What is the Ground Control Jacket?
The Ground Control Jacket is perfect for tackling multi-day ascents in the Scottish mountains when temperatures are challenging. It offers a fantastic level of durability and feels cosy and warm, maybe even warm enough for Major Tom...
Bad David Bowie jokes aside, whether you're scrambling for the day, trekking, camping, or on belay duty for your partner in crime, this jacket is sure to keep you toasty all day long.
What is it made of?
Montane has constructed the Ground Control Jacket using a Barrier Lite RS nylon ripstop outer with a durable water repellent and PEAQ Down lining inside. The insulation inside features two types of synthetic fill - a combination of Primaloft® Silver ThermoPlume® with CrossCore™ technology and PrimaLoft® Silver 100% recycled.
Insulation: Generally, synthetic insulation performs much better in damp conditions than down. Down insulation can lose up to 90% of its warmth once wet, alongside being a nightmare to get dry again! Synthetic insulation absorbs less water than down, doesn't lose its loft and dries out much quicker if you get caught in a sudden downpour. So, if you're thinking of heading on a multi-day adventure somewhere it's likely to rain (Britain, we're pointing at you!), a synthetic jacket might be a more sensible option.
Primaloft® Silver ThermoPlume® with CrossCore technology - this insulation offers the next level of warmth for loose-fill synthetic insulation. Each individual fibre is blended with small, silky plumes of aerogel technology, creating a synthetic material that delivers the look and performance of authentic down, with up to 12% more warmth than previous ThermoPlume® insulations. It has excellent levels of packability and a water repellent finish to help increase protection against wet weather.
Primaloft® Silver 100% recycled - Recycled Primaloft® Silver insulation has been developed using a proprietary process where plastic bottle chips are remade into high-performance fibres. Clever, right? It provides effective, sustainable performance without compromising the regular qualities of synthetic insulation.
Outer: Barrier Lite RS ripstop nylon is lightweight and super durable. It can withstand scrapes and abrasion against rock well, allowing you to give your all to technical scrambles and steep, rocky ascents. The material is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) which encourages light rain to bead away. However, the DWR doesn't ensure full waterproof protection, so you may want to pack a shell just in case the forecast looks more than damp.
Lining: The PEAQ Down liner feels really soft and smooth next to the skin. It's breathable enough to keep you comfortable during intense mountain activity, yet durable to ensure heavy use doesn't affect the condition and performance of the jacket overall.
What are its features?
Insulation within this jacket is body mapped to optimise warmth and durability without adding excessive weight and bulk.
The PrimaLoft® Silver ThermoPlume® Insulation with CrossCore™ technology covers the main body, keeping vital areas warmer more efficiently. The main body uses a stitch through baffle construction, which keeps the loose synthetic fill in place - mimicking a down jacket, where down migration usually occurs. Preventing the filling from moving around maintains an equal spread of warmth at all times, as specific amounts of insulation are trapped within each baffle.
All other areas (the hood, shoulders and hips) are kept warm with the PrimaLoft® Silver 100% recycled insulation, which comes in sheet form and does not use a baffle construction.
This jacket has a hood that provides plenty of much needed coverage for cold winter days. It's fully insulated and adjustable, allowing you to optimise the fit around a helmet. At the top of the hood, a stiffened peak helps to protect the face from harsh weather.
Arms are articulated, providing more space to stretch and allowing high-reach movement for climbing and scrambling, without compromising protection and coverage.
At the front, the full length, two-way YKK® Vislon zip is easy to use with numb fingers or winter gloves. The two-way option is fantastic for technical challenges. You can unzip the zip from the bottom to keep the top half fastened, giving you more accessibility around a climbing harness, alongside options for ventilation or better freedom of movement around the waist/hips.
For storage, a chest pocket and two hand pockets will safely store snacks, a GPS, mobile phone or energy gels. Plus, the hand pockets are fully insulated, offering a quick warm-up solution if you've forgotten your gloves and your fingers are getting a little blue.
Cuffs are elasticated, providing plenty of flexibility around the wrists for climbing and allowing you to adapt the fit around chunky mitts if required. At the hem, this jacket has an adjustable drawcord. Simply pull it tight to draw in the fit around the bottom for increased weather protection and warmth retention.
Features:
- Stitch through baffles in the main body
- Fully adjustable roll-away insulated climbing helmet compatible hood with stiffened peak
- Articulated arms for high reach movement
- Full-length two-way YKK VISLON® front zip with internal storm flap
- Two insulated hand pockets with YKK® zips
- External chest pocket with YKK® zip
- Low bulk elasticated cuffs
- Adjustable hem with cinchable drawcord