Chris Townsend examines the some of hillwalking’s most useful garments. On test Lowe Alpine Glacier Point Vest

This Lowe Alpine basic vest is one of the warmest synthetic ones tested but also the heaviest – though the weight or bulk isn’t such that it couldn’t easily be carried in a rucksack. The technical sounding fill is quite soft and comfortable. There’s thicker fill in the front and back, thinner in the sides. The roomy pockets and the high collar are warm. The fit is on the snug side, just fitting over my light fleece. The cost is low – only the Craghoppers CompressLite costs less – making the Glacier Point good value for money, especially if the little bit of extra weight is unimportant.

Reviewed in February 2015 Issue