Result Performance Opus TECH Lite Soft Shell Jacket
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Opus TECH Lite Soft Shell Jacket Vital Statistics: Colours: Black, Olive/Black, Orange/Grey Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL SRP: £55.00

Opus TECH Lite Soft Shell Jacket

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Black, Olive/Black, Orange/Grey

Sizes:
XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL

SRP:
£55.00

Features to Note:

Waterproof (5,000mm)
Breathable (3,000mvp)
Windproof
TECH Performance Soft Shell Technology
3 layer waterproof 5,000mm bonded fabric: Outer-layer:93% Polyester 7% Spandex
Mid-layer: TPU waterproof, breathable & windproof membrane
Inner-layer: Polyester mesh
Soft athletic 3 way stretch fabric
Quick drying
Comfort fit
Lightweight
Additional underarm & back ventilation
Side zip hip adjusters
TECH Performance blind stamp on left arm
Reflective TECH Performance logo visible through rubber tear release adjustable cuffs

In-use Test:

The Result Performance Opus TECH Performance Lite Soft Shell Top was tested in the higher parts of the North Pennines and in the Peak District in mid-November in cold, dry windy weather and cold, damp and windy weather with driving drizzle. The Soft Shell Top was tested on full day walks over high and rough moorland

This Soft Shell Top is well made and is very comfortable. I found it quite easy to put on and take off, which is often a problem with smock-type clothing. Venting the hip and the pit zips was easy even when carrying a pack, although gloves had to be removed to do this.

It was effective as a windproof top worn over a base layer and a lightweight fleece. In colder weather, a woollen base layer was worn underneath replacing a polyester base layer. This Soft Shell Top is not waterproof and a breathable waterproof jacket was worn over the top in persistent rain.

The Soft Shell Top appeared to be breathable whilst walking and stayed very comfortable throughout the walking day, although the outer layer showed some wetness along seams some time after finishing walking, though, oddly, not whilst walking. The Soft Shell Top was very effective in cold and windy conditions.

This Result Performance Opus TECH Performance Lite Soft Shell Top remained effective when a waterproof outer shell was added and the combination was very comfortable in some quite poor 'Pennine' conditions of rain, wind and cold. During butty stops and short rests, I didn't have to put on any additional clothing to stay warm.

The vent at the back may not be effective whilst wearing a pack.

The fasteners at the cuffs are not very effective and regularly come open which was a bit irritating at first.

This Soft Shell Top is tailored to cover the lower back and is elasticated around the bottom and it doesn't ride up when carrying a rucksack.

Buying Advice:

he Result Performance Opus TECH Performance Lite Soft Shell Top works best as an outer windproof layer worn over the top of a base layer or as a mid-layer and is superb in cool, windy and dry weather, i.e. from autumn through to spring and for wearing during breaks on the cooler summer days. It does the job of a breathable windproof outer shell very well indeed.

It is sufficiently shower proof for short periods of light rain but in wet weather, an additional waterproof outer layer needs to be added, or, possibly substituted in cool, wet summer conditions.

Washing instructions are to use liquid soap only at 40C.

My overall impression was that the Result Performance Opus TECH Performance Lite Soft Shell Top is a useful windproof shell for use in typical autumn, winter and spring conditions.

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