What is the best value-for-money insulated jacket? Winter Jackets 2022/23

[@BackpackingUK]

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[@stampylove]

Best review on down jackets I've seen and I've seen a lot. Thanks.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks so much!

[@mrfitz96]

Down jackets are great for casual use around town or at a ski resort etc. But I would NEVER rely on a down jacket to keep me safe and warm on British mountains or hillsides. Synthetic insulation may be heavier but it's more suited to UK conditions where there's a high risk of getting wet all year round. Merino wool is really affordable these days, a couple of thin merino sweaters layered under your outer shell does the trick nicely.

[@Blog4Justice]

+1 for Mountain Equipment. It hits the sweet spot for great quality, features, fit and comfort at reasonable prices. North Face is solid too, but I feel you pay a premium for the name. In any case, the maxim "Buy cheap, buy twice" almost invariably applies with outdoor gear, as with most other things.

[@steveaga4683]

Saw a review on the Decathlon jacket earlier! Cracking value...surprised it's not on this list!

[@supervillan326]

I’ve had my Rab Valiance for 2 years and it’s the best buy I’ve made for a proper, fully waterproof, fully insulated, winter jacket. Can’t recommend it highly enough. My wife bought one as well after trying mine.

[@BackpackingUK]

I haven’t worn mine in heavy rain yet so haven’t tested it 100%!

[@supervillan326]

@@BackpackingUK I have and it’s flawless. 🙂

[@neil9525]

There is huge variation in what one ‘needs’ from a winter jacket. Even those lighter down jackets over a good base and mid layer will be very warm when active and absolutely fine with a water/windproof shell over the top that you will almost certainly have in your pack. Carrying a 600-700gm jacket is verging on crazy unless you’re happy to carry a very heavy pack. Ultra-lighters will not be carrying anything over 300gm and will be exposed to very cold conditions. You need to really think about the quality of the down and that most of these jackets can not really be exposed to wet weather so you should always have a shell easily accessible. The Rab Mythic Alpine/Alpine light range has 900fp down. They sit at 250-300gms! They will be absolutely fine in all but very cold conditions. (You can get them for ~£200) Of course, money is a major deal, but that Peter storm jacket over some half decent layers and under a shell will do most of us fine for 99% of the conditions we’re going to expose ourselves to. My wife has a Valiance… it’s a gimmick and certainly not what I’d consider a backpacking jacket.

[@BackpackingUK]

I’m not a cold person and I can tell you for a fact I’d be absolutely freezing camping at zero degrees wearing just a base, fleece, 300g mid and hardshell. Check out my last video in the peaks, it was about +1 with windchill and I had 4 quality dry layers on and I was uncomfortably cold. My other 2 mates got straight in their bags. Only Mark stayed up with me and he was wearing a Montane Extreme Smock. Sometimes the old gear trumps all the fancy layers.

[@neil9525]

@@BackpackingUK In October (Dartmoor) it got down to low single figures (6C in Okehampton and will have been lower at Fordsland’s Ledge) and I had a Rab Geon fleece (highly recommended!) and a vapour-rise jacket (didn’t want to take a big bulky Nebula Pro Jacket). I’m generally very warm and there was very little wind chill, so maybe not a fair comparison. The morning was cold so I also put the shell on, but would happily have tolerated it to zero like that.

[@stampylove]

Were they handing out medals @@neil9525

[@sebulban]

Yeah. It’s all about your use case. I have 3 different down jackets and they all serve different purpose. Please send a link where you can get RAB mythic Alpine for 200 😄 My most used down jacket is actually that fjällräven expedition down hoodie. I wear it as a stand alone jacket everywhere from November to April. I also use it underneath my hardshell on my hiking trips. I can also use it on top of a lighter shell (like haglofs LIM) Oh, forgot to mention that I live few hundred kilometers from the arctic circle so our winters are a bit different than in UK

[@iainmasterton2]

I have lightweight down for spring /autumn and heavier ones for winter. Favourite lightweight are Uniqlo. Winter… Mountain equipment and my Fjall Raven Greenland which is expensive but the best jacket I’ve ever owned.

