Inside Look: Mountain Equipment Orbital Jacket

The Orbital is a fully waterproof, breathable, stretchy and comfortable jacket that sits somewhere between a softshell and a hardshell. It can be worn virtually all day in varied conditions without the often hot and clammy feel of some bulkier hardshells, yet can be packed down super small when not in use thanks to its lightweight selection of fabrics. Activity-wise, M.E say "It gives all-day comfort and complete freedom of movement whether you're covering long distances or racing up Alpine classics".

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:24 - What is the Orbital?
02:29 - What is it made of?
05:02 - What are its features?
08:02 - How does it fit?
10:48 - Where does it fit in the layering system?
11:36 - Summary

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[hywel]

Paul's review is spot on, as usual. 
It's always tricky to order this kind of technical clothing online, but Paul's reviews really help to smooth the decision-making process.
I recently received an Orbital jacket from Trekitt. The fit is perfect for me in Medium, whereas previously with ME jackets I had to return them because Medium was too tight round the chest and Large was too large everywhere else ;-)
It is extremely breathable and waterproof, with a relatively long length that is perfect for hillwalking. 
It's also silent, which makes a refreshing change from a tougher hardshell. 
The jacket packs down really small, so great for storing in a rucksack or for travel when you need to have a reliable waterproof with you. 
There is room for a base layer, light mid layer and also my beloved Patagonia R1 fleece underneath. 
I like the internal zipped pocket, since I am very security conscious about my wallet.
These jackets are, unsurprisingly, in very short supply at present, so I hope Trekitt will be able to restock so that more people can benefit from owning one.

[AnthonyJohnson]

Thanks for the review Paul. I have the original Rab Kinetic Plus and am looking to upgrade so will consider this. I find these kind of jackets are perfect outside of winter when you don’t need as much protection from cold winds but want to avoid overheating like you do in a hard shell on milder but wet days.

[bruhksc]

Love your videos!!! The only reliable outdoor channel with great knowledge. I‘d really like to see some other formats like comparisons of competing products…

[robertlockwood]

Great video, the 20k HH is a game changer on such a breathable jacket.

[stuartl]

Bought one two weeks ago from yourselves absolutely made up with it 👍

[vijayp]

Thanks, Paul, for another all round review. Would be really great to know how it compares to Artilect formation jacket as well. Thanks.

[AlanHH]

That font…my eyes! Too small! Great review as usual.

[groovyshades]

Ok Harry got the message be about 8 weeks before I buy but what about the hat sizes

[groovyshades]

Only problem with Trekkit I find is when I go to buy something it’s out of stock not just this jacket in large but my previous attempts to buy other stuff from you. Pants or hats or you don’t do hats in smaller sizes one size does not fit all.

[GaryB_OutandAbout]

Love your reviews. I’ve been looking for a new jacket for a while but I’m slowly driving myself mad and keep changing my mind (I’m so indecisive with this sort of thing and over research everything haha)

Started out wanting a North Face Tente, then saw various reviews of yours and like the arcteryx beta ar/lt the RAB Kinetic Alpine 2.0 and now this 🤣

I tend to get hot quite easily so don’t want anything too heavy (given can layer up if I did get cold) so just want something for those sopping wet days..

Would the ME Orbital still be suitable for say the 3 peaks with a day pack on very wet days? (Spring/summer/autumn) cheers, Gary.

[some_developer]

20D fabric? Do you think that's a bit too light for backpacking in terms of durability? Would you recommend something a bit thicker?

[davidcressey]

Could you do a full review of the pants?

[andrewbradley]

Thanks for the review - is the weight of this on your website correct at 390g and if so, what size is this weight for? How does it pack down it you want to have this in your pack (i.e. does it fold up into its hood or one of the pockets?) as I might consider this for my fast and light kit.

[Blezonu]

Question- given the comparisons here with the Rab Kinetic, you say they are similar, but the h/head rating on this ME jacket is twice that of the Kinetic. I ask because the main downside of the Kinetic is that in any sustained rain, even if it's not that heavy, it wets out fairly quickly. If the rain stops, but the weather remains cold and damp, it can take hours to dry out. For that reason I would say the Kinetic is a softshell which will protect against the occasional shower. The Rab website describes the Kinetic 2 as the perfect all round waterproof shell. If the fabric performs the same as the first edition, I would say their claim is doubtful (IMO) certainly for somewhere like Snowdonia.

[robsroams]

I'm really torn between this and a garwal. Both seem great jackets for a similar price. Any recommendations for either? Help me decide.
Garwal is goretex but this seems stretchy and ideal for my needs also.
Send help 😆

[craigdavies]

I'm telling arcteryx you are fully dressed in M.E! 😂 Nice review. Got my Berghaus fellmaster gtx and Rab equivalent at a cheaper price though.

[Horarik]

Reminds me of the Rab Kinetic, how does it compare?

[michaelaaron]

Just picked one up on sale and am wondering what the purpose of the big loop with velcro on the inside of the jacket by the label is used for. It looks like one of those features for holding up matching pants but seems odd in this jacket. Also there is a velcro looking ME insignia on the upper outside back. Is that just for decoration? Any insight would be appreciated.