UPVOTED PACKABLE JACKETS
Umbrella too big for your backpack? Chris Rowlands unpacks a crew of cagoules that stuff away when the sun comes out…
The intrepid insulator Fjallraven Expedition X-latt
Packable doesn’t need to mean unpadded, and this Fjallraven jacket has just enough insulation to keep you cosy when there’s a nip in the air. Its shell and lining are made from recycled polyamide, while the filling is 80% recycled polyester – so you get the added warmth of an eco-feelgood glow. £195 / fjallraven.com
The adaptable anorak Arc’teryx Acrople
Arc’teryx makes technical layers fit for the trickiest alpine conditions. But what if you want a streamlined smock for springtime in the hills? This one is perfect for changeable days: its synthetic panels repel wind and rain, while still allowing breathability. And it weighs just 250g.
£150 / arcteryx.com
The hurrying hoodie Nike Windrunner
This hooded number has a water-repellent shell that stretches to let you stride freely. Reflective details keep you seen beneath grey skies, while vents front and back allow air to move as you do. Brightening up? It packs into its own back panel, complete with shoulder sling.
£95 / nike.com
The fish-friendly filler Patagonia Alplight
Fish are highly sensitive to temperature. They’re also sensitive to ocean waste. So while this insulated jacket won’t keep a cod cosy, it does at least reduce pollution: its synthetic down filling is made entirely from Netplus, a nylon fabric hewn from recycled fishing nets.
£280 / eu.patagonia.com
The windy winner Adidas Terrex Agravic Windweave Pro
Nothing blunts your will to run like an east wind whipping across the trail, so this minimalist jacket puts a barrier between you and the breeze. Its nylon construction balances breathability with durability, and its storage sack packs away small enough to stuff in a race vest.
£150 / adidas.co.uk
The old-school overcoat The North Face 1996 Nuptse
Seen on red runs and red carpets alike, the Nuptse is an icon among puffy streetwear. But set aside its Gen Z street cred and you’re left with a retro ripstop number that’s water-repellent, sweat-wicking and stuffed with toasty goosedown.
£300 / thenorthface.co.uk
The touring topper Cotopaxi Viento
Wandering free is way less fun when you’re shivering because you didn’t pack a jacket. This zip-up won’t keep biblical cloudbursts at bay, but it will add a useful layer to your ensemble – without bulk. Its hood and hand pockets shelter your extremities, while bungee hems lock in body heat. £110 / uk.cotopaxi.com
The cycling saviour Gorewear Gore-tex Paclite
Ditch the mudguards and stash this featherweight layer in your saddlebag: windproof yet breathable, it weighs a mere 238g. Its dropped tail protects your derriere from spray, while a waterproof stow pocket stops your stuff getting soaked if you pedal through puddles.
£200 / gorewear.com