Rab Latok Paclite Plus - Best Sub-300g Shell for Mountaineering?
An exceptionally light mountain shell, with a great active cut and a surprisingly affordable price tag, the Latok Paclite Plus is hard to fault as a minimal climbing jacket, finds Toby Archer.
Comments
I'll add another to the mix - one of the OEX waterproofs (~£85) from GoOutdoors. I bought one whilst one of my other jackets was sent in for a warranty defect. It is a great jacket although only 2.5L, it nice and soft, fairly breathable and keeps the majority of the wet out! My version has two high pockets that work with a harness and are large enough for a map too, although the new version seems to have lower pockets..
I just don't get the obsession with water resistant zips without a storm flap on waterproofs. It's a low cost way of increasing weather protection, although it carries a slight weight penalty. I can see the logic on lightweight running kit, but not on 'mountain' jackets.
Fit is a main constraint for me: Rab stuff is nearly always the wrong shape (made for long narrow people), Mountain Equipment right (bit more square, like me).
Oh, and can't remember the last time I had to pay full RRP for a jacket.
Is £200 now considered a budget price point for a shell jacket? Don't think I've ever paid more than £150
The 'Best in Test' lasted 4 months for me before the wetting out became 'lets water in like a windshell'.
It was across shoulders directly where rucksack straps had been - after 10 days with a rucksack on.
I have replaced with an ME product - which is noticeably better cut.
:(