If money was no object then I guess I would buy the best and lightest equipment available but as it is , sometimes I have to look at the lower end of the equipment scale; to manufacturers like Peter Strom, Craghoppers and Regatta.
So when I was asked if I would like to review insulated jackets for Go Outdoors I chose the Regatta Freebase insulated jacket.
This jacket is a synthetic insulated jacket which is also waterproof. The swing-tags have this to say about the insulating and outer materials:-
Insulation - Thermo-Guard
Thermo-Guard insulation is made up of advanced synthetic fibres, trapping air to keep you warm in cold or snowy conditions.
- Soft & Light
- High loft, giving excellent insulation
- Quick drying, easy to care for
Outer Material - Isolite 5000
Isolite 5000 is Regatta's waterproof and breathable lightweight fabric to keep you dry and comfortable outdoors.
- Waterproof hydrostatic head of 5000mm
- Hydrophillic breathable system allow inner moisture vapour to escape
- Durable water repellent outer fabric treatment to help water run off
- Superior windproof performance to eliminate windchill
Having looked at the Go Outdoors website's size chart, I guessed that a XXL would probably be the size I would need. This proved to be pretty much spot on, as the jacket fits really well.
The jacket is only available in one colour, which is a seal grey with a lime green inner, it has four pockets, two on the hips, one small one on the outside around the chest and one inside. The side one is situated near the bottom of the jacket and although fairly large, its position is a little awkward as you have to unzip the jacket to reach into it.
The jacket also has a fixed hood and although this fits quite well there is no way to cinch the hood in, as there are no cord or toggles on it.
It also has taped seams, as the jacket is also waterproof, although it doesn't have a storm flap across the zip, also missing is a beard guard.
I have worn the jacket over the last few weeks, with temperatures around 5-12c and it has kept me warm, there have been times when walking in it that I have been too warm.
The waterproofness of the jacket has worked well to, I have been caught out in the rain a couple of times and although there isn't a storm flap across the zip and water haven't as yet, got in.
Although this is a synthetic jacket it weighs in at a reasonable 1.5kg and folds up fairly small.
Pro's & Con's
Pro's
It also has taped seams, as the jacket is also waterproof, although it doesn't have a storm flap across the zip, also missing is a beard guard.
I have worn the jacket over the last few weeks, with temperatures around 5-12c and it has kept me warm, there have been times when walking in it that I have been too warm.
The waterproofness of the jacket has worked well to, I have been caught out in the rain a couple of times and although there isn't a storm flap across the zip and water haven't as yet, got in.
Although this is a synthetic jacket it weighs in at a reasonable 1.5kg and folds up fairly small.
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| Jacket and ETA Pot |
Pro's
- Synthetic and Waterproof
- Fairly lightweight and packed fairly small
- Has a hood
Con's
- No storm flap over main zip
- No beard guard
- Hood can't be cinched down
The Regatta Freebase Insulated Jacket is currently available at Go Outdoors for £49.99
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