[@Pauls2025]

Thanks for this video Andy.... I'd been mulling over that my Rab Microlight isnt really up to the temperatures I expect of it for winter camping and as a result I've also invested in a ME Lightline. All the best, Paul.

[@BackpackingUK]

Good choice! For the sake of an additional 300g you get a proper winter jacket. Alpine jackets are great, but they have their limitations in winter!

[@Pauls2025]

@@BackpackingUK it arrived yesterday and Im looking forward to testing it on a trip next week. As you say the alpine jacket wouldn't have been enough.

[@moonbaby6134]

I’ve worn a Rab alpine with a moreno wool base and thin mid layer. With decent pants, hat and gloves I’ve been fine. Always better to be slightly cooler than warmer especially when moving. You can always unzip and stop sweating too much which helps prevent hypothermia. As long as it’s not chucking it down, you’re pretty fine all the way down to zero degrees.

[@petercollins7848]

How often do we need such warm clothing if we are exerting ourselves hiking in the outdoors? I get roasting wearing a fleece with a simple light weight windproof jacket. So much outdoor clothing is marketed as though we are all climbing the North Face of the Eiger! Simple cheap layers will be adequate for most people’s ‘outdoor’ activities, the hikers who really do push themselves to the limit know exactly what kit to buy. It always makes me smile when I return from a true hike all covered in mud, and I see people in the car park dressed to kill in about £600 worth of kit and there is not a spot of dirt or mud on them! I wonder where they have been and what they have been doing. Did they just ‘hike’ to the nearest cafe or pub?

[@burnerone8345]

I watched this video because I walk the dog and he stops all the time, I'm old and live in Scotland so I do feel cold regularly. Layering and windproof is usually sufficient, but on colder days even a light fleece base and then a heavier one under a windproof/waterproof coat isn't enough so I'm in the market for something warmer for layering on the coldest days, without dropping heaps on a stupid big coat that's going to be too much most of the time. There is a market for various levels of bulk/insulation/features.

[@itsfuzzy]

Love the review videos Andy. It really helps when buying these days, and items are so expensive. Dont want to make an expensive mistake!

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@edwardwilcox6606]

Discovered Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer jackets not too long ago & find them to be superbly made, super-light & so far really durable. I think they would do well in any comparison test. Btw, big fan of Mountain Equipment Ibex pants although I`ve found the belts need stitching-up as the plastic buckle allows the belt to slip open during the slightest body movement.

[@mysteriousoklahoma777]

REI jackets are a very good value

[@stewartfooter3580]

Great vid mate,i like the climashied apex insulation,helikon tex use it in their cold weather jackets

[@amybrown3780]

I love the ME Trango, it’s a box fill aswell, but when I can stretch the budget, I’m after the Valiance!

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

I bought a Mountain Hardwear Phantom Parka in medium black on sale at REI. I'm 5'8"/165 and has enough room for a Decathlon down jacket as a mid layer if needed, but it's warm enough as is for my latitude.

[@davesmith4804]

I got the same Mountain Equipment jacket and think it's light as a feather, warm as toast as well

[@johnkenny694]

Picked up a Livergy jacket at Lidle for 19 euro, wicked value! then got a brand new North Face Nuptse for 50 euro on a But and sell and its not Fake!! i was just about going to dish out 350 euro for the Nuptse, so if you look around you can get some deals.

[@chrisdodd9121]

Mega review…. I’m a sucker for a new down jacket. Just purchased Jöttnar Fenrir - awesome bit of kit - but love some of these alternatives, thanks

[@BackpackingUK]

I only found out yesterday Jottnar were a UK brand 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@chrisdodd9121]

@@BackpackingUK Yes 👍, created by a few Royal Marines…. Must say , fantastic quality! Usually go for Rab down jackets but wanted something slightly different this time around.

[@karlbratby4349]

LightLine is awesome and what sold it to me is the fact that you can remove the hood so when you base has a hood and your mid has a hood it can get a bit much with 3 hoods so to remove is fab. Lightweight down jackets are pointless, make a pants mid-layer juts a fashion accesory

[@thehumblegent]

Brilliant reviews. Thank you. Peace and Love

[@Parky1964]

Just bought a Thrudark Engage jacket, which I have yet to test out in more severe weather. Always had Rab before which take some beating so looking forward to testing what appears to be and what I have seen, one of the best around..

