The Odyssey is a new womens jacket for 2016 and is aimed at regular mountain users who demand reliable waterproof and breathable protection in a lightweight shell. Constructed from Mountain Equipment's own Drilite fabric it is completely waterproof and highly breathable; Drilite uses a solid state micron thin Polyurethane membrane laminated to a tough 40D nylon face fabric for increased durability.
The Mountain HC Hood is fully adjustable and helmet compatible; it is a bit of a snug fit with a helmet as it has not been designed for prolonged helmet use. This style of hood is great if you are doing a bit a scrambling or other activities where you are chopping and changing between helmet and no helmet. The hood is fully adjustable so you can take out all the excess volume to create a secure comfortable fit.
M.E. have built the Odyssey around their “Alpine Fit” block so it has a closer fit but with enough room to allow for other layers. The sleeves are pre-shaped and articulated to allow for more natural unrestricted movement. You get plenty of storage for maps, gloves, hats, GPS etc. with 2 large hand pockets which feature YKK water resistant zips, but be warned the pockets are not 100% waterproof. Talking of zips you also get zipped underarm vents to help with ventilation if you are building up a bit of a sweat. The adjustable cuffs and dual tether hem cords can be tightened and synched to help keep out nasty cold drafts and provide a custom fit.
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3-layer DRILITE 40D fabric
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Mountain HC Hood is fully adjustable
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Womens Alpine fit with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves
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2 large pockets with YKK WR zips
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2-way YKK WR centre front zip
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2-way YKK WR underarm zips
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Adjustable cuffs and dual tether hem drawcords
Care and maintenance
To keep your outdoor clothing and equipment in tip top condition and performing to its maximum we recommend the use of Nikwax products. We have been using Nikwax products since day one (26th March 1986) and have found them to be totally reliable, dependable and effective. Today’s Nikwax treatments contain environmentally friendly elastic water-repellent polymers that bond to fabric fibres, leaving the spaces between open and breathable. These stretchy polymers are able to stretch and move with the fabric so they stay put for longer and work better.
Nikwax treatments will not change the look or feel of the fabric and they are all water based, environmentally safe, non-flammable and contain no nasty Fluorocarbons. Nikwax products can be used to clean, re-proof and revitalise all your outdoor technical clothing and equipment.
Waterproof breathable clothing has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish applied to the face fabric during the manufacturing process. The DWR forces water to bead up and roll off the surface therefore preventing the fabric from absorbing moisture. If the outside of your jacket is soaked in a layer of cold water, the warm damp air within can’t escape and will condense on the inside. This makes the jacket feel cold clammy and can make you think that it’s leaking. The DWR finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained and revitalised to optimise performance.
This three layer waterproof jacket should be cleaned regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash; I wash my jacket about once a month, or more often if it gets really filthy. Regular washing with Tech Wash will maintain the DWR for longer and remove salts and oils that can contaminate the fabric, and it will keep your lovely jacket clean and smelling fresh. Washing can be done in a machine according to the manufacturers care guidelines (on the internal label). First clean out any detergent and conditioner residue from the machine dispenser and then add the required amount of Tech Wash and away you go. Hand washing is also suitable but be sure to rinse the garment well.
When you notice that rain/water is no longer beading up and rolling off it’s time to re-proof. Nikwax TX Direct will re-instate a long lasting DWR to completely rejuvenate your jacket. Re-proofing can also be done in the machine once a garment has been washed. Just add the TX-Direct and use the same programme you used for washing. You can also use the spray-on product on a damp garment that has just been washed.
You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and never have it serviced, so make sure you regularly wash and re-proof your quality kit.