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Gear Reviews

Keela Spectrum

£110.00

LFTO rating
Owners' rating

Keela has long used its unique Dual Protection System to ensure the wearer doesn’t suffer from the build-up of condensation often associated with other systems. The Spectrum is a modern classic winter jacket using this system. It has loads of features including a removable snowskirt. The jacket is a little longer than some and so the two base pockets can be accessed while wearing rucksack belts. You get an external chest pocket that just about takes an OS map, plus two pockets behind the main stormflap. There’s a removable hood with a wired peak and wraparound chinflaps that fits superbly and moves effortlessly with the head. Use this in cold weather and it is ideal in many ways, particular if you are on a tight budget. But the sleeves and hem tend to ride up when you stretch your arms up. The lining adds a little extra warmth and weight to the jacket that is not welcome, although of course you don’t need to carry so much extra insulation if this is your jacket in cold weather.

Verdict A superb price for a jacket with so many features and exceptional condensation control, but it’s very heavy.

Outer Innovation 5 Ripstop

Inner High Wicking ADS Micro Laminate

Fabric waterproofness extremely waterproof

Fabric breathability extremely breathable

Sizes XS-XXL (men’s); 10-20 (women’s)

Weight 1015g (men‘s L)

Made in Sri Lanka

Stores in UK no info provided

Users' Overall Rating (2 reviews)

Keela Spectrum

tomtom

User's Overall Rating

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Performance
Build quality
Value for money

A cracking winter jacket. It's too heavy and warm for Summer use but ideal in cooler weather. The fabric is very breathable and condensation isn't a problem. The jacket is extremely waterproof though I did once have some wicking up the sleeve from the cuff in an absolute downpour. The hand warmer pockets are well placed and the inner and chest pockets do the job though I've found little use for the small i-pod pocket. The hood is one of the best I've come across and I've had a lot of waterproof jackets fromm most manufactures. All in all a very underrated jacket at a great price.

(Written by: tomtom)

05 October 2010 18:15
Excellent for Winter

Tim48

User's Overall Rating

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Performance
Build quality
Value for money

I'm a Keela Fan so I'm biased but this is an excellent, low priced jacket for winter use. Like with other bits of Keela stuff I have, the zip can sometimes be a pain but in general this jacket has given excellent performance through the three or four winters I've used it. Heavier than most yes, but it means I wear less underneath and it's warmer and feels bombproof. Plenty of pockets for storage but if you fill them all up you can get a bit weighed down. Good hood ( which is detachable ). Condensation control is superb and decent length as well. Very hard to fault and perfect if you are buying on a budget and very durable.

(Written by: Tim48)

01 June 2008 10:48