This sturdy, highly protective Altura Boulder shell is an innovative jacket of two halves.
By adding waterproof panels to the shoulders and panels on the front of the arms (the grey bits), what the weather sees of the Boulder is effectively a full waterproof. Add a water repellent coating on the rest of the fabric and you've got a real stormproof. A big pod pocket on the chest, zipped handwarmer pockets and tall fleecey collar equip it for general use.
Unfortunately, the waterproof panels feel cold and clammy against bare skin - a full-length base layer is essential, so it needs to be proper wintery before you'll be cold enough to use it. It's not as sweaty as a full waterproof but most of our testers preferred the simpler, more consistent climate of Altura's Kinetic (£59.99) or Reflex (£89.99).
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