Gear
YOUR COMPLETE BUYING GUIDE TO
Expert advice on the kit that makes a difference
THE BRITISH CLIMATE might be unpredictable, but one area where it’s fairly reliable is its willingness to throw us a good cold snap or two over winter. The temptation during these times is to throw on the biggest, thickest jacket you can find. But for a walker who needs a good insulator, as with many things in life, size doesn’t always matter.
You might have visited an outdoor store recently and been surprised at just how ‘un-puffy’ some of the winter jackets on sale actually are. This is because it’s substance rather than bulk that really counts.
The substance in insulated jackets is normally either down feathers from geese or ducks, or a synthetic fabric. This fill sits between two thin walls of breathable material that allow moisture to be released when needed.
Most walking insulators are weather resistant to a certain extent (a few might even be waterproof), but the reason manufacturers often like them to be as small as possible is to keep them light and compressible so they’re easy to stow away and carry when you don’t need them, and so you can use them as a mid-layer in the rain (or snow).
This month we’ve tested jackets that cover a broad range of prices and requirements, so that whatever winter throws at you, you’ll be ready to tackle it.
About our reviews
We’ve chosen 12 insulated jackets which should be available in shops and/or online during the period this issue is on sale. Matt and Lauren tested six each; gender availability is indicated by these dots: ● ●. We rate each one on comfort (how it fits and feels), performance (how warm and breathable it is), versatility (how well it adapts to different conditions) and value for money. We don’t select an overall winner as no single option will suit every walker, but Matt and Lauren have chosen a personal favourite each, and highlighted a best value option.
£50-£120
REGATTA
RRP: £50 Target price: £20
After testing the Helfa over several weeks I was astonished to discover Regatta are now selling it for just £20. If you want a perfectly good insulator for next to no money at all, then you p
