Features

The jacket has a water-resistant laminated, reverse-coil main zipper with a small internal storm flap. There’s a chin guard at the top to minimise irritation too. You also get hem drawcords with adjustment at either side, and Velcro-adjustable cuffs. There are two zippered hand pockets. These do not use water-resistant zips, but they are covered by outer storm flaps to help prevent water ingress. The relatively simple hood has a rear volume adjustment that also helps to pull in the upper portion of the hood, though there is no separate face adjustment. You do get a nice, stiffened brim to help deflect rain though. It’s all pretty simple and straightforward, but well-thought-out. For example, with similarly lightweight jackets, you often find elasticated cuffs, whereas the Aegis has proper cuff tabs. The fit is relatively slim, with plenty of length in the arms and torso. 

Conclusion

The main selling points of this jacket are its low weight and high packability. It isn’t laden with features, but those you do get are streamlined and effective. Similarly, the waterproof-breathable performance is above average for this price point, making it a more protective option than most similarly-priced lightweight shells. Bottom line: if you’re looking for a ‘just in case’ multi-activity jacket to take on all your outdoor adventures, this is a bit of a winner that is also great value.

Tester’s Verdict

Matt Jones, OM contributor and gear tester:

“I’m more familiar with Odlo’s baselayers, and to be honest I hadn’t tried any of their other kit before getting hold of the Aegis – in fact, I was only vaguely aware that they did other stuff.

“But I’d certainly trust the Norwegians to make decent outerwear, especially when it comes to waterproofing. After all, as the old Norwegian proverb says, ‘Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær’ (there is no bad weather, only bad clothes). It’s a phrase that Wainwright nicked in 1973 for his book A Coast to Coast Walk, but it certainly holds true.

“If I was backpacking AW’s coast-to-coast, this is the sort of jacket I’d definitely consider taking”

“In fact, if I was backpacking AW’s coast-to-coast, this is the sort of jacket I’d definitely consider taking, particularly if weight was a priority. It’s so light and packable that it hardly takes up any room in your rucksack – you could even stuff it in a side pocket or in the front stretch pocket of most trekking packs, with room to spare. But I found it to be surprisingly protective despite being such a featherweight, so I’d be confident that it would do a good job of fending off rainy weather in the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. In terms of performance and quality, it’s far more than a ‘just in case’ jacket.

“Of course, as a 2.5-layer shell, it’s always going to feel a bit clammier than a 3-layer jacket, but it’s not uncomfortable, and the upside is that you get that aforementioned lightweight packability. Plus, it’s the sort of thing you’ll probably be putting on and taking off rather than wearing it all day in driving rain.

“Lastly, this jacket seems fairly reasonably priced and I’ve also seen it being sold online at some knockdown prices recently too, so if you pick it up in the sale you’d have a bona fide bargain.”