Who am I

I am a professional mountaineer. I have worked all over the world and spent years trying to convince people that brands aren't everything, I also spent years thinking I knew a lot about the gear I was using.

I've spent the last 2 years studying and being involved in product development, learning about all the different types of outdoors gear and equipment, visiting factories and designers. Looking at a variety of kit from whats best for teenagers on a school trip to how to go best prepared for Denali.

I have been privileged enough to have people share some pretty interesting knowledge and my aim is to share this objectively. Outdoors people are very opinionated and so I have no doubt people will disagree with some of my reviews, HOWEVER, I too thought I knew a lot until I started this journey 2 years ago. I knew nothing and I've been around the world over and over and over in this profession!

I DO NOT SELL GEAR, NOR AM I AFFILIATED TO ANY BRANDS AND I AM CERTAINLY NOT INFLUENCED BY ANY OF THEM.

Thursday 4 December 2014

Montane Prism Jacket

Montane Prism

I’ve done a lot of kit reviews in my years but before I accept something to test, I always make sure I know what place it has on your kitlist. With the Prism I was initially unsure, my first judgment of ‘what would I need that for’ was premature. This lightweight layer is a great way to regulate your heat on cool days or evenings. Firstly there is no question, it is light, unbelievably so for what it can deliver. OK, it’s no down jacket, but it’s not trying to be, in fact it’s so lightweight, you can even use it as a mid-layer should the rain suddenly make an appearance, that said, I was wearing mine in South America trekking and we were hit with a shower. I was impressed it does hold some water repellant value and actually dried out within an hour.

A few features I loved:

Strong hood that stays up, the strong zip that doesn't get caught (sounds strange but how often do you see outdoors professionals getting frustrated with zips on insulated and down jackets). The snug fit is not jearpodised in anyway when you reach up, and the price. Lets not forget, this is MONTANE, the leading outdoor brand in the UK at present... possibly the world. Warm pockets and finally it packs away very small.


I abused it as much as I dared and I can assure you it is more durable than you would think, even catching the arm on a roof-rack edge with a decent tug didn’t tear it. I also wasn’t sure about the insulated hood but the small stiff peak and the fact the 40g of insulation stays warm even when wet is just brilliant, I actually don’t think I can fault this jacket and is a must for your kit list…even if it goes against what you have always known… I know that’s hard for us outdoorsy type.

Prices really range from £90 up to £120 so shop around. Also be aware that different stores stock different colours. RRP: £100 according to Montane website.

I have taken these pictures from Go Outdoors as it's the only place I could easily find the women and mens together.

Men

Women



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