What is the Ground Control Jacket?
The Ground Control Jacket is a synthetically insulated jacket with a stitch through construction for increased packability and breathability. The synthetic fill of this jacket lends itself to use as a belay jacket in our typically British cold and wet winters, unlike natural down, the synthetic filling in this jacket retains excellent performance even when wet. It’s also equally well suited to use as a general purpose warm, water resistant jacket for all UK mountain activities.
What is the Ground Control Jacket made from?
The outer on the Ground Control Jacket is made from a wind and water resistant 20D Barrier Lite RS mini rip-stop nylon fabric. This outer is treated with a DWR to improve its water resistance. The 20D fabric is a great mix of lightweight and durability.
The real heart of this jacket is of course the Primaloft insulation with Montane's Cross Core technology that keeps you warm. The downfall of any down product is its limited resistance to water. When down gets saturated with water, it loses its ability to loft and trap air between its clusters, meaning it loses its insulating properties. To combat the issue of water, Montane have chosen to use two forms of Primaloft Silver insulation. The main body makes use of Primaloft Silver ThermoPlume insulation, a fast drying synthetic insulation designed to mimic the loft and insulating properties of down, whilst maintaining its water resistance and ability to dry quickly. The hood, hips and panels over the shoulders make use of Primaloft Silver sheet insulation. This has been used in these areas to increase the water resistance, but also to maintain warmth as these areas are also the most likely areas to be compressed under a pack or harness if being used for belaying/climbing. All of the lovely warm insulation is wrapped in a PEAQ down lining that is comfortable next to skin, is highly breathable and fast drying.
Now, onto the 'Cross Core' part (get ready for some nerdiness). Cross Core, in simple terms, mixes the already proven and incredibly high performing PrimaLoft synthetic insulation with Aerogel. Originally developed and used by NASA in their aeronautical applications, Aerogel is made from 95% air and is the lightest solid material known to man. This incredible material boosts the warmth of the jacket substantially without adding more than a few grams of weight. All of this insulation is kept in place via a micro-baffle construction, minimising the weight and pack size whilst keeping warmth high.
What are its features?
Starting at the top, the Ground Control Jacket features a fully adjustable, helmet compatible hood with a stiffened peak. Hood adjustability is taken care of with drawcords, meaning a nice snug fit can be achieved both with and without a climbing helmet in place. It can also be rolled away when not required. A stitch-through construction on the majority of the jacket ensures a good fit and great levels of articulation, both in the main body and on the sleeves. The main zip is a full length two-way YKK Vislon zip with an internal storm flap to keep the worst of the drafts out. Storage comes in the form of two insulated hand pockets and a single external chest pocket, both with YKK zips. The sleeves have low bulk elasticated cuffs for an optimal fit and the hem features a cinchable drawcord.
How does the Ground Control Jacket fit?
The Ground Control Jacket fits relatively snug to the body, maximising its thermal efficiency, but there is still enough room underneath for layers. The back length comes in at 73.5cm (size medium), so the cut is fairly short, lending itself to a more technical fit for use underneath a harness.
Where does it fit in the layering system?
It is primarily going to be used as an outer layer for belaying/general warmth, however thanks to the relatively trim fit, you're able to slip a shell over the top without an issue if the weather turns foul. It can also be used as an over-layer when stopping to have lunch, coffee etc.
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Fully adjustable roll-away climbing helmet compatible hood with a stiffened peak
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Stitch-through construction
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Full length two way YKK Vislon zip with internal storm flap
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External chest pocket with YKK zip
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Two insulated hand pockets with YKK zips
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Articulated arms for high reach movement
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Low bulk elasticated cuffs
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Hem with cinchable drawcord
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Super warm
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Weather resistant
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Packable
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Perfect for Belaying