I'd love to see a comparison of the Octayarn vs. polartec's alpha insulation. Since ME also have the switch pro hooded jacket that might be the perfect head to head. I do realize that there are fundamental differences to the jackets in regards to features but since one is ME's proprietary fabric and the other is one used by most of the market I'm very keen to know if it stands up to the challenge.
Having tried both, there really is very little difference and it's extremely difficult to tell in a practical sense. Both are soft, comfy and extremely breathable, working well as outer or midlayers. Essentially, it comes down to which fits best and which brand you prefer. Harry
Great video guys, I've just purchased the Kinesis Jacket, love it, however I find the sleeves ded long on this one, I'm an XL in every jacket brand, I find you almost get like a baggy but where the elasticated bit pulls in. Keep up the awesome reviews guys.. Thanks.
Looking to replace my well used Mountain Equipment Trojan jacket. It had so many trips with me! It is still very stretchy, which I love for cx skiing and incredibly windproof. (It does have a limit and I do always carry a down jacket with me for those extra chills.) The cuffs, however, have been so annoying with this tiny flap that it is impossible to operate with gloves - the Kinesis continues with this, has maybe even made them tinier! Also lacking in Kinesis: ventilation zippers. I love those in Trojan jacket, they absolutely serve a purpose. If I am getting the Kinesis, I will need to train myself to air through the double zipper. Possible, but not easy with the backpack (and its belt) on. The chest pocket is also bigger in Trojan. What do I want to replace my Trojan with? Not sure its Kinesis and Trojan is no longer produced.
The Kinesis and Trojan are very different jackets in terms of how they perform. While the Trojan was fully windproof and lined with a physical membrane, the Kinesis is not windproof and purposely allows a portion of wind through to maximise breathability. The inner is also completely focused on wicking away sweat with those furry fibres. You won't need to ventilate using zips as the fabric is far, far more breathable overall. I would suggest Mountain Equipment's Vulcan will be more similar to your old Trojan: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/mountain-equipment-mens-vulcan-jacket-graphite__42840
@@trekitt Thank you so much for this fast response! I now have Kinesis at home. Its just a little miracle, shockingly light, looks really beautiful in elegant Cosmos colour and is composed of two layers - as stated in the video, but I thought the inner layer will be somehow attached to the outer, but there is air in between. It feels very warm. The only downside is the tiniest flap on the cuff. I will consider keeping it, have tried "dual zipper function" - also quite useful, but I am really looking for a windproof (+++) jacket. Resistance to wind is my top criteria, I can "fix" the rest (meaning waterproofness and cold) with layering, I dont even mind having a bit heavier jacket. The Vulcan is not available in my country, but will consider ordering from abroad. The Trojan was my go to for cross country skiing for years now and I was always surprised how windproof it turned out to be and how long it lasted, given it is a soft, stretchy jacket by character. If I ever even considered wearing something else, I always had my regrets. Cross country skiing is this strange sport where you first freeze to death, then you sweat to death, then the wind blows the life out of you. Wheres the jacket for that? Last but not least. We women tend to read the labels and this label here on Kinesis says the workers get their rights (they are specifically stated). Everyone is now plastering "eco" labels to their clothes and you still dont know if they were produced by a child in a sweatshop. I am absolutely willing to pay for this not to be happening, but transparency is rare, even with renown brands. This statement here, how the workers are treated and what rights they have means I will absolutely continue buying Mountain Equipment.
I have an old mountain equipment astron hooded jacket, which I love. Unfortunately it’s no longer available. Is this suppose to be a new version of the Astron?
