Midlayers are where the action is for me at the moment. I’m discovering more and more that I shy away from shells in all but the most horrendous weather. I was very excited when this popped through the letterbox.

This is new for Spring, and it’s pitched nicely for this time of year. As the name suggests, it’s a lighter version of the vapour rise concept, which has been around for a while. The fabric is Pertex Equilibrium and  it has a lovely soft finish on the inner. That little touch of luxury can make a difference on a cold day. It weighed in at 32og for my size Large.

It’s a techy bit of kit, the chest pockets are harness friendly and big enough for a whole load of goodies. Lots of zipper garages abound.  The hood is generally a make-or-break thing for me and this hood is definitely make: it’s helmet compatible, adjustable with the option to roll down and clip away and it has a wired peak.

I’ve had this out to play in the Ochils and first impressions are that it adds protection and warmth, but isn’t too hot, so it’s ideal for when I’m on the move. Weather protection is good, it keeps the wind out, and seems pretty shower-proof, although I’ve yet to test it in true Scottish conditions. The big tick in the box from me is on breathability, it’s superb.  In worsening conditions I can see that this with a decent shell would make a formidable combo, and I’ve got just the thing to pair it with…..

 

 

March 20, 2012

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Comment

Andy
March 26, 2012
Is this jacket stretch?
Michael
March 26, 2012
It has some stretch to it, so it flexes with your movement.
Mike
April 24, 2012
How wind proof is it (compared to pertex)?
Michael
April 25, 2012
Mike - very windproof. The best way to describe it is like a lined windshirt.
Ven
March 3, 2013
Hello Michael, thanks for your site and great reviews, I'm interested in this jacket. I thought I'd ask about whether up-sizing the jacket (to accomodate extra mid-layers) is necessary or should it fit really tight like some stretchy windshirts? Rab Large runs a little big on me ( i have Alpine Generator in Large as belay jacket - which can fit over 2-3 puffy jackets) but medium fits almost next to skin tight. It's a toss up I have to play all the time. Any advice from your experience wearing this jacket? If you almost never layer underneath with thick layers and use it more as an action suit for high aerobic activity then maybe that is what it's designed for. I think Vapor Rise physics works best when you are producing Vapor.:) Thanks for any input!!! Good luck!
MT
March 5, 2013
Hi Ven, thanks for the kind words. I'd say the VR should be worn with a minimum of layers below. I use either a light or medium weight base layer and nothing else. You're right, tt's designed for moving fast and generating heat and moisture, so to add more layers would just increase moisture retention.
Ven
March 5, 2013
Thank you for the quick answer. I couldn't wait myself and already received the jacket in Large and tried it out :), and while i can see that the Vapor portion of the equation definitely works for the thin fleece layer to work it needs to be worn almost against the skin. And i suspect it would work better with less dead space around the torso. I know for sure now I will go with a tighter fitting MEDIUM and follow the layering system from the outside. Again, thanks for helping me with this little decision. Best of luck, good health and weather to you!
MT
March 5, 2013
No worries Ven, happy to help. Let me know how you get on with it.
rob
March 29, 2013
Hi There, I primarily going to use this for mountain biking - how is the length please? Good pictures btw! Rob
MT
April 8, 2013
Hi Rob, there's no scoop tail, so length isn't ideal for biking. I've used it on the bike and it's been ok, but back lengths vary, I'd suggest you try before you buy.
Frank
May 14, 2013
How tough is the fabric? Do you think wearing a 20kg/60L rucksack for 2 weeks would take its toll on the shoulder fabric?
MT
May 14, 2013
Frank, I've worn mine for what must be around 60 mountain days so far, and the fabric isn't showing any wear around the shoulders. There's some slight rubbing in the waist belt area, but nothing major. 20kg is a heavy bag, what're you planning?
Si
June 14, 2013
Hi Michael, Great review. I think I am almost ready to get one of these but hoped you may be able to help further! I am going to the Alps in 2 weeks and have a guide booked for the cosmiques arête etc. I thought of wearing my Berghaus Men's Active LS Crew T-Shirt under this jacket but not sure about comfort in the cold morning then warm afternoon! Never had a soft shell before and my hard shell doesn't breath. Many thanks for any info! Simon
MT
June 19, 2013
Si, It's tough to say for sure how you'll get on. There is a thermal quality to the vapour rise, and keeping the wind off is a big player there. For alpine summer use you should be ok, probably a little warm in the afternoon if anything. It kinda depends on how hot you run and what the day is like.
Dharma Bam
July 17, 2013
I've used this on March walks through Tentsmuir and on Beinn A'Ghlo in July and have been really impressed with it; I sweat easily (always, even when I was much lighter!) yet I've not felt clammy when removing this. And this makes it feel a lot warmer and more comfortable than wearing a shell. A wee bit of stickiness with it when wearing a merino top underneath - it feels like I've invented velcro sometimes! Are you still liking your Mammut Marangun - I ordered one from Go Outdoors but had to return it as I couldn't cope with its brightness. It was a well manufactured piece and I was very impressed with it. Got a Haglofs Nevluk on fleabay instead.
MT
August 5, 2013
No such thing as too bright in my book, I'm always dismayed to see so many 'Hill Ninjas' all in black.
Dharma Bam
August 5, 2013
MT, Thanks for the reply. As the proud owner of 2 orange, one mustard and a lime green jacket, I can only agree. However, the colour of the Marangun actually made me think of pavement pizza AND babies nappies - I just didn't want to post that! I had to draw the line somewhere in the bright jacket stakes. Anyway, this is a bit off topic, so I'll say no more.
MT
August 6, 2013
Ah, you got the spew colour, that explains it, I'll stick with the red one.
Bas Brugemann
January 29, 2014
Hey Michael, Great review. I run pretty warm and in spring in the Ardennes I usually only need a baselayer and a windbreaker(rab boreas) at the start of the day when it's dry. Do you think the vr lite would add something or would a rainjacket like a montane minimums be a wiser choice for say Scottish/Ardennes/south Sweden?
MT
January 29, 2014
Hi Bas, the VR has a liner which makes it a bit warmer than the Boreas, so if you already run hot it might not be right for you. The Rab Pulse or the Montane Minimus are both Pertex shells, so they will be cooler, although arguably not as breathable as the VR.
Bas Brugemann
January 29, 2014
Hey Michael, Thanks for the reply, i'll go for a rainshirt then and possibly a light polartec classic micro fleece. Probably getting the VR-lite anyway, being a gearjunkie and all :).
MT
January 29, 2014
No worries. You can never have too much gear!

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