Whilst the Aran Valley Jacket was designed as a mountaineering piece first and foremost, we saw no reason why not to include it in our ski-specific insulated mid-layer reviews for winter 17/18.
Weighing in at 260g, it weighs considerably less than a mid-weight fleece and is a far superior offering in terms of performance and technical features. Durable, lightweight and wind-resistant, the Aran Valley Jacket functions exceptionally well as a mid-layer for skiing when worn under a warm shell.
The weather resistant 15D face fabric protects you from the elements in a snug, minimalistic package whilst the breathable highloft waffle liner means you won't overheat when your quads start to burn. The zippered handwarmer pockets are a welcome addition to such a minimalist piece and are great for storing ski passes or credit cards if you're rocking a super stripped down outer shell layer.
In terms of style, the see through face fabric of the Aran Valley Jacket is likely to divide opinion. Traditionalists will most likely plum for the 'True Black' colour option but if you like to mix things up a little then the 'Haze' jacket with see through white face fabric and orange inner liner will definitely make an impression. Whether that's a good impression or not will come down to individual preference!
At £150, the Aran Valley jacket is good value for such a technical piece. Your choice of outer layer will dictate it's ability to perform to its potential so make sure you pair it with an equally high performance shell that offers the appropriate level of weather protection for the anticipated mountain conditions.
