Salewa Tognazza Polarlite £100

In terms of warmth for weight, high loft is about as thermally efficient as fleece gets. As a result, the Salewa Tognazza delivers a welcome boost of warmth almost as soon as you zip it up. The two-sided Polarlite fabric traps plenty of air, while its furry fibres are also super soft. It can be a bit too warm when working hard on uphill ascents, but for exposed summit plateaus and long ridges it is the ideal mid layer.

We used it during Snowdonia’s first snow of the season, and it proved a stellar performer. And while we did find its limits, it was more breathable than expected, thanks to the lighter weight stretch fleece inserts under the arms and down the sides of the body. These also enhance the fit, resulting in a tailored cut that feels close without being restrictive.

It has a useful hood too, with a stretch binding for a close fit around the face. Cuffs and hem are also elasticated to lock

in warmth. Two angled hand pockets have easy-grab zip pulls, though they are slightly obstructed if wearing a rucksack hipbelt.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY

The only feature that’s lacking is thumb loops, though we’d like a little more length in the arms and body too. But our main complaint is that it is not very eco-friendly – Salewa uses recycled wool in some of its jackets, but this fleece is made from virgin polyester.

■ FABRIC Polarlite two-sided striped 270gsm high-loft fur (100% polyester) with 250gsm stretch inserts (95% polyester, 5% elastane)

■ MEN’S SIZES S-XXL

■ WOMEN’S SIZES 6-14

Verdict

This soft and cosy fleece mid layer is ideally suited for winter ridge walks and summits.

“Ideal for summit plateaus & long ridges”