• Altura Crosslite jacket
• £79.99
• www.zyro.co.uk

Altura has a reputation for producing decent and sensibly-priced kit, and the Crosslite jacket looks like continuing the trend. The Crosslite eschews posh branded fabrics but still claims high breathability, a claim that seems to hold true. Taped seams and drawcords at hem and neck provide an extra layer of defence against the elements, although there’s no comfy lining to the high collar.

The zippers on the pockets (one front, one rear) and up the front are the popular “inside out” style, although we’d prefer to see a storm flap on the outside to help stop them getting gummed up. It’s low on bulk and weight and comes with a small stuffsack to stash it in, which is a nice touch.

Altura’s fabric has a pleasantly soft feel and it’s ever-so-slightly stretchy which allows for a close but unrestrictive fit. Unfortunately the sleeves aren’t all that generous in length and constantly rode up, which rather spoiled things. Still worth a look if you have short arms too, though…

Ups and downs

Positives: Simple, respectably breathable, unpretentious

Negatives: Short arms

Verdict

If the arms were a bit longer, this would be really rather excellent – try before you buy.

Ratings

Performance: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5