Quick fire review: 5 duvet jackets we like right now

07 July 2008 16:53

For more detailed reviews, browse by the criteria you want using the menu items in the left-hand colum of this section, but if you need to know now, here's five duvet jackets we like a lot right now...

Rab Neutrino Endurance
£200
Snuggle up in this if you want a classic best seller with clean design, high-quality down, relatively light weight (625g) and small packed size
Don’t buy if the price is too high
Best for big spenders who want low-bulk warmth
tel. (01773) 601870; www.equipuk.com

Montane Flux
£100
Snuggle up in this if you want a 520g synthetic fibre jacket with more insulation around your cold spots and less elsewhere, giving it a dinky packed size
Don’t buy if you’re a lady or want down fill. Montane is working on a women’s version; for now the down-filled Anti-Freeze fits the bill
Best for bargain-hunters who want lightweight warmth for damp UK hills
tel. (01670) 522300; www.montane.co.uk

Mountain Hardwear Phantom
£160
Snuggle up in this if you dig ‘no frills’ and want a very light (446g) down jacket with waist drawcord that came 2nd in last year’s test (Trail Jan 07) Don’t buy if you don’t want down and want a more robust outer fabric on a cheaper, hooded number
Best for lightweight gear freaks who want light, low-bulk warmth
tel. (01457) 854424;www.mountainhardwear.com

Mountain Equipment Lightline
£150    
Snuggle up in this if you are keen to be seen in last year’s test winner (Trail Jan 07), the toughest, warmest 620g down jacket around, with a rip-offable hood
Don’t buy if you want light and cheap Best for easy freezers who need mid-weight, low-bulk warmth for high mountains worldwide
tel. (01457) 854424; www.mountain-equipment.co.uk

Páramo Torres Smock
£100
Snuggle up in this if you want a virtually bulletproof and generously proportioned jacket with a down-like feel and performance from a synthetic fill that rain won’t ruin
Don’t buy if you want a lighter (it’s 775g), less toasty insulator that packs down smaller and has a more modern, active cut
Best for value-hungry hill-walkers layering up against wet and windy UK mountains
(01892) 786444; www.paramo.co.uk