It’s a classic for a reason, it turns out. The Baracuta G9 jacket is the latest addition to my outerwear collection. It was purchased after a combination of (1) wanting one for a while (2) realizing I had no decent summer casual inclement weather protective garment.
My concerns with a jacket like this were chiefly about the fit, but I was pleasantly surprised. I usually wear a 36 suit jacket, yet that was TOO slim for me. The 38 fits perfectly, if a tad small in the sleeves. So, if you’re going with what they now call the “Original Fit,” and are concerned about slimness, don’t be. The “Archive Fit” is their older, roomier fit, if that is your thing. (While a certain bagginess in the midsection is part of the “charm” of these jackets, I would recommend against the “Archive Fit” for most.)
The quality and detail is all there, as you would expect. This is well made and sturdy. The zipper is excellent, and allows for opening or closing in either direction. The lining is beautiful, and a nice flash of color as the jacket moves with you. My one gripe? The pockets need to be unbuttoned to be used at all, and don’t quite feel secure when they are left unbuttoned with anything inside. A bit of a hassle, sure, but also what gives this jacket its distinctive look. There is also a pocket or two on the inside, should you need.
Indeed, this jacket perfectly fit into what I needed it for. Light rain outside, but don’t want to bulk up in intense rain gear? This jacket is truly perfect, being neither too light as to serve merely as a poncho, nor too heavy so as to be obsolete in the face of a Barbour. This is the ideal spring/summer layer, no question.
I grabbed this jacket on sale; at full price I can honestly say it’s a bit of a tough sell. There are many similar jackets from many other makers, and it would be hard to say that one is clear and away better than the other.
Unless, of course, you want the original… In that case, there never is anything quite like the real thing…