On Sale: Used & New Items from the Kit Test Archives

This is the companion post to the Equipment & Clothing Accessories Edition. Here, we're going to focus on Kit Test apparel.

Preface

UPDATE (19/05/26):  Added a batch of new and used baselayers and tees from Rab, Odlo, Milo, Ronhill and Helly Hansen. 

We thought we'd try something a little different.  In the past we've handed ex-Kit Test items over to GP-Net and they've photographed them and processed the images for our Kit Test Clearance pages on SYSTEM.  However, this entails quite a lot of work for individual items and it costs us money and GP-Net time. So, we thought instead we'd try and save some money and pass those savings onto customers.

Since many of the items for sale have been reviewed and photographed as part of our review, we thought we'd outline all the details in this post and just use stock images on our product page on SYSTEM with a link back to here for more detailed information.

Items we don't sell via this method will likely get the old photo treatment but because of that may end up a little more expensive due to the aforementioned service costs. Many of the items on sale were either top-rated or were going to be until the manufacturer discontinued them (often just as we had or were about to review them).

We'll add to this page over time and we'll pin it so it's always near the top.  If new items are added it will jump back to the top spot so you can see if something's changed. 

Note: In the table below you can click on the SYSTEM code (used on the "version drop down" on the SYSTEM product page) and that will jump to the relevant item on this page. All the products are/will be available for purchase in our SYSTEM store which is linked to from the button below the tables. In addition we've reduced the prices of any stragglers that haven't yet sold.

A mini experiment - we'll see how it goes.  Here are the items we've recently added:
 

Softshells (and Other Active Outers)

Insulation (and Thermal Mid-Layers)

Baselayers & Tees (Next-To-Skin Layers)

Available on SYSTEM

 

Scramble Kit Test Items

A Quick Note On Usage, Cleaning, Re-Proofing

Insulation

Scramble's approach to insulation hasn't changed over the years. For us, insulated jackets are to keep the body warm when static.  Mountain trekking is sustainably and sufficiently energy intensive to keep the body warm when active without the need for insulation as long as heat-loss to convection is mitigated (i.e. wind-resistance is the key). As such, the insulation pieces we test and use don't need to be super-tough (like Montane's Extreme Smock or some of the Buffalo pile and pertex pieces) because they're getting an easy (non-active) ride; they're not getting scraped against rock faces for example.

This picture is a great example of how we use our insulation pieces on the go. Short (admin) stops in cold conditions and sitting around in the freezing cold after pitching up for the night. Because we don't use insulation pieces when active, we're not sweating buckets inside them, which means we don't need to keep chucking them into washing machines (which over time will have a small effect on the efficiency of synthetic insulation - though this has been shown by backpackinglight.com to be somewhat overblown). Most of the (used) insulation pieces on sale here will have been machine washed just once.

In addition, when it comes to storing our insulation gear, we do so in the same manner as with our sleeping bags, they're stored uncompressed in large Osprey Airporters.

Washing & Re-Proofing

We use a professional Miele machine to clean garments for re-sale. All garments are washed on a short / gentle 30 degree / cool cycle. After cleaning and air-drying (don't use tumble dryers on outdoor gear), the items (all items that may be used as an outer) are re-proofed with a spray-on Nikwax DWR.

Sometimes, if the product came with voluminous product care labels we may have removed them to save weight and fuss.  They aren't necessary - pretty much all outdoor gear should be washed cool and should not be heat-dried on radiators or in tumble dryers.    

All the products available for sale here come with a standard 1 year warranty (basically the same consumer rights as if you'd bought new).  As per normal, all the order fulfilment and processing is done by our friends over at SYSTEM.

Any questions, feel free to contact us directly from the footer form on each of our pages or you can contact SYSTEM directly via their contact page.
 

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Outdoor Research: Ferrosi "Anorak" Softshell Hoody

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  ORH-A18
Price: £54.00 (RRP £120.00)
Size: US Medium (= UK Large, ideal fit = 42" chest)
Item Weight: 370g
Colour: Blue / Orange (Naval Blue, Marmalade)
Use:  12 Kit Test Days (Active Use)
Graded Condition:  Near-Mint / Mint (no signs of wear, nearly as new)
Scramble Review:  Softshells: Outdoor Research's Ferrosi Anorak Hoody & Mountain Equipment's Echo Vest

Supplemental Info

We strongly recommend reading our review (linked to above) before purchasing. We started our review by saying:  "So, now we're going to completely trash the Outdoor Research's Ferrosi Anorak and then tell you why we like it".

From our Scramble News (August 2024) mini-review:

[...] I actually quite like the Ferrosi Anorak. In my view, it's just not designed specifically for mountain use. It's really an ideal utility jacket for someone who gets up to all sorts (mountain biking, trekking, canyoning, skiing, sailing, post-workout, adventure-travel and on and on). For that, it's a pretty nice piece, and if you need to use it in the mountains, it will do a job, and can be supplemented by something like Mountain Equipment's Echo Vest for a perfectly functional softshell for spring, autumn and perhaps even winter. This combination worked perfectly well in mixed and occasionally challenging conditions.
 

