Test
Conditions:
I have carried the Tierra Col Hood Jacket with me most
days in the Alps this summer and I have worn it most mornings and on summit
days on most of the 4000m peaks I climbed. At times it made the difference summiting
or turning back. It was a key piece in Canada last winter and Kyrgyzstan this
autumn, where I practically lived in it.
Fabric:
I love the strong ethical stance that Tierra has stuck to
throughout the company’s history and this jacket is no exception to that rule.
The polyester is recycled, it’s packed with PrimaLoft Eco padding and the
jacket is also carbon free so is massively better for the planet.
The outer shell, made from 100% recycled polyester, was
totally windproof even when summiting Mt Blanc in gale force winds and freezing
temperatures. Even at minus 20 in a howling gale high on the Bossons Ridge
nearing the summit I felt warm and snug, thanks to the generous layer of PrimaLoft
Eco insulation keeping me warm.
The design is simple, but totally functional.
The
Polyester outer may not be the hardest wearing of fabrics, but it’s light,
packs up small, is warm and a fantastic secondary layer. As a mountain guide I can’t
recommend it enough to anyone setting off to tackle the higher Alpine Peaks,
the greater ranges or winter climbing in the UK and beyond.
This summer on the summit of Mt Blanc 4810m
Fit:
The Col Hood is designed with a little space to fit over
a fleece, soft shell or your Roc Blanc jacket. Having said that it’s a trimmer
fit than many of the other insulated jackets I’ve used in the past, with a
generous arm length and overall jacket length dropping down just below your
harness belt keeping your lower back toasty. A 2-way zip allows you to belay
and tie on without any fuss and it has a chest pocket ample enough for a map
and compass. Two low front hand warmer pockets finish off the outer shell of
the jacket. The hood is a good fit over my helmet and has a double adjustment
system to keep it well cinched up and stops it flapping around in the worst
conditions.
The
synthetic nature of the jacket makes it a no-nonsense jacket for warmth in all
weathers and conditions, even when wet it keeps you dry. The polyester outer is
both windproof and water repellent. But what it’s not is a huge winter duvet
that’s heavy and bulky to carry and restrictive when climbing. The Col Hood is
light (only 430g) packs up small but has enough PrimaLoft Eco fill for some of
the worst weather while out on the move.
The weather in the Lakes has changed and I find I’m
pulling out the Col Hood more often than not to use as a warm outer layer
that’s light and comfortable when heading down to the bouldering gym or into
town on an errand!
Conclusion:
If you haven’t got one buy
one! It will become your number one best
friend both on the hill and kicking around town.
