Hiking, climbing and exploring in Haglof’s fantastic all-rounder, the L.I.M waterproof jacket for men and women, £220.
Haglofs L.I.M jacket review
Product description: “Minimalistic and supremely packable, the L.I.M Jacket offers essential features without the weight. Wind- and waterproof, it’s hooded and fully articulated. Care for the environment is a key part of the design and manufacture of this garment.”
Come rain or shine: L.I.M stands for ‘less is more’, and this jacket couldn’t really be better named. Despite being designed with minimalism in mind, it still packs in all the technology I look for in a good waterproof jacket – it’s lightweight at 205g, it’s fully waterproofed with Gore-Tex, standing up to rain and snow with no problems, and it’s breathable enough that you won’t overheat when you’re hiking up a sweat. Zips are water resistant, and the hood is excellent, with a reinforced peak that stays put, and space to wear a helmet beneath it. I’ve only been testing out the Haglofs L.I.M for a few months, but so far it’s kept me dry in many a downpour, been breathable enough to tackle ice climbing and comfortable enough to wear all day on glacier hikes.
This is a shell jacket, and isn’t insulated or designed to keep you warm, but I found that when paired with a down jacket underneath I had a great combination of warmth and waterproofing in cold conditions. After something warm for winter? Try the Grym Evo jacket. The streamlined design and light weight in play in the L.I.M means the jacket scrunches up small and is very easy to pack in a corner of your rucksack.
Hey, good looking: Looks aren’t the most important factor when you’re buying a functional waterproof, but the L.I.M delivers here too. Lines are clean and features are pared back – there’s just one chest pocket, and although I usually like a few the hip pockets, leaving them out makes it easier to wear the L.I.M with a harness or backpack. My dark red waterproof is actually the men’s version of the L.I.M jacket (why do the guys always get the best colours?) and has a bit of a looser, boxier fit than the female L.I.M, but both versions look and fit brilliantly, with plenty of room for layering a fleece or down underneath in cold weather.
Verdict: This is my new go-to waterproof. The Haglofs L.I.M is packable but tough, light but waterproof, and seriously comfortable and flattering. It’s worth splashing the cash on this beauty if you’re after one go-anywhere shell waterproof jacket for hiking or mountaineering.