Review of the Galvin Green Austin Gore-Tex Jacket
and Axel Gore-Tex Pant
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that the United States has received the most rainfall in a twelve month period (May 2018-April 2019) since they began tracking such data 120 years ago. During the past twelve months, those of us living in the lower 48 states saw six inches more than the average precipitation amount. And to complicate matters, long term projections indicate that climate warming trends (Global Warming?) will only intensify rainfall in the coming years!
“The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house. All that cold, cold, wet day.”
–Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat
I live in Boston, Massachusetts and this past April we had precipitation for 21 days, setting a record for the rainiest month in the city. The golf season in New England is short enough; unlike Sally and Conrad in The Cat in the Hat, there was no way I was going to sit in the house and not play for 21 cold and wet April days.
What does this have to do with golf fashion, you ask? Well, if the weather forecast is correct, it means you will undoubtedly encounter more rain on the course this and upcoming golf seasons. That being said, if you love golf as much as the gang at GolfThreads, you better purchase some quality rain gear!
See Also: Galvin Green INSULA: Heat up the Fairways
Admittedly, high-quality rain gear is not cheap! But it is certainly one of the best investments you can make. If you choose wisely, you can find golf-specific outerwear that will keep you dry and looking good on and off the course!
“Look at me! Look at me! Look at me NOW! It is fun to have fun. But you have to know how!”
–Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat
Golf is fun. However, it can also be a drag when you get caught in the rain. Knowing how to dress for wet conditions makes the experience infinitely more enjoyable. So, if you are looking for top-notch waterproof apparel to invest in, let me introduce you to our friends at Galvin Green (their outerwear was good enough for the 2018 European Ryder Cup Team).
Remember, a little rain never hurt anyone. So, “(Rain)-Suit Up” in Galvin Green and go toe-to-toe with Mother Nature dressed in the ultimate protection against the elements.
Austin Gore-Tex Jacket
The Galvin Green Austin is the perfect rain jacket for me! I’ve worn it almost every day this spring. Saying it has become my “go-to” piece of outerwear would be an understatement. I am someone who wants his golf apparel to go beyond the course and this rain jacket does just that.
The Austin is an incredibly stylish full-zip jacket in waterproof Gore-Tex fabric with mesh lining. It is highly breathable, lightweight, and adaptable, with an adjustable bottom edge and sleeve ends (plus rain channels on each sleeve end). It also features two zippered inside pockets and two disguised zippered front pockets, adding to its versatility.
During my field test, it kept me perfectly dry without drastically limiting my swing. (If you are looking for an even greater range of motion in a waterproof jacket, I suggest you check out Greg’s review of the Galvin Green SHAKEDRY.) Did I mention that the Austin looks sharp? Like really, really sharp!
Axel Gore-Tex Stretch Pants
Galvin Green’s Axel is a premium waterproof pant in lightweight stretch Gore-Tex fabric with C-Knit backer. The revolutionary Japanese-made interior fabric has an exceptionally smooth feel that easily slides over trousers. A complex 3-layer construction makes it highly breathable and incredibly durable. The Axel comes with an elasticated waist with a drawstring at the back to create the perfect fit. Leg openings are adjustable and allowed me to quickly and gracefully put them on mid-round in a hurry.
When the rain finally passed, I almost forgot I was wearing rain pants, they were so lightweight and comfortable. From a style standpoint, the Galvin Green logo on the front left pocket and “Galvin Green” along the lower right leg gave the Axel pants a subtle flair that I appreciated.
Neither the Austin or the Axel ever felt heavy or saturated in the rain. As you would expect from Gore-Tex, the water simply beaded up and rolled off. The construction and detailing of both garments were such that I could find no spots where rain was able to penetrate.
Galvin Green Goes Green
Galvin Green is a brand dedicated solely to the game of golf. They are also a brand committed to the environment, with their move towards eco-friendly fabrics.
At least 60% of the garments in the 2019 Part One range of golf clothing from Galvin Green are made in bluesign approved fabrics, which means they are made using eco-friendly textile production methods and fabrics. Even the product labels are from a bluesign-certified supplier. As a brand originating from the Nordics, Galvin Green has been keen to explore the textile industry’s most environmentally friendly approach and over the past four years, it encouraged its own suppliers from around the world to follow suit.