HOT ON THE TRAIL: THIS SEASON’S BEST INSULATORS

UK winters call for the Valiance jacket. Constructed with a Pertex Shield outer, the superlight fabric provides waterproof, breathable protection. For warmth, Rab chose 800 fi ll hydrophobic down insulation along with Pyrotec synthetic insulation in the hood and cuff s. Delivering reliable comfort, it provides an impressive defence against the cold and wet.

Mountain Equipment made the Trango Down jacket with remote climbing trips in mind. The design combines 700 fi ll down with dual-layer off set baffl es and a heat refl ective internal fabric. Light yet warm, it achieves insulation levels usually only possible in heavier and bulkier box wall styles. Comfortable, mobile, and compressible, it’s a superb belay jacket.

The Fuego Hooded Down jacket delivers on comfort and style alike. Filled with responsibly sourced 800 fi ll down, it achieves lightweight warmth ideal for all-season use. The ripstop outer is abrasion resistant and has a water repellent treatment to fend off moisture. It’s ideal for everyday life too, with the insulated hood and elasticated cuff s helping to seal out the cold.

A riff on Fjällräven’s 1974 classic, the Expedition Down Lite delivers style and substance. Insulated with top-quality 700 fi ll traceable down, its warmth is ideal for milder winter climates like the UK’s. Supreme Microloft synthetic insulation on the shoulders boosts performance. Weather resistant, with a generous hood and large pockets, this jacket has you well set for cold days outdoors.

Winter trekking and cold crag days call for the Nebula Pro jacket. Filled with PrimaLoft Silver Luxe, the recycled synthetic insulation provides warmth without bulk. Durable and packable, the water-resistant fi bres continue to perform even in the wet. Ideal for mountain adventures, its helmet-compatible hood and two-way front zip mean you can belay with ease.

Meet the latest version of Mountain Equipment’s iconic belay jacket. More weatherproof yet weighing less, the Citadel continues its reign as one of the best. The GORETEX INFINIUM outer gives durable weather resistance. PrimaLoft Gold High Loft insulation with Cross Core technology ensures warmth even when wet. Made with a Mountain fi t, you can wear this over your shell as the fi nal piece in your winter layering system.

Cotopaxi’s Fuego Down Vest is a staff favourite. A lightweight layer insulated with responsibly sourced 800 fi ll down, you get instant core warmth without a weight or bulk penalty. Alongside the zipped hand pockets, there is an internal stash pocket to keep valuables safe. As stylish as it is practical, you’ll want to wear it across the seasons.

When every gram counts, you need the AlpLight. A featherweight insulating layer, it gives vital warmth in a slim, low bulk fi t. For the outer, Patagonia chose NetPlus nylon ripstop. Made from recycled fi shing nets, it helps to reduce ocean plastic pollution. The fi lling is 800 fi ll Advanced Global Traceable Down, which traps heat for instant comfort.

Pick the Nano Air hoody for stop-start alpine missions. It features synthetic FullRange insulation layered between light and breathable fabrics. The result is impressive temperature regulation and unrestricted movement. Hiking, climbing, mountaineering, you can wear it for all, and once you warm up, you can stow it in its own chest pocket, and stuff it in your pack.

The North Face’s Summit Down hoody is an expedition essential. An insulated layer featuring premium 800 fi ll ProDown, it has a TNF exclusive water-resistant treatment to deliver warmth even when wet. Made for mountaineering, it is both helmet and harness compatible. A slim fi t reduces bulk so this will fi t easily with the rest of your winter outerwear.

Lightweight, packable, and perfect for outdoor sports, this is the Atom LT. Coreloft Compact 60 insulation stays warm when wet for comfort in any weather. Performance stretch fl eece side panels enhance breathability and reduce bulk. Alpine ascents, off -grid adventures, or daily errands, this versatile jacket is an Arc’teryx icon for good reason!

The streamlined Cerium LT hoody gives versatile winter performance. Insulated with 850 fi ll Responsible Down Standard down and reinforced with Coreloft in moistureprone areas, it achieves exceptional warmth for its weight. Trim-fi tting, the hip length gives extra warmth, and coverage. An outdoor all-rounder, you can wear the Cerium as a midlayer or alone on cool, dry days.

There’s more to the Expedition Lätt than meets the eye. A lightweight insulator, it puts eco-conscious performance fi rst. The supple outer combines a recycled face fabric with a PFC-free water repellent fi nish. Reliable warmth comes from recycled polyester free-fi bre insulation, which achieves a down-like puffi ness and loft. Practical and comfortable in equal measure, it’s a winner for cold-weather hiking.