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Astral Green Jacket 2013 – First Look

I was never really a big fan of the previous Astral Green Jacket. I loved the features and the design but it simply didn’t fit me very well.

For 2013 the Astral Green Jacket has been tweaked and I had the chance to check out its new features and try it in the dry. Therefore I am unable to comment of what it is like to swim/paddle wearing the Green Jacket at this stage. UPDATE: Full review here.

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The 2013 models are available in a number of new colour schemes including the great looking green shown above and the blue shown in the images below.

When I tried on the Green Jacket I found that something had definitely changed, I’m not really sure what but the 2013 Astral Jacket feels like a really good fit.

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The Green Jacket still employs a side entry system. This side is fastened using three fastek buckles on the right hand side of the PFD. The QR rescue belt buckle is also located on this side.

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The front pocket has been redesigned and now opens fully making it much easier to get at kit.

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On the outside of the pocket is a knife leash tab and a press studded loop that is used as a karabiner park.

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Inside of the pocket there are various sections so you can also organise the contents.

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The side pockets have a large toothed zips and are a good size for additional bits and bobs.

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Overall the new changes to the Astral Green Jacket have renewed my interest in the possibility of owning one.

UPDATE: Full review here.

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2 responses

  1. John Tomkins avatar
    John Tomkins

    Thanks for the update. Please let us know if you have any additional thoughts or impressions after field testing. Thaks, John.

    Reply
  2. anonymous avatar
    anonymous

    I had one of the early generations of green jackets that I replaced with this one. I’ve never seen these with side entry, it must be a European thing. In the US I believe they’re all pullover. The fit on the new one feels identical to the old one to me, but the new style pocket is nice, the change in knife placement is great, the side pockets are much more usable now and the biner attachment point is easier to work with. The only change I dislike is the throw rope pocket that I utilize all the time. They removed the small clip to secure the rope, like what they have for the biner, and added some elastic flaps that go over each end of the rope. It feels fairly secure, but it takes a little more work to seat it properly. The fleece lining is a gimmick though it doesn’t hurt. If my hands are cold I still slip them under the chest. I wish they would add some more padding to the shoulder straps. Overall a great vest though.

    Reply

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