It’s winter and you are ski touring up a mountain. The weather is mild, the sun is out. You’re building up a sweat. It’s too warm for a thick insulated jacket but you need a little bit of insulation and protection from the elements. This is when you need a soft shell like the Marmot Astrum jacket.

Marmot have been making outdoor jackets since 1971, when climbers Eric Reynolds and Dave Huntley started constructing down jackets in their dorm room at college. Their big break came when they were asked to make 108 very puffy jackets for 20th Century Fox who were filming a movie called The Eiger Sanction with Clint Eastwood. It was their biggest order at that time. Since then they’ve gone from strength to strength.

“It wicks moisture away from the skin brilliantly thanks to its two-layer construction.”

The new women’s Astrum soft shell jacket is made with super lightweight insulated material called Thermal R Active. It’s a new stretchy nylon material that makes a hyper breathable jacket, perfect for active climbers and ski tourers on the uphill leg.

The airflow lining allows air to circulate within the jacket, spreading heat from warm areas to cold areas. It also allows moisture out while keeping you warm, dry and comfortable when you are on the move.