Stretch fabrics mean the Berghaus Affine can be close-fitting without being restrictive or uncomfortable, which is good as the sizing is on the small side, the Large just fitting me over a base layer. The jacket is warm enough that I doubt I’d ever need to wear it over anything more, at least not in the UK. The Hydroloft fill is soft and lofts well.
The Affine has a good adjustable hood with a small, stiffened peak. The handwarmer pockets do sit under a hipbelt but are just about usable. I like the inner stash pockets too as these are roomy and set well above a hipbelt. They’re great for stuffing damp gloves in so they can dry out or stay warm.
I used the Berghaus Affine on many winter days and it proved warm, breathable and comfy. I didn’t wear it for long when walking – it’s too warm – but it was good for stops and camps. The shell fabric is wind-resistant but not windproof. In very strong winds a shell is needed over it.
The Affine is quite expensive and it isn’t that light, but the hood and the stretch fabric make it worth considering.
See how the Affine compares to other synthetic jackets in our The best synthetic insulated jackets
