The Torres Jacket doesn’t really fit into the category of lightweight insulated jackets (so it’s overall score won’t be affected by how it scores in these categories), coming in at a pretty heavy 634g and taking up the space in your rucksack to match, but Paramo doesn’t do a lighter version and it’s worth including the East Sussex-based company as it has a new way of thinking on the insulated jacket front.~
Paramo is well known for doing things differently, but in the case of the Torres Jacket it suggests a whole new world order. Not only is it OK to get the Torres wet, it’s also suggested that you put it on over your wet waterproof jacket when you reach a summit or stop for a break. Wearing any layer over a wet waterproof is against our national psyche and takes some getting used to, but here’s why you can.
I’m always happy when the cheapest jacket on test scores highly, and that’s certainly going to be the case with Montane’s offering.
The Flux is a synthetic jacket that uses a PrimaLoft Eco fill. PrimaLoft is a tried and tested synthetic alternative to down, offering good warmth to weight, and PrimaLoft Eco uses 50% recycled materials for environmentally friendly insulation. It’s also light and water resistant which, combined with the material used on the Flux’s outer – Pertex Microlight, a notoriously lightweight windproof fabric with a good durable water repellent (DWR) – combine to give a light, packable jacket that unlike down jackets you can get wet.
Gear 
The Torres Jacket doesn’t really fit into the category of lightweight insulated jackets (so it’s overall score won’t be affected by how it scores in these categories), coming in at a pretty heavy 634g and taking up the space in your rucksack to match, but Paramo doesn’t do a lighter version and it’s worth including the East Sussex-based company as it has a new way of thinking on the insulated jacket front.~
I’m always happy when the cheapest jacket on test scores highly, and that’s certainly going to be the case with Montane’s offering.