The weather has often been cold, windy, snowing or raining since the Treble arrived for test. So it’s become an unsung hero of sorts, being hidden underneath a waterproof most of the time. But it’s been out and about, and because of it’s good looks it’s even been at work and play at sea level.
Haglöfs replaced both the Gemini and the Bungy hood with the Treble, and rather than whine about the loss to humanity of two great bits of kit I looked at the Treble on its own merits.
Hooded midlayers are the business, and everytime I’ve worn the Treble on the hill the hood has been in great demand. It layers well under a waterproof’s hood, it’s quite form fitting and isn’t a pain when it’s lying at the back of your neck.
The fabrics are a mix of Polartec Powerstretch and Corduroy Light or something similar. I was sceptical when I saw this ribbed fabric on the torso way back when I saw the winter range at the Haglöfs secret bunker, but it’s the same quality and performance you get from any Polartec fabric and the only difference I’ve noticed is that it dries slightly slower than the Powerstretch sections. Another thing that worried me about the sample was the fit. I was pleased that the fit has been tightened up for the production version, it’s slim, but not as tight as some Haglöfs which will suit a lot of people I’d imagine. Freedom of movement is great and the hem doesn’t ride up during the day. Insulation is in the just right bracket, good on its own until the wind gets up and great under a shell as I don’t get cooked.
The pockets? Well, using the Treble inspired some recent pondering on pockets. There’s two low hand warmers and a laminated one on the chest. I’m happy with this because I haven’t used them for storage (I carry a rucksack…), the chest one is handy for a Buff or lip balm, and the lower ones are ideally placed for warming hands in either a technical or casual fashion.
It’s a well fitting functional piece of kit in great fabrics, and the only sticking point are the daft hood adjusters. The hood bungee runs through folded pieces of material that are best taken off when you get home and replaced with wee cord locks.
It looks cool, but is it a pricey piece of kit for what it is? I love the other colour scheme it comes in via the link – soil/java
Ellis Brigham in Fort William has that soil/java colour, it’s pretty smart looking.
Retail for the Treble is £90 I think, that’s in right the area for what it is compared to other brands, Mountain Equipment’s similar Shround is £80, the fabrics in the Treble push the price up.
The next step up is the Montane Sabretooth that I’m testing, with different fabric and four chest pockets, it’s still a fleece and it’s £150.
It’s all a lot of money, so you have to get it right.
Is it worth it? If it fits and it works, then I say yes. The good fabrics last, and good design won’t piss you off, immediately sending you back to the wonderful world of internet shopping.
I got a ME Shroud as a surprise, but very welcomed, Christmas pressie. The pockets are in the right place but by the look of it the hood on the Treble is a little more protective. But then I have got a mahoosive head! (“Look at the size of that boy’s heid. I’m not kidding, it’s like an orange on a toothpick”). Like the Treble I reckon it is just the right amount of ‘active’ insulation and you can make it much warmer by throwing a windshirt over the top.
Why do so few fleeces and softshells come without hoods? I can’t understand it.
The Shroud is nice, I nearly bought one in the Kiwi green colour last winter.
One of those “I’ll go back later”. and then there was none.
I know of one manufacturer that would put hoods on every midlayer that they make, but they can’t because of the effect on “casual use” sales they say.
I like the nameShround better PTC*
Don’t people who walk the dog need hoods too?!
Aye, Shround is a good name. I look fowrd to the new Montane Casket waterproof.
Holfast, market research says many things, not all of them entirely believable :o)
There’s no way I’m buying a piece of gear called a ‘shroud’ – it’s just too morbid! Shround will do much better.
I’ve read those lyrics, jings!
If you wore it with your ipod would you have Shround sound? (I’m sorry, but someone had to say it!)
Aye, very good :o)
Actually, I’ll need to see if they made a wee hole in the back of that chest pocket for my earphones. If not, one can be made…
Do you have an experience with the Patagonia R1 Hoody? Looks like a nice bit of kit to fill the same role.
Haven’t tried it, but it looks smart. I was wearing an R1 fabric top all day and it’s good stuff.
I think the Hoody has to be worth a look.