MUSTO LPX GORE-TEX PRO DYNAMIC JACKET

Quite often, the more you pay for something, the more you get – unless it’s made from carbon fibre, of course. There are minimal features on the Musto LPX and in some ways, it’s the clothing equivalent of carbon fibre: lightweight, strong and good looking. With a price tag of £500, it’s hard not to notice the things you don’t get: no fleece-lined collar or pockets, no inner lining, no in-collar stowage for the zip-off hood, not even a loop to hang it up with (the last is an oversight, I feel). Instead, all of its cost has gone into the topof-the-range lightweight but rugged Gore-tex Pro fabric.

The jacket’s lack of bulk means you quickly forget you are wearing it. The sleeves and body have enough length to avoid riding up and the fit allows easy movement. A shaped hood has good adjustment while a low but fitted collar, welded pockets with drainage holes and an adjustable rubberised hem all mean that the jacket can be sealed tight against the weather. It also keeps the wind off, even in a downpour.

It might seem a bit racy (and expensive) for some, but a jacket as solidly built, simple and light as this will stand up to a lot of use and abuse, and is ideal for wearing all day on deck before giving protection against the British weather ashore. www.musto.com