Lightweight warmth

Hag●ofs L.I.M Essens Jacket Men’s £200

This spring and summer I walked three long-distance trails across the UK: the 154km West Highland Way, 299km Pembrokeshire Coast Path and 293km Coast to Coast – a trio of incredible walks that quenched my post-lockdown thirst for adventure. To ensure I could travel as light and fast as possible on these journeys, without being crippled under the back-aching load of a 65-litre pack, I upgraded much of my kit and clothing to ultralight options. A big saving came when I got my hands on a Haglofs L.I.M Essens jacket. Clocking in at a gossamer light 155g (men’s small), it was 297g lighter than my other insulated jacket – but it never compromised on comfort. It consistently delivered a toasty warmth boost during 17 wild camps, thanks to the use of 800 fill power goose down and a DWR coating; while the minimalist design – a streamlined fit with wide, thicklylofted baffles – was always comfy and cosy. It was easy to see where the jacket shaved off grams – you don’t get a hood, pocket zippers or hem adjustment, and the 7-denier face fabric is worryingly thin – but who cares when the jacket delivers such a jaw-droppingly impressive warmth-to-weight ratio?

Verdict

This insulated jacket is an ultralight backpacker’s dream! It saves grams without compromising on comfort.

USED BY James Forrest, Trail gear tester USED FOR 3 long-distance backpacking trails