PMCI - October 2014

as well as being made to the highest standard with the best fabrics
and technologies currently available.
Highly Dynamic
Not content to offer just thermal garments though, Snugpak
have been using their own, in-house technologies to develop into
new areas recently, adding to their already extensive and comprehensive
range with garments designed to take into account more
dynamic activities.
Their “2nd Skinz” Coolmax base layers offer direct, next
to the skin comfort and performance and are a welcome addition
to any clothing system. Perfect for training in wet and windy
conditions, The Vapour Active Windtop is a lightweight jacket
with exceptional shower proof
properties; although there is a
neatly fitting hood integrated into
the high collar the seams themselves
are not taped so it cannot
be called completely waterproof.
That said, it’s extremely quick
drying and is just a superb piece
of emergency “snivel gear” when
a fine day turns bad!
Made from Snugpak’s own
tried and tested Paratex Micro
100% Nylon fabric, this jacket is
breathable and hardwearing but
still soft to the touch and extremely
light weight (just 280g in XXL!)
The design is extremely streamlined
with just a main full length
YKK zip closure, two YKK zipped
base pockets, elasticated cuffs, and
an adjustable bottom hem which
means that it can be sealed to keep
the cold wind out.
The Vapour Active Windtop compresses down to a tiny size
and is easily stuffed into a pouch or cargo pocket until needed; it
even comes with its own mesh bottomed stuff sack and when fully
compressed is small enough to carry in the palm of your hand. Once
again Snugpak have created a piece of gear that should be a part of
everyone’s everyday carry kit. Available in Black, Olive, Blue, Multicam,
A-TACS AU, and (Range) Red, this is a perfect lightweight
jacket that’s not going to break the bank!
Moving it up a notch, the new Vapour Active Soft Shell Jacket is
a piece of gear that takes the Windtop shell and adds to it. It’s absolutely
perfect for the range on a wet, windy day and it has the same excellent
moisture management properties as the Vapour Active Windshirt but
in the Soft Shell version. The Paratex Micro outer is teamed with
TS1, Snugpak’s’ Thermal Suede lining, which significantly boosts
the thermal properties of the jacket by trapping precious still air. Its
fine hairs actively seek moisture within the garment to wick it away
and aid evaporation.
Worn with a good, long sleeved base layer shirt not only does
the Soft Shell keep the elements out but it really is extremely breathable
making it perfect for full speed dynamic training. It’s really two garments
in one, and the Thermal Suede Lining is both lightweight and extremely
comfortable. The Jacket pares back features to a necessary minimum with
just two base pockets, neatly trimmed cuffs and a hood that rolls away into
the collar when you don’t need it. All of this weighs in at just 440g in a size
Large so it really doesn’t add any significant weight to your overall load.
The Vapour Active Soft Shell Jacket is available in a full range of sizes, XS
to XXL, and comes in Black, Olive, Multicam, A-TACS AU, Blue, and
“Range Red” so there’s literally something for everyone!
This is an extremely versatile jacket that offers excellent weather protection,
and it even comes with its own stuff sack should things warm up! It
looks to me like Snugpak have another winner on their hands here, and I’m
also looking forward to getting “hands on” with their new Proximity Soft
Shell as the weather turns even cooler.
Throughout their history
Snugpak have never been
afraid to “take the leap”
and continue to innovate on
an almost daily basis. Their
gear has been tested to the
extreme, and is trusted and
revered by anyone that has
ever used it.
Looking to
the Future
Throughout their history
Snugpak have never been afraid
to “take the leap” and continue to
innovate on an almost daily basis.
Their gear has been tested to the
extreme, and is trusted and revered
by anyone that has ever used it.
Their clothing range continues
to expand and improve year on
year, and it’s very interesting to see
them revisiting certain technologies,
giving them a completely new
slant as they do. In addition to the
windshirts and soft shells they’ve
also recently released three jackets
and an over trouser in Ventile fabric;
Ventile in itself is not a new technology
but what Snugpak have done with it is certainly different! I look forward
to testing this and reporting back in due course.
It has been my real pleasure to work with the team at Snugpak over the
years, and although they have grown into a world recognised brand they are
still some of the nicest and most approachable people in the industry; in the
past I’ve gone to them with some strange requests for kit and not once have
they let me down. They are a company that continues to do things their own
way, and in my mind they are all the better for that!
For further information on the entire range of Snugpak products and
the technology behind them please visit www.snugpak.com. You’ll also find
full stockist details on their website as well.
Bill Thomas has over 25 years experience working in the outdoor
performance sector, more recently dedicating his time to the tactical gear
arena. He has worked alongside some of the biggest brands in the market,
and tested clothing, footwear and equipment in some of the harshest environments
on the planet, from rain forests to the high mountains. He brings
a vast knowledge of the technical and practical aspects of “good gear” and
we at PMCI are certainly glad to have him on board.
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