Kathmandu Breccia Waterproof Jacket for Men
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Breccia Waterproof Jacket for Men Vital Statistics: Colours: Leaf Sizes: S, M, L, XL Weight: 440gms (size XL) SRP: £189.99

Breccia Waterproof Jacket for Men

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Leaf

Sizes:
S, M, L, XL

Weight:
440gms (size XL)

SRP:
£189.99

Features to Note:

Fabric: 100% Nylon, 3 layer construction with rip stop face uses own NGX3™ technology.
Adjustable waist and hem for added weather protection
3 way adjustable hood with reinforced peak
Reinforced shoulders
Articulated sleeves and adjustable cuffs
Water resistant zips
Made in China

In-use Test:

The Breccia from Kathmandu is a good looking, light weight jacket designed specifically for walking. And it does indeed have some well thought out features.

It's a good length with an excellent, easily adjustable hood that provides good face protection as well. There are two big pockets on the front with a third on the left side front - the third one is big enough for a folded OS map. All the pockets are easily accessible whilst wearing a backpack - there are reinforced areas on each shoulder to reduce the risk of wear from straps.

The full length, 2-way zip, which has a good size storm-flap behind it, runs a little bit 'stickly' but I've found this to be usually the case with a water-resistant zip such as this.

The sleeves are also cut well. There's good freedom of movement plus the sleeves don't ride up when your arms are bent. The jacket itself also does not lift up when you lift your arms above your head.

The jacket uses Kathmandu's own NGX ™fabric. It does have a rip-stop face and does feel as if it will be reasonably hard-wearing - however it does rustle somewhat so this is probably not a jacket for bird-watching. It's been waterproof in some quite heavy rain. However, I do 'run hot' and I've found that there has been a build-up of condensation in warmer conditions - particularly at the back of my neck where there's a very large label. So I've had to make use of the options available for temperature control - opening the main zip, adjusting the cuffs, leaving the mesh-lined pockets open (when empty!).

Buying Advice:

Kathmandu's Breccia is an attractive looking, light weight, waterproof jacket with some well-thought out features. However, if you 'run hot' (as I do) then you may find that the breathability of the NGX™ fabric may not be adequate in warmer conditions or for higher energy activities. If you're generally a 'cooler' type then the Breccia has a nice contemporary look for general, lower level walking in spring/summer or in colder weather as part of a layering system. At full price, it is a little expensive - and you do have to like green!

What do you think?

Have you got a Kathmandu Breccia Waterproof Jacket for Men?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of Kathmandu Breccia Waterproof Jacket for Men - so we can publish your important views below.

• I have had this jacket for a couple of years and really only worn it this last winter as we have been moving. The Breccia looks good and is in essence a good winter jacket only as it is far too hot for the rest of the seasons. A well designed jacket with a few points I do not like: Zips are waterproof and sticky, hard to engage main one. Cuffs have tab closure that catches on the body of the jacket when moving. No pit zips! and the thing that really bugs me is that from new the DWR treatment was no good as in patches it wetted out and leaked in moderate to heavy rain (10/25 mm per hour). A treatment with Nikwax and DWR cured that with a medium/high drying heat in the dryer cured the problem. These are a few points to consider if paying full price but as I only paid a pittance can't complain.

Tony Stevens, Christchurch NZ