The Layering Principle for outdoor clothing seems to have been with us for a very long time even though the exact date for the identification of the concept is hard to establish. In essence the principle is to separate out the fundamental functions of clothing into differentiated garments and combine them according to need. The most common interpretation is of a wicking base layer, followed by insulation and finished with some form of waterproof shell. This allows the wearer to customise clothing on the move according to precise conditions at the time.

The Snugpak Torrent is slightly at odds with this principle in some ways as it permanently combines two elements of the system, a warm layer and a breathable waterproof outer; a modern day equivalent to a ‘big coat’. There are plenty of ‘weatherproof’ and ‘weather resistant’ insulated jackets on the market but very, very few that offer decent insulation with a completely waterproof outer shell with taped seams.

The use of such a combined garment would seem to go against most of the obvious advantages of the layering system especially flexibility and the option to finely tailor the precise elements according to conditions or personal physiology. However I have always found an appeal in a single do it all garment to throw on a short notice, simplify the choice of kit, keep in the car or just to walk to the pub on a cold wet night. The Snugpak Torrent fills that particular gap rather well.

Snugpak Description:The Torrent jacket, built to battle everything nature has to throw at it. Insulated with exclusive Softie® insulation and taped seams making it fully waterproof. This fully featured jacket is equipped with a detachable insulated hood that can be rolled away or removed when not in use, dual adjusters on the sides and rear of the hood allow for a perfect fit. Deep hand pockets allow you to store your gloves or valuables safely and thermal linings also help to keep your hands warm and comfortable. You will also find a deep hidden chest pocket inside the jacket. The main jacket zip and pocket zips all use YKK weatherproof zips, to keep you protected from the elements. The Torrent jacket also features underarm ventilation zips with mesh covering, to allow you to vent and regulate your temperature. Available in Blue, Olive and Black and RRP £160 in a unisex design 100% Waterproof with fully taped seams, PU 10,000mm HH. Insulated with exclusive Softie® insulated for warmth. Breathable 5000mm. Fully adjustable hem. Adjustable Velcro wrist cuffs. Under arm ventilation zips, with mesh inner. Weatherproof main & pocket zips. YKK Zips used throughout. Deep hand warmer style pockets. Hidden inside chest pocket. Insulated hood with peak and dual adjusters. Fully detachable and stowable hood. Brushed polyester neck warmer for added comfort and warmth

Background

I wasn't too familiar with the Snugpak brand before coming across this jacket but they are highly respected, long established and still manufacture some of their kit in a mill in Yorkshire. They supply both to the conventional outdoor market along with more specialised professional and military applications. A prolonged period of searching produced very little that combined both waterproof outer, decent insulation and a general sense of being designed for harsh conditions rather than the high street. Apart from the company website, I found comparatively little online information and precious few reviews. There being very few viable alternatives, I purchased a Torrent in autumn 2018 and have been using it over the 18/19 winter and recently the 2019 winter.

In use

This jacket has been a revelation to me and a terrific advert for any of the products from Snugpak. The performance, design and manufacture of this jacket are all of the highest order. The outer waterproof fabric is also breathable and durable in use. The shell had taped seams and the design is enhanced by the use of water resistant zips on the front and pockets. The detachable and adjustable hood is a good design combining a neat fit with willingness to move with you. It fits well with our without a thick wooly hat. In contrast to 'high street' designs the Torrent adds pit zips to the mix; these work well and adjust easily.

I've found the waterproofing to be effective and the jacket to be warm enough for being stationary on a winter's day. At every point the stitching is excellent, neat well finished and following seams very accurately.

I find all water resistant zips to be more fiddly than ordinary zips and this one is no exception. When stuffed into a rucksack for a summit snack, the jacket is more bulky than some and in such circumstances a more compressible option might suit some better.

A variety of factors affect how comfortable a jacket is to wear including the cut, fabrics used and how close you are to a standard size. The soft insulation and the smooth inner fabric combine to make this a very comfortable jacket to wear. It isn't designed to be a waterproof but I found the outer fabric and zips successful at keeping heavy rain out for many hours.

Finally, I am a little fussy over jacket necks and I find this one a tad drafty. It is much enhanced by wearing a Buff or similar garment. I notice that there is an 'extreme' planned for this year giving a fleece neck lining and even greater insulation, I'll be very keen indeed to try one of those.

If you wish to vary clothing according to temperature and level of exertion, then a conventional layer system may be a better option than any combined item.

If however you want a grab jacket, one for the pub, or a do it all for a winter walk on the high fells or a valley walk with the family this could well be the very thing.

For those of us who make landscape photographs throughout the year and whose passion requires that we stand inactive for significant lengths of time, the Torrent is very close to perfect and a garment that has quickly become one of my favourites over the winter months. Having sourced it for a generally narrow set of situations, I’ve found myself grabbing it more and more over the winter months. When one spends a significant number of days on the hill there is no better advert than the jacket you grab unconsciously. I’ve worn the Torrent is high winds, freezing temperatures and snow. I’ve worn it around the town and on the summit of Helvellyn. It’s too warm for a sustained uphill route but any insulated jacket will cause you to overheat under such circumstances. For slightly lower levels of exertion or periods of inactivity, it’s spot on.

The list price is £164 but they are typically priced at around £130. You do have to hunt for them a bit as they don’t often crop up in the main outdoor high street chains.

I'd recommend a Torrent without the slightest hesitation.

(Location photos (c) Ed Prince)