Craghoppers Compresslite Packaway Hooded Jacket Review

The Compresslite Packaway Hooded Jacket from Craghoppers is a waterproof, lightweight and well-insulated jacket that compresses down to fit into a small stow bag for easy storage.

Targeted at use in less extreme weather conditions (spring and autumn) when there is a chance of light rain, that isn't to say it won't also be useful during summer and winter, or during heavier showers.

The first point worth noting is that the jacket really does live up to the name Compresslite, weighing in at just 440g, and measuring roughly 10cm by 23cm when packed away. Given that size, it will fit in even the smallest of bags, and therefore allow you more freedom when the bad weather has passed and you want to take it off.

I found it to have great insulation properties too, warming me in a matter of minutes, which you will likely find quite surprising considering how thin and light it is. This is down to use of Craghoppers' ClimaPlus material - a compact hollow fibre fill that offers the suppleness and warmth of down, without the negatives (heavy and absorbing water like a sponge!).

There are quite a few size and colour combinations available too, with the jacket coming in four hues - red, green, navy blue and black, and comprehensive sizing from small to double extra-large. So chances are you'll find one you're happy with.

I opted for the black in my usual size - medium - and it fitted perfectly, allowing me two layers underneath without feeling too tight, or still feeling relatively well fitted with just a single layer under it.

The jacket takes light showers and dries out relatively quickly. It would cope with heavier showers too, but it would be advisable to try and find shelter nonetheless, as the jacket is only water-resistant, not waterproof.

With it missing a little pocket for the grown-on hood to be stowed in (I'm in the packaway hood camp), I did find that in winds over about 10mph, the hood became a distraction. Still, I'd rather have a hood than be without one, as it really does keep your head warm when you need it!

Likewise, the jacket only has two relatively small pockets. They are zipped and suitable for keeping small supplies or valuables to hand, but you'll need to take a rucksack if you're intending to carry much - as I would often take anyway for longer walks.

I did find that the zips caught on the material of the jacket quite frequently, but with the material used, it hasn't ripped at all, so perhaps it's something that can be overlooked. You do get minor niggles with any jacket after all.

At £60, the Compresslite is one of the cheapest insulated jackets available and, for the price it is, I would highly recommend getting one as a backup jacket, or something for light use on short walks.

It will hold up in bad conditions and on longer excursions, but you might be tempting fate as it isn't really designed for that purpose. That said, it has kept me warm enough every time I've worn it and I'm yet to get wet inside it. Overall I'd say it's a great bit of kit.

Craghoppers have come up with a wonderfully versatile product, which does what it's supposed to, and doesn't break the bank.