Jack Wolfskin’s Prelight collection is “for active hikers... ultra-lightweight, breathable, and tailored to respond to changing conditions”. Could it work for us?
Reviewed by David Chandler (and family)
Women’s Prelight 3 in 1 Jacket, £260
A soft, lightweight, waterproof, breathable shell with snap-in insulated gilet, that folds up small.
To quote my better half, Ruth, “There’s lots to love – delicate, smooth-running zips with grippy pulls, underarm pit zips (for ventilation) which I thought gimmicky, but put to good use, many options to customise fit and control temperature, and the shaped hood, which stayed on in high winds. Ordering to size gave a neat fit – for looser, go up a size. I liked the generous arm length and the ‘A line’ looks smart and is flattering. The body is short – the scooped back didn’t cover my buttocks! It’s certainly waterproof (rain beaded) and windproof – withstanding storms Amy and Benjamin. The hip pockets can keep small hands warm or hold a phone or wallet”.
“It’s probably good for three seasons – the gilet can be worn alone or inside the shell. It’s only available in ‘pale sand’, which didn’t seem very practical, but, as well as a cold, wet, UK January, I wore it on a hot, rainy African safari. The shell and/or gilet provided perfect protection from a wide range of weathers and temperatures, keeping me cool, warm, dry and protected from mozzies. There, the colour was perfect!”
● Pale sand, XS-XL. Gilet with Primaloft® Active Evolve, a synthetic down alternative. Shell with Texapore Ecosphere Pro, recycled materials, PFC-free.
Prelight Trail Pants, £110
Lightweight trousers with stretchy fabric, tapered legs with elastic at the ankles and an elasticated, drawcord waist. Wind and water-resistant, breathable, relaxed fit.
“On a five-mile, 14°C walk in light wind I found these a bit warm. But, walking slowly on a sunny, 19°C day, they were OK. They are pretty quiet and water-resistant – not waterproof. My rain test was 45 minutes of light-moderate rain at 6°C with an intermittent moderate breeze. Initially, water beaded; later, the thighs began to feel wet. Some water seeped through on the thighs and at the ankles, but it wasn’t bad at all. In those conditions, they weren’t quite warm enough for me. There are two good, zipped hip pockets and a zipped thigh pocket big enough for my iPhone 12. They are comfortable with good freedom of movement.
“These are not for seriously hot or very cold conditions – they’re for in between, offering some protection from rain, but not the heavy stuff. And they pack down pretty small. There’s no fly, though…”
● Men’s: black or peat, S-2XL. Women’s: black, grey Odessa or mint leaf, XS-XL.
Women’s Prelight Trail Hooded Shirt, £75
A hooded, half-zip sweatshirt made from quick drying Texadri Fleece Stretch, with a small secret pocket.
My daughter, Hannah, said, “First impressions were of a soft, lightweight, comfortable garment that’s soft against the skin. Freedom of movement and breathability were excellent – it kept me warm after exercising! The hood is great for changeable weather – I’m not sure it needs the pony tail hole, though. The pocket is useful for keys or other small items. It’s lightweight and needs very little space in a backpack – an easy to carry extra layer and a good mid-layer”.
● Black or lemon ice, XS-XL. 84% recycled polyester, 16% Elastane.