No matter whether you’re headed north or south, an insulated jacket is key to getting warm and staying warm. You have two choices: those filled with synthetic down or those stuffed with goose or duck down.
Both work by trapping warm air between the fill. Synthetic down jackets are usually a bit bulkier, but can often be cheaper and will work even if you get them wet. Those using goose or duck down tend to offer a better warmth-to-weight ratio.
Look at the ‘fill power’: the higher the number, the warmer the jacket. This jacket is packed full of 850-fill goose down (all responsibly sourced) and wrapped up in a water-repellent nylon outer, yet only weighs 322g (size M).
The back is scooped so it won’t rise up when you’re crouching down to get eye-level photos of the wildlife and the side panels are vertical rather than horizontal, allowing for excellent freedom of movement.
The zip is two-way so you can open it from the bottom or top – great for getting something out of your trouser pocket – and integrated wrist gaiters keep your hands warm by preventing draughts (they can fold away if not needed).
The helmet-compatible hood and hem are elasticated and there are two zipped external pockets and three internal ones. But the best thing is that for each jacket bought another is donated to a homeless person, meaning that your purchase will serve to keep more than just yourself warm.
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