Salewa Ortles Medium 2 Down Jacket £285

+ Good features, alpine fit, works well for layering, ideal for active use

- Slightly overpriced, no Velcro on wrist cuffs, tight hood, only 750 fill power Unlike thicker jackets, which only really function as standalone outers on the coldest days, the Ortles Medium 2 Down is far more versatile. It is streamlined enough to wear all day, including during high-intensity activities, and has a close-to-the-body fit that works well as an insulating mid layer underneath a hard shell, or as a standalone outer.

It isn’t the warmest jacket though. The duck down has a slightly disappointing 750 fill power and doesn’t loft as thickly or fluffily as other jackets, while the tight-fitting hood probably won’t suit all head shapes.

But the Ortles does have loads of nifty features. The stretchy wrist gaiters (with no Velcro) seal out the cold and feel super snug, the main zipper has a thickly-padded internal stormflap, and the high collar ensures excellent coverage over the chin and mouth. You also get an external chest pocket, two handwarmer pockets, waist hem adjustment, hood adjustment and a stuffsack.

The body-mapping construction is a hybrid approach, with down-filled 3D box chamber baffles around the core and Tirol Wool inserts (60% polyester, 40% virgin wool) at the hood, shoulders and cuffs, to deliver heat retention to different parts of the body.

■ Men’s sizes S-XXL ■ Women’s sizes 6-14 ■ Weight 492g (men’s small)

■ Insulation 90/10 white duck down, 750 fill power, plus Tirol Wool inserts (130g/m2)