from the elements. The 92% polyester/8% spandex ripstop outer is bonded to a 100% polyester grid inner lining and is waterproof, breathable, and allows for a lot of unrestricted movement.
Pockets are a big deal and the chest pocket is easily one of my favorites. Walls give you two – one on your left chest and one directly behind in on the interior. Two traditional kangaroo pockets are there for your hands and all of them are secured with reasonably tough zippers.
The sleeves can be tightened up some with the hook and loop closure (AKA Velcro).
From a styling standpoint, I like what Walls did with the look. Reflective trim really stands out at night, but is subtle during daylight hours. The orange trim adds a stark contrast to the black material that gives it a look of athleticism over the more aggressive look of straight black.
Comfort Zone
The style of the Walls Storm Protector Solid Softshell Jacket makes it an option to wear out on the town and not just to work. Technically, it’s part of the Walls Outdoor collection, so it’s pretty versatile. As a simple protection against the elements, it’s a comfortable jacket to wear anywhere really. Comfort level is relative of course, but I’d say this is a jacket that will easily take you into the 40’s without giving you much chill.
Comfort during activity is a different story. What I love about medium-weight jackets like this is that they’re still comfortable to wear against the temperature as your body begins to warm up at at work. Add insulation and you’ll be stripping it off within the first 30 minutes. This piece from the Storm Protector line allows enough movement that it’s also comfortable from a flexibility standpoint – even when chopping down a tree.
Tough Enough
The Walls Storm Protector Solid Softshell Jacket material offers some additional durability by nature thanks to the 8% spandex ripstop outer. That’s great against rips and tears, but it’s usually busted seams that start a jacket’s demise.
Walls uses mostly double stitching with some single stitching along less worrisome areas. The threading seems nice and tough, but I’d like to see double stitching everywhere when possible.
The Bottom Line
The Walls Storm Protector Solid Softshell Jacket is a really comfortable medium-weight jacket that’s made for the outdoors. The fit is a good balance for most people, but leaves some room in the chest for slimmer guys. The design is functional and the style is less aggressive than a straight black jacket. Durability is solid for an outdoor jacket, but could stand a slight improvement for tougher jobsites.
With online prices running around $95, the Storm Protector is pretty much on point with other jackets with the same kind of build quality and feature set.
You may want to stop short of wearing this jacket where really heavy-duty work is going on, but it’s a win for the majority of construction and remodeling jobsites. It’s an easy recommendation as a general use jacket for enjoying the outdoor whether you’re out on a hike or out on the lake.
Walls Storm Protector Solid Softshell Jacket Specifications
- Model: Walls YJ740
- Colors: Black with orange and white refective trim
- Available Sizes: Medium – XXL
- Online Price: $94.99 (Amazon)
