The North Face Alpine

This waterproof jacket from The North Face is an excellent fit in the body, but the sleeves might be a little long. That’s not a huge problem, as the Velcro cuffs are easy to adjust. It’s a very short cut, which won’t suit everybody, and the detachable hood is also a little fiddly to fit, although it’s roomy and offers good adjustment. It keeps plenty of bad weather at bay, yet with pit zips and mesh-lined venting chest pockets, it isn’t too stifling in warmer conditions or when walking uphill fast. The pocket choice is about perfect, with well placed handwarmers and a good map-sized one. The hood does a good job too.

Verdict: The Alpine is a really good all-round jacket that will take bad weather in its stride, yet isn’t too bulky and heavy to carry in a pack. Well worth a look if you like the shorter cut.

Colours: Cardinal red/graphite grey, black, ignition orange/adder brown, canopy green/graphite grey, graphite grey/black

Sizes: S-XXL

Fabric: Two-layer Gore-Tex

Main features: Taped seams, fully adjustable hood with wired visor, bushed interior collar, internal security pocket, two core vent pockets, Velcro adjustable cuffs, hem drawcord

Weight: 845g

Women’s version: Yes

Contact: 01539 738882; www.thenorthface.com/eu