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Mountain Hardwear: Super Chockstone Full Zip Softshell Jacket

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  MHR-A19
Price: £40.00 (RRP £100.00)
Size: US Medium (= UK Large, ideal fit = 41" to 42" chest, 43" possible)
Item Weight: 358g
Colour: Grey (Shark)
Use:  29 Kit Test Days (Active Use)
Graded Condition:  Excellent (almost no signs of wear)
Scramble Review:  [ Archived ] Mountain Hardwear's Super Chockstone Jacket

Supplemental Info

This was our top pick for a number of years before it was discontinued.

From our now archived review:

The Super Chockstone jacket is the ideal outer layer for trekking conditions equivalent to UK early Spring and late Autumn. However, we really consider the Super Chockstone as one half of the perfect 4 Season Softshell.

When paired with Rab's Borealis Pull-on, you have a double layered Winter Soft Shell, with a Rab inner and a Mountain Hardwear outer, combining to form a breathable yet highly wind resistant, reasonably water resistant, tough and functional Winter jacket for active use.

Here's a good review of the hooded version from a climber's perspective.
 

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Mountain Equipment: Echo Hooded Softshell Jacket

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  MET-A25
Price: £78.00 (RRP £130.00) -  40% off
Size: Large (ideal fit = 41" to 42" chest)
Item Weight (Stated): 325g
Colour: Green (Pine)
Use:  n/a
Condition:  New with tags (Mountain Equipment new colourway / sample)
Scramble Review:  Best Lightweight (Under 400g) Softshell Hooded Jacket

Supplemental Info

Here's a summary from our review:

When designers know exactly what they're making, why they're making it and who they're making it for, you get pieces like Mountain Equipment's Echo Hooded Jacket. An understated, minimalist, lightweight, abrasion and weather resistant work-horse, designed to take a pounding so you and your less hardy apparel don't have to.

[...] The Mountain Equipment Echo Hooded Jacket is an excellent and compelling option and our top pick in the Lightweight Hooded Softshell category.
 

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Mountain Equipment: Echo Hooded Softshell Jacket

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  MET-A26
Price: £78.00 (RRP £130.00) -  40% off
Size: Large (ideal fit = 41" to 42" chest)
Item Weight (Stated): 325g
Colour:Red (Burnt Henna, Cardinal)
Use:  n/a
Condition:  New with tags (Mountain Equipment new colourway / sample)
Scramble Review:  Best Lightweight (Under 400g) Softshell Hooded Jacket

Supplemental Info

Here's a summary from our review:

When designers know exactly what they're making, why they're making it and who they're making it for, you get pieces like Mountain Equipment's Echo Hooded Jacket. An understated, minimalist, lightweight, abrasion and weather resistant work-horse, designed to take a pounding so you and your less hardy apparel don't have to.

[...] The Mountain Equipment Echo Hooded Jacket is an excellent and compelling option and our top pick in the Lightweight Hooded Softshell category.
 

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Raidlight: Ultralight Windproof Vest (Zipped Pockets)

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  RAT-A27
Price: £22.50 (RRP £50.00)
Size: XL (ideal fit = 40 - 41" chest, 30 - 32" waist, slim athletic build)
Item Weight: 70g
Colour: White, Semi-Translucent (Blue Trim)
Use:  4 Kit Test Days (Active, Non-Aggressive Use)
Graded Condition:  Excellent/Mint

Supplemental Info

Raidlight are a French brand specialising in trail and ultra-marathon apparel. Their windproof vest is a genuine ultralight (at just 70g) and ultra-packable piece which we were playing with as something to pair with light and UL waterproof jackets that had no pockets.  A place to rest the hands.  The experiment kind of worked, but not really.

What's rare for this type of wind gilet is that it has pockets (and zipped ones at that).  We tested a number of windproof UL gilets / vests and this one and the Flyte were runners up to the Karpos Lavaredo (neither of which have pockets, as we came to the conclusion that such items' utility lies elsewhere). 

The reason this didn't make it to the top spot (which would have been a "Special Mention" as we don't feature a category for such items ... yet), is that a) Raidlight discontinued this version, and b) their target audience don't have chests (the XL was the largest offering and fits a 41" chest, max). Raidlight's apparel definitely assumes a trail-running body shape (squaddies need not apply).

Specification & Features

• Main material: 100% polyamide
• Silky, micro rip-stop nylon
• Athletic, slim fit
• Mesh panels at the armpits and upper back / lower neck.
• Full zip opening
• Zipped hand pockets
• Bound trim at shoulders and hem
• Measured weight = 70g.
   

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Flyte: Boreas Running Gilet

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  FLE-A28
Price: £24.50 (RRP £85.00)
Size: XL (ideal fit = 40 - 42" chest, 30 - 33" waist, slim athletic build)
Item Weight: 78g
Colour: Yellow (Citron)
Use:  4 Kit Test Days (Active, Non-Aggressive Use)
Graded Condition:  Mint

Supplemental Info

Firstly, in our view, Flyte are one of those brands that inflate their RRP to make it look like you're getting a bigger reduction than you truly are.  This is not a practice we're enamoured with and pleasingly, due to the way we calculate our rating's value score this completely backfires.

The Flyte Boreas Gilet has a small (50 g/sm) amount of (unspecified) insulation that covers the front / upper chest panel, we doubt this provides much warmth, perhaps a little extra wind resistance. However, if one ignores the insulation, what you're left with is a pretty nice running and backpacking windproof gilet that at just 78g is only 8g heavier than Raidlight's smaller UL windproof vest.

