This is one serious jacket. It oozes quality and intricate design thinking – though you’d hope that would be the case given the hefty price tag.
The Spitz model from Haglofs goes all the way back to 2007. At the time, it was regarded as one of the first uncompromising technical mountaineering shells out there. A rebooted version was released in 2017 and we liked it a lot, describing it in our review as a “jacket that ticks all the boxes”. This new version comes with a slightly updated look to fit the times but, more importantly, it also comes with the latest version of Gore-tex Pro. This new membrane is slightly more breathable than the previous iteration, it’s also slightly less crinkly and quieter.
Who is the Haglöfs Spitz For?
The Spitz is a jacket for high level use. Haglöfs list it as being made for mountaineering and alpinism and we won’t argue with that.
Pros: An excellent cut, high-spec fabrics, climber-friendly details
Cons: Expensive, soon to be outdated with arrival of new Gore-tex ePE
“One of the most impressive jackets I’ve tried in recent times.”
At 510g, it’s a little on the heavy side so ultralight hikers might have to cross it off their list, but if you’re venturing out into a Scottish blizzard and need a jacket to wear all day-long, this’ll serve you well.
Features and Materials
The Gore-tex Pro fabric has an impressive 28,000 hydrostatic head and generally feels very tough, particularly on the shoulders and cuffs where the fabric is given extra reinforcement. The napoleon pockets on the chest are big – easily big enough for a map – and the inner chest pocket serves as a pretty bombproof safe to store any items you want to keep dry.
The cuff tabs are oversized, making them easy to adjust when you’re wearing winter gloves. They also double up as extra reinforcement to withstand any rough rock when you’re climbing or scrambling.
