New NeoShell From Iceland's 66˚North

Men's version in dull but reliable black... bright yellow version below...

Women's Snaefell in red.

Polartec's NeoShell waterproof fabric scored highly with testers last year and scooped a bunch of awards for its excellent breathability, but was actually quite hard to find, particularly in simple mountain shell jacket form, where Rab's Stretch Neo was pretty much the only choice in the UK, but this autumn there's another option in the shape of the 66˚North Snaefell Jacket available from Blacks.

Outdoors Not Snowsport

We've not seen a Snaefell in the flesh - or maybe that should be 'fabic' - but it looks like a waterproof outdoors shell jacket rather than a snowsport-type garment with extra insulation. There's a fixed hood with 'stiffened peak', two hand-warmer pockets that double as venting options, sleeve and internal pockets plus a watter-bottle pocket.

Zips are water resistant with the main one backed with a storm flap plus hem and cuffs are all adjustable with articulated elbows.

Straight Outta Iceland

We can't tell you much more than that, but the brand is Icelandic and the jacket was developed in harsh conditions with the help of the Icelandic Search and Rescue organisation and bagged an award at the ISPO European trade show for 'Perfect construction and workmanship as well as very nice details'.

In other words, don't write it off just because the brand's not particularly well known in the UK. The jacket is available in both men's and women's versions and there are also matching Snaefell Pants with a knee-length zip also made from NeoShell.

Price in the UK is £280 for the jacket and £200 for the trousers. More about 66˚ North at www.66north.com. UK stockist www.blacks.co.uk.