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

Rab Meko Base layer

Rab MeCo base layer

To start this new blog off I have gone for one of the most expensive base layers in the market, certainly one that has taken the base layer world by surprise. I have have included pictures of both the short and long sleeve for Men and Women (I have used a female for help in the specifics of the female garments).

Rab MeCo have done something quite unique, they have managed to find a way of providing us with a decent base layer that wicks the moisture away effectively, dry quicker than any of it's competitors that I have tested, prevents heavy sweating, especially on your back and just as crucially have found a special ingredient to stop you smelling as bad- even after day 3. How have they done this? The have put in to the mixing bowl, 65% Australian Merino Wool with recycled polyester and the special ingredient is Cocona (Coconut husk). A deeper description of this technology can be found here. I would advise learning about Cocona as I have no doubt this company will be playing a key part in the future of outdoor clothing development.

The base layer allows you to work harder in hotter conditions than a lot of it's rivals but there is a high price, and I'm not just talking cost. 

The base layer fits beautifully and I'm told it does for women also, my female tester was impressed with how it didn't ride up as she reached up or climbed, she also wore the long sleeve kayaking and even after an accidental swim, she was dryer that her fellow kayakers in minutes. I would advise going for tight as I believe that is how it has been designed by the genius base layer gurus at Rab. 

However, and there is a 'but' here. These base layers are not going to last you for years like your trusty old HH. over the last 6 months mine have gone through a couple of transitions. Number One: the second time I washed it, I noticed a significant difference in it's feel, not the end of the world and still effective. Number two: Within around 5 months, it has started to bobble slightly and lost a little bit of it's shape. perhaps not enough to be apparent to a new wearer, but enough to notice if you have been used to it's wonderful initial benefits. This would of course depend on not only how much you use it but more importantly how often you wash it.

That said, Rab have set the benchmark here for the base layers of the future and although it's expensive, if you are working in the profession or if money is not an issue then you will not be let down by what this Base layer can do for you. lightweight with the long sleeve at 160g and the short sleeve at 120g

I have added the Recommended retail prices below although these pictures came courtesy of Go Outdoors who actually sell these at a good price.

Mens Short Sleeve: £45

Mens Long Sleeve: £50

Women's Short Sleeve: £45

Women's Long Sleeve: £50.00