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Keeping warm while moving can be tricky. Too much insulation and you’ll sweat on the climb; too little and a cold wind can quickly chill you at the ridge. Polartec Alpha Direct, PrimaLoft ACTIVE, and Octa take a particularly effective approach: lightweight, open constructions that trap warm air while letting heat and moisture escape. Paired with the right outer layer, they offer exceptional …

When I heard that SamBob were releasing a 120gsm Alpha Direct version of their classic oversized thru-hiking hoodie, I was instantly interested. I’ve used a lot of Alpha 90 over the years and always loved how breathable and versatile it is, so the idea of a warmer, loftier 120gsm version immediately grabbed my attention. When the box arrived at the warehouse, I grabbed one immediately and h …

This is an extremely comfortable and versatile zipped hoodie. The close-fitting design and 4-way stretch fabric help it move with the body. This has been the mid-layer I have turned to over the last few months whilst training for a coast-to-coast walk in May, coupled with a long or short sleeved base-layer and a waterproof when an outer layer is required. The gridded ‘Thermo-grid’ bru …

Montane have designed this jacket to be a technical piece, versatile enough to wear for most activities throughout the year. The idea being to offer a warm yet breathable layer that also offers high wind resistance. This sounded perfect for me, so I decided to put one to the test on a three-day backpacking trip in Cumbria. As my trip was only for 3 days, I planned to pack as light as possibl …

Engineered to excel across multiple activities, the Sirocco Lite combines high-performance fabrics to deliver wind-resistant protection, freedom of movement and breathable warmth for the ultimate versatile midlayer. Wind resistant and highly breathable insulated core protects and keeps the body warm without overheating during more demanding activities. High stretch fleece panelling …