Insulated
ADIDAS Terrex Loft (£85)
Adidas is putting a big effort into outdoor gear, using great technical fabrics but then making odd design decisions. In Terrex Loft, for example, 60g of Primaloft One is a good choice: versatile, warm and breathable.
ARC’TERYX Atom LT Hoody Womens (£180)
It’s rare, as a gear tester, to get excited about a garment, but this Arc’Teryx hoody is in a league of its own. The woven nylon outer fabric is quiet, vaguely textured and makes me want to stroke it.
BERGHAUS W Chulu (£90)
Berghaus have used 100g of fill in Chulu although it feels fairly flat, rather than lofted. This level of warmth makes it suitable for wearing on summits and for rest stops, although it doesn’t have a hood, which is unusual for a jacket with this degree of insulation.
GOLITE Cady (£115)
It’s warm, yes, but Cady just doesn’t set me on fire. Thinsulate fill feels less supple than others, and I’m not sure whether it’s this or the cut, but the jacket feels restrictive over my upper back and arms when I push my arms forward.
HELLY HANSEN W Cross Insulator (£100)
Helly Hansen’s current outdoor garments for women lean closer to fashion than performance. This jacket is typical: well-cut with useful features, but with a few glitches that take it off the ‘genuine outdoor gear’ hanger.
LOWE ALPINE Women’s Thermo £80
Lowe Alpine fans, take a good look at Thermo: the clothing will not be available after this season so that famous logo will only be found on rucksacks. Thermo has no frills but plenty of practicalities.
MAMMUT Stratus Hybrid £195
As an outer layer in cold, unpredictable weather, this complex jacket is extraordinary. It looks bulky but feels light, supple and comfortable. Pertex panels are used front, sides and back to chest level, backed with 60g of insulation.
MONTANE Flux (£130)
This is a glorious jacket. It is longer than average with a two-way front zip so works over a harness and keeps the vulnerable lower back warm. It juggles insulation levels, with most on the front panels (80g worth), a little less on back and sides and least on the hood side panels.
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Sooks £200
Unique in this test, Sooka is a waterproof insulated jacket. I thought this would limit its use – until winter arrived with freezing, often damp conditions.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH Frostline (£120)
This is a big, shaggy bear of a jacket. I love wearing it casually but I’d never take it up a mountain: it’s too bulky. To me, it’s non-technical wear despite the use of windproof Pertex Endurance fabric.
