My Favourite Light-Weight Jacket
My Favourite Light-Weight Jacket by Mike Hayes
Possibly one of the most useful pieces of clothing any active person
can own is a light-weight windproof,
showerproof shell. My own favourite of the many I have tried is Rab's
Quantum Neutrino windproof smock. It's a pretty hi-tech sounding name
for what is such a simple piece of gear.
The Quantum in the title refers to the variety of Pertex fabric used in
the construction - incredibly lightweight yet highly windproof,
water-resistant and breathable. The fabric has a very soft, silky drape
- it's not stiff to wear or noisy in that crisp-packet kind of way
that is often common to outdoors kit. The construction is pretty
minimalist with detail limited to lycra-bound cuffs and half-zip that
is the perfect length to pull on over a cycling helmet without
snagging. I nearly mentioned my climbing helmet there as well but I
wouldn't recommend this top for more abrasive activities such as rock
climbing.
The light construction means it packs down incredibly small, about the
size of a tangerine if you can be bothered to cram it into it's own
stuff-sac (supplied). Personally I just screw it up and stuff it in a
pocket, heck it's less bulky than a hanky after all...!
I love this top for cycling and running - the cut is very fitting so
there's no flapping in the breeze. With a 38" chest I wear a size
small, and in my case the Rab fits beautifully - close but not
restrictive so if you're on the scrawny side of slim like many
endurance athletes then this will be ideal. There are many other
similar products around which I have tried but without exception the
Rab fits better than all of them. It's great for early morning starts
on the bike being easy to stuff away in a jersey pocket once things
warm up, and being reasonably showerproof it's good enough to carry
when the weather is changeable or mild but damp and drizzly.... which
of course never happens in Cornwall....ahem!
The best bit though..... mine is stealth black for that added bit of understated style (you can have a blue one as well...) - no horrible day-glos or nasty purple colours thanks. Visibility could be an issue at night I suppose but that's what third-party reflective bands and rear lights are for.......
For more info check out http://www.rab.uk.com
Disclaimer: I would just like to point out that Ihave no financial or otherwise interest in Rab, rather I just
like good kit. It may be a glowing review but then would you want to
read about something is rubbish.... "my worst bit of kit".... faux
leopard-skin cycling tights anyone?!
2005 Copyright Mike Hayes
