Uploaded February 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Here is a group test of all my insulated jackets. These hiking jackets range from spring / autumn jackets to winter jackets. All these walking jackets are packable and can be used for hiking, backpacking and wild camping. Filling ranges from synthetic jackets to goose down jackets.
The main thing to take away from this review is I want everyone to be aware the lightly insulated jackets are not that warm. Think of them as a mid to heavy weight hiking fleece. A winter down jacket needs to have at least 200g of filling in my opinion.
The higher the fill power, the higher warmth-to-weight ratio the down filling has. This does make a difference but not as big a difference as the brands make out. In my opinion more insulation means a warmer jacket (same applies to sleeping bags!).
The insulated hiking jacket range from cheap down jacket to expensive down jacket. For me, it's hard to justify the value for money of the expensive lighter weight hiking jackets.
Follow me Instagram page here: instagram.com/backpacking_uk
Don't forget to use your Topcashback account when purchasing from outdoor gear websites! If you haven't already, sign up for free here: topcashback.co.uk/ref/backpackinguk
Insulated jackets tested are:
Peter Storm Men's Packlite Alpinist Down Jacket - Buy here: tidd.ly/3VJYvq0
Rab Cirrus Jacket - Buy here: tidd.ly/3tFM0mx
https://rab.equipment/uk/cirrus-jacket
Cotopaxi Fuego Jacket - Buy here tidd.ly/476ukie
uk.cotopaxi.com/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage%2Ccollection&q=fuego*
Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie
fjallraven.com/uk/en-gb/men/jackets/winter-jackets/expedition-pack-down-hoodie-m
Rab Infinity Light Jacket
trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/rab-mens-infinity-light-jacket-black__39208
Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket - Buy here: tidd.ly/3Q9I2do
mountain-equipment.co.uk/products/lightline-mens-jacket
Rab Valiance Jacket - Buy here: tidd.ly/3Q5DsNp
https://rab.equipment/uk/valiance-jacket-qdb-49
I tend to buy the latest gear from Trekitt. However, I buy a lot of gear in the sales from places like Go Outdoors and off ebay too. A top tip of mine is to snap up the 'worn once, too small' jackets off ebay.
The Peter Storm hiking jacket is a no-brainer. If you see one for £22.50 buy it! Personally, I think the Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket is a clear winner in this test. Just like their Ibex Pants, the have hit the balance of cost vs quality vs weight vs durability perfectly.
If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
Thanks, Andy.
#hiking #hikinguk #hikinggear
Here is a group test of all my insulated jackets. These hiking jackets range from spring / autumn jackets to winter jackets. All these walking jackets are packable and can be used for hiking, backpacking and wild camping. Filling ranges from synthetic jackets to goose down jackets.
The main thing to take away from this review is I want everyone to be aware the lightly insulated jackets are not that warm. Think of them as a mid to heavy weight hiking fleece. A winter down jacket needs to have at least 200g of filling in my opinion.
The higher the fill power, the higher warmth-to-weight ratio the down filling has. This does make a difference but not as big a difference as the brands make out. In my opinion more insulation means a warmer jacket (same applies to sleeping bags!).
The insulated hiking jacket range from cheap down jacket to expensive down jacket. For me, it's hard to justify the value for money of the expensive lighter weight hiking jackets.
Follow me Instagram page here: instagram.com/backpacking_uk
Don't forget to use your Topcashback account when purchasing from outdoor gear websites! If you haven't already, sign up for free here: topcashback.co.uk/ref/backpackinguk
Insulated jackets tested are:
Peter Storm Men's Packlite Alpinist Down Jacket - Buy here: tidd.ly/3VJYvq0
Rab Cirrus Jacket - Buy here: tidd.ly/3tFM0mx
https://rab.equipment/uk/cirrus-jacket
Cotopaxi Fuego Jacket - Buy here tidd.ly/476ukie
uk.cotopaxi.com/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage%2Ccollection&q=fuego*
Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie
fjallraven.com/uk/en-gb/men/jackets/winter-jackets/expedition-pack-down-hoodie-m
Rab Infinity Light Jacket
trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/rab-mens-infinity-light-jacket-black__39208
Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket - Buy here: tidd.ly/3Q9I2do
mountain-equipment.co.uk/products/lightline-mens-jacket
Rab Valiance Jacket - Buy here: tidd.ly/3Q5DsNp
https://rab.equipment/uk/valiance-jacket-qdb-49
I tend to buy the latest gear from Trekitt. However, I buy a lot of gear in the sales from places like Go Outdoors and off ebay too. A top tip of mine is to snap up the 'worn once, too small' jackets off ebay.
The Peter Storm hiking jacket is a no-brainer. If you see one for £22.50 buy it! Personally, I think the Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket is a clear winner in this test. Just like their Ibex Pants, the have hit the balance of cost vs quality vs weight vs durability perfectly.
If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
Thanks, Andy.
#hiking #hikinguk #hikinggear
