Montane Mens Extreme Jacket Pile & Pertex Shell  £85.00

I have previously owned earlier iterations of this item (both the smock and the jacket, and find it perfect for cold, wet camping expeditions.

I know that this is supposed to be worn next to the skin, but I usually where a thin base layer (mainly synthetic, but occasionally Merino wool) with it. If you are moving with any kind of briskness you will be fine down to about -5C, at least I am. If you are standing still I would want to put a belay jacket or something on over it.

Pertex is NOT waterproof, so in heavy, persistent rain it will wet out, however you will still be warm and reasonably comfortable, and when the rain stops your body will dry it very quickly. The only issue you are likely to face with this is being too warm, but this is mitigated by the two-way front zip and big, deep side pocket zips which allow for venting when you have been pushing it. It is a very breathable garment despite being almost completely windproof.

This current version feels significantly lighter than earlier versions, but pile is not particularly compressible, so when you do take it off it can be a pain to carry. For this reason I only use it when it is cold and almost never take it off until I have been in a nice dry tent for a while and am about to get into the sleeping bag. Indeed I do often sleep in it.

I will be getting the salopettes next...

Thank you