I've not personally used the Astron, but having had a quick Google it seems to be more of a traditional softshell with a thicker exterior and less going on inside, whereas the Kinesis feels lighter and has a fluffy lining to draw sweat away. Both designed for roughly the same thing but slightly different ways of going about it. Harry
I struggle with what to wear with what. I’m an over thinker (which doesn’t help 😂) I walk warm, but I’m after a good mid layer for when it does get cold or not moving or at summits and the like. I look at something like this item and can’t see it going under my ME Orbital shell for when it’s quite wet or need an additional layer. Or is that exactly the idea? I’ve looking at the ME Mantle and Arc’teryx Atoms too. Too many choices 🤯😆
It's an 'active' insulation piece, so it works under a shell or on its own when moving quickly. It's more breathable than traditional insulation and allows a little air to pass through the outer fabric to keep you at a consistent temperature. Harry
Hi guys what size would you recommend for a guy 5 10, 33 inch waist, 12-12 half st? Can’t find any to try in my area. I’ve had the Triton in large which alright maybe a tiny bit baggy but good as top layer, great jacket but need something more versatile this looks spot on, thanks Jim.
Probably a medium depending on your chest size. M.E recommend a 39-41" chest in a medium and 41-43" in a large. Your waist measurement will be right on the border between a medium and large.
yeah it’s always the same with me do I go medium or large, depends on the make. Probably be better off losing a few pounds and buying the medium! Cheers anyway.
It's more comparable to Arc'teryx's Proton range in application, but it feels very different. Both are 'active' insulation pieces, whereas the Atom range is a bit more of an all-rounder with less breathability. Harry
Could you go over the specs (i.e. 80% polyester 15% nylon 5% spandex) other than ME's proprietary terms? Thanks! Happy New Year🎊🎋🎉 Congratulations to everyone still alive, the global cabal hasn't killed us yet!
Just in the market for a replacement to the RAB strata. polartec alpha doesn't seem to be used as much now not sure why, but theres no way i'm buying from the arcteryx leaf range. Im looking around for an active insulation. Considering RAB vr summit, xenair alpine or the mountain hardwear kinesis. Any opinions to share comparing these activewear jackets?
The M.E Kinesis is a fantastic active piece and is probably the most breathable of the three. The Xenair Alpine is by far the warmest and the VR Summit sits almost perfectly in between. It depends how warm you need to be and whether you ever plan to use it as a midlayer or just an outer layer. Harry
@@trekitt thanks for your reply. Well the strata had 80g/m so I guess I'll go for either the kinesis or the summit. I can't say I'm a fan of the polartec alpha direct type stuff (without lining over the insulation). But I guess it does buff the breathable properties of the jacket.
I'm afraid that, without a VPN, I can't search for local retailers in your area. Contact your local Mountain Equipment dealer (if there is one!) and see if they can source it for you. Harry
The Kinesis really comes into its own when you need the highest level of breathability - when moving quickly in the mountains, for example. Most synthetically insulated jackets can't match this breathability, but will provide more warmth. It just depends on the conditions and your activity level. Harry
Really, strange how how the outline of Ben has a soft blur when the rest of him is in sharp focus and it just looked like he has an outline that you normally see when green screen is used. Must be just how it was shot. 🤔
It's a little on the slim side but it's definitely not spray painted on. M.E have a sizing chart here which may be of some use: www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/pages/size-guides
For any generously proportioned people still in the market for one of these, I'm 5 ft 7ins and bought a Medium (from Trekitt, good price with two lots of 15% off, thanks), and currently have a significant pot belly. It is slightly tight around the gut but it's not too bad and perfectly fine to wear (I also have a Rab VR Summit and VR Alpine Lite and they seem to have a bit more room in them, in the shoulders and the belly). It is very breathable and you can feel a gust of wind through it, so as someone said above, it may work best with a thicker rather than thinner baselayer, but it depends on your activity level and the wind - either keep moving or put a light wind layer on top.
Thanks for supporting the 2-way zip, most brands overlook it way too often
I'd love to see a comparison of the Octayarn vs. polartec's alpha insulation. Since ME also have the switch pro hooded jacket that might be the perfect head to head. I do realize that there are fundamental differences to the jackets in regards to features but since one is ME's proprietary fabric and the other is one used by most of the market I'm very keen to know if it stands up to the challenge.
