The fact that the route was familiar, the ascent having become a sort of annual event, did not detract in any way from our enjoyment. High up very heavy rain for half an hour or so meant wearing full waterproofs but that gave me a chance to test my new Montane Air Jacket made from Pertex Shield AP. When the rain passed I opened it up to find my mid layer wet at the front. I hope the wetness inside was as a result of my initial delay in fully zipping up the jacket because I'm sure it wasn't condensation.[ Edit - it wasn't because of the initial delay, as two subsequent wearings showed. Awful jacket as far as 'waterproofness' is concerned]. We shall see, but the AquaGuard zips don't look as well sealed when closed than the ones on my ME Morpheus. I hope I've not made a mistake in not sticking with ME jackets which have never let me down. Somewhat perversely, I'm now hoping for a wet day to settle the question - any doubts and the jacket is going back.
We took the bulldozed track and left the windy summit, identifying various distant hills as we went. Lochnagar was luxuriating in sunshine while An Socach, Beinn Iutharn Mhor and the like lay under dark skies. Ptarmigan darted about and startled grouse occasionally exploded from the heather.
This is all wonderful country. It's good to be back.
Photo: From the lower slopes of Morrone towards
Braemar.
Sent from my iPhone
4 comments:
I bought a Montane Pertex Shield waterproof and sent it back after one outing. Useless. Sorry to be the bearer of this news. I have since bought ME Firefox over trousers in GoreTex Active Shell and am so impressed with them I am considering a jacket in this new-ish material.
Enjoy Braemar.
Thanks Alan. I bought the Air Jacket on the basis of a review by Chris Townsend who used it on this year's TGO Challenge. I suspect the AquaGuard zips are leaking although CT specifically praised them for keeping water out. At The Braemar Gathering we had a spell of heavy rain and again I got wet although not as badly as on Morrone. Swaledale Outdoors where I bought the jacket (online) want Montane to test it but I've made it clear that I want a refund. I'll keep everyone updated.
I looked at Active Shell when in the Lakes this summer but could find nothing in my size. Anyway I think I'll leave new materials alone for the moment!
It's so annoying Gibson. You expect if Chris says it's good then it is but I had a chat with a sales guy in Ellis Brigham and he told me that they have had lots of Pertex Shield jackets returned.
Why do these top companies like Montane release such junk onto the market that is so obviously not fit for purpose. I am disgusted with Montane and will not trust them again.
I think I read somewhere that Rab were also going to use Pertex Shield in some of their garments. I won't buy Montane again for sure. Thanks for your interest Alan.
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