Lightweight, windproof, and impressively versatile, the Aerofoil has quietly become one of Sam and Stu’s most-used pieces of kit. Putting it through its paces across Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail, the Welsh 3000s, and a fortnight in Nepal.
WHY WE TESTED IT
For high-output days in mixed conditions, finding a shell that offers good protection without taking it to far can be a challenge. Waterproofs often stay in your pack until absolutely necessary, while heavier windproofs or softshells tend to be left at home when pack weight is a consideration.
Stu and I were both looking for something lightweight and windproof layer that was comfortable enough to wear all day, even on multi-day treks carrying a heavy pack. Stu and I each picked up the Mountain Equipment Aerofoil Hooded Jacket ahead of a multi-day trek on the Iceland Laugavegur Trail (opting for the same colour, to make it clear we were hiking together – much to Stu’s dismay). We later used them again myself on the Welsh 3000s and later in Scotland and the lakes, while Stu used his for running and during a two-week trip to Nepal.
We wanted something dependable but minimal and with many months of combined use between the two of us, it’s safe to say the Aerofoil has earned a permanent place in our packs and on our backs.
FEATURES
It comes in at just 120g, and that minimal weight was perfect on the Laugavegur Trail where a lighter pack makes the whole experience better, but sacrificing layers isn’t an option. The impressive weight meant that I could carry an extra layer for warmth without noticeable bulk or weight. This was essential as research prior to the trip said that weather conditions could change at a moment’s notice, and I often found this going under my Mountain Equipment Oreus on cold evenings sat by the tents.
Having an extra layer offered peace of mind, and because it packed down small enough to fit in the hip pocket of my Exos 48, I could reach for it quickly without needing to open my main pack – something I appreciated whenever the wind picked up or we stopped for a break.
The Exolite 45 fabric strikes a superb balance between durability, wind resistance, and breathability. It was flexible enough to move comfortably over long distances, especially when scrambling in Wales, but still robust enough to withstand constant abrasion from pack straps over the course of the Laugavegur Trail with a pack weighing around 16kg.
Even during sustained effort on steep climbs, it allowed enough airflow to keep me at an acceptable temperature and could be vented by unzipping, which meant I could keep it on throughout the day rather than constantly layering up and down.
The elastane-bound hood was another standout feature; it stayed securely in place in exposed, gusty sections without the need for drawcords or front adjustment, and it offered just enough protection to take the edge off without feeling overbuilt. Low-bulk elasticated cuffs helped seal out the wind but never dug in or felt restrictive, even over gloves.
Finally, the active cut was spot on, close-fitting without being tight, and with no excess material to flap in strong wind. It layered comfortably over a base layer or lightweight fleece and moved with me without bunching or pulling. Every element of the Aerofoil feels deliberately designed for real-world movement, and out on the trail, that intent really showed.
REAL WORLD TESTS IN 3 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
Iceland proved to be a worthy testing ground. Stu and I wore the Aerofoil almost every day on the Laugavegur Trail, with conditions shifting from warm sun on day 2 to sleet and high winds within hours. Despite being one of the lightest items in our kit, the Aerofoil became our go-to layer. It provided just the right balance of protection without making us clammy or overly warm – a common problem when hiking in heavier softshells and especially waterproofs.
One moment stands out for me came on Day two, crossing a bleak black volcanic wasteland as seen below. There was no shelter from the wind, and due to the lack of features, the wind whipped over it with some force; even on a sunny day, the wind took the heat right out of you. But the Aerofoil really shone, keeping the wind off and keeping us warm by removing the need for a fleece, which would have been too warm once the wind chill was removed.
Stu wore his almost non-stop throughout the trip, even for the icy river crossing. I found that on this trip and a recent one to the Lakes that it even handled very light showers and misty mountain tops well enough that I didn’t have to reach for a waterproof at the first sign of light, quickly passing rain, saving faff and time.
Back in the UK, I also took it on a 2-day hike of the formidable Welsh 3000s. Changing weather conditions, high ridgelines and sweaty climbs all tested its versatility – and again, it delivered. Light enough that when it got warm, I could quickly pack it into its own pocket and stick it in a hip pocket until it was inevitably needed again at the summit or more exposed areas of the trail.
When used in the Lakes, it became my go-to layer for almost every day in varied conditions – and it handled them all really well. It wasn’t until the rain properly set in that I finally had to say goodbye to the Aerofoil and reach for my Gore-Tex. As someone who runs warm, it’s rare I can put a layer on in the morning and wear it all day without constantly adjusting as the weather or terrain changes. When we stopped for a break, I’d simply throw my insulated layer over the top, removing it again once we set off – and even then, that was usually only needed for longer stops.
Finally, during a two-week trek in Nepal, Stu tackled the Annapurna Circuit that circles Annapurna Massif. The trek climbs to an impressive 17,769 feet. Stu put it through its paces again after weeks of using it as a lightweight running layer; it proved its worth yet again at high altitude with high exposure to the sun, dusty trails, and cold descents. Stu wore it almost every day as it offered the perfect balance of breathability and windproofing, often putting it on to act as a sun shield in more exposed sections of the trek.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Packable – low bulk
- Breathable
- Windproof – but not sweaty
- Easy hood adjustment
Cons
- Lightweight fabric – Although this performed well, sharp rocks during scrambles may be an issue
- Only has a single chest pocket – if you like multiple pockets on a jacket, this could be an issue
Our Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a minimalist, pack-and-forget windproof layer that can handle serious mileage in exposed conditions, the Mountain Equipment Aerofoil Hooded Jacket is hard to beat.
It shines on fast-moving hikes and multi-day treks, particularly in changeable spring-to-autumn UK conditions, and it really comes into its own in alpine or volcanic landscapes where wind is a near-constant factor.
This is the kind of windproof you’ll actually wear, not just carry ‘in case’. It’s not a substitute for a waterproof in sustained rain, but that’s not what it’s for. Instead, it fills the often-overlooked space between bare arms and a full Gore-Tex shell, and it does so with quiet confidence.
From Icelandic lava fields to the ridgelines of Snowdonia, this has quickly become one of our most relied-on pieces of kit. Light enough to forget, good enough to trust.
