Paramo's directional wicking is a terrific idea, moving moisture away from your skin and keeping you dry and comfortable even on muggy days. The way it works means that it's never going to be the lightest product on the market, but these Ostro fleeces are still extremely lightweight (400g size medium), comparable to an ordinary fleece jacket but with hugely better performance. When paired with a Paramo windproof outer it makes a fully waterproof system, while even on its own it will keep out drizzle or showers. Five sensibly sized pockets mean that for short trips out you can often leave your rucksack behind, thus saving even more weight. It will do the job of a highly functional mid layer, but with the added versatility of being usable as a top on its own. One of those bits of kit that you will end up wearing all the time.

• Renewable water repellency
• Two zipped handwarmer pockets
• One zipped internal chest pocket
• Two internal mesh side pockets
• Full length zip
• Comfortable stretchy fabric
• Lightweight
• Simple cuffs that can be rolled up for cooling
• Stretchy hood fits under a helmet