Having tried both, there really is very little difference and it's extremely difficult to tell in a practical sense. Both are soft, comfy and extremely breathable, working well as outer or midlayers. Essentially, it comes down to which fits best and which brand you prefer. Harry
Great video guys, I've just purchased the Kinesis Jacket, love it, however I find the sleeves ded long on this one, I'm an XL in every jacket brand, I find you almost get like a baggy but where the elasticated bit pulls in. Keep up the awesome reviews guys.. Thanks.
Oh that's an odd one, I personally have one and found them OK. Better too long than too short I guess! Harry
Could use do a review on the frontier jacket mountain equipment
We'll add it to the list. Harry
How does it compare to the Rab VR Summit jacket?
Very, very similar. Pick your favourite brand, basically. Harry
Looking to replace my well used Mountain Equipment Trojan jacket. It had so many trips with me! It is still very stretchy, which I love for cx skiing and incredibly windproof. (It does have a limit and I do always carry a down jacket with me for those extra chills.) The cuffs, however, have been so annoying with this tiny flap that it is impossible to operate with gloves - the Kinesis continues with this, has maybe even made them tinier! Also lacking in Kinesis: ventilation zippers. I love those in Trojan jacket, they absolutely serve a purpose. If I am getting the Kinesis, I will need to train myself to air through the double zipper. Possible, but not easy with the backpack (and its belt) on. The chest pocket is also bigger in Trojan. What do I want to replace my Trojan with? Not sure its Kinesis and Trojan is no longer produced.
The Kinesis and Trojan are very different jackets in terms of how they perform. While the Trojan was fully windproof and lined with a physical membrane, the Kinesis is not windproof and purposely allows a portion of wind through to maximise breathability. The inner is also completely focused on wicking away sweat with those furry fibres. You won't need to ventilate using zips as the fabric is far, far more breathable overall. I would suggest Mountain Equipment's Vulcan will be more similar to your old Trojan: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/mountain-equipment-mens-vulcan-jacket-graphite__42840
@@trekitt Thank you so much for this fast response! I now have Kinesis at home. Its just a little miracle, shockingly light, looks really beautiful in elegant Cosmos colour and is composed of two layers - as stated in the video, but I thought the inner layer will be somehow attached to the outer, but there is air in between. It feels very warm. The only downside is the tiniest flap on the cuff. I will consider keeping it, have tried "dual zipper function" - also quite useful, but I am really looking for a windproof (+++) jacket. Resistance to wind is my top criteria, I can "fix" the rest (meaning waterproofness and cold) with layering, I dont even mind having a bit heavier jacket. The Vulcan is not available in my country, but will consider ordering from abroad. The Trojan was my go to for cross country skiing for years now and I was always surprised how windproof it turned out to be and how long it lasted, given it is a soft, stretchy jacket by character. If I ever even considered wearing something else, I always had my regrets. Cross country skiing is this strange sport where you first freeze to death, then you sweat to death, then the wind blows the life out of you. Wheres the jacket for that? Last but not least. We women tend to read the labels and this label here on Kinesis says the workers get their rights (they are specifically stated). Everyone is now plastering "eco" labels to their clothes and you still dont know if they were produced by a child in a sweatshop. I am absolutely willing to pay for this not to be happening, but transparency is rare, even with renown brands. This statement here, how the workers are treated and what rights they have means I will absolutely continue buying Mountain Equipment.
I have an old mountain equipment astron hooded jacket, which I love. Unfortunately it’s no longer available.
Is this suppose to be a new version of the Astron?
I've not personally used the Astron, but having had a quick Google it seems to be more of a traditional softshell with a thicker exterior and less going on inside, whereas the Kinesis feels lighter and has a fluffy lining to draw sweat away. Both designed for roughly the same thing but slightly different ways of going about it. Harry
I struggle with what to wear with what. I’m an over thinker (which doesn’t help 😂)
I walk warm, but I’m after a good mid layer for when it does get cold or not moving or at summits and the like.
I look at something like this item and can’t see it going under my ME Orbital shell for when it’s quite wet or need an additional layer. Or is that exactly the idea?
