LAYERING UP

PRICE: £210

Another classic from Rab, the Microlight is an outdoor all-rounder that can stow into its pocket and then unpack into a fantastically warm layer in seconds. A recycled Pertex Quantum outer protects the 700 fill recycled down within, which Rab enhanced with a water-repellent treatment. Zoned micro and nano stitch-through baffles create a perfect fit and keep weight and bulk in check.

PRICE: £180

There’s a reason the Atom Vest is so popular. Super-packable, lightweight, and weather-resistant, it’s a low-bulk response to windchill in a huge array of situations. The Coreloft Compact insulation laughs in the face of dampness, and the stretch fleece side panels combine with the fleecelined collar to increase breathability and comfort.

PRICE: £325

Lightweight yet protective, the Phase Lite weighs a mere 255 grams yet has the essential features you need for fast-paced hiking. The GORE-TEX Active Shell offers top-class breathability, with enough robustness to fend off the elements when required. A rollaway hood adds flexibility when you’re really moving, enhanced with a stiffened peak for when the weather turns horizontal.

PRICE: £300

The Trango is no lightweight, designed as it is for remote, high-altitude expeditions where only the best quality will do. A massive 237g of 700 fill Codex 100% traceable Pure Down packs out a belay jacket that’ll deliver warmth when you need it most. The chest pockets and zipped hand pockets provide plenty of space for snacks, hand warming, and general hunkering down.

PRICE: £500

The Rab Latok is a longstanding winterclassic hardshell, and this women’s specific fit continues that tradition. A robust but breathable 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro build sets the scene, coupled with an excellent helmet compatible TriPoint hood and harnesscompatible pockets to deliver exactly the kind of protection you want on your side in a real hoolie.

PRICE: £135

Constructed from Futurefleece, the Summit Hoody features hollow-core yarns in a fullloop construction to trap air astonishingly well. Balancing warmth, breathability, and weight with great success, you can increase heat using the low-profile hood. Comfort is assured with underarm gussets for maximum movement, and there are no shoulder seams to get in the way of a pack.

PRICE: £70

Sometimes simple is best, and this half zip, long sleeve stretch fleece does exactly what you want it to; it’s a vital and useful layer in nearly every outdoor situation. Fast drying, low-bulk and easily vented, the Lumiko works brilliantly under a waterproof. Made in a Fair Wear audited facility, the fabric is also bluesign approved and PFC-free. A zipped chest pocket adds extra utility too.

PRICE: £85

The fact is that merino wool makes for a top-notch base layer, being warm, breathable, low bulk and soft against the skin. This 200gm jersey from icebreaker contains 100% merino and packs in a few subtle but useful extras. These include a drop tail hem, offset shoulder seams and underarm gussets to increase comfort and flexibility without adding complication.