The Great Outdoors (UK)

Outdoor Research

SuperStran­d LT Hoodie

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£220 315g (L)

light, warm, recycled content non-adjustable hood Materials: shell: ripstop nylon; fill: 85% recycled VerticalX SuperStran­d polyester Features: stretch rim hood, handwarmer pockets, inner stuff pockets Sizes: S-XXL Women’s version: yes outdoorres­earch.com

This is a lovely jacket, and my favourite of those tested due to the comfort, warmth and low weight. However, the design isn’t perfect and it is expensive. The hood isn’t adjustable and the fit round my face isn’t snug, so cold winds can blow in and if strong blow the hood half off my head. There’s no chest pocket either, and the handwarmer pockets are cut off by a hip belt. They are still just about usable if you pull the jacket up a little for access.

Outdoor Research claims the fill is the lightest, softest and most compressib­le insulation available. The fill mimics the shape of down clusters and is held in place by a lattice structure. The brand say it’s just as soft, light and lofty as 700-800 fill power down, which is quite a claim. I’m certainly impressed with the warmth for the weight. The fill is very soft and comfortabl­e too.

The outer is very wind-resistant though not fully windproof and has distinctiv­e discontinu­ous quilting that reduces the amount of stitching needed, which is said to make it easier to compress the jacket – it can be squeezed into a very small bundle. Breathabil­ity is good.

The Large size fits me well. I can wear it comfortabl­y over a light fleece and under a waterproof jacket. I tested the SuperStran­d in cool spring and early summer weather, and found it too warm when walking but great as camp wear. I think it’s a great jacket for backpackin­g due to the low weight and bulk.

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