Gear

Anybody tried out the synthetic Mont Bell insulated jacket. I'm interested in getting something fairly lightweight that is not going to take up much space. As a walker I tend to run on the hot side and just need something to throw on for brief stops etc - what are your views on this one ? ta

ive got a snugpack jacket but i have been looking at the ME compressor jacket

http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Mountain-Equipment-Compressor-Jacket---SS07.html

or i did consider the fitzroy jacet but much heavier

Thanks I'll look that up

try the montane prism jacket. light and packs small. I run on the hot side and this jacket suits me fine for walking in cold weather or to wear during stops in warmer weather. Plus it has a hood, which I think is a great benefit and is the reason I chose it over the rab generator smock.

Berghaus Infinity Lite gets my vote or the now defunct Montane Solo, if you can find one.

Had one on the Highland Mountain marathon and it did well, synthetic due to risk of wet weather but was a good wind blocker, good warmth (not a down puffa style jacket though obviously) and did what it said on the tin. More robust in practise than it appears and good warmth to weight ratio. Wife had it on during a mnus 5 degree night in addition to a lieghtweight bag and was very comfy. I'd rec'd if weight and space are a concern.

WF - I've got one of the Mont Bell synthetic ones. I think the review was a bit harsh on it, tbh.

It's reasonably warm, certainly windproof, and if you layer it with fleeces it quite toasty. Tried it up in the hills and also at night when camping and I've been fine so far. Oh, and belaying on a climb too. Not sure if it's full on winter quality, but for late spring, summer and autumn I couldn't recommend it enough.

Sounds good - did you find the fit okay ? On the review they implied the fit may be on the small side (medium may be more like a small etc) - it would obviously need to fit over other (thin) layers and I would normally take a large - looking at Hike Lite etc this seems to be the largest size. Thanks for the reply

Aye, the fit is a bit on the small side. I'm normally a medium for most stuff. The medium *just* fits me fine, but it is on the tight side. Having said that I suppose it's better than being big and baggy, especially if you wear it under a jacket. A large would have been too big I reckon. You could always send it back if it doesn't fit.

Another thing the review fails to mention is the zip. When it's done up it's invisible i.e. it's hidden under the jacket material. A nifty touch, I reckon! ;)

I've just ordered a quilted, primaloft jacket from Landsend which has been discounted 77% to £17.50.
I'll let you know about its various features when it arrives; weight, warmth, compressibility, wind resistance and quality of shell material.

Do you have e mail for landsend I am unable to find
£17.50 sounds good to me.

Land Ends Primaloft jacket

Unfortunately, as is often the case with Lands End stuff, it's not available in small. Obviously there aren't any small men in the US...

There's a women's equivalent jacket too.

I must admit, it's hard to navigate their website. You have to keep opening up further and further levels of random detail (e.g. 'our selection' or 'further reduced'), which is an unusual approach to take to website design.

It's oversized for stated size, i.e. the L leans more to XL while the M is usually just a little too small for me. The "True Navy" colour version has a naff bright orange lining and bindings on cuffs and hem so I'm glad I only spent £17.50 on it. Well made and very warm though and I'm sure it would be very nice if it fitted properly even if it doesn't have a waist drawcord to cinch out the wind. I could send it back and get another size and colour but I can't be bothered.
I'm glad I've got my Millet Primaloft jacket, my Sleeka and my Filium, each of which fits me.