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THE GREAT OUTDOORS: MAGAZINE

This top is as basic as they come, with ultralight shell fabric, top-quality down filling, no hood and few'extras'. It's marketed as highly water-resistant, suitable for use as a mid-layer in cold conditions; and thanks to a good fit, big enough to fit over a thin fleece, superb freedom of movement, and no faffy external cords or toggles to snag inside your jacket, it can work well in this niche. I found myself turning to the Roc Down in a nasty early winter storm, with deep windchill and horizontal snow. Layered between a thin fleece and my waterproof jacket, it did an excellent job of regulating temperature. Perspiration did not affect the lofting ability of the down, although it was compressed under my shoulder straps and hipbelt. But the incredibly thin inner fabric meant quite a few tufts of down stuck to my fleece when I took it off. I have concerns about long-term durability if used
in this way regularly. The cuffs and hem are elasticated, but this is the only jacket in the lineup without a bem adjustment. Overall, I've found this great as a 'just in case' warm layer that you can chuck in your bag and then not think about until you need it, thanks to its low weight, high compressibility and damp-resistant down.