Here’s a new jacket from Mountain Equipment that appears to compete directly with the better-established Rab Bergen. The Saltoro is made from 3-layer Gore-Tex so its waterproof and breathability standards are well-established. You get just two chest pockets, and these are huge so they easily provide room for cold hands, maps or guidebooks. They are easily accessed no matter what rucksack you are wearing. The jacket is shorter than some we looked at, and about 5cm shorter than the Rab Bergen, so you’ll need overtrousers readily to hand. There is no external stormflap over the main zip either, which saves weight and makes it easier to use the zip, but allows greater potential for water seepage, although this may only be an issue in driving rain. The hood is excellent and fairly typical of the brand’s design with a massive wired peak plus excellent fit and movement with the head. At 518g (size L) the Mountain Equipment Saltoro is slightly lighter than the Rab Bergen, but it is not as long. I’d personally go for the Rab every time when hillwalking, but there will certainly be some who prefer the more minimalist design of the Saltoro, however – so try them both before buying.
Weight 518g (size L)
Fabric 3-layer Gore-Tex
Lining none
Men’s sizes S-XXL
Women’s sizes 8-16
External pockets 2
Can hood be rolled down? yes
Side/pit vents no
Website www.mountain-equipment.co.uk
Verdict
The Mountain Equipment Saltoro is almost an ideal choice for hill and mountain walking, but it is not as long as similar jackets, a fact you may value as more important than the weight saving it offers.
Review by Graham Thompson
First published in Trail magazine November 2013