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Winter arrived early and was cold here in the UK, so I was incredibly grateful to be offered a chance to test out the SuperStrand LT Insulated Hoodie at the beginning of December. I've been using this jacket as my primary insulation for over three months now, not just in the hills but in my day-to-day life as well, and I'm a big fan of this lightweight synthetic jacket from American bra …

Outdoor Research's VerticalX SuperStrand Synthetic Insulation is built to deliver exceptional warmth to weight ratio, it compares to 700-800 Fill Power down in terms of its softness, weight and lofting ability. On this page we explain how it works. — VerticalX SuperStrand is the lightest, softest, most compressible synthetic insulation available taking the best qualities of down and improving …

Mont-bell's Plasma series are highly advanced ultra-lightweight garments, on this page we explain the three key technologies used to achieve their amazing warmth to weight ratios. —  In simple terms, the benefits of our patented quilting pattern are straightforward construction, reduced seam weight, and improved thermal efficiency. By not forming traditional rectangular boxes or “skippin …

Seek new challenges this season. With cooler climates and challenging elements on the horizon, stay comfortable on the trails with Montane’s new Anti-Freeze down jackets and Phase Gore-Tex waterproof shells.The Anti-Freeze Lite hooded down jacket is a minimalist master of lightweight insulation. Weighing just 330g makes this down jacket ideal for fast paced activities, where low weight is critical …

The Phase Lite waterproof jacket has been designed for a wide range of fast and light adventures in the mountains. Whether you’re fell running in the Lake District, or planning a fastpacking adventure across the Scottish peaks, this lightweight and breathable GORE-TEX membrane provides the essential protection you need to help you go further, faster. The lightest and most breathable 3-layer f …

The Vapour Rise series of RAB garments are designed to provide comfortable insulation and protection from the wind without causing you to overheat if you start climbing up something, or the sun comes out. To achieve this Nirvana a garment needs to transfer moisture away from the skin or base layer so you remain dry and comfortable. I tested the Vapour Rise Summit Jacket on a recent h …

I was lucky enough to be spending 2 whole weeks in Scotland hiking, two weeks, in Scotland, in May, you know you are going to rely heavily on your waterproofs, and the unpredictable nature of the Scottish weather meant that I could definitely predict rain. So, I was after something robust, light, and capable of shielding me from some truly awful weather. So, when Rab’s newly updated  …

One of the more technical jackets we have used over the past 6 months, the Axis Alpha Down jacket on first appearance is similar in design to the Montane Quattro Fusion, a jacket we very much enjoyed testing and reviewing and have continued to use over the past few years. Montane has a great reputation for creating some very innovative clothing, with a wide mix of materials to produce …

The L.I.M (Less Is More) range from  Haglofs, it is all about saving weight without compromising performance. So when it came to choosing a mid-layer for my 2 week trip across Scotland I was set from the start on the new  L.I.M Mid Comp Hood. Wanting something close fitting to work with a layering system, and thinking I would be in my wet weather gear for long spells of t …

MVTR stands for moisture vapor transmission rate. It measures the rate at which moisture permeates through a fabric measured in grams/meter /day. As it turns out though, this is a very hard measurement to make and therefore figures should be used as a rough guide only.

The ROC GTX Jacket from  Haglof’s is perfectly suited to Hikers and Backpackers a-like due to the simple design that will stand the test of time with a rucksack on your back. First of all, this is not a shell that you will pop in your rucksack for the off chance of rain, but a jacket for trips/days out where rain will definitely be a factor. The 3-layer Gore-Tex will take all th …

Worn as a daytime synthetic layer on a backpacking trip in late September to Switzerland, the micro puff seems to be one of the lightest insulated jackets around. I carry a down jacket against the evening chill but a light synthetic for daytime, and as I’m normally on the move I don’t need too much to keep me warm. The Micro Puff is ideal for the job and I was really impressed by how …