Review...
i have had this jacket for nearly 6months now and i have to say its been amazing :) i use it twice a week at the climbing wall for keeping warm between routes and problems and have used it on many very wet walks and has still keep't me warm. it is very waterproof and can keep the wind of very well, i can put my climbing helmet under the hood and still have room for adjustment :) this thing is built like a tank and will last a life time ,it also comes with its own stuff sac so can be compressed into a very small package, perfect for keeping at the bottom of your rucksack. i love this jacket and its very hard to pick fault with it, top job mountain equipment :D !

As slacklines go this is a brilliant product! It is a technical line, being 25mm, and 18m is plenty long enough to cover most distances! The ratchet is easy and comfortable to use and gets the line super tight. The line attaches to buckles on either end and keeps the line flat. The tree protectors are a fantastic addition.

This is a brilliant line and i definitely reccomend it, even if it is a bit pricey!

The Astron caught my eye in a store in Bude, Cornwall....it's a striking looking softshell, and the blue or yellow zips really stand out. It's ideal as a mid or even top layer, in all but the worst rain. With Polartec Powerstretch panels and elastane cuffs it slips on like a second skin - it looks and feels great.

The hooded version I bought has a stiffened peak giving some protection for your face from wind snow and rain - the hood is big enough for a climbing helmet, and that combined with the active cut of the jacket and the stretch panels allows you to move freely, making it ideal for climbers.

I found the Astron keeps out all but the heaviest rain, and is wind resistant yet extremely breathable - I've worn the jacket for active hiking and even a little running in the mountains, and its kept me warm and dry without overheating.

Its got two external pockets, ideal for holding your GPS when hiking, or light gear when climbing - the pockets are easy to access even when climbing.


An elasticated and adjustable cord around the base of the jacket allows you to adjust it to fit, and the cuffs are 'elastane' so the jacket fits very comfortably but with room and stretch enough to make you feel you're not really wearing it.

Its so comfortable I find myself wearing it as an everyday item of casual clothing, yet it stands up to heavy weather in the mountains - combine it with a good base layer and a hard shell and you're good to go!

One small reservation is robustness - my son's Astron has had the stitching come apart at the seam along the shoulder - in fairness though, it hasn't torn, simply come undone, and is with ME currently waiting for a response- the store readily admitted they would either replace or repair it, so fingers crossed!

My own jacket has taken everything I have thrown at it and come back for more....


This jacket is an absolute 'must have' in my backpack for any kind of outdoor activity - if you're looking for something you can wear for everything from every day hiking to climbing and mountaineering, the Astron is an ideal addition to your outdoor wardrobe.