Karrimor Arete Jacket

This hard-wearing jacket is of simple design, with few frills. No pit-zips, no lining and most irritatingly, no volume adjuster for a capacious hood. I have owned this jacket for 1 year and exposed it to 100% humdity, torential rain, mist, wind-chill factors of about -10 C and 60-80mph wind. All in Irish winters, at 3-4,000 ft.

It was comfortable enough, with a zip-in system, I added a light 'Spray-Way' polartech fleece, which made it very warm. Breathability was excellent in the notorious Irish weather. Waterproofing was less so. Seams leaked in two panels: shoulders and left back. Once returned to manufacturer, I got it water-tight.

Design Problems: No volume adjuster in hood, nearly drove me to stitch one on myself, draw-srings for hood also made little sense.

This hood has previously been described as of 'odd design'. One can argue that if the hood doesn't work, then don't buy it.

Overall: Despite maunfacturing error in seals and eclectic hood design, I like this jacket, don't pay more than ~$200 though.