BASE GEAR

Our selection of leading insulated jackets for 2020

Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody

Patagonia is a household name in high quality adventure wear. The Macro Puff synthetic insulated hoody is a classic of their range, with an impr essive warmth-to-weight ratio in a highly packable form. With its huge hood and longer hem cut, it’s perfect as a belay jacket for climbers, or an extra warm layer to keep stashed in your pack on multi-day adventures. The Macro Puff can genuinely claim to offer the warmth of a lightweight down jacket with the wetweather performance of synthetic insulation.

Key features:

Ultralight recycled nylon ripstop shell Water-repellent outer fabric High loft synthetic insulation Helmet-compatible hood Packs into a separate stuff-sack

Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody

Canadian brand Arc’teryx has been a key innovator of technical outdoor clothing for decades. Their new, revised version of the Proton LT Hoody could become another classic from the design team in Vancouver. Using very lightweight synthetic insulation, which unlike down still works when it’s damp or even wet, the Proton LT is perfect for alpine climbing, skiing, or any other outdoor activity where insulation must function in very humid environments, or during high-output exercise. Being extremely lightweight (just 375 grams) and highly packable, the Proton LT is a perfect go-to addition for the wardrobe of any serious adventurer. Both men’s and women’s versions are available.

Key features:

Quick-drying synthetic insulation Durable and breathable outer face fabric Helmet-compatible hood Designed for optimal movement Can be used as a mid-layer or a shell in warmer conditions

ARCTERYX.COM

Kathmandu Federate Down Hoody

Using a striking box-wall construction and street-oriented design, the Federate Down Hoody is ideal if you want a high performance down jacket that works as well for commuting to the office as it does out there in the wild. Using a very tough outer fabric with a water-repellent (DWR) coating, the Federate works much better than most other down jackets we’ve tested in wet conditions, so if lightness and lots of technical features are less important to you than urban looks, this might be an ideal addition to your winter wardrobe.

Key features:

Water-repellent 650 fill power duck down Water-repellent (DWR) finish Stretch woven baffle fabric Adjustable hood Two large zip pockets & inner pocket

KATHMANDU.CO.UK

Rab Electron Jacket

Rab’s Electron is an extremely warm mid-weight down jacket that uses 800 fill power down along with a host of useful features designed for technical users such as climbers, skiers, and outdoor professionals. Using a water-resistant Pertex shell, it’s designed to stay dry in all but the worst conditions, when it could also be used as a mid-layer under a waterproof shell. The Electron has the lowest possible weight in relation to its insulating properties, and it’s undoubtedly the warmest of the four jackets reviewed here. Whilst it doesn’t offer the same wetweather performance as the others, it is the perfect companion for cold, dry winter conditions. Both men’s and women’s versions are available.

Key features:

800 fill power ethically-sourced European goose down Elasticated stretch woven cuffs Internal security pocket Helmet-compatible hood Water-resistant and lightweight Pertex outer