[@rich7447]

Mammut has some great insulated puffy jackets that range in temp range from warmer temps (around 0C) to cold (below -18C) to very cold (-40C). Mountain Hardwear and Outdoor Research have great insulation for reasonable prices. I would think that 300g of down would be a lot for the UK. My heaviest down Jacket (Mammut Ambler Pro) has 250g of 750+ down and it is not something that I get out until it gets down to -25C plus wind.

[@QnA22]

Agree, it would be better to layer up than have a coat that's too hot 90% of the time. I have a Forclaz Trek 900 down jacket from Decathlon. I think it was 80 Euro. I use that one too about - 10C. Then i have another coat that i use up to - 30C (Fjallraven). Lower than that i use the more trusty and comfortable real leather/lambswool coats. But when the circumstances am for it, i use the Forclaz under the Fjallraven and then some Cashmere or Yak wool or Camel wool underneath. That's usually at - 40C to - 50C in windy conditions where it feels colder than that. Combining clothing is simply cheaper than buying many purpose built clothing.

[@rich7447]

@@QnA22 I lived across Canada all the way up to Yellowknife in the 1990s and didn't see -50C very often. Depending on how long I am going to be out and what I'm going to be doing -10C without wind might be a t-shirt or light sweater (shoveling driveway before we had a snowblower). I could also mean a fleece and a shell in windy conditions, or a fleece, light puffy and shell if I am going to be standing/sitting around. Layering is always the way to go.

[@rugbyleedslufc6575]

Nice review, cheers

[@martingrady7654]

The Valiance for city life, such as going to a footy match we have a 35min walk from pub to Villa Park, if its raining in the middle of winter, you have to sit for 90mins being cold and wet. So its horses for courses, I would not go hiking in the Valiance, but would carry a water prove jacket in a sack, You cant take a sake into the footy ground so you see what I mean,

[@maxpowell3984]

I have both the positron pro and the lightline and both are good.. Lightline is slightly snug with better fit but the positron is better at all except the neck which is very big and doesn't fit good...

[@robharris5245]

Thanks for the advice, however I think I will stick to my Sheffield made RAB summit jacket. Cost £180 at least 18 years ago. Had it cleaned and repaired by RAB themselves. Still going strong.

[@craigdavies1747]

I do tend to use mid to higher price gear (mainly in the sales) as they tend to be reliable but I do love some North ridge gear. Also love my Columbia Omni heat synthetic fill coats. I don't use down.

[@BackpackingUK]

I’m exactly the same, nearly everything I buy now is higher priced gear but in the sales. I rarely pay full price for anything, it’s got to be something I really want!

[@craigdavies1747]

@@BackpackingUK It's amazing the difference in prices when you look around or have good sources. I've got my vidda pro trousers for £100 and my mountain equipment mantle hoody and frontier softshell both around £85. 👍

[@paulgardner-uy6fh]

I have a penguin puff jacket it's pretty good

[@bradt1964]

Mountain Equipment Lightline Jacket is The BEST Jacket I have ever owned, and i have 3 with the fleece, excellent fit, Great Value for money especially in the Sales

[@McConnachy]

Jack Wolfskin make good clothing at decent prices. I find North face gear excellent, but you generally pay for it. Montane also good gear

[@shahids3055]

Have placed an order for the mountain equipment light line jacket, some colours are for sale around £156 at Taunton leisure, Thanks Andy for this awesome review and tip! : )

[@BackpackingUK]

That's a great shop, I got my Hilleberg Soulo from there!

[@malarktaful]

Sound choice, it's the best all round jacket and Taunton Leisure is great, excellent customer service.

[@andrewwhite3457]

Thanks just ordered another mountain equipment lightline jacket. After months of looking at coats im back to one of these. Last one must be 6 years old and is just a bit too worn now.

[@TimelordUK]

I'm loving my Peter Storm. I do get very hot once I'm moving about or running for my bus, but sat down doing nothing you are right, I start to feel quite cold

[@matt6477]

Brilliant review 👏👏👏

[@BackpackingUK]

Cheers 👍

[@philc1773]

This winter, none of these compare to Jack1t. They make vastly superior down winter jackets vs Rab. Moncler quality for Rab money!

