Just In - TNF Stretch DIAD Jacket

Just in for review is the new for 2009 Stretch DIAD lightweight waterproof jacket from The North Face which follows on from the original lightweight DIAD - or Done In A Day - jacket.


The first DIAD was aggressively light and weighed in at just over 200 grammes, but times have changed and with the stupidly lightweight Triumph Anorak in the range and tipping the scales at just 160 grammes, TNF have decided to add the DIAD to the Summit Series of elite mountain kit and make it a little heavier but significantly more versatile.

The new version uses a stretch 2.5-layer Hi-Vent DT fabric throughout. Compared to the old DIAD, it feels more substantial but also more functional for all-round use. The hood is better and has a more pronounced, stiffer peak, the fabric itself can, says the company, stretch by up to 30% and recover and in a neat piece of design there are amalgamated joint core vents and venting pockets giving scope for a whole lot of ventilation when needed.

Cut short for running, climbing or whatever else you fancy, it's a neat, handy-looking bit of kit. Our test medium jacket weighed a genuine, on the button 300 grammes, which isn't super-lightweight these days, but is still very respectable given the improved functionality of the jacket.

There's a women's version too weighing slightly less. More feedback once it's started raining properly again. Price of the Stretch DIAD is £150. Looks nice too.

More information at www.thenorthface.com