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Whether you’re summiting snow-covered peaks in the middle of winter or out late in the chilly summer nights, you’ll know when it’s time to put on an extra layer. Previously I went for a thick jumper and a light waterproof jacket, but that’s 2 layers, and the jumper I take is bulky and takes up a lot of precious room in my rucksack. That’s also going on top of a long sleeve base-layer and sometimes a t-shirt, so the layers are building up.
My hiking partners had already gone for the down jackets, but for some reason I was being stubborn sticking to all those layers, probably in honesty as it meant not having to spend money and also, I was a little bit sceptical of how such a thin jacket could keep me warm.
TOG24 Drax Funnel Down Jacket – I went for a ‘Medium’ in ‘Fire Red’.
TOG24 Hamilton Mens Padded Parka – I went for a ‘Medium’ in ‘Black’.
Just to note I am a 40 inch chest and the jacket fitted really nicely, not too tight and plenty of room when I’m moving around, and with that, room if you needed to put an extra layer on such as a t-shirt under it above the base layer.
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Was I surprised! 👇
Driving to the Dragons Back, I only had my base-layer on, I usually do that and then layer up once I get there depending on the weather. I had my new Drax down filled jacket, and my usual layers, and made the decision to wear the jacket on top of the base layer, so only 2 layers, and put the rest of the layers in the rucksack, just in case.
The Drax down filled jacket is very light, and it felt nice on, the jacket zips right up to the chin with a high neck and I love the little soft chin cover at the top of the zip. I was still getting ready, putting my boots on, chatting and before setting off I felt incredibly warm, and again a sense of freedom with such a light layer on, which is much different to having multiple layers, and I loved that.
The Dragons Back is a tough climb, so obviously I was generating a lot of heat, and as you can see there was a lot of snow and you could feel the cold on your face and hands, but sat at the top I still only had the 2 layers on, the base-layer and the Drax down filled jacket, this was a huge surprise to me, and I also didn’t feel sweaty or cold or anything really, just this nice comfortable warmth.
A few more words! 👇
The warmth of the jacket on my body is complimented in the pockets, my hands were very warm, and again this was great for me as I use my GoPro and my mobile a lot, and always having to take gloves off is a pain, so that was another huge plus.
TOG24 Drax Funnel Down Jacket – The Medium fitted me perfectly.
TOG24 Hamilton Mens Padded Parka – I went for a ‘Medium’ in ‘Black’.
❤ I love this jacket, I didn’t need those extra layers, but you’ll need to supplement it with a rain shell, or maybe a fleece or winter jacket if you think it is going to get very cold.
I do really rate the TOG24 clothing, it is very warm, excellent quality and you can get some very good deals from their website. Just saying, but I bought the Hamilton Mens Parka in black for a trip to Italy, and it was great for the evenings, kept me warm, and kept it in the car for the car journey home after a long hike.
It has 44 reviews, and almost a perfect 5 star rating from all those, so that’s why I went for it, and the price too as it was reduced from £110 to £40.
Visit the Cotswold Outdoor website for a full list of brands. The 30,000+ item product range includes: waterproofs, insulated jackets, tri-climate jackets, base layers, fleeces, trousers, footwear, rucksacks, tents, sleeping equipment, GPS, climbing gear and a huge range of supporting equipment. Cotswold Outdoor aims to provide equipment and advice on all outdoor activities, all year round.
I’m glad I found the ‘TOG24 Drax Down Filled Jacket’, I bought mine in the sale, so it had huge discount, and when out all day every gram counts and that’s where down insulation offers unmatched packability and warmth in cold, dry conditions.
Link to the route: Dragons Back Waun Fach Circular
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