Blog

TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review

Though there's obviously more to a down jacket than big baffles alone, the Fitz Roy's boxy silhouette promises plenty of warmth.
The 800 fill power down delivers in spades, but luckily its other features generally stack up too. We particularly like the no-fuss cuff design, which seals out draughts but also stretches easily over winter gloves. The long, adjustable hem offers decent coverage, despite lacking a scooped tail. You'll fit plenty in the Fitz Roy's pockets too, as you get two sensibly placed zipped handwarmers, two big chest pockets and a cavernous inner dump pocket. The helmet- compatible hood is generously stuffed and adjusts easily via a rear drawcord, though the fit around the face isn't quite as neat as some. The jacket employs a 100% recycled ripstop nylon Pertex Quantum shell, with a DWR finish - the same tough build as Rab's Generator Alpine, though without that Diamond Fuse front panel. One caveat is that the down fill has no moisture- repellent treatment, so don't let it get too wet. Drizzle is fine, but avoid a full-on downpour. Of course, on cold but dry days, that won't be an issue, though those are far more common on Alpine climbs than Scottish winter epics.