Mountain Equipment have used a Gore-Tex Active membrane in their Firefox jacket to provide the most breathable waterproof mountain jacket in their range. Gore-Tex Active technology uses a significantly thinner membrane than their other products so it is much lighter and much more breathable. Gore-Tex laminate this uber-thin membrane directly to a lightweight stretched tricot backer reducing the construction weight even further and improving the breathability significantly.
Designed primarily for fast paced mountain activities in all conditions where breathable weather protection is the ultimate consideration the Firefox has been used for mountain marathons and ski touring but is equally suitable for general hiking, travel, trekking and mountaineering, especially for those users wishing to keep their kit weight to a minimum.
To maximise the fantastic breathability of Gore-Tex Active M.E have used a lightweight 20D fabric for the main body and a tougher 30D fabric over the shoulders and arms, this reinforcement helps to protect the jacket when carrying a pack. Seams have been kept to a minimum because seam tape is not breathable and you get the superbly designed Mountain Hood which provides full protection without being too big and baggy. Two large A-line pockets take care of storage and feature mesh pocket bags to help ventilation and you also get underarm zips for even more ventilation which are especially useful in wet conditions when you dont want to undo the front zip.
Constructed with a trim Alpine Fit and articulated pre-shaped sleeves the Firefox is minimalist by design and function yet provides full protection in all conditions. Please be aware however that the Firefox is a lightweight jacket and therefore not suitable for prolonged backpacking with a heavy pack or for hard core gnarly mountaineering.
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GORE-TEX Active 20D fabric
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GORE-TEX Active 30D fabric reinforcements
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Mountain Hood is fully adjustable
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Womens Alpine fit with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves
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YKK Water Resistant centre front zip
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2 ventilated pockets with bonded mesh pocket bags
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YKK underarm Water Resistant pit zips with laminated and bonded entry
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Adjustable cuffs
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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.