A lightweight stretchy midlayer
A thin light midlayer is useful year-round. A key for such a garment is that it’s not too warm so it can be worn under a shell without overheating in mild but stormy weather and with other warm layers when it’s really cold. Recently I’ve been trying a good example of this type of garment, the Dare2b Correlate Jacket. It’s made from a thin, very stretchy polyester fabric with a brushed inner that Dare2b calls Ilus Core. The front panels are a more open weave version of the fabric. Breathability is superb, wind resistance non-existent. A shell is needed in all but calm warm weather.
The design is basic. A front zip with inner flap, handwarmer pockets and a snug high collar are the only features. The pockets are cut off by a hipbelt, which is a shame but normal for this type of garment. The Correlate is quite long, covering my backside and with sleeves long enough to pull over my hands. I tried the Large size, which weighs, 325 grams. It’s quite roomy but the stretch means it conforms to the body and feels very comfortable. Warmth is about the same as the lightest fleece.
Dare2b don’t describe the Correlate as fleece or softshell. In performance it’s more like the former as it lacks any weather resistance. The fabric though is more like a softshell. I guess whether it’s one or the other or neither isn’t important. That it works is what matters.
There’s nothing revolutionary about the Correlate but as a light midlayer it performs well. I’ve been wearing it a great deal.
£50
