"La Grave" is the name of the men's model in Ortovox's new hardshell clothing line. We became aware of the jacket because, according to the manufacturer, it combines the function of a three-layer hardshell jacket with the warmth and comfort of merino wool. To find out what the top jacket can really do, we subjected it to an extensive test in the powder snow of the still young winter of 2010/11.
As the outermost layer of clothing, the La Grave jacket forms a barrier against wind, moisture and other adversities. The protective membrane is the Dermizax EV from Toray, which is one of the market leaders: in addition to good waterproofing and breathability, it is particularly impressive due to its high stretchability. The material of the inserts in the pockets and in the lower back area, which is 100% merino wool - and therefore natural instead of synthetic - is probably quite unique. I've been using the jacket for about a month now for freeriding and touring. The modern, fashionable colors take away the typical, muffled outdoor look of the jacket, so you can also be seen with it in the rainy city center.
First impression
The La Grave Jacket is a relatively lightweight and purist hardshell jacket. No frills have been omitted without neglecting the essential functions. The jacket has two large Napoleon pockets, which are arranged in such a way that they are not covered by the chest or hip belt of the backpack and are always accessible, a ski pass pocket on the left sleeve and another small pocket on the back. The advertised merino wool is only found in the jacket as a mesh lining in the pockets and on the lower part of the back, and is therefore negligible in terms of function. The ventilation zippers are generously sized and easy to use, and the hood also makes a good impression. The low weight of around 500 grams and the very small pack size are particularly positive. The jacket really does fit in any backpack. The only downside for die-hard freeriders is the lack of a snow skirt.
Practical test
The jacket cuts a consistently good figure for both freeriding and touring. The fit is comfortable and, in combination with the stretch properties of the material, gives you plenty of freedom of movement. After around 20 days of use, there is nothing to complain about in terms of workmanship, waterproofness and breathability.
In addition to the spacious, easily accessible pockets, the hood is very well designed. The wire reinforcement in the peak in combination with the drawstrings allows good adjustment options and the hat fits well both with and without a helmet. Anyone who regularly spends time in the high mountains will appreciate the fact that the hood follows every movement when skiing without slipping.
I particularly like the jacket for touring. I usually only wear it for downhill skiing, so most of the time it spends in my backpack, where its small pack size is very convenient. Another good feature is the 2-way zipper, which allows the climbing harness to be worn under the jacket, where it doesn't get in the way of the hip belt of the backpack.
I haven't missed a snow skirt yet. I simply pull the jacket together at the bottom and even when I'm doing somersaults in deep powder, hardly any snow has penetrated.
One negative aspect, however, is that the merino mesh inserts clearly rub off under pressure. The merino insert in the lower back area, which is located under the hip belt of the backpack, has already left its color on some pants.
As an additional area of use, the jacket can also be recommended for summer alpine tours or as rain protection for trekking.
Conclusion
Good, minimalist mountain sports jacket for year-round use. High-quality materials and good workmanship as well as a great cut and good details will leave little to be desired, especially as the jacket is comparatively inexpensive at an RRP of € 399 compared to similar high-quality models from other manufacturers.
More pictures of the jacket in "Action"
