I’ve been using this for: Four Years
Where?: Scottish winters, Summer Rock Climbing, Alpine routes, Nepal, Alaska, China, pretty much everywhere I go!
Official website: http://www.montane.co.uk/range/men/insulation/prism-jacket
And here on Amazon.
An alternative to fleece, the primaloft mid layer has become very popular over the last few years.
Lighter than fleece, a good warmth/weight ratio, less bulky, windproof and weather resistant are features that make these jackets so good, especially when you stuff them in your pack for the approach.
I’ve had a few of different primaloft jackets, and this one has been on many trips, on expeditions as well as a “backup” when out rock climbing or running in the hills.
Good Stuff:
The Prism has a hood, which is great if your out walking and need some extra warmth. It doesn’t however, fit over a helmet (although I do have a large head…) so you can’t use it as a traditional “belay jacket”. The hood does roll away though, which keeps it out of the way if your climbing and don’t want the extra fabric blowing around.
The hood has some wire to stiffen it up, great for windy conditions to keep it out of your eyes.
Elasticated wrists make it easy to get on and off, and the lack of velcro means it doesn’t snag up, or wear out.
Two good sized chest pockets, which are just about usable with a harness on.
Nice and light, and packs into it’s own pocket.
Not so good bits:
I would like a small zipped pocket on the inside for bit and bobs, a phone or whatever. This jacket just has the two main pockets.
If the hood did go over a helmet, it would be superb…
There are some other primaloft jackets out there that have slightly better styling, (I’m thinking of the high street fashion aspect here..) but it’s not bad.
Conclusions:
A well made functional bit of kit for a variety of uses. If your only going to wear it to the pub then you’ll probably shop around more, but if you actually plan on wearing it in the hills then I recommend it. A bit of shame the hood won’t go over my helmet though.
