If you're interested in the outdoors you may well have heard about the incredible "Asgard Project" where Leo Houlding and his team set out to climb the North Face of Mount Asgard in 2009.
As part of that, Leo was involved in designing some of the kit he took and this Mount Asgard Smock is part of the range Berghaus developed with him, utilising the new Gore Tex Pro Shell fabric.
Anyway, Gear Zone approached me to review a couple of things for them; one a Montane Soft Shell Dyno Jacket (which I'll do more fully another time) and this, which unfortunately I have to send back! So I've had this jacket for about a month now but with the balmy weather conditions we've had for well over 2 weeks of that, I've made the most of more dodgy weather to get an idea of the fabric qualities and wear of the garment, so would consider this to be initial thoughts rather than a full blow review.
So, what's it like? Going from top to tail, the half zip smock I tried had a great fitting hood, I've heard big enough to take a helmet though I don't use one, but with very well thought out cords to be able to cinch it around your head effectively and comfortably. The zip at the front is long! And this means that as a smock you are able to keep well ventilated (as long as you are not walking straight into driving rain), with a wide storm flap to stop weather ingress through the water resistant zip. There is a decent sized chest pocket just alongside, lined with a slightly stretchy mesh. Under the arms is gusseted, bright red on this model, which gives great articulation if you are scrambling (or climbing like Leo!) and the arms are pretty long (men's fit!) with soft covered velcro to adjust. There are no other pockets in line with the philosophy of design of both the Pro Shell fabric and this range, which I didn't actually miss, but I do have hip belts on my rucksack. And to finish off there is a draw cord hem. So design wise this is simple, structured, well thought out, with attention and features where they're needed and none where they're not!
As you would imagine from this flagship fabric, it is pretty lightweight (average 289g) but far more substantial than say the Montane Lite Speed H20. It doesn't rustle or feel stiff, almost as if it has some drape about it which makes for a really comfortable wear. I had the Men's (or Unisex) smock and being a woman with a very female figure I found that the smock wasn't cut for my sort of figure. If you are a woman reading this, bear that in mind; those with boyish figures would find it an easier fit, as you'd imagine with smock styling anyway.
Overall I think this is an awesome product! I enjoyed wearing this as a windshirt (the breathability is excellent, even puffing my way up a hill it breathed really well, I didn't feel clammy but equally I didn't feel in need of more protection), and more importantly as a waterproof which I have to say it excelled at in driving rain on the flat moors in the Peak District. If it there was a women's version I think it would be so much better than a halfway house of Unisex or full on Men's version (which this is); the fabric itself is fantastic and seems a shame to have the cut diminish the otherwise excellent properties; if I were male I would run to the shops and get one!
If you are thinking about buying one, Gear Zone currently have them at £187.00 with free P&P, and it also comes in black...
As part of that, Leo was involved in designing some of the kit he took and this Mount Asgard Smock is part of the range Berghaus developed with him, utilising the new Gore Tex Pro Shell fabric.
So, what's it like? Going from top to tail, the half zip smock I tried had a great fitting hood, I've heard big enough to take a helmet though I don't use one, but with very well thought out cords to be able to cinch it around your head effectively and comfortably. The zip at the front is long! And this means that as a smock you are able to keep well ventilated (as long as you are not walking straight into driving rain), with a wide storm flap to stop weather ingress through the water resistant zip. There is a decent sized chest pocket just alongside, lined with a slightly stretchy mesh. Under the arms is gusseted, bright red on this model, which gives great articulation if you are scrambling (or climbing like Leo!) and the arms are pretty long (men's fit!) with soft covered velcro to adjust. There are no other pockets in line with the philosophy of design of both the Pro Shell fabric and this range, which I didn't actually miss, but I do have hip belts on my rucksack. And to finish off there is a draw cord hem. So design wise this is simple, structured, well thought out, with attention and features where they're needed and none where they're not!
Overall I think this is an awesome product! I enjoyed wearing this as a windshirt (the breathability is excellent, even puffing my way up a hill it breathed really well, I didn't feel clammy but equally I didn't feel in need of more protection), and more importantly as a waterproof which I have to say it excelled at in driving rain on the flat moors in the Peak District. If it there was a women's version I think it would be so much better than a halfway house of Unisex or full on Men's version (which this is); the fabric itself is fantastic and seems a shame to have the cut diminish the otherwise excellent properties; if I were male I would run to the shops and get one!
If you are thinking about buying one, Gear Zone currently have them at £187.00 with free P&P, and it also comes in black...
A nice honest review and after having a hands on of this jacket, if had the money and need a new jacket. his would be the one
ReplyDeleteThanks Tookie :) I've had a couple of guys on Twitter saying they'll buy one after reading my review! It really is a great piece of kit, beautiful fabric; I was surprised how different it felt and how much difference it makes!
ReplyDeleteNice features, I just don't like Gore-tex, I prefer Páramo.
ReplyDelete