UKC

I'm after a synthetic jacket a bit like the Rab Belay jacket but for women. Anyone have any suggestions?

Research so far:

1) Rab Photon hoody which is really nice but the outer fabric doesn't feel very durable, feels a little on the light weight side and has a bizarre inner pocket near the waist (anyone got any idea what this is for since with anything in it it looks like it would be pretty uncomfortable!) but it's a good price.
2) Mountain equipment alpamayo, can't fault this, more durable, same fill and no daft inner pocket. But I begruge paying 50 quid (rrp - anyone seen it cheap?) more for a slightly more durable feeling outer.
3) Montane Prism 2.0. ok so this was men's (before anyone suggests it the men's Rab's are too big) but the S fit really well but it's got really low fill (45g Primaloft). Anyone know how the Flux jacket compares? Seems to have the heavier fill in different places to the above 2..?!

So any other ideas? They're all lower rated Primaloft than the belay jacket and being a bird I feel the cold. Is there anything similar for women?!

All thoughts appreciated
Ta,
Rach

In reply to hereanthere: Haglofs do a few pretty well designed primaloft/thermolite synthetic insulaters...barrier zone hood is warmest, then barrier hood (also available in womens model).

In reply to scotty_webster:

Thanks! Will have a look. I did notice a Haglofs one in the shop didn't try it though....damn.

In reply to hereanthere:

Hi Rach. I have the Rab Belay jacket in a men's size small. It's a bit big on its own, but fine over the top of my other layers (I tend to fling it on over the existing fleece/waterproof combo). I think you're a similar size to me aren't you, so you may find this works. However, if you want it to go /under/ your waterproofs then it won't work.

My only gripe is that, in common with a lot of Rab stuff I think, the zips are a bit of a pain.

Hope that helps. Are you getting on ok with the rucsac?

Becky

In reply to Becky E:

Hi Becky

Thanks for info. I thought about that but I'd kind of like to be able to wear it under too...logic being that my gortex is shiney so it woulsd slip on easy even if a little on the tight side as an outer. Might have another go with the belay though when I see one. Everywhere seems to have sold out of synthetic fills!

Loving the rucksack thanks! It gets a little sore on shoulders when not climbing with rope and gear in on long days out but I'll just have to toughen up a bit! Fit is ace otherwise

Rach

In reply to hereanthere:

Rach.

Just wanted to give some advice as to what the extra £50 may get you / and to highlight what may be the reasons for some of the different price points with various jackets - purely from a performance point of view.

Firstly check the weight of Primaloft and type in the garment you are buying. Main choices typically range from those that use 60g, 100g, or heavier - obviously that affects the warmth, there are now also a few lighter versions also. Also check whether Primaloft One or Sport is being used, if Primaloft is your preference, they have different characteristics and benefits - one being more hydrophobic than sport. The Alpamayo uses a combination of 60 and 100g PL One.

Also then the shell, weight, durability and water resistance. The Alpamayo uses a Drilite Loft shell is water resistant (1500HH) and therefore can be used in 'anger' much more so than one which uses an ultra-light / non water resistant shell such as our Compressor Jacket or indeed one thats uses Pertex Quantum etc These latter choices are the ones to look at if you're more bothered about having a 'just in case' product thats going to be sat in the bottom of your rucksack lots.

Hope that helps a little

Richard Talbot - Product Manager - Mountain Equipment

In reply to Rydell:

Hi Richard

Thanks very much for the explanations, I'm pleased to say I went for the ME. In the end it was between the ME and the haglofs Barrier zone Q hood but I found the latter a little on the short side. The rab and montane were just too light. I know shortt's useful for harness compatibility but I prefer the length of the ME. Plus, I've got quite a bit of other ME gear and it's been bombproof and reliable so I know I'll be getting what I pay for.
My only, somewhat girly, gripe is that I didn't want black because I prefer to be more visible and I don't like that pink colour that ME do for girls! In the end the cheapest one I could find was black so that was the decider!

Ta again for the info

Rach