If you are looking for a light but warming insulated jacket to pop in your walking or cycling rucksack, check out the Berghaus vapourLight Hypertherm Reversible Hoody. Berghaus have created their “lightest most versatile synthetic midlayer”. It is aimed at active people and offers an insulation layer, whether it’s under another jacket or as an outer layer. This is the type of jacket that could easily become a must-pack because it is so light, packs down so small and yet still offers good levels of warmth.

Features include:

• 40g Hydroloft Elite Pro insulation.
• Reversible, so it can be worn in two different colours.
• Each side has different properties: One is windproof and one is more breathable.
• Stretch bound hood.
• Two zipped pockets.
• Stuff sack.
• Stretch bound cuffs and hem.
• Weight: 185g for a UK12 or 221g for a male large.

Women's Berghaus vapourLight Hypertherm jacket

On test: Berghaus vapourlight Hypertherm Hoody

The jacket feels very light. It's the first thing you notice when you pick it up and put it on. The weight is achieved by a pared down design and a super lightweight form of synthetic insulation. However, the jacket still offers a surprising amount of warmth. Wear it in any conditions and you immediately feel better insulated. The windproof outer is great in cooler and breezier conditions. If you want more breathability, simply reverse the jacket to the other side. This system works well. It works best as a mid-layer jacket in winter weather or at higher altitude when you suddenly find yourself a bit chilly. If conditions are warmer but windy the jacket is great as an outer layer. Despite being so lightweight the jacket is effective at keeping out the wind, when worn with the windproof side outermost. It is also highly breathable. I have used it in different situations and when working hard on a cold day outdoors and the sweat easily passes out of the fabric.

It might be useful if you are travelling light and need a lightweight warming jacket for the evenings, too. I like the simple, no fuss design. There are two useful zipped pockets. Berghaus might have been tempted not to bother with pockets to strip back the weight still further but I think jackets need pockets. There is always something that you want to carry in a pocket. I like the hod too. It's a straightforward design but it is useful when temperatures drop or the wind picks up. I like that it fits neatly under another hooded jacket, such as a waterproof or down jacket. The hem edges are simple but comfortable elastic. I think I would prefer something a bit more robust and wider arm cuffs for extra comfort but it’s a small quibble. I would like to see slightly longer arms, too, but I do have arms that are above average length for my size. The jacket packs down into a small stuff sack, which is brilliant for carrying in a pocket or corner in your rucksack. The stuff bag can also be carried in your hand, aided by thin hand straps/tape.

See Berghaus men’s vapourlight Hypertherm Hoody

See Berghaus women’s vapourlight Hypertherm Hoody RRP £160 but you can find sale items online. There are new colours coming out for spring.