This post contains affiliate links — buying through them supports the blog at no extra cost to you.
I’ve owned the Inov-8 Thermoshell Pro for a while now and have used it on several fast-packing trips, including an overnight loop in the Black Mountains from Abergavenny and on the OMM. It’s become one of my go-to layers for lightweight adventures where warmth and packability matter.
Key Facts
Weight: 386 g (size M)
Insulation: Primaloft Black Insulation ThermoPlume Fabric
Outer Fabric: Pertex® Quantum Air – wind resistant and breathable
Pockets: Two outer hand pockets, two inner (one doubles as stuff sack)
Temperature Use: Ideal for cool to cold mountain conditions
Best For: Fast-packing, fell running, and lightweight hiking
Advertisement – Inov8
You want to upgrade your winter running kit? Look no further than Inov8 who make a versatile range of footwear and clothing for all types of running conditions. Click the link below to find out more!
First Impressions
The jacket feels incredibly light straight out of the bag. It packs into its own pocket, compressing down to a similar size as a Nalgene water bottle — ideal for stashing in a running vest or small pack. Despite its low weight, it provides impressive warmth for cool evenings or exposed summits. On a cold January morning after camping in the Black Mountains, I was grateful to have this extra layer when I continued on my return journey back to Abergavenny.
Performance
Ventilation is where the Thermoshell Pro really shines. It breathes well when working hard uphill thanks to the armpit ventilation. It still preforms well when you stop by trapping in enough warmth however, it doesn’t keep me as warm as other down jackets without big vents in the armpits. The outer fabric sheds light rain and being windproof it is a solid choice for variable mountain conditions.
Inov8 says, the Primaloft Black Insulation ThermoPlume insulation is water resistant and continues to keep you warm even when wet. So you can have confidence in the performance of this jacket in less that ideal conditions.
Advertisement – Go Outdoors
Need some more encouragement? Go check out the sales at Go Outdoors. They even have Inov8 shoes for sale. Click the image below to find out more!
Fit & Comfort
I am 5’9″ (175 cm) and the small size fits me really well. It is the correct length on sleeves and body without limiting adding layers underneath. The cut is athletic without feeling restrictive, and the stretch panels give good freedom of movement. It is a really well thought out jacket by Inov8 which is ideal for winter adventures.
Pros
- Lightweight and highly packable
- Warm for its weight
- Excellent breathability and freedom of movement
- Packs into its own pocket
- Armpit ventilation to improve airflow when on the move
Cons
- The bright green contrast panels are a bit much for my taste
- Cost… well its not cheap
- The armpit vents do result in slightly less heat retention when compare to other down jackets
Verdict
A superb lightweight insulated jacket for fast-packers, fell runners, and minimalist hikers who value warmth without bulk. If you can live with the colour scheme, it’s hard to fault its performance.
| Model | Weight | Insulation | Price | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inov-8 Thermoshell Pro | 386 g | Synthetic (Recycled) | £170 – £190 | View on Inov8 |
☕ Enjoyed this review? Buy me a coffee to support more gear testing and adventures.
Advertisement – Shokz
Looking for some new running headphones? I am a huge fan of Shokz bone conducting headphones for use when running so I can have tunes and still hear the world around me. Click the image below to see what you can get in the black Friday sales.
