THREE OF THE BEST WARM MID-LAYERS

Don these warm layers on cool, dry days, or wear beneath a rain jacket on wet ones

VANIR ICEFALL DOWN JACKET Helly Hansen, £200 0115 896 2388, hellyhansen.com

The heaviest and bulkiest jacket we tested was also luxuriantly warm. Down – usually ineffective when wet – is treated to repel damp and combines with panels of waterproof Primaloft Silver synthetic insulation in places likely to get soaked, including the shoulders. Velcro cuffs keep cold air out. The hood is very soft and snug with two adjustments to keep the fit close, plus a soft peak and more of that water-resistant synthetic insulation. FILLING: 85% down, 15% feather, responsibly sourced by Allied Feather & Down. WARMTH: 4 WEIGHT: 648g (men’s large) POCKETS: Three: two hip, one breast, too small for an OS map. M/F: The men’s version has a relaxed fit. VERDICT: Seriously cosy

FIRN DOWN JACKET Alpkit, £99 01773 417007, alpkit.com

Few down jackets are available for less than £100, which makes this one unusually affordable. It is light, with a simple, no-frills design that omits a hood. The appearance is slightly boxy in the trunk and tube-like in the arms when new: only prolonged wear will show whether that settles down. Wear a scarf to keep the cold air from creeping down your collar. FILLING: Responsible-Down-Standard certified, 80% duck down, 20% feather. WARMTH: 2 WEIGHT: 340g (men’s large) WATER-RESISTANCE: DWR-coated outer fabric will repel showers. POCKETS: Three: two hip, one breast, fits an OS map. M/F: Women’s version is a fitted style. VERDICT: Affordable, no-frills midlayer

MICROLIGHT ALPINE JACKET Rab, £190 01773 601870, rab.equipment/uk

A down-only fill (not a feather/down mix) makes this strikingly warm for its weight. It also has a wide temperature range, feeling equally comfortable in mild weather. The jacket feels robust and the quality is high, with good zips and a windproof, breathable outer fabric (Pertex® Quantum). The hood is cosy and has an effective peak, but dual adjustment would improve it. FILLING: Ethically sourced European goose down, treated to repel moisture. WARMTH: 4 WEIGHT: 470g (men’s large) WATER-RESISTANCE: Will repel light rain or brief showers. POCKETS: Three: one breast, two hip, fits an OS map. M/F: Women’s version is a fitted style. VERDICT: Outstanding all-rounder