Patagonia Levitation Hoody

£150 Men’s XS-XL Women’s XS-XL Weight 490g (size L) Material 100% polyester double stretch weave

Bluesign approved for its environmental credentials, this material has no membrane so is less resistant to water, but is more breathable. While it lacks the insulation of others, it works well with insulating base and mid layers. The fit is slim, but slightly looser than others tested which allows room for insulation underneath. Sleeve movement is good, with minimal riding up at the cuffs. The hood also fits and moves well with the head. The two main pockets are well placed above hipbelts and the higher third pocket is useful for a compass or GPS receiver.

Little details do niggle here. First there’s no cuff adjustment, so this area either fits or it doesn’t. Also the main two pockets are smaller than others, so you cannot fit an OS map in them easily. The hood is good, but the peak is a little too big and not perfectly stiffened so it can deform then obscure vision easier than others. It is a polyester fabric, so won’t be as tough as a nylon option. Albeit small annoyances, they are enough to question whether this is the right jacket for you.

A durable soft shell that’s great for climbs, and scrambles, and potentially ideal for hill-goers in a wide range of mountain situations, but the details could be better.