Review: I tried 7 outdoor clothing brands to find the best of the best

Journalist Glenn Kelly tried out seven outdoor clothing brands to find the warmest and coolest.

Winter weather in Ireland can be picturesque, but it can also be downright lousy. Dropping temperatures and falling rain mean that a trusty rain jacket is never far away as well as some hearty fleeces and thermals.

However, times have changed and keeping warm no longer means folks can’t look good.

This article will prove the case in point by picking out some of the coolest (and warmest) threads around by some of the biggest outdoor brands. So grab a hot chocolate and your debit card at the ready and read on.

Adidas Terrex

Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Insulated Hooded Jacket (€160)

Terrex is the outdoors activity arm of Adidas - think hiking, climbing and hill walking. They offer durable weather resistant clothing that is trusted by professional athletes and probably your next door neighbour, and they have some excellent offerings this winter.

A packable, portable water and wind resistant jacket that keeps me warm under a rain jacket or over a fleece on a hike or a walk with my dog. Also looks super in the silver/grey colourway and really stands out from the crowd with its alternative insulation pattern. A real "throw on and go" piece of clothing.

Multi-half Zip Top (€42) and Xperior Pants (€120)
On my recent trip to Lapland, these were my go-to combination. The trousers fitted great over base-layer leggings, while the ½ zip did the job under a snow jacket and over some thermals. The fit on both were excellent and the top looked great apres-snow.

Arc’teryx

Beta SL Jacket (€500)

If premium apparel is your thing and you want the best of the best, then look no further than the Canadian brand.

The SL jacket is a lightweight Gore-tex offering packed full of features. It details Waterproof, windproof, breathable protection without sacrificing lightweight packability. Its innovative GORE-TEX ePE membrane is light, strong, and PFC free. It fits on the snug side so consider sizing up and it doesn’t come cheap, but it is so effective for mountain hikes.

It is also a brand growing fast amongst the style-conscious too, with the brand not just stocked in outdoor shops but also the likes of Brown Thomas, showing its wide-ranging appeal on the shelves.

The Delta fleece jacket is also an able companion fitting under the jacket to provide warmth on the coldest of days.

Columbia

Oak Harbor II Jacket (€200) and Sequoia Fleece (€70)

Using new "Omni-tech" insultation, I found the Harbor jacket to be exceptionally warm in cold conditions. The inside of the jacket is a gold colour that is used to reflect your body heat when worn.

The quality of Columbia products is always second to none and this item doesn’t disappoint with quality stitching and a waterproof membrane to keep the rain off.

I also love the Spice colour and I think it works great with technical trousers or jeans for a walk around town. It is also complemented by the Sequoia Grove fleece, also in spice.

Columbia fleece’s have become more and more visible around town with their street-style appearance don’t let that fool you that they have forgotten their origins. This is another excellent fleece that is as versatile as it is stylish.

Passenger

Ebb Recycled Polar Fleece (€89.95) and Recycled Bobble Hat (€34.95)

Think of sustainability in a brand and you will often think of Passenger. Happily, the Ebb fleece continues the trend. Recycled polyester panelling on collar, placket, cuffs, elbow patches and pocket welts keep their green theme on trend.

The fleece is mid-weight and will keep you fantastically cosy under a rain jacket. The rich navy colour is superb, and you are sure to be an eye-catcher when you wear this one into town or even to the school pick-up. Yes, Dads can be cool too!

Paired with the bobble hat, you will look awesome.

Hytte Recycled Fleece-Lined Jacket (€164.95)

I’m glad to see Passenger offer something different this year and the Hytte "bomber" jacket looks just as at home out with friends for a drink as it does fighting against the weather.

It remains weather-resistant as you would expect from Passenger, but I think it looks excellent, particularly in this Olive shade. I have received a few compliments wearing this too which says plenty!

Gym and Coffee

Industry Fleece (€89)

The Irish brand is synonymous with Gen-Z and must be one of the most talked about brands on the island.

The Industry fleece has a quality beyond its price and offers a cosy, heavyweight experience for its wearer.
It is very much advertised as a unisex garment and I feel it suits both sexes equally as well.

Perhaps a little heavy to wear under a jacket, but over a t-shirt or sweatshirt you will be cooking in style.

Game Changer Pants (€75) and Polo (€40)
Quite a confident name choice by G&C here but I feel they have cracked it by producing a technical trouser that looks as smart as they are useful.

Lightweight and extremely comfortable, they have a tapered finish which compliments the wearer and goes superbly with a pair of sneakers (think Adidas Spezial).

The navy colourway works great with the green polo shirt from the brand, which again is made with a sweat wicking material but manages to look smart. Sure to be seen on high-streets all over Ireland and the UK in spring and summer too.

Kathmandu

Co-Z High Pile Jacket (€121.35)

Special mention to the New Zealand brand for this fleece. It comes in this beautiful "night" grey and has served me well. Worn in Lapland under my snow suit when out in temperatures of -25C this fleece was superb.

Comfortable, cosy and looks great, it has all you could want in a fleece purchase this winter.

It is quite heavy so would be well at home just over a t-shirt in moderate climes but it is a brand I will certainly be revisiting.

Vans

Vans MTE Crosspath (€106.40)

Special mention had to go to these new trainers from Vans. They are chunky and comfortable and look superb when worn with winter clothing.

The green colourway is suited perfectly to this time of the year and the Vans symbol wins brownie points with trendsetters.

These shoes are totally designed to keep your feet warm. The MTE tech traps heat inside while keeping the cold out, so you’re protected when temperatures drop. Depending on the model, you can even get extra insulation. These should be on your Santa list.