There are no pockets on the Boreas, but there is a handy link-strap for when you want the item to be open to vent, but not to flap around. All in all, a well constructed piece.  We went with the Karpos Lavaredo (which, ignoring RRPs, is generally more expensive, a little heavier, has mesh panels and a useful chest pocket).  The Karpos version is designed more for all-round mountain use, whereas the Boreas is perhaps more weighted toward the runner.  

Specification & Features

• Lightweight Recycled Nylon ripstop (Global Recycle Standard Certified & Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX)
• Water-repellent finish with silicon backing for wind resistance
• 50g/sm recycled polyester insulation on upper chest
• Scooped rear hem for extra coverage
• Stretch elastic armholes
• Popper to secure jacket and prevent flapping when unzipped
• Reflective print logos and zip trim to aid low light visibility
• Printed care info, no scratchy labels
• Measured weight = 78g
   

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Mountain Hardwear: Chockstone Hooded Jacket

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  MHR-A29
Price: £57.60 (RRP £120.00)
Size: US Medium (= UK Large, ideal fit = 41" to 42" chest, 43" possible)
Item Weight: 415g
Colour: Blue (Deep Lake)
Use:  7 Kit Test Days (Active use, often under a hardshell in winter)
Graded Condition:  Excellent/Mint (no visible signs of use)
Scramble Review:  Introduction: In Search of the Modular 4-Season Softshell

Supplemental Info

Here's some useful context regarding how we moved from the discontinued Chockstone to Mountain Equipment's (soon to be discontinued) Echo Softshell:

Over-time we've tested increasingly lighter options to see whether we can slim down the  mid-weight softshell. When Mountain Equipment released their superb Echo Hooded Jacket we initially thought of it as competition for the Borealis, however it's surprisingly tough and durable for its weight and we've subsequently discovered that it's actually the ideal replacement for Mountain Hardwear's (nearly) iconic Chocktone.

As a final test of this hypothesis, in the 2023 Winter Kit Test I paired the Chockstone with an ultralight (120g) Mountain Equipment Aerofoil. Promoted as a kind of softshell, but really a wind-jacket with a small degree of stretch (an over-priced, but decent bit of kit).

Mountain Hardwear's Chockstone Hooded Jacket is an outstandingly versatile climbing, scrambling and hiking softshell. A thoughtfully designed and elegantly simple, breathable, weather resistant, tough, active outer layer that's going to take all the hard knocks, so you don't have to.

The Hooded Chockstone features two zipped, harness / pack compatible side pockets as well as two internal mesh pockets for hats, gloves and much more. One internal pocket is very deep running from near the armpit to the hem. Very useful if you want plenty of accessories to hand. An absolutely excellent softshell which MH, having nailed the design, should have kept as a staple in their catalogue. Unfortuntely, all too often outdoor brands regard the culmination of design refinement as a cue for a product's termination; in outdoor-land, self-sabotage seems forever in vogue.

Specification & Features

• Fabric Body: Chockstone™ Doubleweave Softshell (91% Nylon, 9% Elastane)
• A versatile softshell jacket with windproof protection
• Abrasion-resistant, air-permeable, lightweight 4 way stretch fabric
• DWR finish keeps water away
• Elasticated hood for under/over helmet (moves with your head)
• UPF 50 fabric blocks out harmful UV rays at altitude
• Single zippered chest pocket securely holds keys, ID, and other valuables
• Two large handwarmer pockets are harness- and pack-compatible
• Two large mesh internal pockets
• Elastic on cuffs seals in warmth, blocks out wind
• Center-front VISLON® zipper adjusts easily
• Alpine Fit
   

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Mountain Equipment: Aerofoil Hooded Jacket (L, Sulphur)

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  MET-A30
Price: £40.00 (RRP £100.00)
Size: Large (ideal fit = 41" to 42" chest)
Item Weight: 122g
Colour: Dark Yellow (Sulphur)
Use:  7 Kit Test Days (Active Use, underneath a softshell in winter)
Graded Condition:  Excellent/Mint (no visible signs of use)
Scramble Review:  2023: Failures, Near Misses and Items of Note (see last part)

Supplemental Info

We wrote a brief review of the Aerofoil (which at the time had a RRP of £110) and really the only negative issue we had was its price.

Finally, not really a failure per se, is the Mountain Equipment Aerofoil Full-Zip Jacket (pictured above right, Large = 122g measured). It's not the lightest in its class, it has a minor degree of stretch and it's perfectly decent, but not £110.00 decent. It's just completely over-priced in our view. If this was £70, we'd be still think it was pricey, but we'd be more forgiving, but it's not, so we're not going to be either. A fail on price alone.

Mountain Equipment dropped the RRP to £100 and in our view it's still overpriced.  However, £40 for a practically new one pretty much solves the problem. 

Mountain Equipment call this a "softshell" which is pushing things. Yes, it has a minimal amount of stretch but it's not designed to take a beating. It's really not a softshell, but it is a reasonably premium, hooded windtop with a full length, vislon zip, an adjustable hood and a nice zipped chest pocket (no hand pockets). 

