TNF Redpoint Jacket Tested

The Redpoint is one of the new, synthetically-insulated alternatives to a fleece. If you think of it as a thin, small-packing, water-resistant and wind-proof deflated puffa jacket you'll not only agree with several cynical onlookers, you'll also be close to the truth. It offers roughly the same warmth factor as a 200-weight fleece, but with a number of advantages; viz, it's lighter, smaller, water-resistant, windproof and can also be layered over other garments if you're that way inclined.

We've been using one since early autumn now and while we started off skeptically - remember the first time you saw a microwave oven? - we're now unashamed converts to the Redpoint cause. Why? Well, it works a bit like a fleece in terms of insulation, but it's more verstatile.

Because it's windproof, it's effectively much warmer worn without a shell garment and the water resistance and reasonable performance when damp work well in UK conditions. You can wear it for longer without donning a shell. Then it packs into its own handwarmer pocket for easy and compact carriage and weighs less than an equivalent 200-weight fleece. The only thing that comes close is Polartec's Thermal Pro, but that tends to have little wind resistance, which gives the Redpoint a significant advantage.

It also works well as an outer layer used over the latest softshell garments. Stuff like Schoeller or Patagonia's Regulator kit are warm enough when you're on the move, but marginal when stopped. The Redpoint - provided it's sized large enough - can simply be thrown over the top for instant warmth like a lightweight duvet jacket. Nice.

Finally, it wicks much more effectively than you'd suppose from looking at it, presumably because that layer of insulation is relatively thin.

The Redpoint's actually a pretty simple garment with two handwarmer pockets, a zipped chest pocket and elastication at cuff and hem with no adjustment. The outer fabric uses a neat micro-ripstop fabric with DWR coating, while the liner is a funky sort of two-tone affair that will appeal to born again mods everywhere. We like the looks, though more than one person accused it of looking like a deflated puffa and someone even suggested a supplier to 'add extra down'... Thanks mate. We'll pass the suggestion on to TNF UK.

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