Initial Verdict
With Alpkit’s newly anointed clothing designer coming from Rab, it’s maybe not a coincidence that the jacket the Gravitas reminds us of most is that brand’s excellent Flashpoint. Like that jacket, the Gravitas is light without feeling flimsy, has good levels of breathability and waterproofing and has been nicely put together from an impressively light three-layer fabric and its hood is quietly brilliant.
And while Alpkit has focussed on the jacket’s running, cycling and adventure race capabilities, we reckon the longish, close, but not tight, cut and a cracking hood make it an excellent lightweight all-rounder for lightweight walkers and even climbers too.
In fact, for pure running or cycling, a shorter front and longer drop-tail, might well work better, but for general outdoors use, the current configuration is just fine and offers a little more welcome crotch protection too.
Finally, Alpkit’s direct sale business model means that the Gravitas is exceptionally good value for money. It’s not cheap, but you’re getting a lot of jacket for your money.
That’s the story so far. We’ll update once we’ve got some more hill time with the jacket.
