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Mountain Equipment have come up with the perfect insulated jacket for fast-paced mountain activities. It's the perfect piece for everything from chilly summer alpine ascents to dog walking in the spring or chucking on under a shell jacket. It really does suit just about every activity.
What is the Switch made of?The Switch uses super lightweight and breathable Polartec Alpha insulation in the chest area to provide core body warmth and Pontetorto Tecnopile microfleece across the sleeves, shoulders and side panels. This design not only fits incredibly well but also suits a wide range of activities. Polartec Alpha is a woven insulation fabric; think of it like a fluffy string vest, and is much more stable and durable than other synthetic insulation. Because of its open weave, it allows air to flow much more easily, rapidly drawing moisture away from the body creating comfortable breathable insulation for active use in cold conditions. Pontetorto Tecnopile is one of the most versatile and tough fleece fabrics available, with a large amount of stretch and warmth.
A Lightweight 20D Nylon fabric with mechanical stretch is used to protect the Alpha insulation over the chest providing lightweight wind and weather protection and to keep the weight of the Switch jacket to an absolute minimum.
What are the features?You get two zipped hand pockets and a zipped chest pocket for all your storage needs, low-bulk cuffs which fit nicely underneath gloves, an elasticated hem to keep warmth in and cold out, a double-layered collar for additional warmth around your neck and flatlock seams for added comfort.
How does the Switch jacket fit?M.E have designed the Switch with an 'Active Fit', so it works best over just a baselayer and is slimmer than your average midlayer.
Where does the Switch fit in the layering system?The switch it an incredibly versatile piece - it can be used as a standalone jacket on still, cool days or as a midlayer under an insulated or shell jacket on cold, damp days. The Switch jacket is perfect for those needing vital body core warmth with minimal bulk and maximum breathability, so if you are thrashing your way up a snow-filled gulley, putting in the miles on a long-distance trek or enjoying a winter run, this is the perfect piece of kit for you.
20D RS Nylon outer with mechanical stretch on front of body
POLARTEC Alpha insulation [40g front of body]
Pontetorto Tecnopile fleece [side panels, arms, shoulders)
Active fit
Flatlocked seams for next-to-skin comfort
YKK centre front zip
2 zipped handwarmer pockets and 1 Napoleon chest pocket
Lycra bound hem and cuffs