INSULATED JACKETS: CLASS OF 2017
REGATTA ICEBOUND £70
An entry-level insulator with a synthetic fill. Lacks refinements like fleece lining, and it overheats on climbs – but it’s fine for flatter walks in the cold. www.regatta.com
SALOMON DRIFTER £135
A very clever reversible jacket bridging the outdoor and casual worlds. Wear the shiny side out for maximum warmth on a walk, or the stretchy soft shell side out for a more casual look with slightly less warmth. Neat idea. www.salomon.com/uk
PATAGONIA NANO PUFF £160
An extremely light jacket which packs down into its own pocket, the Nano Puff does a decent job and comes with DWR coating too. www.patagonia.com
ICEBREAKER STRATUS HOODY £200
Icebreaker love merino wool so much they’ve used it as insulation; it works pretty well but not as effectively as the usual materials – and the hood is floppy and unadjustable, sadly. www.icebreaker.com
MTN WAREHOUSE FEATHERWEIGHT £100
Another good budget buy, but it lacks the refinements you might expect at this price. It’s reasonably water resistant but the pocket zips are fiddly and the cut is a bit restrictive. www. mountainwarehouse.com
SHERPA PENZUM £150
A jacket that hits the Goldilocks sweet spot between hot and cold, and works in casual circles too. Just lacks a bit of windproof punch. www.sherpa adventuregear.co.uk
BLACK DIAMOND FIRST LIGHT £180
A great hybrid of soft shell and insulator properties, the First Light is sleek and slim, blending versatile Shoeller face fabric with the efficiently warm Primaloft Silver filling. www.blackdiamond equipment.com
FJ FJÄLLRÄVEN KEB PADDED HOODIE £210
A jacket that balances warmth and venting really well, and has a great hood. But the fit is a bit loose, and it lacks a few of the refinements we’d expect at this price, like a cosy fleece lining. www.fjallraven.co.uk