Galvin Green Ames Waterproof Jacket Review

Galvin Green Ames Key Features:

• Three-layer Pertex construction
• PFC free water repellent treatment
• Fully water and windproof

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When it comes to weather wear, Galvin Green is a brand that needs no introduction. The Swedish performance apparel brand has been making premium weather wear for almost 35 years now, and in that time, it has basically perfected the art. 

The new Ames jacket is interesting for a couple of reasons, but the most fascinating new development is the change of fabric. 

For years Galvin Green has been synonymous with GORE TEX a completely waterproof membrane that was used in almost every jacket the brand produced. 

However, the Ames uses a new fabric called Pertex, which is supposedly considerably more stretchy, while still remaining completely waterproof. 

We were recently sent the Ames jacket, so we took it out for a number of rounds, as well as some rather wet dog walks, to fully test it out.

Let's get into it.

So, first let's talk about looks and functionality. The Ames comes in a variety of colours, and as you can see from the above photo, we were fortunate enough to receive the all black with white piping option. 

The design it's fair to say is very typical of the brand, solid block colours, a simple silhouette and nice branded detailing on the shoulder, back and cuffs. 

Is this design going to wow people on the fairways? Probably not. Do you want to wow people with your choice of waterproof jacket? Also probably a no. 

The design is simple and stylish without being overly eye catching, and we're absolutely fine with that. 

The white piping is a nice detail, while the right hand chest section also features a slightly textured pattern which is a nice addition. 

All in all we would give Ames a solid seven out of ten for looks.

Where a waterproof jacket really earn its wage, though, is in its functionality. 

This jacket is packed full of adjustability features that give golfers the opportunity to really tailor the fit to suit their game. 

Velcro cuffs, chest tabs and an adjustable drawstring on the hem all allows you to easily adjust the jacket to ensure you can swing easily and walk comfortably even when it's pouring down. 

Another feature that we really love in this jacket is the 'slide n glide' interior fabric which makes getting the jacket on and off very easy. The fabric as it says on the tin, will easily glide over any midlayer, ensuring it doesn't get stuck or catch when removing it or putting it on.

When the rain comes suddenly, the last thing you want is a jacket that catches on your sleeves, leaving you vulnerable to the elements. 

The zippers are also very easy to use, and the two front pockets provide plenty of space for your on course valuables. It's also worth mentioning that the pockets are very easy to get in and out of when wearing a glove.

Sometime pockets can grip on to the glove making it tricky to get in and out, but that's not the case here.

As previously mentioned, the new fabric Galvin Green has opted to use is said to be even stretchier than GORE TEX. 

We put this to the test by wearing almost eight layers underneath the jacket, and we can confirm the jacket was able to stretch to accommodate even the bulkiest midlayers we possessed. 

The jacket itself also provides plenty of room within to swing freely, and the fabric is also very quiet which is something we really loved about it. There is nothing worse than walking around feeling and sounding like a bin bag, but with the Ames on we were as silent as a ninja. 

So how did it hold up in the rain? Not a drop got through. My expectations were high for this jacket's waterproof protection and it absolutely lived up to them. 

Galvin Green don't mess around when it comes to wind and rain protection and this jacket did a superb job keeping both at an arms length. 

Verdict

This jacket is top notch, it's as simple as that. The comfort, protection, comfort and functionality are all five star and despite the price point being high, you certainly get what you pay for. 

Bad weather can ruin a round of golf, but if you've got a set of Galvin Green waterproofs on you will be ready to tackle anything mother nature can throw at you.