Mountain Equipment Switch Pro Hooded £200
“Supertechnical alpine-style mid layer”
This mid layer is highly technical and highly proficient, delivering an excellent on-the-mountain experience across a range of activities and weather conditions.
Three main fabrics are used in the body-mapped design. The shell is a lightweight 20-denier ripstop nylon with a PFC-free DWR finish, so it can cope with a light shower and block out the wind reasonably well.
For better movement you get stretchy panels of gridded Pontetorto Tecnostretch 187 fleece across the underarms, sides and top of the hood.
And finally all of the warmth comes from high-loft Octayarn Warp-knit insulation. This is a hollow and multi-dentate fibre (with many teeth, like a cog), thus providing a huge surface area and bulk to the insulation, which in turn provides better air trapping for warmth, improved breathability, faster drying, and a super-soft and comfy feel against the skin.
You also get two zippered handwarmer pocket, two Napoleon chest pockets, flatlocked seams and a YKK centre zipper.
IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY
It’s a big investment – £200 is expensive for a mid layer. The fit is quite slim and athletic, so may not suit all body shapes. It’s difficult to judge precisely whether Octayarn can match Polartec Alpha for breathability. The soft shell style design works better as a standalone outer than in a layering system.
■ MEN’S SIZES S-XXL
■ WOMEN’S SIZES 8-16
■ WEIGHT 307g (men’s small)
Verdict
A super-technical alpine-style mid layer with impressive overall performance – but it’s the most expensive on test.