Review of Orage Morrisson Gilltek Hybrid Jacket: Innovative Synthetic Puffy Jacket with Breathable Design

During the colder months in Colorado, I regularly use a variety of insulated jackets, vests, and coats for different activities and conditions. Among my collection, the Orage Morrisson Gilltek Hybrid Jacket stands out as the most versatile.

This jacket has become my go-to emergency layer for backcountry skiing this season. While initially meant for backcountry skiing, I’ve found myself using it for dog walks, hikes, and even casual outings. The unique design featuring “gilled” baffles often sparks curiosity and questions when I wear it.

Compared to other synthetic puffy jackets of similar weight, this jacket holds its own in terms of performance. However, its uniqueness lies in its niche functionality within my outdoor gear collection. In fact, if I were to declutter my closet, this jacket could easily replace a few others due to its all-around versatility.

In essence: The Orage Morrisson Gilltek Hybrid Jacket incorporates Orage’s Gilltek technology, where the gilled baffles allow for ventilation and moisture evaporation. Ideal for high-aerobic activities in cold weather or brisk morning walks when a fleece is too warm but a heavier jacket isn’t needed. While sporadic cold gusts may catch you off guard through the baffles, overall, the jacket provides a comfortable airflow, especially during intense activities.

Orage Morrisson Gilltek Hybrid Jacket: A Closer Look

Synthetic insulation, such as PrimaLoft Thermoplume used in this jacket, offers advantages and disadvantages compared to down fill. While down is typically lighter, more compressible, and potentially warmer, synthetic insulation is preferred for high-output activities like ski touring. It retains warmth when wet, dries quickly, and is generally more affordable than down insulation. Additionally, the insulation in this jacket is crafted from 100% recycled polyester.

The Orage Morrisson Gilltek Hybrid Jacket features DWR treatment for light water resistance and alleged odor resistance. This combination results in a stylish jacket suitable for both exercise and casual wear, boasting solid insulation performance even without considering the Gilltek technology.

Equipped with three pockets—one chest and two hand pockets—all with easily manageable bright orange zippers for glove-friendly operation, this jacket is practical for various outdoor scenarios.

Orage Gilltek Technology

Orage integrates Gilltek technology in multiple garments, including the Morrisson Hybrid Jacket. This innovative design features separate baffles on the back interconnected by a thin mesh strip, allowing for enhanced air ventilation during strenuous activities.

While the Gilltek concept presents both advantages and limitations, it adds a unique touch to the jacket’s functionality. Although I wouldn’t necessarily want every puffy jacket to include Gilltek, it undoubtedly amplifies this jacket’s versatility beyond traditional synthetic puffy jackets.

Though the jacket has its shortcomings (which I’ll address later), the innovative design continues to impress me the more I use it.

Field Performance

During uphill ski tours, I typically forego wearing a puffy jacket due to overheating. Testing the Gilltek technology during one uphill session, I quickly felt too warm and had to remove the jacket to prevent excessive sweating. However, as an emergency layer during cold days, the jacket proved its worth, although breathability was limited when worn under a shell.

The jacket shined brightest during fall and winter hikes, providing ideal warmth for temperatures between 25 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It promises to be a go-to hiking companion in the summer and for peak bagging adventures in the Colorado mountains.

For casual strolls, dining out, and socializing, the jacket remained comfortable and odor-free, offering reliable performance in various scenarios. The DWR treatment effectively repelled water beads, making it suitable for light snow outings without an additional shell.

Opting for a large size initially, I realized a medium would have provided a better fit for maximizing the Gilltek technology’s functionality. A snugger fit would enhance its performance as a versatile midlayer for active pursuits.

Areas for Improvement