Page 42 - 2019 AMA Summer

KITREVIEW
IWINDPROOF REVIEW
am very fond of a single skin wind proof are of the light weight variety and will only the jacket is so flimsy it won’t manage to layer. I find their adaptability good in a stop wind chill, but won’t help with any accommodate anything you want to carry layering system and when combined cold standing air temperatures if you’re in it with extra pockets. I have tried them
with a traditional fleece they are almost as versatile as a soft shell.
The idea of them is to simply cut the wind-chill out while not providing any insulation. The jackets discussed here
PARAMO OSTRO ULTRA-LIGHT WINDPROOF JACKET
£150 RRP
This is lightest jacket out of the three and has the smallest pack size to go with it, which is quite impressive when you consider it has a full-length zip. It rather handily folds into its own pocket with a clip loop to hang it off the back of your harness. The material is very thin and you can see any patterns on your baselayer underneath, which creates a rather odd look depending on your under garment! While it did impressively stop the wind chill I found that the breathability was a bit poor compared to the other two on the test.
I used it for a fairly intense week of rock climbing and found it to be unrestrictive and fitted nicely under a harness. The downside to this garment is the hood and arms which were just a little small and short. 20% discount available to AMA members off RRP.
BEST FOR RUNNING, CYCLING AND LIGHT WEIGHT WALKING.
not making your own body heat.
These windproofs are all made from a very similar ‘pertex-type’ material, which is lightweight & tough and they’re all simply designed. This is normally because
ARCTERYX SQUAMISH HOODED JACKET £130 RRP
I have used this jacket for a couple of years and the design hasn’t changed since then. It’s simple and robust with some well-designed features. Along with the Paramo jacket this also packs into its own pocket with a clip loop. This is bulkier than the paramo (almost double the size), but the hood is much better with a stiffened peak and the arms that are thankfully longer. The material is also noticeable thicker and feels more robust because of it.
This has the softest feel to the three jackets and is comfortable, but over time I do feel it has begun to let wind through and I can feel a breeze through it.
BEST FOR ROCK CLIMBING AND HILL WALKING.
all out in various condition and they all have their merits and draw backs. I have recommended them for what I honestly believe they are best for. They will all perform well in the other categories but will excel in their own niche.
JOTTNAR NJORD HOODED OVER TOP
£135 RRP
This is new to the Jottnar range and has only been introduced this year. Its pack size is similar to that of the Arcteryx, but with fewer features. This is a super simple design- a quality hood, a half zip and adjustable hems and cuffs. The lack of a full-length zip hasn’t bothered me as much as I thought it might- Being half length means that I can still vent as much as I did when wearing a harness or rucksack, but it can be awkward to put on in certain situations. The small storage bag isn’t attached and therefore not quite as convenient as just packing it into its own pocket- with my admin I also feel that it won’t be long until I lose this bag.
If you include the 20% discount that Jottnar give us this is the cheapest in the test by a good margin.
BEST FOR MOUNTAINEERING AND SKI TOURING.
42 / ARMY MOUNTAINEER