|  The technology applied to outdoor clothing has reached a truly astonishing level. Gone are the days when in order to stay dry you had to shelter beneath layers of heavy sweaty rubber, or PVC. But when it comes to keeping warm, there are some staples that have yet to change. To date, there is nothing to compare with the remarkable insulating properties of natural down, and RAB have mastered the art of harnessing nature's warmth and creating outdoor wear that will face up to the worst conditions.
The Batura jacket is a culmination of many years work in order to achieve rugged excellence in the field of tough, warm, gear. I first encountered the company ages ago when I was looking for a sleeping bag which would keep me cosy in Antarctic conditions. The gear impressed me then, but the stuff they come up with now is a world apart from any other insulating outer-layer I have tried.
Pull this coat over your shoulders and you feel as if you are getting into bed! It really is your own personal and very mobile sleeping bag. The down filling is evenly distributed in quilted sections, ensuring a constant warmth across the whole body. Pockets are well distributed and secure. The front zip has flaps to prevent wind invasion and the hood is a masterpiece of design. It keeps you warm and dry while at the same time, allowing all round visibility.
If you plan a long, blood-pumping hike, this jacket will have you cooked to a crisp after the first hundred metres. But if, like me, you spend many hours sitting and waiting for the wild world to come to you, often in very chilly conditions, this coat will very quickly take its place as one of your very best friends. Add to this the fact the outer shell is weather proof and you have a truly remarkable bit of kit.
But what if, as often is the case, you need to hike to a spot before settling down to wait and watch? Perhaps one of the most extraordinary features of this jacket is its physical lightness and capacity to pack into a small stuff sack (supplied). I lob it into my daysack, get to where I'm going, and then, as the temperature drops pull it out, puff it up and snuggle into my portable duvet! Mmmmm.
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