Rab Ladakh DV £275

IT'S GOOD

The 3-layer Event material provides top-quality condensation control and durable waterproofness. But importantly this is quite a robust fabric, so it blocks the wind without buckling – an important benefit for colder and winder mountain days – and also it’s more durable than lighter jackets. The fit is slightly shorter than some options but fairly typical of modern jackets, and the sleeves and hood fit particularly well. Waist and hem drawcords lock out draughts, and you get good cuff and hood adjustment. The hood has a wired peak and turns effortlessly with the head. There are also pit zips for venting and a pair of huge handwarmer pockets.

HOWEVER

There are only two external pockets, so no third Napoleonstyle pocket for a guidebook, map or GPS receiver, although there is an internal Napoleon chest pocket inside the main front zip. It’s also quite a heavy jacket compared to others. It has pit zips, which you may not want, so find a jacket without them and you can immediately lower both the weight and price – the two main drawbacks to this jacket. Some jackets are slightly longer too, and if you don’t need a helmet-compatible hood then others would suffice.

VERDICT

The Ladakh DV offers a solid, reliable performance that for many hillwalkers will mean they need look no further, but some others have small worthwhile benefits.