Construction and Performance

The jacket is well-equipped, ticking all the boxes for a reliable hillwalking shell. The main zip and external chest pocket feature laminated, water-resistant zips, while those on the two hand pockets and pit zips are both reverse-coil designs, protected by storm flaps. The hood has a laminated brim and three-point adjustment. It cinches in well, offering good face protection.The overall fit is relatively roomy. It might be worth sizing down if you prefer a trimmer-fitting shell. But Velcro cuff tabs and a single hem drawcord offer a good weatherproof seal.

The rainpants have a zip fly with a snap button closure. They also feature articulated knees for improved mobility, and a secure right-thigh pocket for easy access. The ankle cuffs have a streamlined design with an adjustable press stud closure and tie-down loops. This ensures a close fit over your boots, with the ability to keep them in place so the ankles don’t ride up.

But the best features are the extended side zips, which run from hem to hip for easy pull-on over boots, even if you’re forced to don these trousers halfway up a rain-sodden hillside. The zips themselves are also laminated to ensure they stay reliably watertight. It’s just a shame they only have a single one-way zipper, which means you can’t open the upper section for ventilation. We always find this is great for helping dump heat and internal moisture build-up when you’re working hard up a punishing mountain ascent.

Verdict

This is rainwear that does all the basics well, and more. You get reliable wet weather protection, solid durability and a good range of features in a lightweight and comfortable package. The shell stuffs away into its own pocket, while the overtrousers are similarly packable, so this set is a good choice for hillwalkers and backpackers alike.

Most importantly though, the Granite Crest range also brings with it some impressive sustainability credentials, including a fully recycled fabric and a PFC-free finish. All in all, it’s a very versatile three-season option from one of the most outspoken and stridently eco-conscious outdoor brands around

“To someone like me there is little special about the Granite Crest jacket, but it encompasses so much that lots of other brands don’t offer. A well cut, waterproof membrane jacket, not overloaded with features. The strength of a good design is what you leave out, as opposed to how many extra features you can cram in. The more pockets, the more stuff we put in them = the less permeable that area of the garment is; a wired visor is vital for the wind of this country; to me this is a KISS jacket – keep it simple (…stupid), but with great quality & even better responsible manufacturing.”