Down versus Synthetic? Discuss, or better still join our competition to win your favourite. We've got x4 up for grabs.

For our latest competition we're giving UKC readers the chance to win a choice of down or synthetic mid layer hooded jacket. We've got FOUR to give away – and it's really, really easy – all you need to do is let us know which one you'd prefer to win.

Option 1) SYNTHETIC

The Ascendant Hooded Jacket srp £180

No stranger to hard work, this versatile jacket has been winning hearts and minds since its launch last winter. It's an active insulation mid-layer and a resilient choice for British weather.

The newest in active insulation technology, the Ascendant Hoody drops excess heat and moisture when you're working hard —but shelters you from the cold when you ease off. The stretchy, weather-shedding Pertex Microlight 20D ripstop outer layer moves with you, and the wicking, lightly fuzzy Polartec Alpha Direct Insulation is perfect over a base layer, or even your skin. Ski in it, climb in it, ride to work in it—live in it.

Fabric:

• Pertex® Quantum Air 100% nylon 20D ripstop stretch woven with Polartec® Alpha™Direct 95 g/m2 insulation

Design Features:

• Adjustable Hood
• YKK® Vislon Front Zipper
• Zip Chest Pocket
• Dual Hand Warmer Pockets
• Internal Front Stormflap
• Internal Thumb Loops
• Carabiner Loop
• Key Clip

Functional Details:

• Single-Separating Center Front Zipper
• Low-Pro™ Binding Cuffs
• Elastic Drawcord Hem
• Thumb Loops

Fit:

• Trim Fit

Sizes:

• M's: S – XL
• W's: XS - XL

Weight:

• M's: 369 g in size L
• W's: 310 g in size M

Option 2) DOWN

Transcendent Hooded Jacket srp £180

Down is of course super breathable and impossible to beat when it comes to warmth-for-weight, but it's not the only reason to love our newly updated Transcendent Down Hoody.

The dramatically redesigned Transcendent Collection uses wider quilting and a rebalanced down fill to allow its insulation to loft better for fast, compressible warmth. Fresh, modern design lines, soft-touch ripstop fabrics and trusted lightweight weather resistance make the Transcendent stand out from the crowd. Whilst designed to fit neatly under a shell, it provides an effective buffer from the wind when worn alone.

Fabric:

• 100% polyester 20D ripstop, 650 fill power, responsibly sourced goose down insulation

Design Features:

• Adjustable Hood
• Zip Chest Pocket with Internal Media Pocket
• Left-Hand Pocket Doubles as Stuff Sack
• Brushed Tricot-Lined Collar
• Zip Hand Pockets with brushed tricot Back of Hand Inside.
• Internal Front Storm-flap
• Carabiner Loop
• Key Clip

Functional Details:

• Single-Separating Front Zipper
• Low-Pro Binding™ Elastic Cuffs
• Elastic Drawcord Hem

Fit:

• Standard Fit

Sizes:

• M's: S – XXL
• W's: XS - XL

Weight:

• M's: 412 g in size L
• W's: 366 g in size M

ABOUT OUTDOOR RESEARCH

Outdoor Research® is Designed by Adventure®. We provide Innovation and Inspiration for the Relentless Adventurer. Based in Seattle, Outdoor Research was founded in 1981. We are dedicated to building technically innovative, state-of-the-art clothing, headwear, gloves, gaiters, packing systems and shelters informed by real-world testing. All of our products are backed by the Infinite Guarantee®. We are committed to our core sports: alpinism, rock and ice climbing, hiking, backpacking, paddling, trail running, and skiing and snowboarding. Outdoor Research supports several organizations advocating environmental protection, education and the interests of mountaineers and alpinists.