Arc’teryx Cerium LT
£280
At a mere 245g the Cerium LT jacket is a feathery light piece of clothing. That’s because it’s made mainly of premium quality 850 fill European white goose down feathers. It consequently packs down into its oblong stuffsack no bigger than a fist. If you’re looking for an ultra-packable, minimalist down jacket to act as a stand-alone garment or mid-layer in colder mountain conditions then the Cerium is for you. Combined with a typically astute design by Arc’teryx it’s an exceptionally attractive piece of clothing for wild camps and outdoor activities in the colder months.
VERDICT
The price will be a barrier for many, but this is a premium down jacket with a tremendous warmth to weight ratio.
+ Extremely low weight, exquisitely designed
– Small main zip and closures not adjustable
Alpkit Filoment jacket
£99
Alpkit’s describes the Filoment as a ‘lightweight, windproof alternative to a fleece’. Consequently it’s a versatile insulation layer marketed as suitable for hillwalking, mountaineering, belaying, alpine pursuits and casual wear.
Insulation is provided via 650 fill duck down, which is not the most efficient of materials, hence the jacket it slightly bulkier than some more expensive alternatives. But that really is the only niggle we can find with it. Weight averages 325g, which is competitive, and the savviness of the design and cut makes this a delightfully warm and free-moving layer.
VERDICT
A superbly designed, well specced and effortlessly warm duck down insulation jacket for an incredible price
+ Superb price, very effective design
– Slightly bulkier than more expensive options
Rab Xenon X Vest
£95
The Xenon X Vest is a synthetic gilet that weighs just 220g, and is a great thermal layer for aerobic activities in cold environments – whether that’s walking, cycling, scrambling or climbing.
Rab’s effort is superbly light, with outer and inner fabrics made of the windproof and breathable Pertex Quantum, and top-of-the-range Primaloft Gold insulation, which won’t compress when wet – instead continuing to offer warmth.
Superbly warm – and even a little too warm on demanding hikes, this is a great extra layer for evenings camping or bivvying, as well as a light and unobtrusive midlayer for winter adventures.
VERDICT
Intelligently designed and versatile, this is a top choice with excellent warmth despite lack of sleeves
+ Unobtrusive, lightweight, surprisingly warm
– Similar price to some full jackets
Montane Prism jacket
£110
In a nutshell the Prism is an insulated synthetic jacket that works as a mid-layer in cold weather and an outer windproof in warmer months.
The jacket's three elements consists of an outer Pertex Microlight Ripstop – for quick drying windproof, light rain protection. The insulation is warm, compressible and quick drying Primaloft Silver Eco, and the inner liner is a comfortable, breathable Peaq Synthetic.
All three work superbly and the Prism manages to keep the chill of even strong winds out while maintaining breathability, topped off with a good, three-point adjustable, hood, with a wired peak.
VERDICT
A superbly designed and performing jacket at a great price that will prove its worth in any number of situations.
+ Fantastic price, well designed and versatile
– Not especially light, limited pockets
Sprayway vela jacket
£160
Made of a Gore Windstopper outer and an ‘inso/therm’ polyester filling, the Vela is intended for days with strong wind chill and the odd light shower. Consequently it makes a great thermal layer to take on mountain adventures, despite weighing more than 500g.
The design is casual yet functional, the price fair, the hardy synthetic filling and the spongy comfort that it communicates – making for a charming companion on mountain adventures. It’s only on the warmest and calmest days that you'd want to leave home without it.
VERDICT
An effective windproof and thermal layer for rests and camps with hardy but surprisingly breathable insulation
+ Excellent, adjustable hood with wired peak
– Heavy, and quite bulky to pack down
Vaude Sesvenna jacket
£135
The Sesvenna is a lightweight thermal jacket for outdoor challenges in harsh environments, with Primaloft insulation for warmth even when damp, and stretch panels for free movement.
At 400g it just sneaks into that lightweight description, but we’re not so certain about the ‘tiny pack size’ claim that Vaude makes. Still, its dimensions are not off-putting and it’ll find a place easily in most packs.
The stretch panelling makes it best for active users who put breathability over ultimate warmth for rests and stop, and although there is no adjustment, the fit is good.
VERDICT
Good value and versatile synthetic jacket focused on excellent breathability not absolute warmth
+ Simple design and stretch comfort
– Non-adjustable hood, not particularly light
