Review: Quechua Arpenaz 300 3-in-1 Rain Jacket

Quechua’s Arpenaz 300 3-in-1 jacket proved to be a great companion during a Search and Rescue (SAR) course at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi.

In an outdoor setting, going with a sub-standard piece of gear will take a toll on the pleasure and comfort of your trek or expedition. Quechua’s Arpenaz 300 3-in-1 rain jacket has it all- it protects your upper body from almost all the elements. Unpredictable weather during my Search and Rescue (SAR) course in the mountains at an altitude over 12,500ft, provided all sorts of conditions to use and abuse this jacket. We reached our campsite and were immediately welcomed by windchill and snowfall. I used the jacket constantly for eight days.

Its outer layer (currently available in two colors- blue and red), lining and inner jacket is made up of 100% polyester. I took a huge gamble by deciding not to take my feather jacket with me into the mountains. Just because it would have taken a lot of space, I assumed I would survive the treacherous cold wearing just this jacket. My comrades and I were impressed with the flexibility it offered. It has removable inner fleece (with warm lining in the pockets) which can be zipped or unzipped according to the requirements.

Novadry technology used in the outer jacket has a basic level of waterproofing (100% taped seams) and breathability (hydrophilic coating); it wicks away perspiration as well. It worked great during snowfall which was a norm at my campsite. Its hood is removable using press studs. Adjustable height of the hood using an elastic draw-cord and toggles and adjustable depth using a rip-tab positioned at the back of the head could be used for better face protection. It protected my eyes and forehead from snow flakes falling directly.

It has two warm hand pockets, one outer chest pocket and one Napolean-style pocket on the left hidden under the main flap. All pockets are zipped. Its safe Napolean-style pocket could be used to store camera batteries as it has a warm lining. Its sleeves are adjustable using rip-tabs. The outer layer is of standard cut which makes it possible for other fleeces to be worn under it for additional warmth. It also has a fastening drawcord around the waist to prevent air-entry.

Its 3-in-1 flexibility makes it usable on and off trails but its weight can restrict its use. It weighs about 1150 gms in a large size, so it cannot be used for alpine climbing. Also, its fleece jacket is a size smaller if you detach it and wear it alone. But overall, this jacket is a great accessory to be worn in the mountains.

Pros: Water repellent, windproof, breathable and flexible.

Cons: Heavy so can’t be used for alpine climbing, fleece jacket is a size smaller when detached.

Specifications:

• Waterproof and breathable; Novadry technology used.
• Detachable hood with fitted visor.
• Removable fleece inner jacket with warm lining in the pockets.
• 4 pockets on outer layer and 2 pockets on fleece jacket. All are zipped.
• Adjustable sleeves using rip-tabs.
• Fastening elastic drawcord around waist.

Price: Rs. 4,599

Place: Decathlon