[@stew2514]

Wish you would give us a look at the back of each jacket as well, plz can you consider this in future videos.

[@malcolmjcullen]

You can't beat Uniqlo's down for value and quality.

[@colinboxall2692]

Arcteryx cerium all day along with the lightline.

[@jamesbunyan9781]

I use a Mountain Equipment Triton jacket, which is waterproof. It has 217 g, of 700 fill power. I also can use Moutain Equipment Arete jacket, underneath that, when necessary, and that adds 100g plus of 700 fill power, and fits comfortably below the Triton.

[@peterc5167]

Try the Uniqlo ultra light hooded down jacket. Good value, really light and if combined with their UL down vest, good warmth even in winter.

[@marktaylor6266]

Great review thanks

[@johnfstockland]

I have the new version of the Rab Infinity Down (I think they split the new models from you rjacket into the Infinity Down and Infinity Alpine lines), which has 250g of down, super warm.

[@feetfirstspeks]

I was thinking of getting this kind of jacket for hiking in the hills and mountains, but they all seem to have one shortcoming -- they are all several inches too short. If you'd bend at the waist at all, the cold wind would whistle up your back.

[@xix94]

Wish more jackets would have chest pockets hate having my hands low 😂

[@graemer3657]

Great to watch videos like this which are so packed with facts, not just opinions. Thanks!

[@BackpackingUK]

Cheers 👍

[@tomk3732]

You can go cheap - like $20 for a down sweater / light jacket but it will not last too long. For that you need to spend like 60. Above 60 there is very little difference all they way to 300 which is the most expensive one you can get. This is sweater comparison apples to apples.

[@ellwitz9838]

I have the Mountain Hard Wear Stretch Down, arcteryx Cerium, North Face Thermoball and Patagonia Down Sweater and the Patagonia is the clear winner for me but they all have a place in the Canadian climate

[@nestorluca3440]

Just moved to Ottawa and have never dealt with winters here (only used to East/Central European ones) - what would you recommend winter clothing wise which doesn't look ugly? (especially boots....)

[@ellwitz9838]

@@nestorluca3440 go to MEC at 366 Richmond Rd. They will outfit you probably without breaking the bank

[@MrFastrhino]

I originally bought the Mountain Equipment then returned it because i felt like Michelin Man in time swapped it for the Rab Superlight, regretted it ever since the rab just feel less insulated and not as well made, it is a slimmer fit but I would rather look like Michelin Man and be warm than wear lots of layers under the Rab.

[@strangerdanger8462]

Try the Fjallraven he wore in the video. I have it, and it's battle tested. I've hiked in some pretty cold places. I just layer up with a thermal and a light sweatshirt. It kept me very warm without overheating. In fact, if the temp isn't going below freezing, you don't even need the layering. The jacket is that good. Unfortunately, it is rather expensive.

[@DJunclepaul2nd]

I agree. My cirrus flex 2 is not a warm jacket. But if walking, on hills, with a pack, you are generating some heat, the light jackets are supporting you, not protecting you in my opinion

[@BackpackingUK]

That’s a great explanation, thanks 👍

[@DJunclepaul2nd]

@@BackpackingUK the problem is, the light jacket is fine while your on the move, but in the evening around camp I need something warmer. I don't want to take 2 jackets with me.

[@johnmiller7427]

Really good review , thanks. I would be interested in views on Arc’teryx,Mountain Hardware,Columbia and Patagonia insulated jackets

[@Saxtoo]

I bought a secondhand Patagonia Nano Puff hoody off ebay for around £70. They don't often appear for this price so you'll need to sit and wait for one. Pleased with it. Thin, lightweight, but very warm. I'm in no way middle class. And I say that because you'll see loads of these being worn in Manchester. I took the advice of Katie Kookaburra YT channel to buy one. Best of luck👍

[@tamasfarkas7970]

​@@Saxtoo The Patagonia Nano Puff is a lightweight and excellent jacket. Definitely one of the best, not for arctic climates of course.

[@SeanRidley-g7z]

What about Snugpack jackets? Are they any good?

