Mountain Equipment

Women’s Makalu Jacket

£270 516g (size 12)

excellent hood, tough

no frills Materials: 3-layer 75D/recycled 50D Gore-Tex, PFC-free DWR Features: internal and external chest pocket, torso pockets, pit zips Sizes: UK8-16 Men’s version: yes mountain-equipment.co.uk

As a gear reviewer I get to test some fantastic gear, but it’s always very pleasing when the best item in the test is not the most expensive. Sure, £270 is still a sizable wedge for quite a simple garment; but you do get a waterproof with tried and tested features plus strong build quality that means it should last several seasons. It's made with standard Gore-Tex – not the highest-specification fabric in the Gore-Tex quiver, but nevertheless reliably waterproof and durable in all conditions.

The main body is 100% recycled 50 denier, with tougher (presumably not recycled) 75 denier on the wear points at hips and sleeves. The entire shell has been treated with a PFC-free (less environmentally damaging) DWR to repel water.

My favourite part is the hood; it’s roomy and adjustable, and features both a stiffened brim and a wire peak. All the zips are of the water-resistant type, and the main one has a good-sized stormguard behind it. The external pockets are waterproof, and large enough to accept a laminated OS map. The pit zips are, well, pit zips and it’s good that they are there. At just over 500g it’s not overly heavy and I’d be happy to carry and use it in the UK hills all year round.