This is a review of the Mountain Equipment Lightline Classic Duvet Jacket that can be found in a lot of outdoors stores at the moment.
I first bought this jacket for those cold and frosty mornings when something a bit warmer than a fleece is required. I’ve found that I’m wearing it a lot more than I anticipated as it copes with damp and light rain very well with its Drilite Loft outer.
I’m quite a tall person and this jacket was a good couple of inches longer in body and sleeve than a similar Mountain Hardwear down jacket that I tried on. The hood is excellent for wild weather, but I’m glad it’s detachable as I don’t use it in general day to day use.
Good points about the Mountain Equipment Lightline jacket – very warm, lightweight, packs small. Good sleeve length and body length. Excellent detachable hood. Fleece lined collar.
Negative points: Waist drawcord is flimsy and there is no snow skirt. You could live with one or the other, but with just a very thin bit of elastic and fabric at the bottom of the jacket holding it down and no snow skirt you’d think twice about using it in a skiing or sledging capacity. Wrist velcro could be a bit more substantial too. The only other gripe I have with the Lightline is the lack of zip pulls on the pocket zips. Try getting cold fingers to grip the tiny zip pulls on the main pockets and frustration ensues.
Altogether though the Lightline is a very capable jacket from Mountain Equipment and with many retailers currently discounting it, it makes a good buy. Full price £150.
