Soft shell for versatility: Mountain Equipment’s Men’s Vulcan Jacket
In walking, hiking and camping circles there are many words and phrases that relate to clothing and equipment which some people may not actually fully understand.
In clothing, ‘soft shell’ is known to all outdoor enthusiasts, but what exactly is it? Surely if there’s a soft shell, there is also a hard shell? Correct, but it’s not a phrase you hear very often.
At BCH Camping we stock both hard shell and soft shell jackets. Before we introduce you to a leading example of the versatility of soft shell jackets, we’ll clarify the difference between hard shell and soft shell.
What is a hard shell jacket?
When would you choose a hard shell jacket? When you need great weather protection. Non-insulated, high quality hard shell jackets are lighter and easier to pack than their soft shell counterparts, so always a great choice when weight and space are at a premium.
What is a soft shell jacket?
Soft shell fabric is stretchy, water-resistant and breathable. It doesn’t offer as much weather protection as a hard shell jacket, but it does shield you from light snow and rain. There are some soft shell jackets in which the fabric features waterproof breathable technology, but most soft shell fabric is water repellent. The stretchy fabric is designed to move with you during activities while maintaining a comfortable body temperature. Soft shell jackets often have a soft or fleece lining for extra warmth.When would you choose to wear a soft shell jacket? If you’re looking for an insulating mid layer when skiing or going out in snowy conditions, or an outer on hikes in cold weather, a soft shell jacket is a great choice. Soft shell is also a popular choice of fabric for an everyday jacket.
Mountain Equipment’s Men’s Vulcan Jacket
Mountain Equipment have been manufacturing outdoor clothing for over 50 years. In their Vulcan jacket they have created a versatile soft shell that provides year-round weather protection.The jacket’s full stretch fabric with brushed lining is highly weatherproof and completely windproof.
Main features of the Mountain Equipment Men’s Jacket
- GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ 290 soft shell fabric
- Mountain helmet-compatible hood that allows you to climb or ski in challenging conditions.
- Active fit with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves
- Over-locked and topstitched construction on the body, twin needle on the hood
- 2-way YKK® moulded centre front zip
- 2 hand pockets with breathable mesh lining
- Napoleon chest pocket and inner zipped security pocket
- YKK® underarm pit zips for ventilation
- Adjustable cuffs and dual tether hem drawcords
- Weight : 790g / 27.9oz
- 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane, ePTFE Membrane
From BCH Camping the Mountain Equipment Men’s Vulcan jacket is available in graphite in sizes S, M, L and XL.
Size Chart
| UK | S | M | L | XL | |
| Chest Size |
Inches CM |
38-40 96-102 |
40-42 102-107 |
42-44 107-112 |
44-46 112-117 |
| Waist |
Inches CM |
30 76 |
32 81 |
34 86 |
36 91 |
Review of the Mount Equipment Vulcan soft shell jacket
In a recent review by Requiem for the Extreme, the Mountain Equipment Men’s Vulcan jacket was given 10 out of 10. The reviewer said, “I spent a winter mountaineering course in the Cairngorms using this jacket and temperature-wise it’s not too hot not too cold, just right and a proper all-rounder. I’d highly recommend this jacket to anybody for day to day hiking in cold to cooler weather all the way up to more technical mountaineering.”
Other products from Mountain Equipment at BCH Camping
At BCH Camping we stock a range of Mountain Equipment clothing, including a mix of waterproof jackets and walking trousers. Some other Mountain Equipment items we can supply are:Plain knitted beanie
Drilite overmitt
Redline LS tee
Micro Zip-T
Approach pant
Switch vest
Get in touch
BCH Camping supply clothing, footwear, camping and backpacking equipment. If you would like to know more about the Mountain Equipment range of products available at BCH Camping, or if you have any other enquiry we can help with, please get in touch.Remember, the adventure starts at BCH Camping!
