Two retail groups are boasting the arrival of jackets with Gore-Tex’s latest breathable, waterproof fabric.
Ellis Brigham is the first UK retailer with Arc’teryx’s new Beta jackets on its rails.
Both feature Gore-Tex Pro, described as a technological leap forward in rugged, breathable, waterproof protection.
A company spokesperson said: “Extensive tests prove that it delivers an astonishing 28 per cent increase in breathability over the previous Pro laminate, so if you’re a serious outdoor enthusiast, here’s your chance to feel more comfortable and be less sweaty.”
The retailer has two jackets on sale: the Beta LT Gore-Tex Pro weighs less than 350g but is fully featured for full-on mountain storms, and is supple and cut trim to maximise breathability in high output, fast and light ascents. Price for the jacket is £349.99.
The second new jacket from the Canadian brand is the Beta AR Gore-Tex Pro. Ellis Brigham said it is one of the most versatile waterproof shells on the market. “Its clean design, ergonomic fit and top quality finish make it an exceptional choice for any mountain sport,” a spokesperson said. The Beta AR retails for £389.99.
The jackets are available in stores and online.
Cotswold Outdoor has offerings from Mountain Equipment that also use the new Gore-Tex Pro fabrics.
Cotswold said: “Durable, waterproof and breathable, Gore-Tex Pro New Generation offers incredible comfort in the most extreme conditions, and is ideal for professional mountaineers and serious outdoor enthusiasts.
“Designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures, Gore-Tex Pro New Generation technology is perfect for climbing, mountaineering and other mountain activities.
“The jackets use revolutionary new technology for improved durability and breathability, including a multi-layer ePTFE-based membrane system.”
The new range of Mountain Equipment jackets available exclusively at Cotswold Outdoor includes the Tupilak Jacket at £330, Manaslu Jacket selling at £300, which is designed specifically for women, and Men’s Lhotse Jacket at £300.
The retailer will have exclusive sale of the Mountain Equipment jackets for four weeks.
Pete Holtmeyer-Cole, buying director for clothing, footwear and rucksacks at Cotswold Outdoor, said: “We’re really excited to be the first retailer to bring these Mountain Equipment jackets to the UK, yet another exclusive launch for Cotswold Outdoor.
“The jackets are the perfect combination of durability and flexibility, and their Gore-Tex Pro New Generation technology means they’ll soon become an essential for anyone who wants to take part in serious mountain activities.”
The jackets have Alpine Fit which means the jackets hug the body, while still enabling maximum movement and flexibility – perfect for mountain activities, the retailer said. The jackets also come with a Mountain-HC fully adjustable hood, which can fit over a helmet and will stay in place even in windy areas.
Cotswold Outdoor have the Mountain Equipment jackets in-store and online.
OutdoorsGuy
07 June 2013Just a few questions…
28% more breathable doesn’t give us much to go on.
What’s the jackets hydrostatic head? So we can get a sense of how water-proof.
What’s the jackets MVT? Or similar, so we can get an idea of exactly how breathable?
Gore seem to never release stats, not sure why?
The Jack Wolfskin Texapore O4 air is claimed to have a 40,000 g/m²/24 h, which is silly TBH (anyone got one? Would love to know what it’s like in use).
These retail at £240 and look very good.
http://www.trailblazeroutdoors.co.uk/p/5657/Jack-Wolfskin-Stellar-Lightning-Jacket-Men
However, there is much more to a jacket than stats, but stats help us to make decisions on the performance before hill use and gives an insight into why jackets are priced as they are.
Other things to consider is garment stitch counts, (which gives an indication of seam strength). As well as face fabric durability, such as measured in the Martindale test.
I would love to see more open discussion about these things and access to stats.
I’m sure the above jackets would score very highly on both counts, buts it’s nice to see them written down for comparison.
I have owned gore Pro-shell, and found it not very breathable tbh. I mainly use Paramo, and this in my experience, so far is unbeatable for breathability and wear-ability (the other thing about my pro-shell was it was very noisy, especially with the hood up).