What is the Solution Jacket?
It's a timeless and functional waterproof jacket carefully designed and constructed to reduce its environmental impact. Montane are calling it the most responsible waterproof jacket they have ever created. With some hefty eco-credentials, it's not just perfect for those looking to lighten their eco-footprint but also for anyone looking for a versatile and comfortable waterproof jacket for both their outdoor and everyday adventures.
What is it made from?
The Solution Jacket is constructed from 50D Pertex® Shield Revolve™, which is solution-dyed and finished with a PFC-Free DWR. Sound like a bit of a mouthful? Let's break it down...
Pertex® Shield Revolve™ is a three-layer waterproof fabric created from mono-material laminates, meaning that each layer of the fabric is made from a single polymer - recycled polyester. This three-layer construction comprises a durable 50 denier polyester face fabric and soft tricot knit backer, both made from 100% recycled polyester yarns. A waterproof membrane made from 75% recycled polyester is sandwiched between the two fabric layers, to provide reliable waterproof protection with a lesser environmental impact than traditional membranes.
This mono-material composition means Pertex® Shield Revolve™ is much easier to recycle at the end of its life than the traditional multi-polymer membranes. This keeps the material in a closed-loop system, reducing the reliance on virgin fossil-fuel-based raw materials and minimising the waste of resources, reducing the overall environmental impact of the fabric. Neat, right?
The durable 50 denier face fabric is lightweight enough to keep the Solution Jacket's pack size to a minimum, whilst being abrasion-resistant and robust enough to deal with the rigours of regular outdoor use. The reliable waterproof membrane features a hydrostatic head rating of 20,000mm, meaning it's suitable to keep you dry, even during prolonged downpours and wet days out on the hill.
The soft tricot knit backer provides a lightly textured yet smooth finish to the inner, making slipping it on and off over layers easy. This light texturing also helps to improve overall comfort levels by reducing the area in contact with the skin, stopping that flat, sticky feeling when wearing short sleeves with a waterproof jacket. Whilst still being highly effective at wicking moisture away from the skin to keep you comfortable throughout the day.
The jacket is solution-dyed, meaning the colour is added to the raw material (recycled polyester pellets) before these are melted and extruded into the yarns that go on to be knitted or woven into the fabric. By adding the dye at this earlier stage, less water, chemicals, and energy are used, in turn creating less (potentially harmful) wastewater and less carbon emissions. This process also improves the fabric's colour durability when worn or washed, meaning it won't fade over time, allowing the Solution Jacket to look great even after many years of use.
The jacket is finished with a PFC-Free DWR (durable water repellent) coating to encourage rain and snow to bead off the jacket. If you were wondering, PFC-free means perfluorinated chemical-free. Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), are used to add water repellency to textiles, but they are now known to be 'forever chemicals' as they can't break down and are suspected carcinogens. Therefore, many leading brands in the outdoor industry are now prioritising cutting out the use of these chemicals entirely to contribute to a greener manufacturing process.
What are its features?
Starting at the top, a close-fitting hood provides protection from heavy downpours, whilst the front adjustment and pre-elasticated back provide a secure fit. The hood features a reinforced peak to help keep rain and snow away from your face.
The jacket features a water-resistant YKK Aquaguard centre front zip, adding further protection from the elements.
The sleeves are articulated, providing extra fabric where you need it most to improve freedom of movement. Sleeve articulation helps stop the sleeves from riding up when fully stretched, helping you stay fully covered on steep ascents.
There are two huge front pockets for storing a mobile phone, GPS device, hill snacks, gloves and any other trail essentials. The pockets are situated to be still accessible when wearing a rucksack hip belt and can easily accommodate an OS Map or guidebook – a perfect feature for hill walkers! The pockets feature water-resistant YKK Aquaguard zips to help prevent literal puddles in your pockets and are mesh-lined so they can double as ventilation zips. Should you start to work up a sweat when you're working hard, simply open the zips to increase the airflow inside the jacket.
Hook and loop cuff adjustment to the sleeves and a fully adjustable bottom hem help seal out wind and rain, keeping warm air in and the elements out. The Solution Jacket is finished with an external hanging loop for convenient storage when not in use.
Features
- Front adjustable hood with reinforced peak and pre-elasticated back offers exceptional fit and protection
- Raised collar offers additional protection and comfort
- Sleeve articulation for added comfort during dynamic movement
- Hook and Loop cuff adjustment to lock in fit and improve protection against wind and rain
- YKK Aquaguard centre front zip offers durable water-resistant adjustment
- Innovative dual-function front pockets using YKK Aquaguard zips with dual YKK sliders for additional venting solution
- Fully adjustable hem to minimise heat loss and keep out wind and rain
- External hanging loop
- Regular Fit