The Keela Scree Packaway Smock is an interesting option that can be used either as a midlayer fleece in very cold conditions or as a standalone insulated jacket.
Alex Roddie’s verdict
Overall, this is too warm as a midlayer for most British hiking. But if you’re going somewhere seriously cold, and need a durable option with lots of pockets, this is worth a look. Value is also good.- Durability
- Roomy cut
- Pockets
- Warmth
- Value
- Heavy and Bulky
- Freedom of movement
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £139.95 Weight: 486g Materials: 100% nylon ripstop Flylite Ultra shell, 60gsm Primaloft Gold insulation (100% polyester), 100% polyester lining Hood: none Front closure: quarter-length zip with internal flap Pockets: 2x zipped external handwarmer, large front kangaroo pocket Hem: adjustable drawcord Cuffs: elastic Womens/mens version: unisex Sizes: XS–XXL keelaoutdoors.com |
The smock has a quarter-length zip from collar to solar plexus, and beneath this you’ll find the enormous kangaroo pocket – big enough to stash plenty of hill snacks plus your hat and gloves. The whole smock can pack away into this pocket. There’s a fantastic storm flap over the zip. Thanks to the highly water-resistant fabric, I’ve found that most things stay dry in this pocket in anything short of a downpour. The other provided pockets are two handwarmer ones that meet in the middle, meaning that there’s a lot of storage space here too.
Thanks to the long cut of this jacket, extending well over the backside, these handwarmer pockets actually sit below your rucksack’s hipbelt – a nice touch if you’re using the jacket as an outer layer.
The cut is roomy and there’s loads of room for another warm layer underneath. However, freedom of movement could be better; the smock rides up with high arm reaches.
The burly ripstop outer fabric is the most water-resistant and windproof of all the products I tested, and breathability is still adequate for use as a midlayer – if it’s cold enough to wear this at all. The generous Primaloft Gold fill makes this fabulously warm. It’s slightly warmer than the Black Diamond Fury Light Hoody I also tested, making it great for deep winter in the Scottish mountains, but it’s also heavier and bulkier. On the plus side, it’s just over half the price.
Overall, the Keela Scree Packaway Smock is too warm as a midlayer for most British hiking. But if you’re going somewhere seriously cold, and need a durable option with lots of pockets, this is worth a look. Value is also good.
