The Dynamic Waterproof Pro II Jacket from Craghoppers is an AquaDry Membrane garment designed for agile protection, writes Mike Gormley.
~
One of the ‘in house tests’ of any kit we get to try out for Gormley’s Gear is to go back to it and continue to use it after penning the draft review and taking the photos, before going to press. Sometimes I will hang fire for a while before I publish to give us time to fully appreciate (or otherwise) an item of kit, and this jacket is a case in point. Since we got back from Snowdonia, Jean’s off-the-hook choice has more often than not been this jacket if there is a chance of rain or chilly wind. She likes the look (a girl thing) and likes the way it does the job.
First up, the AquaDry membrane certainly seems to do the job of keeping the rain and wind out. This was well tested on our soggy trip to Snowdonia! It is also breathable, as it says, so the wearer does not get too hot and bothered if warm and wet. The materials are largely recycled, as most of Craghoppers range are these days. The fabric has an element of stretch in it which makes it more comfortable to wear when active. At 670g it is a relatively lightweight garment and this, as well as its other features, ensure it has earned a place in our very small kit allowance for a forthcoming trip to Southern Europe.
The Dynamic Waterproof Pro II is a well specified jacket and has ‘pit zips’ under the arms for added temperature control, and a useful and adjustable helmet-compatible hood which has a stiffened peak. Always handy. The main adjusting pull tags for this are captive to prevent them whacking you in the face in the wind and it has a volume adjuster at the back. There is also pull-cord hem adjustment and hook & loop cuff adjusters.
¤ Quite a lot going on here ~ spot the underarm pit zip, inner pocket, and water-resistant zipped side pocket plus captive drawcord for hood adjustment [©MG]
This jacket has good sized side pockets but no chest pocket, though there is a useful sized inner pocket which unfortunately, however, is not quite large enough for a folded OS map. The inner material is of a very stretchy mesh with a very pleasant ‘feel’.
This one, in Mystic Green and Ocean Green with two black and white versions also available, certainly gets the tick of approval from my good lady.
[images © Mike Gormley]
~
