What is the Gandiva Jacket?
The Gandiva is an incredibly lightweight, waterproof jacket that's loaded with all the features you'd expect of a mountain jacket from Mountain Equipment. It's built to protect you from the worst of the weather, but, due to its weight and pack size, also works well as a packable emergency shell that you can stash in your daypack all day.
What is the Gandiva made of?
It's incredible weight and pack size is predominantly down to the use of Gore-tex Paclite Plus. Unlike previous generations of Paclite, Paclite Plus is incredibly comfortable and doesn't stick to your skin when you get wet - I can confirm this, I tested it out in person. It's a 2.5 layer construction that not only offers great breathability but also the reliable durability of Gore-Tex in torrential downpours.
What are the features?
Starting from the top, the Gandiva features a helmet compatible and fully adjustable hood that can be synched down to sit snug to your head when you're not wearing a helmet. Storage wise, the jacket has two generous hand pockets in the front that both have YKK water-resistant zippers. To seal out the elements the jacket features adjustable laminated cuffs, dual tether hem drawcords (that doesn't catch on crampons or ice axes) and a YKK moulded centre front zip with an internal flap.
How does the Gandiva fit?
The Gandiva fits into Mountain Equipments 'Active Fit' block, this is the closest fit block that M.E. do - it is trimmed right down to eradicate unwanted weight and bulk. When fitted over lightweight layers it is exceptionally precise and highly tailored. The Gandiva also has articulated and pre-shaped sleeves making it the perfect layer for those moving fast in the mountains.
Where does the Gandiva fit in the layering system?
The Gandiva is primarily designed as an outer shell, more commonly referred to as a hard shell; which means it works well to protect you from strong winds on cold days, right up to torrential downpours.
Summary
The Gandiva is the ideal minimalist shell that packs down small but is obviously much more than just an emergency shell.
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Lightweight
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Packable
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Breathable
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2.5 layer Gore-Tex Paclite Plus fabric
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Active fit with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves
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YKK moulded Aguaguard centre front zip
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2 hand pockets with YKK WR zips
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Adjustable laminated cuffs
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Dual tether hem drawcords