Mountain Equipment Microtherm Jacket

Eric Smith
Reviewed: 06 March 2005

EXCELLENT

Light, small pack size, windproof, breathable. Fine in showers too.

I didn't come across them earlier.

We dabbled with windstopper fleeces, but they never felt right and we hardly wore them. I sold them on Ebay and replaced them with Microtherms and noticed the difference right away. Light, small, windproof and breathable and cheap, particularly if you get them in a sale.

Up in the snow this weekend, when others were putting shells over their fleeces, we were just fine in the Microtherms and a baselayer.

I just wish I'd discovered them earlier.

owen benwell
Reviewed: 01 November 2004

A VERY VERSATILE JACKET

This jacket has a really nice snug fit (I'm a standard large with long arms and the 04 model fits me perfectly) and the fleece feels great on. I put it on as soon as I crawl out of my sleeping bag on those slightly cold or damp mornings and it usually stay on until I get back in it again at night.
This jacket is also surprisingly waterproof, I've been caught out in very rude weather for over an hour in this and stayed dry.
The zip off arms also make it pretty versatile - you can use the zips as pit zips for running or biking or just use the jacket as a gillet in warmer weather or to cut down pack size.

Mmmmm... none. I'm suprissed some people think it's poor value.
I've spent more money than this on shells that arn't half as good.

I was surprised at how good this jacket was. I bought it thinking I'd be using it as fleece under a shell for the majority of its life. I didn't think that for its weight it would be this warm and nor did I think the thing would be very water resistant, but this thing is seriously waterproof and It's also very breathable. I highly recommend it for the price (even full retail price)

Ted Weber
Reviewed: 27 May 2004

AMAZINGLY VERSATILE

Light weight, instant warmth in a highly breathable yet very water-resistant jacket. Sleeves zip off for the gilet look or just open them up to cool the pits.

Sleeves a bit long for me, otherwise none.

Brilliant kit which will cover a wide range of activities and conditions. Leave your fleece for the shopping and take this on the hill instead. Great value if you can find one at the discounted prices.

Ian Brookes
Reviewed: 25 March 2004

PRACTICAL PIECE OF KIT

Light
Packs away
Sheds water/wind
Nice next to skin
Vents under arms
Look great in black

Sleeves to long
Difficult to get right size
Cuffs don't open out enough
Too expensive at full price

It took me ages to get the right one. Problem was the small fitted ok but was too tight under the arms. So I had to get a medium even though the sleeves are a bit too long. ME always seem to over do it on the arms with there jackets. Got it for only £50 though so can't complain.

Marcus Crompton
Reviewed: 24 January 2004

ESSENTIAL!

Light, warm, windproof, packs down very small, keep all but heavy rain out.

A bit expensive at full price.

I bought mine early on last year - apart from guaranteed bone-dry windless days, it's been with me on every trip since. Unless it rains heavily for a long time you won't need a shell jacket and it has the knack of keeping me at the right temprature in a wide range of conditions (I overheat easily). Easily found at much-reduced prices and if you find one at £45-60, which isn't difficult, it will be one of the best investments in outdoor gear you can make. Don't buy a fleece, buy this - but as others have said, try on before buying as it's a close fit.