The Mountain Equipment Astron is a diverse and well designed softshell. The are both male and female (Astral) versions, along with a hooded jacket, non hooded jacket, pull on jacket (with half zip), and a vest. So there are a number of different versions out there, allowing users to choose the version most suitable for their activities. Personally I have the hooded jacket. I have found a number of things in the time I have owned this jacket:

Firstly the jacket really does keep the wind off you, as a windproof layer it is very effective. It is also showerproof, anything but heavy rain is repelled.

Secondly the jacket is very breathable, I get hot very easily on the hill, however I can wear this jacket all day and remain cool.

Thirdly it is very flexible. This makes it great to climb in, there are flexible fleece sections on the sides of the jacket meaning it is articulated when climbing.

The hood is also excellent, allowing a helmet comfortably underneath.

The other thing I would say about this jacket is that the sizes come up a little small, so if you are usually a size M, get an L in this jacket!

Overall, just a brilliant jacket, ideal as a lightweight shell, or just a jacket to climb in during less than ideal weather conditions!

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.