Dynafit Transalper Dynastretch Jacket
Special Mention: Lightweight (Under 350g) Softshell Jacket
In our view, the future of outdoor apparel is about taking the latest fabric and material innovations and applying them to tried and tested, classic, (semi) minimalist designs like those exemplified by Rab's latest Borealis Hooded Jacket and Mountain Equipment's Echo. There's no need to re-invent the wheel (the design), when the true innovation is coming from the material sciences (just make the tyres better).
The Transalper is a great example of this. Dynafit have chosen some technical, performance fabrics and applied them in a purposeful way. In doing so, they created the basis for a classic, lightweight softshell jacket. It looks like they got feedback mirroring our review (so we're not alone) and responded to it. The upgraded peaked hood, the Vislon zips and the increased use of laser-cut venting holes over an Air Mesh back panel, all look like sensible upgrades to us. An excellent softshell jacket may have just got even better. As such, the Dynafit's Transalper Dynastretch is well worth a special mention.