Salewa's Ortles Hybrid is a lightweight three-season insulated jacket that can also double as a winter season mid-layer - as perfect for ski touring in spring as it is for an autumn blustery ridge hike.
The Salewa Ortles Hybrid is described as having an 'Athletic Fit' which basically means its a tight fit, so you won't get too many layers underneath. It's the sort of jacket that will keep you warm before you set off on a chilly morning, then will easily stuff into your bag once you've warmed up.
The Dura Stretch/bamboo sleeves and side panels allow for great freedom of movement but not a lot of warmth, which is why the jacket is best used as a mid-layer in the winter. The main body and hood are insulated with Tirolwool and Celliant, which is branded as a 'thermo-regulating and reactive filling'. The Tirolwool fibres have natural warmth and breathability which, when combined with the Celliant - which reflects infrared body heat back into your core - is supposed to keep your temperature regulated. The basic idea is that when over-heating, the wool lets the heat out, yet when your core temperature drops the Celliant keeps you warm.
When hiking the Welsh coast path on a blustery cool day, the Ortles Hybrid kept me warm without any overheating, and the two hip and one chest pocket stowed my phone, wallet and keys with ease. The one inside pocket doubles as a stuff bag, packing the jacket down to a very easily packed size.
The cuff and waist aren't adjustable but are elasticated on both the waist and cuffs. As there's no adjustment, sizing is important so it may be best to try it on before you buy.
The hood is large, just about large enough to fit over a small climbing helmet. An elasticated pull cord keeps the hood snug around your chin/neck area, which is good on a windy day as it stops the wind funnelling into the hood and going down your back.
The outer shell offers effective protection from the wind and very light showers, it's as durable as any of the other jackets of this type on the market but as with the competition, it could tear if treated harshly.
All in all, the Salewa Ortles Hybrid men's jacket is a great addition to your jacket quiver, as it will keep your core warm without overheating, will stuff down to a small size, and - on my kitchen scales - comes in at a mere 355g.
