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The Alpine Light is a super lightweight soft shell (just 312g in a men's medium) which has good airflow and breathability to keep you cool, dry and comfortable across a broad temperature range, but also staves off windchill effectively with its wind and water-resistant Pertex outer combined with a fast-wicking liner. The fit is relatively roomy, and there are two mesh-lined chest pockets, but no h …

Soft shells are all about comfort and versatility, and thanks to a great cut and a weatherproof four-way stretch fabric, the Frontier delivers on both counts. But while the inner lining feels soft even against bare skin, the outer face is pretty tough. The double-weave nylon fends off breezes and light precipitation, but wicks well too, so yourarely get too clammy.VERDICTPretty much the …

If you're looking for all-weather warmth without too much bulk, this technically advanced belay parka is where it's at. The space-age synthetic PrimaLoft Gold with Crosscore fill delivers near-instant cosiness, and the oversized fit means you can chuck it on over all your other layers for excellent all-round protection and coverage.VERDICT A protective but impressively packable belay parka that is …

The Primaloft-insulated Montane Prism strikes a lovely balance between weight, warmth, features and performance. The adjustable, peaked hood is excellent, the dropped hem adds warmth and coverage, and the relaxed fit (neither loose nor athletic) is just right. The 30-denier, windproof Pertex Quantum shell feels tougher than many others too.VERDICTAn excellent and fairly-priced synthetic jacket. …

If there is such a thing as a modern classic in outdoor kit, Rab's Microlight jackets have a good claim to the title. We reckon the new Infinity Microlightis probably the best one yet, featuring a Gore-Tex Infinium face fabric and 700 fill power recycled hydrophobic down insulation. It's a consummate all-rounder for the hills and mountains, being warm, packable and more weatherproof than most down …

Montane's latest flagship waterproof jacket is a rugged Gore-Tex Pro shell primarily designed for alpine adventures and winter mountaineering - but that also makes it a solid option for committed outdoorsy types who are particularly hard on their kit. In terms of fit, features and functionality. This jacket is up there with the best, including many top-end shells in the £400-£500 price range.VERDI …

This jacket has better green credentials than most. Not only is it made from recycled Pertex Shield Revolve, but because it's 100% polyester it's fully recyclable. Not so easy with blended fabrics. It's also a great 3-season waterproof with a decent hood, hipbelt compatible pockets and pit zips for grueling climbs.VERDICTA well-equipped mountain jacket designed with its end of life in mind. …

Boasting the latest Gore-Tex Paclite Plus fabric, which now has a dry-touch backer for improved comfort, this is a great technical 3-season shell for hillwalking, scrambling and full-on mountaineering use. It's got a cracking helmet-friendly hood, pit zips for easy venting. Well-placed pockets and a trim-fitting yet full-coverage cut that offers excellent mobility. 100% recycled too!VERDICT A moun …

Boasting the latest Gore-Tex Paclite Plus fabric, which now has a dry-touch backer for improved comfort, this is a great technical 3-season shell for hillwalking, scrambling and full-on mountaineering use. It's got a cracking helmet-friendly hood, pit zips for easy venting. Well-placed pockets and a trim-fitting yet full-coverage cut that offers excellent mobility. 100% recycled too!VERDICT A moun …

Haglofs Touring Mid Jacket has been designed with purpose offering features that can be applied to multiple activities. The main principles of this fleece jacket are to help regulate temperature during higher octane activities such as Ski Touring, however the benefits of this garment do not just lie with activities such as this. I have been able to put this jacket through its paces from 10 …

The Jetboil Stash is a fast, light and compact camping stove, weighing just 200g.It weighs 40% less than Jetboil's previous lightest models - the Zip and MicroMo (both 340 grams) - whilst having the same size pot. This has been achieved by simplifying the design and reducing the weight of components, but without losing what makes Jetboil special - the integrated cooking system combining a pot with …

What does 'Ethical Down' mean?Down is the most efficient insulation for clothing and sleeping bags; it is much warmer for a given weight than other insulators and it is long lasting. Over the years, there have been some issues surrounding the ethical nature of down products and how they are produced.The most ethically sourced down is that gathered from nests, however this is a time consuming proce …