[@GSHants]

Always happy with Rab gear, for me responsible down is very important, so wouldn’t buy without being RDS. Synthetic down/insulation has come a long way and have had a very warm insulated Lidl jacket at £15😯

[@marct9942]

Nothing from decathlon? Why not?

[@lilianlee535]

Would you test dukuseek heated hunting vest?

[@Kadaf1]

The Mountain Equipment jacket or the Skogso Padded jacket? as a everyday winter jacket in the UK

[@BackpackingUK]

Skogso everyday, the ME is pure winter.

[@Kadaf1]

@@BackpackingUK thanks mate, have you done a video on the padded skogso ?

[@TheAron18]

What about Soul cal and co bubble winter jackets?

[@europa1387]

Some nice jackets mate. I just got the Montane anti freeze jacket, liking it.

[@BackpackingUK]

I like that! I would wear more Montane gear but two of my mates already love that brand.

[@davidcoleman2796]

My navy wool P jacket is warmer then all my down jackets . 😂

[@robincormie855]

I have a Rab,I don't really rate it I think i paid about 180 for it suppose you get what you pay for.

[@haltoi01]

Peter storm just releases the feathers from all over, it’s cheap but useless eventually

[@Joedickens1569]

Unless camping up mountains in winter the Lightline is probably overkill, especially when combined with the other layers you are likely to have. I have an equivalent (Rab Neutrino) and when camping get far far more use from my much lighter Montane Down Jacket. For cheap down jackets, Decathlon and Uniqlo have some bargains.

[@davidhudson7590]

I just got M.E lightline love it n got for 180 on sale gonna buy p storm or 3

[@BackpackingUK]

It's a great jacket isn't it, I can't really fault it, especially if you get one in the sales!

[@koningklootzak7788]

How does Uniqlo ultra down compare to these?

[@harrytrueman4216]

Is there a miracle jacket that keeps you warm and dry if it rains uk style for 30 mins?

[@ianhall702]

Decathlon Forclaz? £60? Your better off layering than wearing a hot down jacket. Thinner layers with a shell on top. I would rarely use a waterproof down jacket.

[@lobyapatty]

What's the colour of the mountain equipment jacket?

[@BackpackingUK]

I'm fairly sure it's Cosmos.

[@TheRealFeechLaManna]

but..Montane? MONTANE? Where is Montane in all this?

[@McConnachy]

I was in the hiking shop today and saw Montane, they looked to be about the best amongst all the top names

[@dynamodav]

I’m not so sure about montane anymore. I don’t understand their current lineup, they’ve dropped the Prism and some older models.

[@bobmarley6161]

Montane anti freeze jacket is absolutely fantastic...

[@TheRealFeechLaManna]

@@bobmarley6161 Absolutely agree, I have several Montane items, including the antifreeze jacket, as well as the Apex 8000 for when it gets below freezing, and I love the brand.

[@induspol2924]

In the bin? My Montane jacket is the worst I had off all the brands I had. Torn pocket linings , broken zippers, goose feathers coming out from day one. Friend who got same returned his after a week. Should have done same😢

[@jasonkelsey987]

Andy. How does the size of that ME jacket come up please?

[@BackpackingUK]

All these jackets are size small. I’m 5’8” 172cm and weigh 70kg. All these jackets are very, very close in sizing.

[@skirolf]

Your jackets looks to small. No space for a jumper inside?

[@michaelfrankie8443]

Barbour jackets 😊

[@chipjones7185]

Hi, i got a price match on the ME lightline jacket so cost me £139 I do find tho if you use it when hicking persperation will get the down wet and then you have problems with the down clumping and drying it out. Nice jacket tho 👍

[@JL-nk1pc]

Your not.really supposed to move in it it's when you're standing or sitting still.

[@nonickname5850]

Ive got a Snugpak coat that cost around £100 and a coat I got from Matalan that should have been £25 but it was in a sale so I paid £17.50. There is no difference in terms of being warm and quality, I have had them around 3 years.

[@siypic]

Exactly... I rate snugpack, have 3 of them

[@chrishiking8818]

Where is Montane ???????

