4 Mountain Equipment Changabang Jacket Review

Reviewer: Mart S, Hereford   (2-1-2012)

I used the ME Changabang last season as a replacement for my much loved but getting a bit 'retro' looking TNF Kinchatna jacket. As expected from ME, lovely jacket and superb quality. It breathed well when skinning, and was a great shell in poorer weather conditions. The cut of the jacket was great for skiing, and the four chest pockets kept even my mountain personal (b)admin in check. My only criticism was the durability of the inner shell, as I wore the Gore-tex liner through where my rucksack buckles rubbed on my salopette buckles (I think this was the problem), which wore two holes very quickly in the Gore-tex. However, the superb service from Facewest meant that my jacket was replaced within days (which is now why I always use FW for my gear). I also have an Arc'teyx shell jacket, and to be honest, although you have to rob a bank to buy Arc'teryx gear, it is that bit better quality, so have a good look at FW's Arc'teryx jackets before you finally decide on a new shell (and which bank you'll do if you go Arc'teryx).

5 Mountain Equipment Changabang Jacket First Impressions

Reviewer: David Wilson, Harrogate   (9-12-2011)

This was brought as a replacement for an old (2006 I think) Changabang. There is so much that is familiar and I'm glad its unchanged, the hood is the best I've ever used, there are plenty of pockets and I can get to them all when wearing a rucksack. There are notable improvements over the old model, the material is lighter and more flexible (although it does sound a bit like a crisp packet), the cuff Velcro is bigger and easier to adjust. The pockets seem larger or have larger openings and the baffle over the zip gets in the way less (no Velcro).

The only thing that lets this jacket down is the pockets aren't completely water tight. At least ME put a flyer in the pocket saying this so I didn't have to find out the hard way.

Overall great incremental improvements to what was already a wonderful jacket.