Finisterre Sastruga jacket review
Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
What the manufacturers have to say:
Features
- Female-specific active cut
- Hood with adjustable drawcords
- Packs away into its own pocket
- Dual draw-cord adjustable hem
- Elasticated pockets and secure zipped internal chest pocket
- Weight 400gms
- Lifetime guarantee
Fabric
- Windproof & water resistant, durable ripstop outer shell
- 100% recycled/recyclable polyester shell & lining
- Fast drying & breathable – Primaloft Eco® synthetic insulation fill (130g/m2 body, 100g/m2 sleeves and hood)
What I have to say:
I bought this jacket a couple of months ago, mostly because I was jealous of my friends with their snug down jackets and wanted one of my own. This jacket offered something a bit different in style and technology to the typical North Face, Alp Kit, Rab, etc jackets. In addition to that I am a big fan of Finisterre, they are a UK based company with good philosophies backed up with good products. I have owned one of their Bise gilets for months and love it.
The inner of the jacket is a synthetic, breathable insulation called Primaloft Eco®, containing 50% recycled materials. From a performance point of view all I can say is it is snug, warm and lightweight (400g compared to a leading down jacket at 700g). So it is definitely less bulky than similar down equivalents. This is highlighted by the fact it will fit into its own pocket, don’t worry I have checked this claim as it seems impossible that it would – it does!! In addition, Finisterre claim that synthetic fill will retain 75% of its warmth when wet, compared with 15% for down. The fit, comfort and aesthetics of the jacket are brilliant. I like the feel of the elasticated cuffs and adjustable hemline; it just makes it feel well fitted. The hood also has toggles so you can wrap up warm when it gets a bit cold. I love the feel of the fabric, it is like being in a silky, soft sleeping bag. Have to say I now have many friends jealous of my jacket.
Overall the Sastruga is a comfortable, lightweight, warm, windproof, water resistant, breathable jacket that lives up to its claims. Buying a product, from a UK based company, with some nice environmental claims also means you can feel you are doing your bit for the world. Plus it looks a bit different to every other insulated jacket on the market. I guess if I had to say something bad it is that the price point of £150 may be a little high for some people but it is worth the money – and I managed to get mine on a 50% offer so keep your eyes peeled for similar deals.
With the summer months approaching you may not be looking for a full jacket but I can certainly recommend the Bise gilet for the cooler summer evenings.
Article by Sian Slawson
This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 17th, 2011 at 8:21 am and is filed under Sian Slawson, Snowsports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