Specification & Features

• EXOLITE 45 double weave soft shell (45g/sm), wind-resistant, tough, and stretchy
• Active fit for complete freedom of movement with no excess fabric
• Overlocked and topstitched construction throughout
• Elastane-bound hood with rear adjustment
• Zipped chest pocket to secure essentials
• Packs away into pocket with twin karabiner carry loops
• YKK® Vislon #3 Front Zip
• Low bulk elasticated cuffs
• Articulated and pre-shaped sleeves for unhindered movement
• Adjustable hem drawcord sits comfortably under a harness or rucksack waistbelt
   

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Mountain Hardwear's Kor Cirrus (Primaloft Gold) Hybrid Jacket

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  MHR-A16
Price: £72.00 (RRP £180.00)
Size: Medium (ideal fit = 40" to 41.5" chest)
Item Weight: 290g
Colour: Green (Dark Army)
Use: n/a
Condition:  New with tags

Supplemental Info

This in an item that was cued up for testing but we over-bought for some of the members overseas. The Kor Cirrus is an ultralight insulated jacket, with just enough high quality (Primaloft Gold Active) insulation to make a meaningful difference. The Kor Cirrus is a genuine hybrid and is best viewed as an active breathable windproof jacket that also works well as an insulated mid-layer or an outer for active use.  Ultimately, we never got round to testing this item, as new Primaloft Gold Crosscore and Octayarn pieces took priority (then the jacket was discontinued).

The Mountain Hardwear Kor Cirrus weighs around 290g and is designed not as a static ultralight belay piece, but rather for active pursuits where some additional insulation is required. Where MH have been very smart is in their choice of insulation, which has allowed them to partition the insulation and concentrate it in the essential areas; the bulk of the insulation is around the core, with some insulation on the outer arm. There is zero insulation at the wrist or up the inside arm. This has allowed MH to reduce bulk and the Kor Cirrus packs down very small. This jacket will work well for summer nighttime insulation and due to its lack of bulk fits nicely under softshells and hardshells and layers well over lightweight down pieces or under heavier insulation as a booster for much colder climes. A very versatile jacket.

There is some stretch to the jacket (which is why MH used Primaloft Gold Active), and we'd suggest this would be ideal for someone with a 40-41.5" chest. The Kor Cirrus is long in the arm but, due to the binding at the wrist, rests at the hands.

Specification & Features

• Pertex Quantum Air - Increases durability and breathability.
• DWR Treatment - Provides water resistance.
• Primaloft Gold Active (40g/sm) - Increases core warmth.
• Articulated Fit - Allows the jacket to be easily and comfortably layered without restricting movement
• YKK Vislon Full-length zip
• Hand Pockets - Well sized and the jacket packs down into the right hand pocket.
• Chest Pocket - To store essentials.
• Uses: Rock Climbing, Backpacking / Hiking, Mountain Biking, Skiing
   

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Haglofs: L.I.M Barrier Primaloft Aerogel Jacket

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  HAS-A20
Price: £85.00 (Avg RRP £190.00), the RRP fluctuated between £180 and £200 due to EUR/GBP exchange rates
Size: Large (ideal fit = 42" chest)
Item Weight: 232g
Colour: Blue (Storm Blue)
Use:  19 Kit Test Days (Static Use)
Graded Condition:  Excellent/Mint
Scramble Review:  Special Mention: Ultralight Synthetic Insulated Jacket

Supplemental Info

The Haglofs LIM Barrier jacket uses 40g/sm of Primaloft Gold Crosscore (Aerogel infused) insulation. This is 150% warmer than the previous class-leading Primaloft Gold.  So, a 40g/sm PL Crosscore jacket will be approximately equivalent to a 60g/sm jacket using Primaloft Gold. In our view, the issue brands like Haglofs, Scott and others have had is largely a marketing one; neither they nor Primaloft have done a good enough job of explaining how revolutionary Primaloft Crosscore is.  If a car company made an engine 50% more efficient, they'd have no problem conveying this to the public. 

I was tempted to keep one of these jackets, because unlike OMM's Rotor Smock and Scott's Insuloft (both Crosscore jackets), Haglofs made their jackets with a less fitted, more boxy cut, one that is also relatively long in the body. In theory, this should be a problem, but I never had an issue with their warmth or fit.  In addition, they make excellent outer layers for a synthetic-down combo, when paired with quality down pull-ons (like Crux's Halo or Montane's Starlight). For UK conditions, a synthetic outer is always a good option, but down works well cocooned underneath. All in all the LIM Barrier is a fantastic jacket let down only by its manufacturer's inability to convey what was so special about it.

The LIM Barrier was due to be our top pick in the "Lightweight (<400g) Insulated Jacket category". Here's a summary from our Special Mention review (written just as Haglofs had decided to discontinue the LIM Barrier):

An outstanding, high quality, minimalist and genuinely ultralight insulated jacket with some old fashioned NASA tech thrown in, the Haglofs L.I.M Barrier Jacket with Cross Core Aerogel is definitely worthy of a special mention and in our view is the future of synthetic insulation. We'll put our money on a little "solid air" over "blown into baffles to mimic down".
 

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Haglofs: L.I.M Barrier Primaloft Aerogel Jacket

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  HAS-A21
Price: £85.00 (Avg RRP £190.00), the RRP fluctuated between £180 and £200 due to EUR/GBP exchange rates
Size: Large (ideal fit = 42" chest)
Item Weight: 230g
Colour: Yellow/Gold (Pumpkin Yellow)
Use:  24 Kit Test Days (Static Use)
Graded Condition:  Excellent/Mint
Scramble Review:  Special Mention: Ultralight Synthetic Insulated Jacket

Supplemental Info

The Haglofs LIM Barrier jacket uses 40g/sm of Primaloft Gold Crosscore (Aerogel infused) insulation. This is 150% warmer than the previous class-leading Primaloft Gold.  So, a 40g/sm PL Crosscore jacket will be approximately equivalent to a 60g/sm jacket using Primaloft Gold. In our view the issue brands like Haglofs, Scott and others have had is largely a marketing one; neither they nor Primaloft have done a good enough job of explaining how revolutionary Primaloft Crosscore is.  If a car company made an engine 50% more efficient, they'd have no problem conveying this to the public. 

