Finding a dependable piece of clothing that eliminates the need for constant layer changes can be challenging. This is especially true in UK winters or alpine environments, where your body's temperature fluctuates between intense physical activity and static periods, risking over-cooling. Blending polyester and wool insulation, the midweight Ortles Hybrid TirolWool Responsive Jacket, is designed to cater to the varying insulation requirements of different areas of the body during cold mountain days with changing intensity levels. A Scottish winter seemed the ideal time and place to put it through its paces.

In Use

The Ortles Hybrid TirolWool Responsive Jacket has been a versatile choice for my mountain outings this winter - in fact I've used it every time I've been into the hills this season. While it's designed primarily for alpine mountaineering, its usefulness extends beyond that, making it suitable for both hillwalking and climbing. Coming in at 408g (size M) on the home scales, it also is a lightweight choice for some added insulation.

During winter approaches, I've found it effective worn over a base layer, providing warmth where it matters thanks to its strategically placed insulation. When climbing, it's not quite substantial enough to serve as the sole midlayer. In those situations I typically layer another insulation piece over it before putting on my hardshell.

While I haven't tried it out in summer conditions yet, I expect it'll be useful to have on hand for chilly summit stops or to provide warmth and a bit of wind resistance during belays. Plus, its packable design allows for easy storage by stuffing it into its pocket and hanging it off the harness while climbing.

The TirolWool insulation has proven to be ideal for typical UK conditions. Its water resistance and breathability perform well in humid environments, and even when wet, this insulation retains warmth - unlike down.

Fit

Salewa's cut seems to err on skinny side. The tailored active fit is a good match for my slim build, but it's important to note that this may not be the case for everyone. Try before you buy, since the slim body and shoulders might feel too snug for many users. Although the Durastretch paneling on the sides of the body provides some stretch, it might not offer enough comfort for those with larger builds. If I were to wear a thin fleece underneath, it would also feel tight on me. Other than this, the fit has fared well with good length in the body and an articulated cut, which along with the stretch in the fabric ensures minimal hem lift when my arms are above me climbing.

Materials

Salewa's proprietary TirolWool is an unusual combination of polyester fibres with wool sourced from Tirolean sheep to provide an insulation that is lightweight, warm, and breathable. So far this has performed perfectly for me throughout cold, wet and humid days out winter climbing where all of these features need to work in combination.

The stretch panelling provides a good amount of airflow in the arms and sides to ensure you have a high amount of breathability in areas where you don't want to build up too much heat or clamminess. Overall this has worked well for freedom of movement during periods of high output.

The face materials also feel tough for their weight, able to take the abuse you'd expect when climbing and brushing up against rock. However, the internal face fabric has a bit of a plasticy feel to it, which is a shame as something lighter here might have felt nicer against the skin and further aided breathability.

Features

• Pockets: The two handwarmer pockets and single zipped chest pocket are large enough to fit a phone. An internal chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack for storage in a bag or hanging off a harness.

• Hood: The hood is fully insulated and cinchable at the rear. I've tended not to need to cinch this as it's already fitted enough for me. Due to the fitted nature, I've used this underneath my helmet when climbing, rather than over the top.
• Elasticated Openings: The cuffs, hood and waist are all elasticated, hugging my body nicely to provide a good amount of wind protection.

Verdict

I've had a great experience using the Ortles Hybrid TirolWool Responsive Jacket this winter. It's a fantastic light-midweight insulating layer that effectively regulates my temperature and keeps clamminess at bay throughout the entire day - I wear this from the moment I leave the car to when I return at the end of the day.

If you're considering this jacket and have a larger build than I do, I'd recommend trying it on before purchasing. The fit will likely not work well for everyone. However, if it does fit, its thoughtful design and high-quality construction make it a reliable choice, predominately for winter in the UK, although there's no reason not to keep it handy for year-round use in the changeable climate of the British hills.