Scapegoat Launches In UK

Rather cool US brand scapegoat is about to launch in the UK with a range of neat-looking but still functional outerwear using top notch fabrics and construction.

Scapegoat was founded by extreme sport enthusiasts with a background in branding with the likes of Adidas, Nike and The North Face and the new range reflects that. Fabric panels are laser cut, seams are reinforced for extra strength and extra material at the elbows should add durability. And then there are neat touches like magnetic pocket flaps and - believe it or not - knuckle shields inspired by founder Jason Olden's daily cycling commute.

Insulation is courtesy of environmentally-friendly Primaloft ECO synthetic filling, while zips zips are YKK and water-proofing comes courtesy of a Japanese-made waterproof / breathable laminate called Bone Dry Barrier and specced to the same levels as full-on technical clothing.

Lastly but not leastly, the Scapegoat stuff we've seen looks rather lovely - it's not hill wear, more the sort of stuff you can wear day to day. Think the technical performance of outdoor clothing but with a more fashionable look. It also has one of the nicest brand logos we've seen for ages, you've got to love that little goat ....

The Standard - £140

The Standard is scapegoat's classic insulated men's jacket. It uses a microfibre outer with a DWR finish, insulation is down to Primaloft ECO, wear areas are reinforced with welded Bemis Sewfree abrasion film and there are laser-cut and welded organiser and document pockets along with handwarmer pockets. The collar is microfleece lined as well.

The Rosti - £250

The Rosti jacket is - apparently - named after a chicken restaurant in Costa Rica and is a longer cut waterproof jacket using the Bone Dry Barrier together with Primaloft ECO 100gm insulation. Laer-cut and welded pockets, taped seams, a hood, and more should make for a decent all-round jacket.

That should give you an idea of where scapegoat is coming from. Other models include the McLean, which uses a 70% cotton / 30% nylon fabric with a DWR along with Primaloft insulation and a clean-cut design and the Almanac, a heavier waterproof jacket with Primaloft ECO premium 100g insulation.

In the shops this month. More details about the brand at www.scapegoatbrand.com