I was tempted to keep one of these jackets, because unlike OMM's Rotor Smock and Scott's Insuloft (both Crosscore jackets), Haglofs made their jackets with a less fitted, more boxy cut, one that is also relatively long in the body. In theory, this should be a problem, but I never had an issue with their warmth or fit.  In addition, they make excellent outer layers for a synthetic-down combo, when paired with quality down pull-ons (like Crux's Halo or Montane's Starlight). For UK conditions, a synthetic outer is always a good option, but down works well cocooned underneath. All in all the LIM Barrier is a fantastic jacket let down only by its manufacturer's inability to convey what was so special about it.

The LIM Barrier was due to be our top pick in the "Lightweight (<400g) Insulated Jacket category". Here's a summary from our Special Mention review (written just as Haglofs had decided to discontinue the LIM Barrier):

An outstanding, high quality, minimalist and genuinely ultralight insulated jacket with some old fashioned NASA tech thrown in, the Haglofs L.I.M Barrier Jacket with Cross Core Aerogel is definitely worthy of a special mention and in our view is the future of synthetic insulation. We'll put our money on a little "solid air" over "blown into baffles to mimic down".

 

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Mountain Equipment: Noroya Insulated Pull-On HD Mid-Layer

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  MET-A22
Price: £45.00 (RRP £130.00)
Size: Large (ideal fit = 41" to 42" chest)
Item Weight: 440g
Colour: Blue (Legion Blue)
Use:  5 Kit Test Days (Static Use)
Graded Condition:  Mint

Supplemental Info

This is an interesting experimental piece from Mountain Equipment that came out around the time of the Rampart. It may have been released as a demonstration / concept piece with a limited run.  It uses the same amount of Polarloft Micro Insulation as the Rampart, but it's designed as a heavy-duty mid layer.

The hand pockets aren't zipped, the face fabric and lining certainly suggest mid-layer; the face uses a kind of light breathable softshell fabric. Rather than a zip it uses popper fasteners up to the neck (which work quite well and have a robust feel to them). There is one horizontal zipped pocket at the chest for valuables. 

This is too heavy for Scramble's purposes, but an interesting piece nonetheless.  Hard to find much about it on the internet. It looks like it was released to test the waters.

For someone who works in the cold or wants to add some serious warmth beneath a coat or insulated jacket for very cold conditions, this would certainly do the job.  Warmer than most heavy fleeces and more packable. But not really recommended for multi-day mountain trekkers.
 

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Mountain Equipment: Rampart Hooded Jacket

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  MET-A23
Price: £62.50 (RRP £140.00)
Size: Large (ideal fit = 41" to 42" chest)
Item Weight: 402g
Colour: Green (Fir Green)
Use:  19 Kit Test Days (Static Use)
Graded Condition:  Excellent/Mint
Scramble Review:  [ Archived ] Mountain Equipment's Rampart Hooded Jacket

Supplemental Info

This was for a short while our top pick in the "Lightweight (<400g) Insulated Jacket category" but Mountain Equipment decided to discontinue it. The amount of times this happens is not funny!  Here's a summary from our now archived review:

The Rampart is a bare-bones, minimalist insulated jacket shorn of all non-essential features. The features that remain are all executed extremely well. The hood, the Achilles heel of many a lightweight jacket, is actually a stand-out feature.

[...] The Rampart lives up to its name and provides meaningful additional fortification to get you through those nasty periods when conditions begin to overwhelm your (soft and hard shell) active wear. In combination with medium-weight insulated pieces like Keela's Belay, the Rampart will provide significant protection when static in extreme sub zero mountain conditions.

 

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Scott: Insuloft Superlight Primaloft Crosscore (Aerogel) Jacket

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  SCT-A24
Price: £132.00 (RRP £220.00) - 40% off
Size: Large (ideal fit = 40" to 41" chest)
Item Weight: 245g
Colour: Grey (Light Grey)
Use:  n/a
Condition: New with tags

Supplemental Info

For those unfamiliar with Scott Sports, they're a quality Swiss-based brand specialising in cycling and winter sports. We bought a few of their Insuloft Superlight jackets for testing and I'm keeping mine (at least for now), but before we could test the Insuloft Superlight, Scott informed us they were discontinuing it (happens all the time!). 

We were surprised how light the jacket was and wanted to check that it was indeed using 60g/sm of Primloft Gold Crosscore (Aerogel) insulation (and not 40g/sm) like the OMM Rotor and the LIM Barrier. This is the telling reply we got from Scott HQ via one of their representatives (ps. thanks Michelle!):

It is 60g/sm insulation, we use a very light face and lining fabric (15 denier), and a minimalistic design that's why the jacket is so light. We discontinued this style after a few seasons, as it was a bit too niche for our customers (almost too light).

Too Light To Be Warm?

