UOG Review - Inov-8 Race Elite 260 Thermoshell
Posted by Mark Richardson on Sep 22, 2014
Selection: I was off to Peru on a high-level trek (above 4000m), which means when the sun is shining it's very warm but when it's cloudy (and at night) it can be unpredictably cold. I was packing a RAB Infinity down jacket as my basecamp warmth but I needed a lightweight insulating layer I could use during the day if it got cold while walking. Primaloft is a leader in garment insulation so it's the obvious choice and I settled on the Thermoshell because it's one of the lightest Primaloft Smocks available.
Performance: The Thermoshell did everything I required of it and was really enjoyable to wear. Underneath I had a winter weight long-sleeved baselayer and I used the Thermoshell in the mornings rather than my down jacket, it was warm enough at -2C which was the coldest morning I recorded. When walking there were indeed times when I needed this extra layer on and it seemed to provide just the right amount of insulation, even though I was active.
I don't often choose Smocks because getting them on and off can be a chore, but the Thermoshell is spacious enough that I didn't feel restricted in any way. The front zip is two-way zip so you can open it from the top down to your chest strap, and from the bottom up. The hem and cuffs are simply finished with a loosely elasticated binding that is not restrictive in any way. I also liked the thumb loops which allow you to last longer before you have to put a pair of gloves on.
Styling is good, with reflective logo detailing. The Thermoshell comes with its own stuffsack which I left at home - not that it's heavy - but every little helps. I didn't use or even think about the reversible functionality of the garment.
Other Comments: Other options I had for this type of garment were Montane's Fireball Smock and OMM's Rotor Smock. On paper, the Rotor Smock seems higher spec'd than either the Thermoshell or the Fireball but I chose the Thermoshell because of its other features and styling. If you want a jacket that performs the same function but doesn't weigh much more - look at Montane's Fireball jacket - another garment we really like.
