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The new Zion Jacket from Marmot uses Polartec’s new Neoshell fabric. Polartec (www.polartec.com) invented fleece in the 80s, but had never made a waterproof breathable until now.
Neoshell combines the superior breathability, ventilation and stretch of a soft shell, with the waterproof performance of a hard shell – delivering the best of both worlds.
Combining protection from wet weather with unprecedented breathability through dynamic air exchange, Polartec Neoshell gives the Zion Jacket the ability to breathe, be completely waterproof and windproof; it is warmer, more stretchy and quieter than a hard shell, and for convenience it is also machine-washable.
Key features include: textured hip and shoulder zones to help keep your pack in place; 100% seam taped; attached storm hood with laminated brim; water-resistant CF zip; chest pocket with water-resistant zip and handy headphone port; asymmetric cuffs with Velcro adjustment.
Marmot’s M1 soft shell provides the highest level of warmth and thermal protection, best for intermittent aerobic use in cold conditions, while the Polartec NeoShell is a waterproof, breathable, quiet, four-way stretch soft shell fabric. The combination of the two led to an APEX design award for the jacket. It comes in three colours – red, blue or black – and is priced at £280 (RRP).
