Plusses: Super light, cosy, colourful, durable zip
Minuses: Limited technical features and adjustability

397g (m/w)

Features: This jacket is available in several bold colours and black. It is filled with 800FP water-resistant down inside a lightweight 20D ripstop shell. It has elastic binding at the waist and cuffs, an adjustable drawcord at the waist and a long–lasting vislon zip. There are two hand pockets and two large interior pockets, one of which includes a carabiner loop and into which the jacket can be packed. The jacket is DWR treated for water resistance, and the down is RDS-certified (responsibly sourced).

Fit: The torso is boxy with a comfortable, close fit in the arms and a cosy hood. At a lean 1.76m, I’m size small in most garments, and this jacket’s length was just right for me, but it might be too short for tall people. The torso is roomier than my more technically cut jackets (such as the Outdoor Research Helium, which we’ve reviewed before), but it’s not overly so. It’s a plus for fitting comfortably over thick midlayers. It’s also available in a women-specific version.

Comfort: The 20D shell fabric has a soft face and this, combined with the plush medium-thickness down fill, makes for a cosy jacket. It’s unrestrictive and easy to move in and warm enough for a lot of New Zealand winter duty, outside of alpine use. With the right layers, I’d consider it for alpine duty too because it’s so light for its warmth.

In use: This jacket became an instant favourite due to its lightness and plush feel, cosiness and bold colours, making it appealing for around-town winter use as well its practicality in the hills. It’s light and packs down small, so it’s easy to throw in a day pack for just-in-case scenarios. The hood adds considerable warmth, making it okay for breezy tops camps or cold photography mornings, but it doesn’t have any adjustment, nor does the jacket have any features you might find on a more technical jacket. The drawcord at the waist hem helps seal in warmth, and the elastic cuffs are comfortable and protect the fabric from wear.

Value: The 800FP down packs a lot of warmth for its weight, but it also bumps up the cost. There are jackets with more features in this price range, but it will be hard to find a lighter one.

Verdict: The Fuego is a very light and good-looking jacket that will suit people prioritising a relaxed fit and warmth for weight over technical features.