Women's | translate:/Global/SiteRating: 4 | Warm layers | 400-499g

On the surface, the Berghaus Ignite Hoody is very similar to the Montane Flux; however it is slightly heavier (20g more) but feels a little warmer. Like others on test it’s wind- and water-resistant, filled with PrimaLoft insulation and also boasts an adjustable hem cord to get a snug fit around your waist. A draught excluder is fitted behind the ...

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The North Face Diez (2012)

£230.00

This is a classic down mid-layer-style of jacket. There’s no hood so it won’t keep your head warm, but it does mean the down is less likely to get wet in a wintry shower. It has a shortish cut, built to fit under a shell layer. The lightweight Pertex shell fabric offers some water resistance, although it can’t be relied ...

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PHD Taiga Fleece Mountain Jacket 2009

£94.00

PHD is a small British company that specialises in designing and making products here in the UK that are at home in the world’s most extreme environments, from the Poles to Everest. The Taiga Fleece Mountain Jacket boasts total practicality in fabric and features. DesignThe PHD Taiga Fleece Mountain Jacket is based on a well-proven design of a long jacket ...

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Páramo Explorer Pull-On 2009

£60.00

Páramo is best known for its waterproof jackets, which are well-proven as being ideal for walkers in the wet and windy British hills. But the company also makes a range of other layers such as the Explorer Pull-On, which is designed to be worn as either a base layer or mid layer and as part of a Páramo clothing system ...

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Mountain Equipment Shroud Jacket 2009

£70.00

Mountain Equipment (ME) makes a range of hard shell waterproofs and soft shells. But, unlike most modern mountaineering brands, they also produce the Shroud fleece jacket, which combines all the typical practical features that they are known for coupled with Polartec fleece. DesignDesigned to function with other ME layers, the Shroud can be worn over a base layer and under ...

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Millet Super Touring 2008

£160.00

Millet has produced a series of great soft shell jackets over recent years, and the Super Touring is its latest offering. It’s very lightweight and makes use of Polartec Power Shield to provide 98% wind resistance and very good water resistance, while maintaining a higher level of breathability than some other fabrics. There is good stretch too for extra mobility, ...

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Berghaus W Hobart III

£100.00

This windproof fleece from Berghaus is a pretty good fit, although the fabric didn’t have instant “ahh” appeal, feeling heavy and bulky in comparison to the best. The hem is quite short, which will suit some. Performs impeccably on windy days, offering excellent windproofing and breathability. It’s a very warm fleece, but mesh pockets and elastic cuffs add welcome ventilation. ...

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Páramo Explorer Pull On

£60.00

Typically of Páramo, this fleece mid layer is dedicated to being functional on the hill. At around 484g it is reasonably lightweight. It can also be worn inside-out if you find it a little too warm. The fabric is very durable and wind-resistant, and will keep light drizzle at bay too. It is a smock design, which allows a large ...

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Lafuma Djebal

£80.00

This soft shell was a runner-up in March 2006. If you are after a practical jacket that fends off light rain and wind while being more durable than fleece, then this is just the job. It’s made from four-way stretch Gore fabric. The result is that you put it on and you feel comfortable and ready for action while not ...

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Vaude Sundance

£100.00

This windproof fleece from Vaude is light and flexible. It fits really well and its short length makes it easy to move around in. Although the collar is a little low, it is snug and the baffle small enough not to annoy you too much. Totally windproof and light, so works well as an extra layer on cold days without ...

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North Cape Idaho

£50.00

This midweight women’s fleece from North Cape is impressively cosy, but the strip of fabric inside the collar is irritatingly itchy. It has a lovely high collar, though, and I the roomy, contoured fit and soft elasticated cuffs are fine too. Made from a very stretchy fabric and exceptionally warm, partly due to a windproof lining at the front, it’s ...