GoLite Xirtam - Soft But Hard...

An interesting new GoLite jacket has received a coveted 2006 Editor's Choice Award from US magazine 'Backpacker'.

The GoLite Xirtam - apparently pronounced {zeer-tam} but actually, when you stop and think about it, it's just 'Matrix' backwards, the significance of which we're still trying to work out - ahem, the Xirtam is an interesting specimen because it has the soft, stretchy feel of a softshell jacket but is completely waterproof.

We reckon it'll appeal to users who like the idea of a softshell, but are concerned that mere windproofing won't be enough in UK conditions. The fabric is something GoLite calls 'Fusion'.

It's a breathable, waterproof laminate which features a 'poly-interlock' stretch face - it's soft feeling and, erm, stretchy with a breathable polyurethane film in the middle and a poly-interlock stretch liner with a wicking finish to manage moisture vapour. The fabric itself is totally waterpoof and seams are taped so the jacket itself is also waterproof.

At 428 grammes for a men's large, it's not superlightweight compared to dedicated ultralight jackets, but it's not unreasonable and in classic GoLite style, simple design - just one small chest pocket for example - has kept it under control.

Cut is reasonably fitted though fairly short in the US idiom, but then it says here it's designed for 'fast motion sports in foul weather'. That'll be the UK then... Price is £130 for the men's version and £120 for the women's.

Will it have the weakness of soft and hardshell or the other way round? We have a Xirtam on test right now, so we should be able to tell you soon, that's if we're not arrested for offensive colour schemes first... Bright orange and black? Yum :-) Looks nice in black though.

More EtiLoG at uk.oc.etilog.www