Picked up a NIght Vision Evo yesterday – my old Nevis died on the ride into work and Evans caught me at a weak moment when I needed something to get home with last night! They price matched it to £84.99 in the shop against Merlin – JE James are showing them at £75 but none in stock.
I’m quite impressed – great reflectivity, hasn’t leaked in a blizzard this morning, warm enough with two long sleeved base layers under it today as well in just below zero conditions, survived a slide across black ice and tarmac unscathed on the way home tonight, so tough enough for me.
I’ve not tried it in a total downpour and I can’t really comment on breathability – imo, no jacket is completely waterproof and breathable unless you are looking at really silly money.
Is the Evo worth more than the standard Night Vision? Not sure – the hood is an additional item and seperate cost, the velcro on rear light is an interesting gimmick, the main reason I went for it was because it was bright red and I thought it would stand out better in normal light than the grey/black/blue other Altura jackets, and I don’t like Hi-Viz yellow as it always fades in the wash – so yes, I paid £20 extra for a slightly better specced jacket because it was red.
And I like Altura as they are generous with their sizing so I can buy stuff that is Large and not XL, which helps my fragile middle aged ego.