5 Mountain Equipment Astron Hooded Jacket Review

Reviewer: Eliot, South Wales   (22-4-2011)

Bought one of these for any summer/autumn climbing and scrambling around Wales. Main reason I opted for this is because I didn’t want a really thick bulky soft shell which I would get too warm in. I needed something which was breathable, but would keep me warm if a wind picked up or if I was standing around for a while.

So far this has been the perfect piece. I have had many days where I’ve worn a long sleeve base layer, synthetic gillet and this as an outer layer and been comfortable all day long. The stretch is great, the hood is perfect as with all ME products. The pockets are more than adequate, and the Powerstretch panels under the arms are really breathable.

When mine eventually packs in, Ill certainly go out and buy a replacement!

5 Mountain Equipment Astron Hooded Jacket Review

Reviewer: Ben Jones, Swansea   (1-3-2011)

Put a fair bit of research into softshells before deciding on this one, as it fitted my criteria almost perfectly, the cut being the main point. I'm quite a slim build thus required a tight-ish fit while wearing just a wicking tee underneath, as would be wearing this for climbing and mountain biking. The side panels are more breathable too, along with the ability of open the long pocket zips for extra venting. The DWR finish I found to be excellent, mainly down to the smooth face fabric. Only real fault I have is the lack of internal pocket width, due to them being placed near to the main centre zip (although maybe this is more apparent on a size small).

5 Mountain Equipment Astron Hooded Jacket Review

Reviewer: Adam Lockyer, Glasgow   (25-11-2010)

I purchased the ME Astron Jacket in August earlier this year. I work outdoors and 3 months on have no complaints about this jacket. As a water and wind-resistant jacket it's perfect for playing tennis, cycling, running and even playing 5-a-side football in!

I was initially sceptical when I saw 'breathable' in the description (I often associate this with being cold!) and while you certainly need a baselayer as the temperatures drops to freezing, this jacket is far superior to any waterproof I have owned before, and fits very well.

5 Mountain Equipment Astron Hooded Jacket Review

Reviewer: Jonathan Butler, London   (7-4-2010)

Very windproof, and waterproof until the rain gets heavy, this is an excellent softshell. It is versatile: wear it in summer showers with a t-shirt, or in winter with a long-sleeved baselayer. The pockets are OS map-sized, and a hip-belt doesn't restrict access to them. It is very breathable too, and wicks excellently: I also use it to run in when the weather is bad.

4 Mountain Equipment Astron Hooded Jacket Review

Reviewer: Matthew Bell, Yeovil   (24-2-2010)

Just what I wanted from a soft shell - windproof pretty water resistant, warm and breathable. It doesn't take up much more room than a fleece. The black side panels are not windproof so if it's really windy you do notice a draft but they do make it very stretchy. Shame it doesn't have an inside pocket. Overall a great jacket just as good in town as it is in the mountains.

4 Mountain Equipment Astron Hooded Jacket Review

Reviewer: ste d, Oldham   (31-7-2009)

An excellent softshell for climbing purposes with a durable powershield exterior.
Cut is good with a trim contoured fit. I often take a small in many US manufacturers, but a medium in this ME is perfect. Powerstretch flanks offer enhanced breathability over slightly less protection from the elements.
Slight dropped tail gives abit more protection. Weight is good. Hood is good but not over large and may struggle over a helmet.