Extreme clothing for Extreme weather...
Okay, so I haven't been able to check this jacket out actually on the snow, but unless you've been living in a hole these past few months (which might have been quite nice really, if it was warm down there) or another country (I envy you) you will have witnessed the extreme temperatures that good old Blighty has been subjected to. Both of the Mountain Warehouse, Extreme collection products I've been testing out this week have stood the test of the harsh and damp British cold remarkably well.
Let's go by layer order:
The Extreme Shimano Zip Neck Top is 80% Merino Wool, which, in short, means it has super powers. Merino wool comes from (not unsurprisingly) Merino Sheep. Which for starters means it's a natural fabric and therefore much nicer to wear closer to the skin. It is also excellent at regulating body temperature, absorbs moisture at the same time as being water repellent, is softer than other wools and is naturally antibacterial. So it makes sure that you are warm, soft-skinned, not moist (no matter how hard your working your skis or board) and bacteria free = super powers! Last week a colleague of mine, decided enough was enough and in a bid to defeat the cold commute wore his thermal longjohns under his jeans. This provided a pretty hilarious talking point for the office as well as me with an idea. I have now been wearing my Shimano for three days straight (don't judge me, it's antibacterial) and have to say, I've never been toastier, even in an apartment with gaps in the window seals, through which I can feel a light breeze and the occasional drop of rain. The 20% polyester in the fabric mix also means that no matter how much I wear this top (probably not taking it off until August now) it won't stretch out of shape and turn into yet another piece of wobbly looking undergarment to add to my substantial collection of failed thermals.
The Extreme ski jacket does what it says on the tin - or inside label really, 'designed to withstand the elements' and withstand it does. With sealed seams, 10,000mm waterproof as well as being having a 5000 breath-ability, this jacket isn't going to keep you warm, it's going to keep you dry AND warm. My colleagues and I also took part in the highly scientific experiment of taking turns to put the jacket on and then throwing glasses of water at each other, we are now all safely settled back at our desks, completely dry and slightly hysterical. On an aesthetic note the jacket is also great, lovely red colour, no fuss but with a plethora of very useful pockets to make sure me, my phone, lift pass, finances and milkyway bars stay nice and dry out on the mountain.
It is to my great dismay that I wasn't able to test this equipment out in the conditions they were designed for, but I will be taking them both with me the next time I head out to the snow, with confidence that the combination will keep me dry, warm and looking good.
If you are in the market for some damn fine mountainous goods then head to the Mountain Warehouse website.
