LabAma Dablam
PlanetMountain.com field-tested The North Face's Ama Dablam Stretch Infusion Jacket.
Its
name reveals what this jacket has been designed for: serious
mountaineering in adverse climatic conditions. And it is not by chance
that this jacket forms part of the by now famous "Summit Series", TNF's
top of the range products which stand out for their great design and
meticulous attention to detail.
At first impact (read touch) the
Ama Dablam proved soft, subtle and yet highly resistant and durable.
This is thanks to the new Gore Tex XCR Stretch implemented throughout
to reinforce sections prone to abrasion, whilst at the same time
guaranteeing freedom of movement. When out ski mountaineering and
climbing the jacket performed well and did not impede, demonstrating
that it is both technical and comfortable.
This is underlined by
the frontal "Core Vent" ventilation system which, unlike traditional
zips beneath the armpits, allows bodyheat to dissipate efficiently from
the torso, even in difficult conditions. For a jacket of this calibre
it seems almost pointless to mention the various design details, which
range from the fully adjustable, helmet compatible rollable hood to the
interior zip pocket and the water resistant zippers.
Efficient,
practical, simple and essential, but not for this in any means less
technical, the Ama Dablam fights right into the philosophy that stands
behind the The North Face products.
