FOUR OF THE BEST: ECO-INSULATED JACKETS
FW ROOT DOWN JACKET
SPEC – Re:Down 100% recycled traceable insulation made from post consumer textile waste. PFC-free WPS Light Woven Shell. LTS Down-proof lining. Nylon reinforced adjustable storm hood. High collar with polytricot liner. YKK Vislon center front zipper with flap. Multiple storage options including ski pass pocket.
Following a successful launch last winter, FW Apparel return this season with an expanded collection, including their first foray into women’s gear.
The Root Down Jacket is a big cozy insulated jacket that sits in their ‘Progressive Outdoor’ Root line – a series of stylish yet technical clothing with a distinctively cool, lifestyle feel.
Available in men’s and women’s and constructed using 100% recycled down, pulling on the Root Down Jacket feels like getting wrapped up in a soft sustainable sleeping bag.
Constructed using 100% recycled Re:Down technology, this down in this jacket has been regenerated using super environmentally friendly methods including solar powered factory electricity, chemical free sterilisation and a PFC-free hydrophobic face fabric that repels moisture and prevents down migration.
It also packs a heap of tech features including underarm vents, dropped rear hem, pre-shaped sleeves, adjustable hood, large interior stretch mesh stash pocket, interior security pocket with media outlet and FW laser cut detail.
TESTED BY SOPHIE
LA SPORTIVA KOBIK WOMEN’S HOODY
SPEC – 100% natural, vegan, biodegradable, and pesticide free insulation made from Kapok. TechStretch Storm fabric. Part insulated hood. Breathable VapoVent construction. Bluesign Approved. PFC-Free DWR coating (Insert).
The eco powers in this hybrid mid-layer come from Kapok – a 100% natural, vegan, biodegradable and pesticide free fibre that surrounds seeds on a Kapok tree.
Well known for its light weight and water-repellent insulating properties, Kapok has been used in a whole host of technical outdoor kit over the years from life jackets to WW2 flying suits!
La Sportiva have used Kapok on the front and back of this hybrid fleece hoody, combining it with VapoVent for breathability and weather resistant, stretchy TechStretch Storm fabric in the sleeves and side body.
It all adds up to a super sustainable, soft, comfortable, and technical mid-layer that will work well for chilly ski tours when you’re moving at speed and need a layer that will simultaneously breathe with you whilst providing occasional weather protection.
The part insulated hood provides an extra layer of coziness on windy summits.
TESTED BY SOPHIE
PATAGONIA NANO PUFF JACKET
SPEC – 60g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco with P.U.R.E. Fair Trade Certified sewn. Packs into zippered internal chest pocket with carabiner clip-in loop. Elastic cuffs and drawcord adjustable hem. Centre front zipper with internal storm flap.
The latest iteration of Patagonia’s iconic Nano Puff jacket is the most sustainable yet.
Warm, windproof and water-resistant, the new Nano Puff now comes with PrimaLoft’s latest manufacturing technology – Gold Insulation Eco 100% post-consumer recycled polyester with P.U.R.E. (Produced Using Reduced Emissions).
Launched at the end of 2019, P.U.R.E uses air (not heat) to stabilise insulation during the thermal bonding process, reducing CO2 emissions by nearly 50%.
Whilst it may not be the lightest insulated jacket in Patagonia’s line-up (that title goes to the more expensive Micro Puff – another Fall-Line fave) the Nano Puff’s superior eco-credentials make it the obvious choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, packable, insulated jacket to tread lightly in this winter.
TESTED BY SOPHIE
REIMA BERINGER JACKET
SPEC – PFC-free water and dirt-repellent finish. Responsible Down Standard certified down and feathers. 550 fill power. Detachable hood. Elastic cuffs. Zip-off sleeves. Two zip pockets.
The Beringer down jacket (the Heiberg is the girls’ version) benefits from classic Reima eco-conscious choices, such as responsibly sourced feathers and down for the insulation and a PFC-free water repellent finish, but the standout feature is the carbonised coffee grounds that are spun into the polyester.
The carbonised coffee particles allegedly allow for great air retention and therefore enhanced warmth, making this is one toasty jacket.
Reima also claim that they give the fabric an unmistakeable attractive sheen. The taupe-type colour of our test sample looks great and is pleasantly soft compared to some of its shiny, plasticky rivals.
Another great feature is the detachable hood and arms. Our son often prefers a vest to a full jacket and this certainly makes life easier when the days get warmer.
The fit is spot on and the extra length in the back of the jacket stops it riding up above belt height, even when horsing around outside.
The 5k/5k waterproofing/breathability is arguably good enough for skiing but Reima offers other more dedicated ski models with slightly better waterproofing/breathability figures and other snow-specific features such as velcro cuffs and more extensive protection around the face.
TESTED BY CHRIGL, FATHER OF LUPO, SIX
