Kirsty Pallas awards the Alpkit Sigma The Great Outdoors gear team’s highest accolade, as well as the Greener Choice badge in her latest hardshell jacket tests.
The Sigma is a nice three season jacket from Alpkit, and highlights their commitment to sustainability by not only using 100% recycled materials, but making sure they can all be recycled again at the end of the jacket’s life.
Kirsty Pallas’ Best in Test & Greener Choice
The Sigma should work for many people and activities due to its light weight and its price. The eco credentials are an added bonus.- low profile fit
- neat cuffs and hood
- Pockets sit under rucksack or harness waist strap
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: £169.99 |
| Weight: 340g (size 10) |
| Materials: 100% recycled polyester with PFC free DWR coating |
| Hood: Wired peak, volume adjuster, elasticated sides |
| Front Closure: YKK Aquaguard zip with inner storm flap |
| Underarm/Side Zips: No |
| Pockets: 2 large hand pockets |
| Hem: Drawcord adjustment |
| Cuffs: Elasticated with velcro |
| Sizes: 6 – 20 |
| Men’s version: Yes |
| alpkit.com |
I really like the fit and feel of the jacket. It’s neat without being overly tight, and it has a flexible feel, in part due to not using a Gore-Tex membrane. It dealt with all rain I experienced without issue and, as with most modern fabrics, keeping it clean will help it to continue to do so.
The two hand pockets are generous and sized to fit an OS map, and are handy for chucking gloves, phone and snacks too. I did find that the bottom of the pocket sat a bit low and would get in the way of my rucksack waist belt, meaning I had to shuffle the pocket contents around.
The hood is helmet compatible, but only just if you want to zip right up.
A few features make this jacket a three-season option for me, as they might not quite match up to full on Scottish winter conditions. The pocket lining mesh is one of these, as well as having semi-elasticated cuffs, which can’t fit a big winter glove underneath, and elasticated sides on the hood, which would likely be blown off when it’s really wild.
But all of these features make it a great option for the rest of the year, and it’s definitely a jacket I will find myself reaching for when I need a waterproof but don’t want anything too bulky.
The price point and lighter weight mean it should work for a wide range of people and for a range of activities. I plan to use it climbing, walking, mountaineering and biking, all of which it will manage with ease.
Testing Conditions
These jackets were all tested through Autumn and early winter in Scotland while hillwalking, biking and mountaineering in a mix of rain, snow and even some sunshine. Kirsty is a short size 8-10 and was aiming to get several layers under each jacket. All weights are taken from Kirsty’s own scales.
This review was published in the April 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.
