Down and Insulated Jackets

Artilect W-Divide Fusion Stretch Jacket | Review

A well-made down jacket that utilises some impressive ingredients

Artilect isn’t a brand that’s particularly well known in the UK, but we can see it making some traction. From what we’ve seen, the company’s kit isn’t just good, but it’s also innovative and interesting. Operating from Boulder, Colorado, they seem to have quite a refreshing approach to outdoor apparel, utilising innovative materials and technologies, and this jacket, the W-Divide Fusion Stretch is a case in point.

Materials

The down used in this quilted jacket has a decent 700 fill power to it and it comes from Allied Down, another US brand and one that’s gained a reputation for its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in the down supply chain. All of the fill they use, for instance, meets the Responsible Down Standard.

Our reviewer Cat testing the jacket in the Cairngorms. Cat is 5 foot and is wearing a women’s size M. Photos: Dave Macfarlane

The shell material is a ripstop synthetic. This feels light but durable and it has a nice four-way stretch to it giving it that little bit of extra resistance against snagging branches. It’s treated with a PFC-free DWR called EMPEL which is applied in an innovative way because it doesn’t require water. Instead, the solution is first applied via rollers before the fabric then gets placed in a pressured pod and subsequently heated. It’s a molecular process that, according to Artilect, creates a water repellent coating that lasts as long as the fabric does – so there’s no need to reproof it. We haven’t got to a stage where we feel we need to reproof this, though we’ve only used it for a couple of months. We’ll update this review when we’ve got a verdict on how that performs. What we will say is that the fabric has shown good water resistance in light rain so far.

Under the arms, on the side panels and on the collar, an intriguing material called lavalan is used. To the naked eye, it looks and feels like just a standard cotton or synthetic fabric, but it’s actually much higher spec and more sustainable too. It’s a material made from 100% natural and renewable raw materials – mainly virgin wool and corn-based PLA – bringing moisture resistance to the table, breathability and natural anti-odour properties.

Boosting this jacket’s eco creds even further, there’s a smooth, soft-to-the-touch inner lining inside that’s derived from recycled synthetics.

Details

There are two handwarmer pockets. These, unfortunately have narrow openings that are cut off by a hipbelt or climbing harness. On the left forearm there’s a little zipped pocket for a lift pass or any other small items. Inside the jacket there’s a dump pocket that’s ideal for drying out winter gloves or stashing your snow goggles.

Fit

We’d say its true to size. You shouldn’t need to size up or down with this. It’s a nice roomy cut, with loads of room underneath for an extra layer or two.

Tester’s Verdict

Cat Nicol, Cairngorms-based outdoor enthusiast

I’m 5 foot so this size M was a little on the big side for me. Still, I really like it. It’s super warm but still lightweight and, from what I’ve seen, it has an impressive durability to it. I can see myself using this right throughout the winter for hiking and ski touring on my local mountain.