We spent an interesting couple of days with Regatta in the Lake
District last week.
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A bit sexier, a bit more
mountain?
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The company's best known for its ubiquitous high street presence -
in simple terms, it gets everywhere - but although it's often
overlooked, the X-Ert performance part of the range is getting more
capable and is well worth a look if you're after decent-performing
kit on a tight budget.
To underline that, the company took the opportunity to announce a
big coup on the fleece front. From late this summer, Regatta will be
using Malden Mills Polartec fabrics in some of its higher specced
fleeces and at a brilliant price too.
The fabrics in the range will be Polartecs standard 100 - 200 and
300-weight fabrics - none of the flash Thermal Pro yet - but the real
killer is the pricing. You'll be able to get your hands on a
100-weight microfleece top for £30, a 200-weight standard
mid-weight fleece for £40 and a superwarm, thick, 300-weight
top for just 45 squid.
If your first reaction is along the lines of 'so what?' remember
that a genuine Polartec mid-weight fleece would have set you back
around £60 or more just a few years ago, so you're getting a
pretty good deal.
More generally, X-Ert clothing is being cut closer this year for
active use and styling is more modish with brighter colours and a
neater look. One of their waterproof jackets even features pit-zips
for heaven's sake.
No-one's pretending that the company's about to go head to head
with Arc'Teryx, but things are definitely looking rosier for entry
level mountain walkers. We've been using one of the top-end X-Ert
jackets too and it's not half bad. More information in the next few
days.
For general Regatta information, see their website.
Interesting fact Regatta got their name when an early batch of
waterproof jackets turned up from the factory with the word 'Regatta'
emblazoned across the chest. Rather than send them back, they put
them in the shops and the rest is history...
