Inside Look: Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket

[@hywel3143]

Paul's review is spot on, as usual. It's always tricky to order this kind of technical clothing online, but Paul's reviews really help to smooth the decision-making process. I recently received an Orbital jacket from Trekitt. The fit is perfect for me in Medium, whereas previously with ME jackets I had to return them because Medium was too tight round the chest and Large was too large everywhere else ;-) It is extremely breathable and waterproof, with a relatively long length that is perfect for hillwalking. It's also silent, which makes a refreshing change from a tougher hardshell. The jacket packs down really small, so great for storing in a rucksack or for travel when you need to have a reliable waterproof with you. There is room for a base layer, light mid layer and also my beloved Patagonia R1 fleece underneath. I like the internal zipped pocket, since I am very security conscious about my wallet. These jackets are, unsurprisingly, in very short supply at present, so I hope Trekitt will be able to restock so that more people can benefit from owning one.

[@trekitt]

Thanks for the support and for leaving some valuable comments - I'll pin this so others can use it too. Harry

[@bruhksc479]

Love your videos!!! The only reliable outdoor channel with great knowledge. I‘d really like to see some other formats like comparisons of competing products…

[@leegoodison]

Good idea.

[@trekitt]

Good suggestion. Whilst we do focus on the products that we stock, we do have plans to make some "comparison" videos. Paul.

[@bruhksc479]

@@trekitt nice:))

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

Thanks for the review Paul. I have the original Rab Kinetic Plus and am looking to upgrade so will consider this. I find these kind of jackets are perfect outside of winter when you don’t need as much protection from cold winds but want to avoid overheating like you do in a hard shell on milder but wet days.

[@trekitt]

These new soft/hard shell jackets are total game changers! They'll work all year round with the right layers. Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@robertlockwood4793]

Great video , the 20k HH is a game changer on such a breathable jacket.

[@trekitt]

Agreed!

[@vijayp154]

Thanks, Paul, for another all round review. Would be really great to know how it compares to Artilect formation jacket as well. Thanks.

[@trekitt]

Thank you! We don't stock the Formation yet, so unfortunately I can't give you much of a real-world comparison. Sorry.

[@stuartl7459]

Bought one two weeks ago from yourselves absolutely made up with it 👍

[@trekitt]

It's a cracking jacket and I'm sure that the two of you will be very happy together. Paul.

[@GaryB_OutandAbout]

Love your reviews. I’ve been looking for a new jacket for a while but I’m slowly driving myself mad and keep changing my mind (I’m so indecisive with this sort of thing and over research everything haha) Started out wanting a North Face Tente, then saw various reviews of yours and like the arcteryx beta ar/lt the RAB Kinetic Alpine 2.0 and now this 🤣 I tend to get hot quite easily so don’t want anything too heavy (given can layer up if I did get cold) so just want something for those sopping wet days.. Would the ME Orbital still be suitable for say the 3 peaks with a day pack on very wet days? (Spring/summer/autumn) cheers, Gary.

[@trekitt]

I know what you mean, there's a lot of really good kit out there right now and making a choice can be bewildering. The Orbital would be a great choice for your Three Peaks (and similar) adventures. Paul.

[@GaryB_OutandAbout]

@@trekitt thanks for the reply. That may well be decision made.. I’ll be placing an order with you, just as soon as I’ve decided on which colour! 🤣 yes, I’m that bad 🙄

[@groovyshades8055]

Ok Harry got the message be about 8 weeks before I buy but what about the hat sizes

[@trekitt]

I'm afraid the majority of our beanies aren't available in S/M/L/XL. Some are a lot bigger than others, though, so it's worth trying a few on if you're near. The Rab Pinto beanie, for example, is pretty roomy. Harry

[@robsroams]

I'm really torn between this and a garwal. Both seem great jackets for a similar price. Any recommendations for either? Help me decide. Garwal is goretex but this seems stretchy and ideal for my needs also. Send help 😆

[@trekitt]

I think I'd personally be putting my money towards the Orbital-it's just a lovely thing to wear and has waterproof ratings that match most full-on hardshell jackets but with the added stretch. Harry

[@robsroams]

@Trekitt thanks for your reply Harry. I'm still none the wiser but have made a decision into purchasing some orbital trousers 😀. Il see how they treat me then il know more about the material for the jacket and can make an informed decision 😉. Thanks, rob.

[@groovyshades8055]

Only problem with Trekkit I find is when I go to buy something it’s out of stock not just this jacket in large but my previous attempts to buy other stuff from you. Pants or hats or you don’t do hats in smaller sizes one size does not fit all.

