|
On test: Target Dry's Pioneer jacket, £85 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Written by Bryn
|
|
Wednesday, 14 December 2011 14:32 |
|
 The Pioneer is the first piece of clothing to be launched from Target Dry’s Xtreme Series range. It’s being marketed as a ‘four season’ jacket, and it uses a Teflon-coated Oxford Nylon to make it more durable, but the downside of this is the weight – at 750g it’s not the most lightweight jacket we’ve come across: you certainly can’t shove it in your pack and forget about it.
The main zip on the Pioneer is protected by a stiff double storm flap that’s held securely in place by a series of Velcro strips and feels strong and protective. The two giant handwarmer pockets (big enough for OS maps) are fleece-lined for comfort and warmth, and they’re protected by a small storm flap and water resistant zips. You also get a handy internal chest pocket.
The jacket has a mesh inner to give you a bit more comfort and it also protects the inside of the jacket. Ventilation comes in the form of pit zips (made from water resistant zips), and we like the large size of them. The sleeves are easy to roll up but the lining tends to get left behind and ends up poking out from the bottom of the sleeves. The cuffs are adjustable, as are the waist and hem.
If you’re not going to be wearing a helmet, the hood on this jacket’s great. It’s can be adjusted on the back of the head and the side of the face to help it fit big and small heads, it doesn’t restrict your field of vision and it turns when you turn. The peak isn’t stiffened though, and will provide limited use in heavy winds.
If you’re after a super packable, lightweight walking jacket then cross the Pioneer off your shopping list – it’s a bit too heavy and bulky to take on a multi day trek. But if you’re looking for a jacket for day hikes in wet weather or you’re off on a multi-activity adventure in cold weather it’s one to consider.
Target Dry's Pioneer, £85, www.targetdry.com
AT scores
Ventilation: 6
Hood: 8
Weight and packsize: 6
Value for money: 8
Overall: 7 |
|
Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 March 2012 15:45 |
Gear