Sprayway Cape Wrath £210

The Cape Wrath Trail is one of the

UK’s toughest long-distance walks.

For Sprayway to name this jacket after it shows its confidence in its capabilities.

It’s very packable and fairly light, being made from the latest generation of Gore-Tex Paclite Plus with a 75-denier polyester face (made from 100% recycled fabric) and a drytouch backer for a more pleasant next-to-skin feel. The two roomy hand pockets sit above a rucksack hipbelt. They have easy-grab pull tabs and while the zips aren’t laminated they are protected by external stormflaps. The main zipper also has both inner and outer stormflaps, plus a bottom press stud to prevent zip creep. The Velcro closure at the chin has a soft microfibre lining for comfort.

The hood has a wired peak plus rear volume adjustment and twin face drawcords. You need to cinch everything quite tightly to get a secure fit though, and this means there are two elastic cords dangling outside the jacket which flail around in high winds.

At the hem, there are dual elasticated drawcords for easy adjustment. The fully adjustable Velcro-tabbed cuffs are shaped to cover the backs of the hands and all-round mobility is very good with the articulated sleeves offering full freedom of movement without too much hem lift.

The Cape Wrath is available in men’s and women’s fits but is generously proportioned. On test, I (Matt) ended up sizing down from my usual large to a medium for a better fit.

■ MEN’S SIZES S-XXL ■ WOMEN’S SIZES 8-18 ■ WEIGHT 400g (men’s L), 350g (women’s 12)

■ FABRIC Gore-Tex Paclite Plus 2-layer (75D recycled polyester plain weave fabric)

Verdict

A no-nonsense GoreTex hillwalking shell that is waterproof, lightweight, nicely breathable, and honestly priced.

Features ★★★★★

Fit ★★★★★

Comfort ★★★★★

Performance ★★★★★

Value ★★★★★ 72% OVERALL

SCORE