The Ridgemaster 3L is cut fairly long, so provides good protection against the weather, but is an athletic enough design to be used on technical routes and winter mountaineering trips.

But its Gore-Tex Paclite construction offers complete protection against the elements, and good breathability and, despite its light weight, feels robust. I liked the clean and minimalist design of the Salewa Moiazza, which performed very well and is the best choice for hillgoers who want minimum weight and pared-down features, yet with good performance.

The main material has a 15,000mm hydrostatic head – that’s not high spec but not to be sniffed at either – and it’s made partially from recycled materials and with a plant-based EcoShield treatment. Full Specifications

The Gravdal also has a powder skirt to keep out the snow on the slopes or when winter mountain walking. It has twin press-stud fastening and can be removed by unzipping it. Rab’s parent company is ‘climate neutral’, offsetting its emissions via carbon credits, including a Zimbabwean forest, support for a hydropower plant in Vietnam, and providing efficient cooking stoves for women in Nepal. The hood has a rear halo adjuster with spring toggle and there are twin front cord adjusters. The peak has a wire adjuster and the hood can be rolled up and secured using a flap with press-stud closure. It is big enough to be worn with a helmet.This is the updated Ridgemaster, introduced this season and made from Gore-Tex three-layer Performance Shell fabric, with a combination of polyester and polyamide material. The design also makes it a good choice for use in urban conditions in winter, without looking too technical. Sustainability is good. The durable water-resistant treatment is PFC-free and there’s 58 per cent recycled polyester in the fabric. The comfortemp filling is 100 per cent biodegradable, and Maier says its production method is efficient in using less water and adhesive.