David Lintern keeps the cold at bay with some best-in-class insulation layers.
In a break from our usual routine, I’m covering not one, but two products in the same line of clothing from Peter Hutchison Designs: the PHD Sigma Synthetic insulated vest and trousers. Both are made from the same component fabrics and materials, but one is new to me this year, and the other is several years old.
David Lintern highly recommends
Both products compress well and weigh little, valuable attributes as pack size and weight increase for winter. My other half always steals them at camp which says a lot.- Best in class weight for warmth
- very durable
- price
| Quick Specs |
|---|
| RRP: Vest: £250 | Trousers: £242 Weight: Vest: 234g | Trousers: 279g Fill: Primaloft gold Shell: Ultrashell (MX offered) vest, MX superlight (trousers) Hood: Optional on the vest Hem: elasticated Pockets 3 on vest, 1 key pocket on trousers Sizes: XS – XL, plus custom options. Unisex www.phdesigns.co.uk |
The Sigma Vest has been redesigned for 2024, but it’s still stuffed with Primaloft Gold, a high performing synthetic insulation. The fill is generous and the vest is very warm, despite the obvious lack of arms.
The outer shell fabric comes in 2 flavours – superlight MX or Ultrashell. I tested the latter – very wind and shower proof, but less breathable than the superlight MX option. Both are ripstop nylon and my sample still looks the same as when I received it in the spring, worn for many days in all conditions. The feature set is simple – 2 giant handwarmer pockets, big enough for gloves, maps and snacks, and another equally capacious chest pocket, all zipped, with big, glove friendly pulls. Hems are elastic – I find the arm elastic just right – perfect for keeping drafts out but not tight, while the waist still tends to rise a little. The cut is long-ish on body and high on the collar. A hood is optional – I don’t have one.
The Sigma vest is hugely practical and comfortable. It’s already been a great boost for a camp or belay jacket in cold weather, in a sleeping bag at night, and works equally well on the move, especially during when paddling or scrambling – things you need plenty of freedom of movement for. Is it too warm for active insulation? That depends on how much you feel the cold. As the mercury hovers around zero on the hill, I’ve found it perfect with a windshirt and baselayer for the first hour or two of walking, thereafter a layer I can throw on easily at rest stops.
The Sigma trousers are a slightly different beast. The fill is the same, but the shell on mine is MX superlight. The very baggy fit means I find them better for camp use, rather than on the move. The design is even simpler – just a drawcord at the waist, a mini-internal pocket, and elasticated ankles. They are insanely warm for their weight and have kept me company on every winter camp and many cold-water paddles for at least 8 years. Yes, the fill has compressed a little, and yes, there are 1 or 2 tiny pulls on the shell fabric, but given the use they’ve had, I think that’s impressive.
My other half always steals them when we cold weather camp together, which says a lot. As a paddler and winter camper, I’m a big fan of Primaloft. It retains its warmth when damp and dries rapidly. In winter especially, trousers are very likely to get wet at the ankles, seat and knees, so synthetic insulation makes perfect sense. Both products compress well and weigh little, valuable attributes as pack size and weight increase for winter. The PHD house style is quite relaxed and might not suit everyone, but that boxy cut means the fill can expand properly to trap air and keep you warm. The Sigma range is far from cheap, but it is well made from the best components and goes on forever. In short, it’s bomber kit.
