CRAGHOPPERS Kiwi Jacket (£86)

CRAGHOPPERS Kiwi Jacket (£86)

By John Manning

September 19 2011

TGO Rating 1.5 stars

The Kiwi has good points – a nice cotton-like feel to the fabric, effective cuff adjustment, backside cover and a double storm flap over the front zip. The hood, which has a protective wired peak, offers a comfortable seal around the face
and moved with my head. The hood can be rolled into the collar or removed – undesirable, weightadding functions in my opinion.

The jacket’s weight and bulk are its biggest turnoffs. The Kiwi weighs 14% more than its nearest rival and if, like me, you live in hope of sunshine, that’s a lot of redundant weight in your pack. Yet there’s a disappointing lack of venting options: pockets (unusable beneath a pack strap) are lined with fabric not mesh; there are no pit zips; and the mesh lining which might disperse some moisture is limited to the upper torso area – hood and sleeves are fabric-lined. Hard uphill walking ended with wet arms, a dripping hooded forehead and condensation forming everywhere else.

Technical Spec

Protection: AquaDry polyester
Pockets: two zipped hand, one zipped inner, one zipped map
Weight: 894g (L)
Sizes: Men: XS-XXL, Women: n/a
Likes: hood fit, adjustable cuffs, backside cover, fabric feel, zip protection
Dislikes: excessive weight & bulk, rollaway hood, interactive zip, lack of venting

Craghoppers
0844 811 1022
www.craghoppers.com

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