Icebreaker states: “The Ellipse Jacket is a hybrid-construction midlayer that uses strategically zoned insulation for warmth and protection where you need it most.”
Features include:
70g MerinoLOFT insulation for warmth and breathability
Recycled DWR-treated polyester face fabric
Stretchy fabric
Super-soft and quick-drying 230g waffle fabric in the body and arms
Two zipped hand pockets
Inside zipped pocket
Slim fit
Weight: Medium is 420g
Price: £150.
My thoughts: Icebreaker women’s MerinoLOFT Ellipse jacket
I test a lot of outdoor clothing kit and sometimes I try a product that I immediately like. This is one of them.
The fit is superb. I like slim-fitting tops and the jacket (size small; I am a UK10) is perfect. Note that I do not have a big chest so if you do you will need to go up a size.
The jacket also looks smart enough to wear as everyday casual, while also being a great performing product for when you’re out in the hills and mountains.
I usually find that clothes with even the smallest amount of Merino content make my skin itch but for some reason this does not. That’s good news if, like me, you have sensitive skin.
I have worn the jacket for Munro bagging and in a range of different conditions. I found it to be nicely warm. It’s a medium warm jacket, so it works well on a cool and breezy summer’s day or on a warmer winter’s day.
Because it’s slim fitting you can wear one thin baselayer under it but you can add layers on top if required. Generally I have added a waterproof jacket when it’s raining and apart from that I’ve worn it as an outer layer.
The DWR treatment keeps to keep some light rain off but it doesn’t cope with proper Scottish rain. You need to re-treat the DWR by using a wash-in product.
The three pockets are useful additions, especially the inside zipped pocket. I also like the thumb loops for extra warmth on chilly days.
This is a very versatile jacket and one that has become a firm favourite both for everyday wear and for walking.
It’s not cheap but I have found Icebreaker and other merino products to be long-lasting.
See Icebreaker and Ellipse jacket.