Various Brands (Scramble Kit Test Bargains)

Scramble's Kit Test Bargains

Scramble run two intensive kit tests per year (see here). They wanted a single place to off-load individual items from old kit tests, so we made this page: The Scramble Kit Test Bargain Bucket.

Because Scramble don't have a limitless budget they do a great deal of research before items are even selected as possible rivals for preexisting recommendations. All items listed here were genuine "best-in-class" contenders and will likely serve their new owners very well indeed.

Scramble's editor has written a note for each item, stating its precise condition, usage and any background information that may help customers make an informed purchase.

We've reversed the product list below, so new additions come first.

Warranty & Returns

Scramble are very confident in their kit test products and have offered a full 1 year guarantee. If any of these products fail within the warranty period simply return the item for a full refund. In addition if the product is not to your liking simply return it as you would a new item (see our Returns Policy).

Finally, all product images are of the actual items for sale (they're not stock images).

We'll hand it over to Scramble ...

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR // DynoStryke Waterproof 2L Jacket  : £32.30

Drop-Down Code: MHR-A17

Price: £32.30 (RRP £85.00)

Size: Large (41"-43" chest)

Item Weight: 425g

Colour: Altitude Blue / Hardwear Navy

Condition: Near mint / almost as new condition, re-proofed though likely didn't need it  (~ 4 days of outdoor use)

PRODUCT INFORMATION

A while back we wanted to test whether expensive 2.5 or 3-layer waterproof jackets were really necessary and so we purchased a good quality 2-Layer waterproof (Mountain Hardwear's DynoStryke) to establish whether the premiums on more advanced membrane construction are warranted (in the main they are). Like most things it turns out you get what you pay for and we determined ultralight 2.5-Layer waterproofs met our requirements.   

However, this jacket isn't a bad waterproof by any means. If used for its likely intended purpose: day treks, urban downpour commutes, dog walking etc ... then the DynoStryke is a very good quality, robust rain jacket. It's just some way off what we require at Scramble (but you have to test these things to be sure). The main weaknesses of this kind of jacket are: a) vapour transfer and thus condensation during intense activity, b) the hood which really needs a cap to function well for genuine outdoor use, and c) its weight, which though not outrageously heavy, is not in the sub to low 300g camp of the good 2.5 layers.

So if you're after a very good quality, durable and nicely finished rain jacket for non-mountain use and don't want to spend a fortune this may well be a quality bargain. 

Mountain Hardwear say:

A reliable 2-layer construction with a durable 70D face fabric that's ready for tough, wet conditions. Whether you're on a trail with friends on an overcast fall day, or navigating your daily commute when the skies open up, the DynoStryke™ has you covered  (that's actually a pretty good description).

Specification

• Fabric Body: Dry.Q® 70D 2L Ripstop (100% Nylon)
• Mesh backing
• Water-resistant PU center front zipper
• Adjustable hood with laminated cap
• Secure zippered chest pocket and two zippered hand warmer pockets
• Ajustable hem-cinch
• Adjustable Velcro® cuff tabs
• Apparel Fit: Standard
• Weight: 430g (size large)

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR // Kor Cirrus Hybrid Jacket (New) : £88.20

Drop-Down Code: MHR-A16

Price: £88.20 (RRP £180.00)

Size: Medium (chest 40" = looser; 42" = fitted; 41" = ideal)

Item Weight: ~ 290g

Colour: Green (Dark Army)

Condition: New with tags

Product Page (note the later versions have different / not so nice styling): https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/mens-kor-cirrus-hybrid-jacket-1879401_S.html

PRODUCT INFORMATION

This in an item queued up for testing but we over-bought the size M for our team. The Kor Cirrus is an ultralight insulated jacket, with just enough high quality (Primaloft Gold Active) insulation to make a meaningful difference. The Kor Cirrus is a genuine hybrid and is best viewed as an active breathable Wind Jacket that happens to be insulated (Black Yak's Bruna viewed similarly, is a wind-top that happens to be fully waterproof).

The Mountain Hardwear Kor Cirrus weighs around 290g and is designed not as a static ultralight belay piece, but rather for active pursuits where some additional insulation is required. Where MH have been very smart is in their choice of insulation, which has allowed them to partition the insulation and concentrate it in the essential areas; the bulk of the insulation is around the core, with some insulation on the outer arm. There is zero insulation at the wrist or up the inside arm. This has allowed MH to reduce bulk and the Kor Ciirrus packs down small. This jacket will work well for summer nighttime insulation and due to its lack of bulk fits nicely under softshells and hardshells and layers well over lightweight down pieces or under heavier insulation as a booster for much colder climes. A very versatile jacket and we'll no doubt have more to say post testing.

There is some stretch to the jacket (which is why MH used Primaloft Gold Active), and we'd suggest this would be ideal for someone with a 41" chest, but should work for 1" either side of that.  The Kor Cirrus is long in the arm but, due to the binding at the wrist, rests at the hands.

Specification

• Pertex Quantum Air - Increases durability and breathability.
• DWR Treatment - Provides water resistance.
• Primaloft Gold Active (40g/sm) - Increases core warmth.
• Articulated Fit - Allows the jacket to be easily and comfortably layered without restricting movement
• YKK Vislon Full-length zip
• Hand Pockets - Well sized and the jacket packs down into the right hand pocket. 
• Chest Pocket - To store essentials.
• Uses: Rock Climbing, Backpacking / Hiking, Mountain Biking, Skiing

INOV-8 // ATC Base Elite Short Sleeve Zip Top : £17.00

Drop-Down Code: IN8-A14

Price: £17.00 (RRP £50.00)

Size: Large (40"- 42" chest)

Item Weight: 131g

Colour: Black (Phantom)

Condition:  Excellent (~ 12 days of outdoor use)

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Overall a high quality lightweight running top with a good deep zip and mesh back providing superb ventilation. Inov-8 ceased making them before we could consider a recommendation. The only concern we had with this top was its performance with heavy packs. As such we strongly recommend this top for trail and general running, training and light and fast scrambles. Excellent weight and very good hot weather performance. 

Specification

• Lightweight, wicking and quick drying fabric with UV protection
• Mesh cooling panels
• Polygiene anti-microbial permanent odour control
• Dual collar with inner rucksack / pack protection
• Deep centre front zip with locking zip head
• Materials: 54% Polyester, 46% S.Cafe Treated Polyester