Keela has recently released a new jacket called the Hydron softshell. This is a great coat I have been wearing when I had the opportunity. The coat has already been through several adventures and is well-tested. Images in this review come mainly from an ascent up a waterfall in the Peak District.
It was a calm walk. The river meandered through the valley as we walked from the reservoir. We finally reached a river tributary that was covered in forest. Under, over, and around boulders, trees, and branches we dodged, dove, and ducked. The jacket held up well to all of this abuse. It’s made of a durable Softshell fabric. The Hydron was able to withstand thick undergrowth and climbing without showing any wear.
The scrambling got more exciting as we climbed higher. As we climbed higher up the valley, the incline became steeper and more fun. This type of scramble is my favorite; I loved being able navigate the river by jumping from one boulder to another.
Keela has done an excellent job of giving you many pockets and options for storage without the jacket looking like military cargo pants. The chest pockets that are parallel to the main zipper and are located near it are two of my favorite features. The chest pockets are easy to access and can be easily opened or closed with one hand thanks to the smartly designed pull. This is perfect for my phone or compass.
Zips under the armpits are another excellent feature. This feature is always a favorite of mine on jackets, as it allows for a quick, easy and effective way to release heat from a sudden physical increase. It is common for climbing and scrambling to cause this. It is possible to suddenly find that you are too warm. If you remove your jacket, it would not only be time-consuming and a hassle, you might also want to return it when the activity becomes less intense.
The boulders grew bigger and larger as we climbed higher. We had to climb up the wall of the waterfall. The active fit of the jacket and its two-way stretch really come into their own at this point. To navigate these slippery scrambles you had to stretch out quite dynamically. It has an excellent cut, and both the sleeves and back scoop are long enough to prevent you from exposing your clothing when reaching. Stretch allows for a great range of motion while maintaining a snug, stylish fit. The fabric is highly breathable, so even if you put in a lot of effort there won’t be any condensation build-up and it will not make you uncomfortable. It is even more true when you combine it with the “pit zips” that I previously mentioned.
As we climbed higher up, the falls became more humid and there were fewer opportunities to get away from them. We found ourselves climbing up wet rock sections that received constant spray and splashes from the falls. The scrambles became more dangerous, even though they would not normally be difficult. The Hydron is highly waterproof, so I did not have to be concerned about being wet.
The jacket has a number of adjustments that ensure a snug fit. This will prevent heat from escaping unnecessarily and unwanted snow or rain. Each cuff has a velcro adjuster so you can tighten it. The hem has a shock cord that you can tighten and lock off with one hand. This feature is common on higher-end packs like my Osprey Atmos AG, but not on jackets. This feature is great because it allows you to easily adjust the fit without having to stop. Keela has placed the stormflap on the inside of the main zip to make it look more softshell-like.
When not in use, a simple Velcro loop holds the hood securely in place. It’s a great feature because it is easy to remove the hood without having to take the hood off. This will help you dry your head faster in a storm. The orange layer is a great way to keep you warm. The jacket is not very thick, so you will have to add more layers during the winter. However, it works well for evenings in spring, fall and summer.
The last two photos are of a completely different hike. These photos are not quite as beautiful as those of the waterfall, but I am still soaked to the skin in my Keela Hydron Jacket. It’s one of my favorite cuts; the hood keeps out all rain and driving rain. It has multiple adjustment points that can be adjusted with one hand. The peak of the coat is solid, and it does an excellent job at keeping water off your face. The colour is probably the most important aspect of the coat’s aesthetics. The ‘Petrol” shade is my favourite. The shade is unusual, but it doesn’t look garish or stand out. It’s a fantastic jacket that I would highly recommend. Keela has clearly spent a great deal of time creating this jacket. It’s full of thoughtful design elements.