Snugpak Arrowhead Jacket

Contrary to his expression here Mister Happy was actually well protected against the biting sea wind on a bitterly cold mid-February day as he was dressed in a Snugpak Arrowhead jacket [©JG]

The severe recent winter storms period was perfectly timed to coincide with delivery of the new Snugpak Arrowhead jacket for me to try out, reports Mike Gormley.

The Snugpak Arrowhead jacket has been designed and evolved, with military personnel and professionals in mind, from the well known Sleeka Elite. As soon as I got this jacket the weather turned cold, dry and very windy… and then cold and wet. Perfect. We are all, as I write this, quite restricted as to where we can go but I am lucky as I have some good opportunities for exercising very close to home so am able to get out and test kit without breaking any rules.

Getting organised to go kayaking on another chilly day the Arrowhead was fine but was a bit too warm to paddle in [©JG]

First point to make about the Arrowhead is it most certainly lives up to the Snug in Snugpak. In fact, you really need a chill day to wear it. A couple of times it has been a bit OTT for milder conditions but other than this I have been more than pleased to be wearing it. The bitter winds we have had of late just did not penetrate the Paratex Light outer layer and the Softie insulation made sure my body heat stayed on the inside where I wanted want it to be.

I went out in the early mornings taking photos and to document some of the recent storms on our local coast. In the cold of dawn and the significant wind chill, not to mention the soakings I got from the breaking waves, the Arrowhead proved to be ideal protection. The removable hood, very much in place on these occasions, was most welcome and worked well. However, it can of course be removed and packed away when not required.

The outer fabric of the Arrowhead has a very pleasant ‘soft feel’ whereas the inner is smooth and therefore easier to slip on over other garments. The good-sized pockets are brushed polyester so a cosy place to put your hand for a quick warm up. The same material is used around the inner side of the collar too, so good and comfortable next to the neck. The top of the main front zip also has a section of this so when you are fully zipped up you don’t get any unpleasant rubbing around the neck and chin. The chest and arm pocket are also similarly lined.

The Cuffs have hook and loop adjusters to keep the elements out [©JG]

All pockets are of good and, importantly, useful size. The left arm has a ‘keys pocket’ which will take a smaller phone or compass. Inside is a handily front-zipped pocket. Outside there is a good-sized chest pocket, which I reckon would benefit from a zip tag as fitted to the side hand warmer pockets.

As is traditional for Snugpak jackets, the Arrowhead comes with its own stowage bag or stuff sack [©MG]

The Snugpak Arrowhead , which is available in six sizes from XS through to XXL, is rated down to 0º C and comfort -5ºC but I would say this is perhaps under rating its capability. Standard colours are Black, Olive and MultiCam.