Sam from our marketing department was lucky enough to get an early-release Mountain Equipment Oreus Jacket to test in Iceland. Was it worth 5 years of development?
A few months ago, I was lucky enough to receive the Oreus Jacket from Mountain Equipment for review. Naturally, I was excited to test an impressive piece of kit, but I was also concerned about how to test a winter jacket during the summer.
However, as usual, the UK’s unpredictable weather delivered some challenging conditions, even when it was supposed to be warm and dry. And if that wasn’t enough, a trip to Iceland was sure to give it a real test!
Before diving into my own experience with the Oreus jacket, let’s discuss what makes this jacket so exciting!
The Oreus is the result of a five-year development project aimed at creating what Mountain Equipment hopes will be the best mid-weight synthetic jacket on the market. The long development time was due to the existence of synthetic fills that did not meet Mountain Equipment’s standards.
This led to the creation of their own synthetic insulation, Aetherm Precision Insulation. Aetherm is warmer than anything of equivalent weight, more breathable, and more packable! The innovation behind this jacket is so impressive that it won the ISPO Award for outstanding performance.
AETHERM INSULATION
So, how exactly does Aetherm™ work, and what makes it so special? Aetherm’s innovative 3D structure weaves together multiple strands of 100% recycled polyester fibres with a reflective layer. This delivers an amazing loft and warmth without adding weight or compromising on packability.
Designed to resemble the performance of down, Aetherm offers the advantages of synthetic insulation. This means it remains warm even when wet, requires less care than down but still achieves an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
Mountain Equipment is keeping the finer details of Aetherm insulation close to their chests. It will be exciting to learn more about this breakthrough technology as it evolves in the coming years. It’s certainly a promising step forward in outdoor insulation, and it’ll be interesting to see how they continue to develop it!
FEATURES AND FABRICS
Next, let’s quickly go over the key features and fabrics. Mountain Equipment opted for a PLASMA 10D outer fabric, an ultra-lightweight material that’s surprisingly durable! For something so sheer you can see through it. This fabric also benefits from a fluorocarbon-free DWR (durable water repellent) treatment, enhancing its eco-friendly credentials.
Starting from the top, the jacket features a fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood. A 2-way YKK front zipper, backed by an insulated baffle. This allows the jacket to function well for belaying or provide ventilation when needed.
You’ll find two external handwarmer pockets, a non-insulated chest pocket, and on the inside, an elasticated drop pocket, perfect for storing gloves or hats. This internal pocket also doubles as a stuff sack with a harness clip for added convenience. Rounding out the design is a dual hem adjustment and elasticated cuffs.
Overall, the Oreus Jacket is sleek, functional, and fuss-free, making it an incredibly versatile piece of gear.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
So, it sounds impressive on paper, but is it actually any good? Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity (to my surprise) to put the Oreus Jacket through its paces in a variety of UK and foreign climates. From tackling the Welsh 3000s in July to hiking the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland this September, the jacket has been my constant companion, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at every turn.
My go-to jacket
When I first received the jacket, I was sceptical. Could it really replace my tried-and-tested down jackets or my robust synthetic layers? But to my surprise, it’s basically taken over. No matter the situation, I find myself reaching for the Oreus before anything else.
There are several reasons for this, but the most important is its versatility. No matter what unpredictable conditions the great outdoors throws at me, the Oreus has consistently remained reliable, keeping me warm and comfortable. In the UK’s ever-changing, often confusing weather, adaptability is key, and the Oreus excels here. Thanks to its Aetherm™ insulation, I was comfortable from 14°C in Wales to 0°C in Iceland. The jacket never felt clammy or too warm, even as conditions shifted.
My Favourite features
Another standout feature is how easy it is to layer. The fabric is smooth enough both inside and out that it never snags or disrupts when quickly throwing a fleece underneath or a waterproof over the top – a frequent necessity in the UK.
Even under a waterproof shell, the jacket maintained its performance while on the move. The only issue I encountered was with the inner fabric of the sleeves. When my hands were wet, it became tricky to put the jacket back on, as the material would cling slightly. However, this only bothered me once or twice and, in the grand scheme of things, it is a small price to pay for an otherwise excellent piece of kit!
Weight and pack size
Pack size and weight have become increasingly important to me, especially when considering synthetic options, which can sometimes be a concern. However, the Oreus pleasantly surprised me.
Weighing in at just 390g and packing down to a very convenient size, it’s quickly becoming a serious competitor to down jackets. Don’t get me wrong, if you opt for down, you can find something lighter and more compact. But the robustness and reliability of synthetic insulation, particularly with the narrowing gap between the two, is a huge advantage.
Finally, let’s talk about durability. Any insulated jacket needs to be tough, because, let’s face it, we use and abuse them. As mentioned earlier, I was thoroughly impressed by the durability of the 10D fabric, even though it’s so thin you can almost see through it. It has withstood a fair bit of punishment, from scraping against Dartmoor’s granite to being used as a seat on the Welsh 3000s, and it still shows very few signs of wear. Plus, if you do manage to put a hole in it, you won’t have to worry about a cloud of down feathers escaping into your pack!
CONCLUSION
So, was the Mountain Equipment Oreus Jacket worth five years of development and a place in my wardrobe? The simple answer is yes. This jacket has exceeded my expectations for what a synthetic jacket can achieve, setting a new standard for performance. It’s not only made me excited to get outdoors and push its limits, but it also gets me excited for the future of synthetic insulation as it continues to evolve. The Oreus has proven itself to be a versatile, durable, and reliable companion, and I can confidently say it’s earned its spot in my gear lineup.
