Mountain Equipment Lhotse /Manaslu £370

+ Exceptional hood, Gore-Tex Pro fabric - Stiff fabric feel

If you intend to head to the mountains regardless of how vicious the weather is, Gore-Tex Pro is the fabric you want to wear. Mountain Equipment uses 40D Gore-Tex Pro in the Lhotse/Manaslu, reinforced by 80D fabric in high-wear areas. While the fabric is stiffer and more crinkly than some, putting on the jacket feels like donning a suit of armour. The helmet-compatible hood is among the best to be found on any jacket, moving seamlessly with the head and providing superb protection with a good-sized wired peak. The rear hem doesn’t ride up at all, even when stretching for the farthest holds or placing an ice axe well above your head. The two waist pockets manage to stay clear of a rucksack waistbelt, although the right side is larger than the left and the latter is not quite big enough for a map. This is because it is restricted by the single Napoleon pocket on the left, which is large enough to accommodate a map. All are fully waterproof. There is also a small internal chest pocket. The main zip and external pockets make use of YKK AquaGuard zips, and pit zips under the arms provide excellent ventilation when demanding terrain has you working up a sweat. While the price is on the high side, this well featured jacket should last a lifetime.

Men’s sizes S-XXL (Lhotse) Women’s sizes 8-16 (Manaslu) Weight 500g (men’s M)

Verdict

The pockets could be a little roomier, but this jacket is nearperfect for winter in the mountains.