OVER THE COURSE of the next few weeks, The42 will be running a ‘fitness gear guide’ series which will take a closer look at the brands and products hot on the market and the must-have gear this winter.
These articles won’t serve as glorified advertisements but will instead provide a subjective review of popular products and ones we feel could be of use to your training.
This week, we look at one of the best sports and outdoor jackets on the market. If you would like us to review a particular product, please feel free to email fitness@the42.ie.
The North Face Descendit Jacket
The North Face Descendit Jacket is all you’ll need to beat the cold and the rain this winter – while it’s also perfect for those looking to invest in some high-quality ski apparel.
It’s designed for serious outdoorsy types and its primary function is as an outermost layer for snowboarders and skiers, though it’s perfect for casual wear also.
With this in mind it has a host of nifty features such as a large internal pocket for stashing goggles while there’s also a goggle wipe inside the left forearm pocket to clear the visor when you pummel into the snow head-first.
There’s a breast pocket which is perfect for securing your ski pass and various other essentials while the draw-string on the hood allows you to tug it nice and snug around your head or helmet.
It’s also possible to zip the hood off entirely.
The adjustable velcro tabs on the cuffs give you the option of further insulating yourself while other extras include a ‘media pocket’ for your MP3 – though this cannot be much wider than your index finger.
The little elastic by the collar gives you the option of running your earphones through it. Nothing too significant in that, but a neat detail nonetheless and who doesn’t get frustrated when earphones get ripped out of their buds?
The Descendit Jacket can handle all kinds of cold weather activities – and having worn it pretty much every day this winter, it’s the best I’ve come across.
I’ve not needed the underarm vents to cool me down yet, but one suspects as the temperatures pick up in the spring these could become more useful. They are pretty big, however, so care must surely be taken when descending at speed.
It’s waterproof and breathable and the light insulation copes with anything, without falling into the trap of being too clumpy.
There are two large, zipped hand pockets and will accommodate hands with even the thickest gloves.
Red seems to be the brand’s flagship colour but it’s also available in asphalt grey, blue, ‘venom’ yellow and black. Sizes include small, medium, large and extra-large.
Product: The North Face Descendit Jacket
Brand: The North Face
RRP: €249.99
Pros: Waterproof, breathable, lightweight, well-insulated, adjustable cuff tabs/hood.
Cons: It doesn’t come cheaply and the breast pocket can snag on the plastic seam.
The42′s rating: 9/10