Millet Polartec Premium Shield

Millet Polartec Premium Shield

I’ve used a couple of soft shells for a number of years now, and rate them very highly indeed, so it was with interest that I tested this new model from Millet. The Polartec 'Power Shield' fabric claims to be rather swish. Here is the official description from Polartec:

Polartec® Power Shield® fabrics feature a smooth, tightly woven nylon face for abrasion resistance equal or superior to the best shells, but without the stiffness and noise.  A polyester velour back traps air and provides a high warmth-to-weight ratio. Polartec® Windbloc-ACT® enables the fabric to block 98% of the wind. The remaining 2% is allowed to circulate within the fabric, which greatly enhances moisture vapour transmission –2 times faster than other waterproof breathable shells – and improves breathability, reducing the risk of heat stress build-up.

In practice I actually found it to be relatively stiff on first acquaintance, but this softened up reasonable well after a few wearings. As for breathability, wind and water proof-ness - it’s so far stood up to everything I have thrown at it.

And what of the design? It’s a very technical jacket with industry standard waterproof zips, double vents on each side, an attached, but easily adjustable hood. It weighs a fairly significant 650g and retails at a fairly hefty £210. In summary, a great all-round softshell.