Kit review: Mountain Equipment Saltoro Jacket
Reviewed by Jules
When you are out walking in the seemingly never-endingly rainy UK winter weather and you want to stay dry, the Women’s Saltoro Jacket by Mountain Equipment is lightweight, waterproof, and breathable to keep the rain out in the worst of conditions. It packs down really small to carry in a backpack, fits inside its own hood.
FEATURES:
The jacket is longer at the back and easily covered my bottom. The two side pockets are large and could accommodate an OS map. Both were accessible whilst wearing a rucksack and my phone stayed dry inside on a very rainy day. I also took full advantage of the pit zips for ventilation. The main zip is two way (so you can unzip from the bottom) and inside you are protected by internal flap. Other useful features include adjustable cuffs, hem drawstrings to synch, adjustable hood with a stiff peak to help prevent rain on glasses. It has articulated arms and folds down nice and small. The three-layer fabric reinforces high abrasion areas from wearing a rucksack.
SIZE AND FIT:
The Mountain Equipment range extends to 20 (size 20 is being tested) This jacket would suit people who have an apple shape/larger chest and hips (like me). The size chart for size 20 lists the chest 44-46in, waist 37-39in, hips 47-49 inch. As a guide I am chest 46in, waist 40in, hips 44in and I measured the jacket as chest 53in, waist 49in, hem 52in.
I found the jacket roomy, handy for layering up with fleece and a base layer. Sleeves were a wee bit long on me but the adjustable cuffs overcame that.
PERFORMANCE:
I tested this jacket throughout Dec 23 & Jan 24 and was really impressed with how completely waterproof it was without getting clammy inside. I loved the flexible ventilation features of the pit zips and two-way main zip. Having room to layer and not feeling so constrained round my chest was a big plus for me. The adjustable hood, cuffs and hem made me feel it was possible to get a good and more individual fit.
RRP £270
