During the colder months, most people escape the chill by staying indoors, sitting under a blanket, or sitting by the fire. But where’s the fun in that? Nothing is quite as rewarding as testing yourself in uncomfortable conditions. That used to be the case, but thanks to Mountain Warehouse and a wide array of their products, you can take comfort in the uncomfortable. After receiving the Vista Padded Jacket in the stylish khaki colourway, we put the jacket through its paces.

Having worn other puffer jackets, we were keen to see how it compared, and it did not disappoint! Its quality manufacturing was noticeable straight away, with elastic cuffs secured tight around the wrist, preventing the chance of the slightest zephyr working its way up your arms. The two pockets located at the front make sure your hands stay warm. While fully zipped, the neck was nice and cozy but not too snug, and there was no irritating zip constantly rubbing against your chin or getting caught up in your skin or facial hair. When things started to get a bit too warm, the jacket was simply unzipped and left open allowing cooler air in around the torso.

Opting for a larger-sized jacket allowed a hoodie to be worn underneath, but if you’re out and about, you won’t be needing the extra layer. Sitting around in the near-freezing winter nights, we found a that hoodie added that extra level of comfort. Looking at the thermal rating provided on the swing tag you’ll see the jackets recommendations of static -5C, low activity -15C and high activity -35C – all pretty impressive once you throw in the water resistance too!

The jacket holds densely packed microfibre filling designed to retain heat without adding unnecessary bulk. We can’t stress enough how effective it is! While alternative puffer jackets may use a down filling, it comes at a cost. This is where the Vista Padded Jacket really distances itself from others. Competing down puffer jackets start to retail around the $200 mark, the most you’ll be forking out for the Vista is $89.99, but if you’re lucky, you can snag it on sale for prices like $69.99.

Sizing ranges from XXS to 4XL, so there’s no excuse for anybody to freeze. Four stylish colours (black, burnt orange, dark blue and khaki) offer great options for any outfit. Its compactable design, light-weight, and warmth make it a no-brainer as a perfect jacket to have packed away in the car ready for the next unplanned adventure. Its style makes it a suitable option for your commute into the office. Mountain Warehouse have outdone themselves with this affordable puffer jacket, available at mountainwarehouse.com/au where you’ll find an extensive range of other outdoor items.