I’ve looking at the ME Mantle and Arc’teryx Atoms too.
Too many choices 🤯😆
It's an 'active' insulation piece, so it works under a shell or on its own when moving quickly. It's more breathable than traditional insulation and allows a little air to pass through the outer fabric to keep you at a consistent temperature. Harry
Hi guys what size would you recommend for a guy 5 10, 33 inch waist, 12-12 half st? Can’t find any to try in my area. I’ve had the Triton in large which alright maybe a tiny bit baggy but good as top layer, great jacket but need something more versatile this looks spot on, thanks Jim.
Probably a medium depending on your chest size. M.E recommend a 39-41" chest in a medium and 41-43" in a large. Your waist measurement will be right on the border between a medium and large.
yeah it’s always the same with me do I go medium or large, depends on the make. Probably be better off losing a few pounds and buying the medium! Cheers anyway.
Looks nice. Would you say it’s comparable to an Arcteryx Atom AR/SL?
It's more comparable to Arc'teryx's Proton range in application, but it feels very different. Both are 'active' insulation pieces, whereas the Atom range is a bit more of an all-rounder with less breathability. Harry
@@trekitt Thank you Harry.
Could you go over the specs (i.e. 80% polyester 15% nylon 5% spandex) other than ME's proprietary terms? Thanks! Happy New Year🎊🎋🎉 Congratulations to everyone still alive, the global cabal hasn't killed us yet!
We'll make a note for next time. Harry
Just in the market for a replacement to the RAB strata. polartec alpha doesn't seem to be used as much now not sure why, but theres no way i'm buying from the arcteryx leaf range. Im looking around for an active insulation. Considering RAB vr summit, xenair alpine or the mountain hardwear kinesis. Any opinions to share comparing these activewear jackets?
The M.E Kinesis is a fantastic active piece and is probably the most breathable of the three. The Xenair Alpine is by far the warmest and the VR Summit sits almost perfectly in between. It depends how warm you need to be and whether you ever plan to use it as a midlayer or just an outer layer. Harry
@@trekitt thanks for your reply. Well the strata had 80g/m so I guess I'll go for either the kinesis or the summit. I can't say I'm a fan of the polartec alpha direct type stuff (without lining over the insulation). But I guess it does buff the breathable properties of the jacket.
If only I could get one in Australia? Any ideas?
I'm afraid that, without a VPN, I can't search for local retailers in your area. Contact your local Mountain Equipment dealer (if there is one!) and see if they can source it for you. Harry
i feel if you wear a synthetic insulated jacket under a hardshell, you don't need a softshell ?
The Kinesis really comes into its own when you need the highest level of breathability - when moving quickly in the mountains, for example. Most synthetically insulated jackets can't match this breathability, but will provide more warmth. It just depends on the conditions and your activity level. Harry
That's some impressive green screen. Not quite perfect but almost. 👍
It's not a green screen haha, you can see the light change on the jacket throughout the video.
Really, strange how how the outline of Ben has a soft blur when the rest of him is in sharp focus and it just looked like he has an outline that you normally see when green screen is used. Must be just how it was shot. 🤔
@@thewhofan8020 Aperture or focal length's out a little.
This suitable for skiing?
As a midlayer, yes, or as an outer layer when ski touring. Harry
No good if your active and fat then lol?
It's a little on the slim side but it's definitely not spray painted on. M.E have a sizing chart here which may be of some use: www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/pages/size-guides
For any generously proportioned people still in the market for one of these, I'm 5 ft 7ins and bought a Medium (from Trekitt, good price with two lots of 15% off, thanks), and currently have a significant pot belly. It is slightly tight around the gut but it's not too bad and perfectly fine to wear (I also have a Rab VR Summit and VR Alpine Lite and they seem to have a bit more room in them, in the shoulders and the belly). It is very breathable and you can feel a gust of wind through it, so as someone said above, it may work best with a thicker rather than thinner baselayer, but it depends on your activity level and the wind - either keep moving or put a light wind layer on top.