Men's Microgrid Stowaway Fleece Jacket

Disappointing

Bought to replace a much loved, worn out Lowe Alpine version but disappointed in the design, fit and material quality. The fit is too generous compared to other Rohan tops, either that or the design makes the jacket look and feel baggy. The long sleeves and thumb loops are a nuisance and I have sewn then back to make the sleeves a normal length. It's called Stowaway but I have failed to stuff all the jacket into the breast pocket - not that I would particularly want to.

On the plus side the inside "poacher's" are very useful and will take an OS map and I like the ultra-marine colour.

Rohan have just tried to be a bit too clever with his model.

Great item

But please bring back the charcoal colour!

Microgrid Stowaway Jacket

Just bought my fourth one of these (I still use all the others) and very pleased with it.. The design has evolved over the years but the basic premise remains the same. This latest version is the two-tone one and I think Rohan should produce a grey/charcoal version. The Stowaway wears well (in both senses), is easy to launder and is something of a bargain if you can get it in a sale.

Perfect!

I've had a couple of these jackets, in blue, for a year or two and they are always the very first that I reach for. I thought I had better give my nearest and dearest a bit of variety in my colour schemes, so last week I ordered a red one in the sale. It arrived the next day, and this one too is something to reach for first.

In particular, it's great over the typical middle-of-the-road garb of tee shirt, shirt and woollen jumper, adding just that one extra layer when chilly both indoors and out. And of course, once removed, it pretty much disappears when crushed into a small rucksack.

Travelling to a hot country, this is the perfect top for the flight plus in any air-conditioned environment at other end.

Other correspondents have been disappointed with the lengthened arms and redesigned cuffs. They are certainly different on this one, but still absolutely fine on me.

I was concerned by the colour, "pillarbox red". It really isn't that garish colour at all, but a cleverly devised shade of red that seems extremely acceptable in a variety of situations. It has certainly brightened me up and got me away from my habitual blue, lovely though that blue might be.

Highly recommended, absolutely unbeatable.

Well done Rohan!

Disappointed

I have 3 other Microgrid tops and I am very pleased with them. With this jacket however the design seems to have changed. The fabric trim around the cuffs has disappeared, the fit around the body is looser and the sleeves have grown by at least two inches. The fleece itself feels softer and stretchier which doesn't help with the generally looser fit. A great shame.

The best casual cardigan/light warm jacket I’ve ever owned

I have owned Microgrid jackets since they were produced. In fact, as an owner of several Microgrid half zips, I suggested producing a full zip version and I am delighted that Rohan did just that. As other reviewers have said, I wear one every day and am pleased with the longer sleeves, which allow better hand coverage on colder days. Rohan may have slightly tweeted the design, but the product remains unsurpassed in its field.

Give with one hand but taketh away with the other!

I have several of these Microgrid Jackets in size large bought over the years, the latest (before this version) being a year ago. I was impressed with the attention to detail. The material and cut/sizing were perfect.

However, in comparison with this new version, Rohan have 'tinkered' with the design unnecessarily in my opinion. Yes, the zip pull cords are a nice addition but this feature and the blue colourway are the only positives.

What I don't like in this new version:

SLEEVES.

They are two inches too long, consequently they sit over the hands (to almost the knuckles) at rest.

CUFFS

No elastic around the cuffs. If there was, at least they could be pulled up to the wrist so they would stay in position without falling over your hands again.

THUMB LOOPS

The position of thumb loops have changed angle for no reason (and without the additional fabric detail to finish off the edges).

POCKETS

The material to cover the lower pocket zips is missing.

I would also like the addition of a hem drawcord on this jacket. I have the Microgrid gilet (bought 4-5 years ago) that has this feature but Rohan have discontinued manufacturing it.

All purpose layer / cardigan / fleece

I have half a dozen Microgrid stowaway jackets, and live in them most of the year. Recent editions have longer sleeves which I prefer as it enables the thumb holes to be used to help keep hands warm without restricting shoulder movement as with the old edition. After a couple of years of washing they do start to lose their looks. There are three useful pockets - I wish the side pocket on the opposite side to the chest pocket either wasn't sealed at the top on the inside or had an inside zip - so I could stuff my newspaper on the inside to save carrying it - a poacher's pocket -would be useful. Packs to the size of a bag of sugar in its own pocket. Easy to regulate temperature with zip and by pushing sleeves up.

Microgrid Jacket

I have had one of these for about a year and thought I would get another one. The new model - with raglan sleeves - has sleeves which are MUCH longer than the old jacket. A comment repeated by another customer for the Microgrid Zip pullover. The body is fine but the sleeves..........

Microgrid Stowaway Jacket

I bought this as a lightweight mid-layer for travel. It offered good insulation while walking around a snow-bound resort. While flying, wearing it over a polo shirt provided the right temperature control (since you don't know if the airline plans to cook or chill you until you're airborne).