Supermarket chain Aldi is running another one of its outdoor
clothing Special Buy weeks from Thursday 14 April with some right
bargains on offer.
We've covered the Aldi walking kit before, but it's badged as
'Crane Sports' and offers absolutely fantastic value for money. In
the past we've been impressed with the effectiveness of garments like
baselayers and this time round things look promising.
Among the established cargo pants, walking jackets, socks and so
on, are two real stand out items, a Soft Shell jacket for just
£14.99 and a Merino Wool Midlayer for £9.99. We've
had a sample of both items to try out, so here's a quick
assessment.
First, you don't get Arc'Teryx-type cut and quality, but then
you're paying a tiny fraction of the price. What you do get are bona
fide technical fabrics and a real bargain. That means that while the
Merino Mid-layer - think a thinnish pullover - doesn't have
the neat cut of, say, an Icebreaker equivalent, and isn't as
thoroughly finished, it still has the classic merino softness and
wearing comfort. It also, like the Icebreaker, uses a YKK zip, so
cheap doesn't necessarily mean they've skimped on quality.
The Soft Shell Jacket has a smooth-surfaced outer face
fabric, with a thin microfleece inner. It's wind resistant in the
Schoeller tradition rather than a windproof, but as a trade off, is
more breathable. Really we'd think of this as being a wind resistant,
light fleece. It does have a DWR treatment, but it's not the best
we've seen - an aftermarket treatment might improve matters. Most of
the detailing is pretty decent though, with an adjustable hem, a
protective flap behind the main zip and fleece-lined collar, though
the cuffs are non-adjustable and a bit loose. At just 15 quid though,
it's a bargain.
No-one's pretending that the Aldi stuff is top notch technical or
even as good as mainstream mass market kit, but it still isn't half
bad and the price levels make it a bargain if you're on a budget,
kitting out a family or simply want to try something like softshell
or merino without remortgaging your shed to do it.
Like we said, the kit is in store from 14 April. You can find your
nearest Aldi at the company's web
site or by calling 08705 134262.
William Shawcross