[@trevormegson7583]

A really good video. Thanks

[@BackpackingUK]

Cheers 👍

[@markjones127]

If I was looking to buy a jacket at the moment I wouldn't find this too helpful as the range varies so much e.g. If I'm shopping for synthetic insulation that's all I want to look at, and one thing I found was Primaloft Silver performs quite poorly, Primaloft Gold is far superior, so much so I'd say never buy silver, the OMM Rotor uses gold and I found the performance excellent, far superior to the Montane Prism jacket I had before which was a similar weight but used silver, also the Rotor smock turns into a pillow for wild camping.

[@BackpackingUK]

I've got the OMM Barrage Jacket. It's a great alternative to down, especially if it's wet or damp. It definitely has it's limits though.

[@vwt6wanderlust307]

No offerings from Berghaus

[@Olan...]

Andy you never included any of the 15million pound PHD jackets by Peter Hutchinson who was the founder of Mountain Equipment !

[@BackpackingUK]

Just check them out. If I’m totally honest, I’d never heard of the brand before 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@timwright5466]

My old donkey jacket from the 1970s is still good ( apart from the NCB) logo on the shoulder.

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Sorry and all that but IMO you need to give precise details; as it one of the most important aspects of an outdoors garment; how do you reproof it ? Also there is no mention of hoods , wired or not , detachable or not . I do think you could improve your content as I enjoy your work

[@BackpackingUK]

Nikwax for reproofing. I’m not going to release a boring 1 hour video going into every minute detail of every single jacket, no one will watch it. The idea with any content creator’s video is if you’re interested check out the full specs in the Brand’s website.

[@stuarthuntingford7329]

Top tip, put your hands in your pocket when presenting

[@davidcoleman2796]

All the ripstop nylon jackets I have had ripped at some point . Wtf . 😂

[@BackpackingUK]

I know what you mean. I’m overly careful with my down jackets as I know full well they’ll rip just looking at anything remotely sharp.

[@Tsamados]

I have Jack Wolfskin Down jacket. Its down 700, packs down really small, removable hood, drawstring waist, three zipped pockets and is nice and warm. Why have you got seven 22/23 insulated jackets?

[@BackpackingUK]

Nice, thanks for sharing. This is predominantly a review channel so I need lots of gear to use, test, compare and review.

[@mountaincruiser817]

Thats a lot of killed ducks for 22 bucks.😢

[@BackpackingUK]

I’d say the likelihood is the feathers are an after product of the duck being bred for meat. No different to leather and cows.

[@desidesigning]

? North face

[@paul64774]

No North Face? Strange. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@SMclintosh]

Animals AND humans AND the environment likely to be being abused in the making of that £22 jacket.

[@BackpackingUK]

Unfortunately, you’re totally wrong. The problem is people are so used to being ripped off by big Brands that they have no idea of the real value of clothing. Peter Storm is owned by the largest UK outdoor retailer! There’s no way they are going to be associated with abuse. The mark-ups of the big Brands is outrageous!

[@SMclintosh]

@@BackpackingUKprobably have to agree to disagree. I don’t have the jacket but from looking at websites selling them there is mention of a PFC dwr, but nothing about ethically sourced down - you mention this about one of the other jackets and nothing when talking about the Peter storm. Also nothing about ethical construction - fair wear etc. perhaps you can confirm if the labels state this, as it would surely be a selling point?

[@mikewinston8709]

I use Uniqlo……fabulous value. These other things, with their ridiculous logos, are just not worth the money. Mine have be first class, trekking through northern India; Ladakh. A fool and their money are soon parted.

[@Ilkleyscot]

Excellent jacket very lightweight had it a while certainly my son was a designer with the company at the time but it was sold only in America so I am biased he’s moved on and I am not sure they have shops in London yet? Can’t fault it

[@mikewinston8709]

@@Ilkleyscot Uniqlo have had these coats in London for years; it’s where I purchase mine. Uniqulo really are an excellent product. The key thing; not a vulgar logo in sight.

[@jack.charlesc4750]

Come on mate décathlon down jacket is all over the web it s cheap very cheap and not even there😮😮😮😮😮

[@UmarKhan-zv5tc]

plese give me 1 free

[@Letskeepthingsreal]

Ask a migrant in the UK, they all wear them 😂

[@king_cobra5492]

excellent review thanks -