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A proper mountain shell that is now considerably lighter
Mountain Equipment says:
A durable, waterproof GORE-TEX shell built for hiking, scrambling and mountaineering in all seasons
Built for reliable protection in tough conditions, the Makalu combines durable 70D GORE-TEX fabric with a refined Alpine fit. It’s the perfect balance of waterproofing, breathability and comfort for year-round hiking, scrambling and mountaineering across varied terrain.
Our Verdict
The Mountain Equipment Makalu Gore-Tex Jacket keeps the tough, fully featured feel I would expect from the Makalu, but moves to a new 70D GORE-TEX ePE fabric and weighs 396g (Medium) on our scales. For context, last season’s Makalu weighed 521g.
That is a strong weight for a jacket with this level of protection. You still get a helmet-compatible Mountain hood, long two-way pit zips, three external pockets and a zipped internal pocket, so it has not been stripped back to save grams.
I particularly like the combination of the substantial 70D fabric and proper ventilation. The pit zips give you a much easier way to dump heat when working hard, while the Alpine Fit is cut for movement without leaving lots of excess fabric.
The hood has always been one of the Makalu’s stronger features too, with enough adjustment to work well with or without a helmet.
For me, the big improvement is that it now feels much closer to the weight of a lighter shell without giving up the features that make the Makalu such a capable mountain waterproof.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- 3-layer GORE-TEX 70D fabric - Waterproof, windproof and breathable protection
- Durable water-repellent (DWR) finish - Enhances waterproof performance and maintains breathability in demanding conditions
- Alpine fit - Unrestricted movement, no hem lift
- Mountain HC Hood - Fully adjustable, helmet-compatible, maximum protection
- 3 pockets with YKK® AquaGuard® zips - Harness accessible, weather-resistant storage
- 2-way YKK® AquaGuard® Vislon® centre front zip - Vent and layer with ease
- 2-way YKK® AquaGuard® pit zips - Ventilation on the move
- Adjustable laminated cuffs - Durable, secure fit over gloves
- Dual-tether hem drawcords - Snag-free, secure adjustment
- Laminated, laser cut inner pocket with YKK® zip - Low-profile, secure storage
Specifications
- Small weighs: 382g
- Medium weighs: 396g
- Large weighs: 413g
- XLarge weighs: 433g
- Fit: Alpine
Material & Construction
- 100% Recycled Polyamide shell, ePE membrane, 100% Polyamide backer
