Mountain Equipment Mens Orbital Jacket Obsidian

What is the Orbital Jacket?

The Orbital is a fully waterproof, breathable, stretchy and comfortable jacket that sits between a softshell and a hardshell.

It can be worn virtually all day in varied conditions without the common hot and clammy feel of some bulkier waterproof jackets, yet it can be packed down super small when not in use, thanks to its lightweight selection of fabrics.

What is it made of?

The key to the stretchy yet protective nature of this jacket is the three-layer Drilite® Stretch fabric. This three-layer construction places a comfortable knitted polyester fabric next to your skin, a flexible waterproof membrane in the middle and a stretchy 20D polyester on the outer to deal with most of the abuse. The Orbital's fabric has a HH of 20,000mm and an MVTR of 35,000gm/24h. The industry standard for determining whether a fabric is waterproof is a HH of 1500, and a MVTR of 20,000 is rated as "exemplary".

The material is coated with a PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent), which encourages rain and snow to bead off the surface without using harmful perfluorinated chemicals, aka 'forever chemicals'.

The combination of these layers provides a jacket that has the comfort and mobility of a softshell jacket with the fully waterproof protection of a traditional hardshell.

What are its features?

M.E have recently updated the design of the Orbital, which now has a Mountain HC (helmet compatible) hood, meaning you can comfortably fit it over a helmet when climbing and mountaineering and need some extra protection from the elements.

It's also been updated with an 'Active Fit' that sits closer to the body to minimise excess fabric and reduce the risk of any gaping pieces from snagging on jagged rock or rugged terrain.

The YKK® moulded AquaGuard® zip protects from water ingress to keep you completely dry underneath. For reinforcement, there's also a storm flap that sits behind the zip, so if you have it partly fastened you will still be protected from rain, wind or snow.

Two hand pockets with water-resistant zips make ideal storage for essentials you want to keep handy, such as snacks and energy gels. Additionally, you have a secure internal pocket to keep more valuable items safe, such as keys or a mobile phone.

Pit zips underneath each arm also use water resistant zip fastenings - they're easy to use without removing the jacket and allow you to quickly dump heat during intense activities.

Cuffs are laminated and adjustable, allowing you to optimise the fit around other layers and gloves, and the hem has dual tether drawcords to cinch in the bottom to enhance weather protection and heat retention, allowing you to balance your body's microclimate in changeable conditions.

Features:

• Three-layer DRILITE® STRETCH 20D fabric with PFC-free DWR
• Mountain HC Hood is fully adjustable
• Active fit with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves
• YKK® moulded AquaGuard® centre front zip with internal flap
• Two pockets with YKK® water resistant zips
• YKK® underarm venting zips
• Adjustable laminated cuffs and dual tether hem drawcords
• Internal pocket