Kit review: Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco Women's Jacket

Reviewed by Steph

Winter is coming/here and it's getting cold! Having a warm jacket in cooler temperatures can definitely make being outdoors more comfortable, and this jacket from Mountain Equipment is one of the warmest out there!

FEATURES:
This jacket features both 100% recycled fabric and 100% recycled down (More than 265g at minimum 700 fill power), and a PFC free waterproof coating which makes it windproof and water resistant - a very useful thing in a down jacket. The hood is fully removable, and the zip has a rear baffle, meaning there's no cold point on the front of the jacket. It's a slightly longer cut than a lot of down jackets meaning it keeps you warm down over the hips.

SIZE AND FIT:
This jacket now goes up to a size 20, but unfortunately the size chart stops at an 18. Based on the smaller sizes, it suggest the size 20 would fit a 44-46 inch chest, 37-39 inch waist and 47-49 inch hip. I'm a 45 inch chest, 41 inch waist and 51 inch hip and find this jacket pretty spacious! I can easily fit layers underneath it, and the draw cord hem and adjustable sleeves mean it's easy to cinch in and snuggle into. 

PERFORMANCE:
This jacket is WARM! Over the years I've had a few down jackets and this is by far the warmest, but the compromise on this is that it's a lot less packable and heavier than a lot of others. This isn't the jacket I normally stuff in the bottom of my bag for the lunch stop on a long hike, but it is the jacket I pack for camping in colder weather or if I'm heading out into proper wintery conditions. The outer shell also feels a lot tougher and more waterproof than other down jackets, and genuinely keeps the wind out. 

RRP £300

Link to Jacket on Mountain Equipment website or Cotswold Outdoor