Kirsty Pallas gives the Alpkit Morphosis her best in test accolade – and the clue to its versatility is in the name!
The clue is in the name – I’ve used the Alpkit Morphosis midlayer while hillwalking and mountaineering, mountain and gravel biking, and rock climbing, and it works well for all.
Kirsty Pallas’ Best in Test
This jacket has been one of the first things I reach for when heading out over the past few months; it’s really light, packs down well, and works well for everything outside.- versatile
- price
- hand pockets are a bit low for a rucksack or harness waist band
| Quick specs |
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| Price: $139.99 / £99.99 (available from Decathlon) Weight: 263g (size 10) Fill: 100% polyester micro-gridded fleece (155gsm) Hood: Helmet compatible, stiffened peak, single rear adjustment Shell: 100% nylon (20d), 6 CFM air permeability, PFC free DWR treatment Pockets: 2 zipped hand, 1 zipped chest Hem: Adjustable drawcord Cuffs: Semi elasticated Sizes: 8 – 20 Men’s version: yes alpkit.com |
The outer is a ripstop nylon that is windproof in all but the strongest winds and feels very durable. On the inside, there’s lightweight microgrid fleece on the torso and outer arms. There the two panels without fleece on the under arms and sides, which help you to dump more heat when you’re working hard.
For winter I double up this with another mid, but for 3 season, higher energy activities like biking, it’s very breathable and I’ve not needed to change layers often to manage my temperature.
The fit is really adaptable – I’ve worn over a long sleeved baselayer and another slim midlayer, but it still feels neat over just a t-shirt. There’s an adjustable hem with a drawcord on each side. The sleeves are close fitting and slim, but even though I’ve got quite short arms, I didn’t feel the extra length. The cuffs are simple elasticated affairs neat and sit well under other layers.
The hood has a stiffened peak and is helmet compatible – just! The front is partially elasticated to keep it tight around your face, with a single rear drawcord adjustment.
The pockets are a decent size, and all zipped. My only quibble is the hand pockets could be a bit higher on the garment and then not get in the way of a rucksack or harness waist belt. The chest pocket is the ideal size and shape for keeping your phone to hand.
This jacket has been one of the first things I reach for when heading out over the past few months; it’s really light, packs down well, and works well for everything outside.
Testing conditions
Kirsty is a women’s size 8-10 and a regular build. These midlayers were tested throughout winter 2023/24 in the Scottish Highlands while climbing, mountaineering, hillwalking, and biking, and in a range of weather. All weights taken from Kirsty’s own scales.
To compare this midlayer with others we rate, see our guide to the best fleece jackets and midlayers.
