Dynafit Transalper GTX £295

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Top-level performance, comfortable, great cut, cracking hood

- Unusual vents, no hem or cuff adjustment, expensive

This jacket combines striking looks with an innovative hybrid construction. It employs a mix of fabrics: Gore-Tex Active in the arms, shoulders and hood, with Gore-Tex Paclite Plus in the back and lower torso. This approach is designed to balance waterproofbreathable performance and durability while minimising overall weight. So, the Transalper tips the scales at under 300g but delivers top-quality rain protection and breathability.

It’s very comfy, with a neat, streamlined cut that offers good freedom of movement but plenty of coverage in the arms and body. It also has a cracking hood design, with a curved, stiffened brim that does a great job of keeping wind and rain out of your face. It moves well with the head, thanks to a stretch mesh inner lip that sits comfortably across the forehead. The chunky rear hood drawcord offers effective volume adjustment and feels far less flimsy than on most rivals.

Other features include two mesh-lined hand pockets, fitted with laminated zips and chunky pull-tabs. There are also unusual underarm vents, which consist of perforated fabric panels protected by stormflaps. We’re not sure how effective these are – in fact, unzipping the pockets seemed to deliver more effective airflow than the vents. The hem and cuffs are elasticated but have no adjustment, so they either fit or they don’t.

■ Weight 272g ■ Men’s sizes S-XXL ■ Women’s sizes XS-XL

Verdict

A light and packable highperformance Gore-Tex shell with a premium look and feel.