This is such a telling response. Some customers picked up the jacket, it felt too light, so they thought it can't be warm enough. That means their customers don't really understand how insulation works.  Yes, more insulation means more loft and also more weight, but not all synthetic insulations are the same and the Aerogel in Primaloft's Cross Core is more than 95% air.  The weightless, trapped air is providing the insulation; the question is, how well can the lightweight insulation provide the scaffolding and thus the loft to hold and trap the air? Aerogel does this job extremely well with a very low weight premium. And this is what I mean about manufacturer's marketing departments failing badly at educating their customers.

This is a recurring theme in the outdoor industry which we wrote about recently:

Our view is that the outdoor industry puts shockingly little effort into marketing (or rather, educating people about the empirically proven properties of) the materials they use. An effort that seems inversely proportional to that applied in their often overly-enthusiastic extolling of virtues, far less provable, regarding the performance of their designs.

An 80g/sm Primaloft Gold (Equivalent) Jacket Weighing 245g

The Scott Insuloft jacket uses 60g/sm of Primaloft Gold Crosscore (Aerogel infused) insulation. This is 150% warmer than the previous class-leading Primaloft Gold.  So, a 60g/sm PL Crosscore jacket will be approximately equivalent to a 90g/sm jacket using Primaloft Gold. However, we would suggest curbing expectations by about 10g/sm, due to the very light face fabric and greater abundance of stitching. So we would place the jacket at approximately equivalent to 80g/sm of Primaloft Gold, which for a jacket that weighs just 245g is pretty stunning.

The Insulaoft Superlight jacket is only about 10g heavier than OMM's Rotor Smock.  There's a few reasons for this, one is that the cut is more fitted: In the Scott jacket, if I round my back and reach out my arms in front of me, I can feel a little tightness as the jacket stretches across my back. So it's right on the edge for me with a 42" chest. Also, it's a fraction shorter in the body.  It has a dropped back (which you can see in the small back photo above) but which they've photoshopped out from the front image, which makes it look shorter in the body than it actually is.  But I would say, this is ideally suited to someone with a 40 - 41" chest, who is not over 6ft tall. 

Sizing

Compared to the Haglofs LIM Barrier, the Insuloft is approximately 8cm shorter at the front and 5cm shorter at the back (so it has a more pronounced, but shorter dropped back).

Compared to the OMM Rotor, the Insuloft is about 0.5cm shorter at the front and about 1.5cm shorter at the back.

Another reason it's not much heavier than the Rotor Smock is that the OMM Rotor has a fleece lining in the hand pockets which the smock packs into, so the Rotor can double as a pillow.  Ultimately, the Insuloft is a smaller, more fitted jacket than the LIM Barrier and has less features than the OMM Rotor (which has velcro fasteners at the cuffs for example).

There's a review of the women's version by a cyclist on Bike Radar that may be of interest (in the absence of a review by us).  I think her only criticism was the price (which we've taken a reasonable chunk out of). 

Specification & Features

• Main material: 100% polyamide
• 15D bluesign approved lightweight down-proof fabric with Fluorocarbon free Dryozone DWR and DURObreeze treatments
• 60g PrimaLoft Gold Crosscore (Aerogel infused) insulation (25% recycled material)
• Athletic fit
• High collar
• Elastane bound trim at hem and cuffs
• Zipped hand pockets
• Packs away into inner zipped security pocket
   

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Inov-8: Base SS Zip Tee

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  IN8-A14
Price: £15.00 (RRP £50.00)
Size: Large (ideal fit = 40" loose to 42" chest fitted)
Item Weight: 131g
Colour: Black (Phantom)
Use:  12 Kit Test Days (Active Use, non-aggressive, often under a softshell)
Graded Condition:  Excellent (few if any signs of wear)

Supplemental Info

Overall a high quality lightweight running top with a good deep zip and mesh back providing superb ventilation. Inov-8 ceased making them before we could consider a recommendation. The only concern we had with this top was its performance with heavy packs. As such we strongly recommend this top for trail and general running, training and light and fast scrambles. Excellent weight and very good hot weather performance.

Specification & Features

• Lightweight, wicking and quick drying fabric with UV protection
• Mesh cooling panels
• Polygiene anti-microbial permanent odour control
• Dual collar with inner rucksack / pack protection
• Deep centre front zip with locking zip head
• Materials: 54% Polyester, 46% S.Cafe Treated Polyester
   

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Milo: Winter LS Crew Baselayer

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  MIO-A31
Price: £33.00 (RRP £60.00)
Size: XL (41" - 43" chest, ideal fit = ~ 42")
Item Weight: 258g
Colour: Dark Grey, Black
Material Mix:  54% Polyamide / 40% Polypropylene / 6% Elastane
Use:  n/a
Condition:  New/Unused (w/o tags, cleaned to freshen after long term storage)

Supplemental Info

This is an interesting winter baselayer from Milo Of Climbing, a Polish climbing/mountaineering brand. For a polypropylene-based baselayer it's quite a heavy-weight making it ideally suited to sub-zero conditions. If there was more than 40% polypropylene content we'd suggest it was too substantial, but sensibly Milo used a majority 54% nylon in the mix.  For winter conditions, this baselayer beneath a winter softshell is likely all you'd need for dynamic activities in freezing conditions.

For those unfamiliar with polyproplylene and why it's the ideal material for next-to-skin layers, this was covered in our recent baselayer review here.

