Finisterre Aeris insulation jacket

As a self-styled ‘cold water surfing’ brand, Finisterre knows exactly what we Brits need for staying warm at the coast once the wind picks up, or the sun goes down – and the Aeris is it.

Filled with 40g/m2 lightweight recycled Primaloft Silver Eco insulation, the Aeris is certainly warm, and the DWR treated shell is water resistant, windproof, breathable and rip resistant – just what you need for unpredictable British summer evenings.

Although Finisterre have gone out of their way to keep the Aeris simple, as it’s reversible, you get twice the functionality from its basic features. As such, the single zipped chest pocket on one side, and two elasticated hand pockets on the other are useful regardless of which way round you wear it. The reversible front zip works well too.

The hood is generous but with only the main opening being adjustable with slightly clumsy drawstring tabs, it is designed more around warmth than retaining visibility or close-fitting weather protection.

In terms of fit, the Aeris is quite generously cut – especially in the sleeves – and is designed to be worn over other layers. You can, of course wear the Aeris under a shell too but such is the efficiency of the insulation, that you’d only be doing this on those gnarly winter Big Sundays so revered by hardened British surfers.

This is a super-warm, light (263g, size 10), super-bright (or almost subtle when reversed), versatile mid or top layer which packs neatly into its own zippered pocket – after which you’ve got a super-comfy pillow. It’s extra versatility like this that makes the pretty steep price tag look more palatable.