JACKETS may be one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor clothing. They can perform many different functions, from all-out torso heater to rain sealant, snow barrier to casual pub dress to multi-pocketed carrying device, and any combination of the above. It’s a wide-ranging category, and here Great Walks looks at a number of options for your winter go-to garment.
Mountain Designs Perisher
Soft shells are a great addition to an outdoor closet, especially for day hikes on which rain isn’t forecast, but maybe just a little drizzle and a chill wind. (On multi-dayers you might prefer to keep your bases covered with separate hard shell and insulation layers.) The Perisher certainly feels the business, soft on the inside and supple on the outside, with an unspecified waterproof/windproof membrane sandwiched in between. You’d want to layer up if taking it out in the snow as its intrinsic warmth is limited, but pocket fans are well looked-after, with two internal chest pockets and a sleeve compartment for your ski lift pass.
I was happy with the Perisher from the hem right up to the collar, but that’s where the windproof laminate’s inherent limitations became apparent. When left open at the neck, no worries, but zipped up fully, the