This item was cued up for testing but we altered our approach to cold weather baselayers, favouring the polyproplylene Brynje mesh under thinner layers like those from Odlo, Ronhill and Helly Hansen featured in this post. As we moved away from merino-synthetic hybrid winter baselayers and embraced a modular mesh approach, we no longer had the same interest in specialist baselayers like this one from Milo.

However, if anyone wants a quick drying, form-fitting, thermal baselayer, this Milo winter baselayer would definitely fit the bill.
 

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Rab: Flux Half-Zip LS Pull-On

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  RAB-A32
Price: £23.50 (RRP £50.00)
Size: Large (ideal fit = 42" chest, 43" for as a fitted baselayer)
Item Weight: 240g
Colour: Dark Greyish Blue (Beluga)
Use:  4 Kit Test Days (Static Use, around camp, tested as sleepwear)
Graded Condition:  Mint (no signs of wear, practically as new)
Scramble Review:  ... But Compared to What? Trialing the Flux

Supplemental Info

Here's a summary from our sleepwear review:

The other finalist selected by the Scramble team, was the Rab Flux Pull-On. This top shares some of the characteristics of both the aforementioned Montane and Odlo tops. A high collar and (deeper) zip like the Montane, a tight weave like the Odlo's front panel and a similar but less fluffy, brushed inner. In fact, if you took the front section of the Rab Flux and stitched it to the back section of the Montane Allez, you'd end up with something very similar to the Odlo item, but with a zip and a high collar.

The Flux, as we stated earlier is much more of a mid-layer, a lightweight thermal-mid with a lightly brushed inner, a very deep zip for venting and thumb loops, all of which are standard mid-layer fare. The Flux offers better wind protection but when worn under other layers it didn't seem noticeably warmer.

Most outdoor types would probably and correctly view this top as a light mid-layer.  As such, its toughness and thermal qualities are far more relevant than its weight and packability.  We were testing "outdoor pyjama-wear", so for us the item would be carried during active use, so weight and packability were key criteria.  

The Flux would work well in winter over a mesh baselayer. A well made, simple layer (more mid than base) with a deep zip for venting, thumb-loops and a comfortable collar. Smooth outer, brushed inner; the kind of top Rab do very well, almost in their sleep.
 

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Odlo: Evolution Light Baselayer Bundle: Singlet + LS Crew

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  ODO-A33
Price: £22.50 (Combined RRP £75.00)
Size: XL (Odlo in this range size small, ideal fit = 41" to 42" chest)
Item Weights: 98g / 145g
Colours: Black (Singlet), Castlerock Grey (LS Crew)
Use (LS Crew):  13 Kit Test Days (Active Use)
Condition (Singlet):  New/Unused (w/o tags, cleaned to freshen after long term storage)
Graded Condition (LS Crew):  Good/Excellent (see below*)

Supplemental Info

Firstly, the singlet is new and unused but without tags. This top was packed for one of our kit tests as a backup baselayer / return top, but was never required or used. It's been cleaned purely to freshen it up after long term storage. The one point worth mentioning for this fitted baselayer is that it's more a sleeveless top than a typical "vest", in that there's sufficient breadth at the shoulders to handle pack straps without causing discomfort. 

* Graded Condition: LS Crew (Grey)

Secondly, a quick note on the LS Crew, which we're almost throwing in for free. The overall condition is excellent, however this baselayer seemed to have a love affair with velcro and on the seams of the arms (below the elbow) are visible signs of pilling, where the seam connected and pulled away from some velcro (on a belt or belt-bag most likely). This doesn't appear to have caused any structural damage; it looks largely superficial, but it's worth mentioning. If this is something that does develop over time, because the wear is to the seam, it would be pretty trivial to hand-stitch it back to health (and it's away from any critical abrasive / chafing areas for those carrying packs). Aside from this issue the top is in excellent condition.

Materials & Recommended Use

The Odlo Evolution Light LS Crew baselayer was one of two runners-up to our top pick at the time, the excellent and long-mourned Helly Hansen Dry Revolution / Elite range of polypropylene baselayers (the other runner-up was Ronhill's Seamless Base 200).

The Ronhill and Odlo layers both used the tried and tested: Polyester, Polyamide and Elastane material mix:  The Evolution Light range used: 77% Polyester, 18% Polyamide and 5% Elastane and sized small, so an XL was equivalent to most (incl. Helly Hansen or Ronhill's) size Large.

We've been very impressed with the polypropylene mesh baselayers from Brynje, but they work best over fitted layers like this one from Odlo:

Combining the Brynje shirt with an additional fitted layer is very similar to creating a more robust and more aggressively hydrophobic version of Montane's Allez Micro baselayer for harsh sub-sero conditions. Brynje emphasise the use of a 3-layer approach and many might combine theirs with a mid-layer, however we think instead of a mid-layer (which tend to be overly warm) an additional fitted, hydrophobic baselayer is better (such layers are designed to move moisture via capillary action and aid moisture transport away from the skin). In the 2023 winter kit test I wore the Brynje shirt under a Megmeister Drynamo and wore a Mountain Hardware Hooded Chockstone softshell as the third (outer) layer (unless a hardshell was required).

Both the singlet and the LS crew would work well as fitted second layers as described above (Note: if you were to use these layer atop a mesh layer, then they may well work for a 41" chest). These Odlo Evolution Light baselayers are lightweight, packable and more than capable - one new and one thrown in nearly for free. 
 

