The Sherpa Asaar has been designed in collaboration with the company’s sponsored alpine athletes, so it comes as a neat package combining low weight and stowability in a Pertex Shield fabric, with a two-layer seam-sealed laminate that’s waterproof, breathable and windproof (it has a 10,000MM/20,000G rating).
The cut is slightly longer than most of the other lightweight jackets we have reviewed, with a dropped rear hem – this is no bad thing since it makes little difference to the overall weight and provides that extra bit of weather protection.
From the top you get a helmet-compatible, fully-adjustable hood with contoured brim which fits really well, soft microfibre chin guard, full-length zip, two zipped hand pockets, a small internal pocket and adjustable cuffs and hem – in effect all you really need in a lightweight waterproof jacket and nothing you don’t.
Although Sherpa claims the cut is ‘streamlined’ there is ample room for layering beneath it, so although this is really a summer waterproof you could use it in cooler conditions with the right gear underneath.
Indeed, the Asaar is an excellent compromise between minimalism and functionality, and is well worth checking out if you’re serious about your time in the mountains.
