CRAGHOPPERS ExpoLite Jacket

RRP £120 Target price £72

If the ExpoLite were a car, it would probably be a Honda. It’s dependable, reasonably priced and comes from a reputable marque. Suitable for local trips and holidays, it also comes with a few nifty features as standard.

The insulation comes in the form of Craghoppers’ proprietary synthetic fill – for the most part fluffed and stuffed in baffles, except under the arms, where it’s deployed in flat pouches. This proved perfectly warm over a fleece on a frosty morning in the Chilterns, but in more extreme climes, I’d probably want an extra layer on. The shell fabric sheds light drizzle thanks to a PFC-free DWR coating. Complementing the two zipped handwarmer pockets (one doubles as a stuff bag), there’s an internal chest pocket. And inside this there’s an RFID blocking pouch (not that many walks call for such a security measure). My only major bugbear was the constrictive tailoring in the sleeves. Every time I’d stretch or lift my arms, the whole jacket would ride up, leaving my lower back exposed. On such occasions, the sleeves slid below my wrists too. So in summary: if it fits you, you’re onto a winner. PT

INFO: Sizes: S-XXL Weight: 578g (M) Insulation: ThermoPro (100% polyester) Contact: 0161 8660583, craghoppers.com

+ Decently warm and durable, bonus features

– Constrictive tailoring

COMFORT: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

PERFORMANCE: ★★★★ ★

VERSATILITY: ★★★★ ★

VALUE FOR MONEY: ★★★★★

BEST FOR: Day hikes in all but the highest, chilliest places