This jacket has been supplied on a "review-and-keep" basis by Adam Smith, representing Go Outdoors. It's the Montane Lite-Speed H2O, the Go Outdoors link is here and the Montane link is here.
I would have given it a proper "on the hill" test some time ago but whenever I've been on the fells or out in the countryside the weather's been fine, so I've had to resort to wearing it in other circumstances.
So... this jacket is billed by Montane as "THE WORLD’S LIGHTEST WATERPROOF JACKET"... I can now confirm that it is very easy to wear, being light and sufficiently waterproof to withstand an hour's downpour while working on the garden. It coped well with the mud and sweat of some unseasonal digging, some condensation did form on the inside during the most demanding bits of manual labour but it was all dry after the mandatory tea-break.
On the plus side:
- it was easily cleaned with a quick hose-down
- it kept me warm and dry
- I didn't lose it
On the minus side:
- there are no pockets
- the crinkly cuffs are uncomfortable and don't stop water running wrist-wards when hands are raised
- the neighbour was giving me funny looks (but that could have been because I was digging in the rain)
Overall impression:
- It does what it says in the sales blurb
- I don't think it is as good as the Montane Featherlite Smock
- I will wear it on the fellside and will report back on its performance, but I won't be gardening in it ever again
- I don't think it's worth Go Outdoors' £90 RRP - for that sort of money I'd want pockets and better cuffs
Next time out I intend to get some pics of it in action. Today there was nobody about that I trust with my camera in the rain!
If you're in the market for a waterproof jacket, Go Outdoors have plenty of other waterproof jackets for your perusal here.
