Lucy Wallace tests the ‘blown fill’ Sprayway Misten jacket and finds it warm enough to perform well in cold conditions – but with one drawback.
The Sprayway Misten Jacket is the only jacket within the guide to the best synthetic insulated jackets with a ‘blown fill’ – where synthetic fibres are blown rather than spun, to create clusters that mimic natural down.
Price: £140 | Weight; 363g | Materials: shell: 100% recycled polyester; lining: 1005 polyamide; fill: 100% polyester Insofill blown insulation | Features: adjustable wired hood, zipped handwarmer pockets, internal chest pocket, elasticated cuffs | Sizes: 8-20 | Men’s version: Yes
This has the disadvantage that, like down, it needs to be held in place by sewn baffles, which can create cold spots as well as adding to the overall weight of the garment. (However, it does make the jacket look initially like a much more expensive down jacket, which may add to the appeal.)
Despite this drawback, there’s sufficient fill to make this a really warm jacket that will perform well in cold conditions. It’s a bit bulky for packing in a rucksack, but is cosy enough to use as a belay or emergency layer if space allows.
It will also be a great choice to be worn during slower-paced activities or in camp.
The Sprayway Misten Jacket has a cosy adjustable hood, which is not big enough for a helmet; but it does have a wired brim plus a brushed fleece chinguard, and the zipped pockets are also lined with microfleece. The main zip is well protected with a sizeable baffle.
At £140, it’s also the lowest-priced jacket I tested in our guide to the best synthetic insulated jackets; and although that’s still a lot of money, like a lot of Sprayway gear it’s available for less if you hunt about.
