Henri-Lloyd

Mav Lite Shell

£165 465g (men L) environmentally friendly fabrics, comfort, cost hood peak not very stiff

Materials: recycled polyester/Susterra bio membrane Hood: front drawcord, stiffened peak Front closure: water-resistant zip, inner flap Pockets: two zipped handwarmer, 1 zipped chest Hem: drawcord

Cuffs: Velcro Sizes: men S-XXL, women XS-XXL henrilloyd.com

This new waterproof jacket uses two environmentally friendly fabrics. The outer is recycled polyester. Inside is a bio-based Susterra waterproof/ breathable polyurethane membrane that’s petroleumfree, non-toxic, and sustainably and renewably sourced.

The 2.5-layer fabric is soft, flexible and slightly stretchy. It feels much nicer than many waterproof fabrics. It’s quiet too. There’s no mention of a DWR treatment but rain does bead up on the outer.

The jacket has kept out heavy rain. Breathability is okay. Condensation appears inside during strenuous exercise but it’s no worse than on many other waterproofs and less than on some that cost a lot more.

The hood is adjustable and has a slightly stiffened peak. There’s no volume adjustment, but it doesn’t need it. The peak could do with being stiffer as it deforms in strong winds.

All pockets have waterresistant zips and waterproof fabric inside. The handwarmer pockets are cut off by a pack hipbelt. The chest pocket takes a large smartphone or GPS unit but not a map.

The front zip is also waterresistant and has a stormflap. I’ve not been troubled by ingress so far. There are no pit zips.

The Mav Lite is lightweight. It should be okay in most winter weather, but not in a blizzard.

The cost is quite low for such a jacket. It’s a good buy and I love the eco- friendly fabrics.