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Helly Hansen: Dry Revolution LS Crew Baselayer

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  HHN-A34
Price: £20.00 (RRP £50.00)
Size: Large (ideal fit = 41" to 42" chest)
Item Weight: 141g
Colour: Black
Use:  18 Kit Test Days (Active Use)
Graded Condition:  Excellent (minimal signs of wear)
Scramble Review:  [ Archived ] Helly Hansen's Dry Revolution / Dry Elite 2.0 Baselayers

Supplemental Info

Here's a summary from our now archived review:

The Dry Revolution and Dry Elite 2.0 baselayers are masters at moving excess heat and sweat away from your skin. Stretchy, close fitting, fast wicking, lightweight, surprisingly durable and supremely comfortable, they're a joy to wear and the baselayers that for us have set the standard against which all competing baselayers will be judged. Our top pick in the Lightweight Baselayer category - we just hope Helly Hansen continue to produce them.
 

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Ronhill (Bundle): Advance SS Zip Tee + Base Seamless 200

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  ROL-A35
Price: £28.00 (RRP £75.00)
Size (both): Large (ideal fit = 41" to 42" chest)
Item Weights (T-Shirt / Baselayer): 140g / 144g
Colours: Black (Black / Gecko, Black / Charcoal)
Use:  41 (Advance Zip Tee) / 16 (Base) Kit Test Days (Active Use)
Graded Condition (both items):  Excellent
Scramble Review (Advance):  [ Archived ] Ronhill's Advance Zip Tee

Supplemental Info

Advance Zipped Tee

If the Ronhill Advance Zip Tee was still being made, it would still be our #1 pick. Instead it's filed away in the: "they don't make them like this anymore, for some unknown reason" category.  Here's a summary of the Advance (Deep) Zip T-Shirt from our now archived review:

The Ronhill Advance Zip Tee is an extremely comfortable, light and airy top, ideal for use in hot climates, that's surprisingly hard-wearing and which out-performs much of its more expensive competition. But what really sets the Ronhill Advance apart is that deep zip.

Base Seamless 200 LS Crew Baselayer

Runner-up to our top pick at the time, the excellent and long-mourned Helly Hansen Dry Revolution / Elite baselayers, the Ronhill's Base 200 is an excellent polyamide-based "seamless" next-to-skin layer made in Portugal.  The material mix is: 75% Polyamide, 21% Polyester and 4% Elastane.

We've been very impressed with the polypropylene mesh baselayers from Brynje, but they work best over fitted layers like the Ronhill Base Seamless 200:

Combining the Brynje shirt with an additional fitted layer is very similar to creating a more robust and more aggressively hydrophobic version of Montane's Allez Micro baselayer for harsh sub-sero conditions. Brynje emphasise the use of a 3-layer approach and many might combine theirs with a mid-layer, however we think instead of a mid-layer (which tend to be overly warm) an additional fitted, hydrophobic baselayer is better (such layers are designed to move moisture via capillary action and aid moisture transport away from the skin). In the 2023 winter kit test I wore the Brynje shirt under a Megmeister Drynamo and wore a Mountain Hardware Hooded Chockstone softshell as the third (outer) layer (unless a hardshell was required).

These two items from Ronhill work very well together for 3-Season use and it it wasn't for Helly Hansen's Dry Revolution, both would have been our top picks back in the day.
 

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Helly Hansen: Warm Freeze Merino Hybrid Half Zip LS Baselayer

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Summary

SYSTEM Drop-Down Code:  HHN-A36
Price: £24.70 (RRP £65.00)
Size: Large (ideal fit = 41" to 42" chest)
Item Weight: 257g
Colour: Blue (Evening Blue)
Use:  21 Kit Test Days (Active Use)
Graded Condition:  Excellent
Relevant Scramble Review:  [ Archived ] HH Lifa Merino Seamless Half Zip

Supplemental Info

Back in the late 20-teens, the Warm Freeze was due to be our top pick in the cold weather baselayer category but HH discontinued it and replaced it with the more pricey and ever-so-slightly superior Lifa Merino Seamless Half Zip.  What goes for the lighter Merino Seamless is largely applicable to the Warm Freeze.  The major difference is the weight and stretch, with the Warm Freeze having a little more weight and a little less stretch.  However, it's a fantastic winter baselayer, made at a time when merino-synthetic hybrids were coming into their own.  I'd like to say we've moved on from then, but it's quite possible we've gone backwards.

The Warm Freeze has a near-optimall mix of 43% Polypropylene and 57% Merino Wool. A classic in its day and the closest thing HH make to the Warm Freeze today is an overweight monster they call the "LIFA Merino Midweight Half-Zip", which has the identical material mix but weighs 410g and costs £90!  We're not quite sure why they've gone in this direction, but it wouldn't the first time we've been baffled by outdoor brands' design choices. 

An excellent fitted baselayer from HH's heyday (hopefully they'll recover their baselayer mojo).
 

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Last Updated: 19/05/26
19/05/26:  Added a batch of new and used baselayers (MIO-A31 to HHN-A36)
13/05/26:  Added 2 more items from the previous batch for completeness (IN8-A14 and MHR-A16)
12/05/26:  Added 4 more items (RAT-A27 to MET-A30).
10/05/26:  Fixed some typos and added some additional clarity regarding Crosscore insulation on the Scott Insulaoft jacket.