[@trekitt]

It's been tricky getting enough stock lately with the combination of the pandemic and brexit, but we're doing our best to get more of everything. Harry

[@jonathanshone5517]

Question- given the comparisons here with the Rab Kinetic, you say they are similar, but the h/head rating on this ME jacket is twice that of the Kinetic. I ask because the main downside of the Kinetic is that in any sustained rain, even if it's not that heavy, it wets out fairly quickly. If the rain stops, but the weather remains cold and damp, it can take hours to dry out. For that reason I would say the Kinetic is a softshell which will protect against the occasional shower. The Rab website describes the Kinetic 2 as the perfect all round waterproof shell. If the fabric performs the same as the first edition, I would say their claim is doubtful (IMO) certainly for somewhere like Snowdonia.

[@trekitt]

Hi Jonathan. Both the fabrics are "waterproof", but like I say in the videos, they are not really designed to replace a full on gnarly hardshell for really nasty weather. If your outdoor adventures are in typical Snowdonia conditions, all year round, then you'd certainly be better off with a Gore-Tex hardshell. Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@jonathanshone5517]

Hi, I have my goretex (from trekkitt) and I know nothing will replace that when the chips are down. I was really wondering whether the waterproof “side” of this ME jacket is more substantial than the kinetic, given the HH rating. Cheers for your reply.

[@carillion09]

@@jonathanshone5517 what gortex do you have, I'm on the look for one

[@AlanHH]

That font…my eyes! Too small! Great review as usual.

[@trekitt]

I concur, I'll get Harry to change it! Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@andrewbradley2963]

Thanks for the review - is the weight of this on your website correct at 390g and if so, what size is this weight for? How does it pack down it you want to have this in your pack (i.e. does it fold up into its hood or one of the pockets?) as I might consider this for my fast and light kit.

[@trekitt]

Hi Andrew. The Orbital is a super lightweight jacket and the weight, as stated by M.E (size medium) is 390g. TBH, this was the first time that I've put one on, and I was very impressed! When I came to pack it away I did my usual trick of rolling the jacket into its own hood, which was very easy and if I wanted to get it smaller it could have fitted into an Exped XS Fold Dry Bag - www.trekitt.co.uk/equipment/storage/exped-fold-drybag-x-small-black__2603

[@some_developer]

20D fabric? Do you think that's a bit too light for backpacking in terms of durability? Would you recommend something a bit thicker?

[@trekitt]

The Orbital is more suitable when moving faster and lighter. For a true trekking/backpacking hardshell, I'd still go for something more burly like an Arc'teryx Beta LT/AR or Mountain Equipment Rupal. Harry

[@some_developer]

@@trekitt Thanks!

[@davidcressey]

Could you do a full review of the pants?

[@trekitt]

It's unlikely I'm afraid as they're currently sat in our sale. Sorry.

[@craigdavies1747]

I'm telling arcteryx you are fully dressed in M.E! 😂 Nice review. Got my Berghaus fellmaster gtx and Rab equivalent at a cheaper price though.

[@trekitt]

Snitches get stitches Craig 😉

[@allanjames2744]

@@trekitt 🤣. Love it

[@Horarik]

Reminds me of the Rab Kinetic, how does it compare?

[@trekitt]

Orbital is slightly longer and generally a bit roomier, plus has some pit zips. Kinetic is a bit slimmer and more packable. Performance-wise, we've not tested the Orbital in anger so it'd be hard to compare. Harry

[@michaelaaron5326]

Just picked one up on sale and am wondering what the purpose of the big loop with velcro on the inside of the jacket by the label is used for. It looks like one of those features for holding up matching pants but seems odd in this jacket. Also there is a velcro looking ME insignia on the upper outside back. Is that just for decoration? Any insight would be appreciated.

[@trekitt]

It allows you to roll the hood away. The loop on the outside is a hanging loop. Harry

[@st3pbackandpullup]

How is it actually? Happy with the purchase?

[@michaelaaron5326]

@@st3pbackandpullup I like it but use it mostly for around town and commuting. Like most similar jackets I don't like how baggy they get at wrists with that type of closure. Materials and workmanship look good. Love the stretch and feel of fabric. The roll away hood closure is a bit silly. I may trim it off. I bought medium and am 5'8" 145lbs and it fits very nicely. Enough room for layering but not too baggy.

[@andrewstart6772]

Why type of dog is the grey one?

[@trekitt]

Margo (curly and white) - cockapoo Nellie (black and brown) - cocker spaniel Murphy (larger brown one) - labradoodle

[@andrewstart6772]

@@trekitt Haha, thanks! I didn't think you'd answer as the video is a little older. Murphy's great, lovely colour. Very short hair for a labradoodle? Anyway, I purchased an Orbital for my partner on the back of your review. Keep up the great work!