Can a lightweight jacket keep you warm? Galvin Green Layton Jacket Review

I test the Galvin Green Layton to see if a lightweight windproof jacket is enough to keep you warm on cold days.

Galvin Green has always been one of my favorite golf clothing brands for one specific reason. When you’re playing golf in the cold – which, living in England, you do a lot – there’s a delicate balance to be struck between wearing enough to keep you warm, while still being able to move freely and swing a club. And I’m yet to find a brand that offers a better combo of warmth with movability than Galvin Green.

The Galvin Green Layton is a windproof jacket with padded chest and back panels for extra warmth. The extra padding is made from recycled materials, as Galvin Green continues to work on sustainability.

The jacket feels very lightweight and thin, but the thermal padding means it offers a lot more warmth than you would expect when you first put it on.

Galvin Green rate their cold weather gear on a 1-3 warming rating and the Layton sits at the top of that range. Don’t get me wrong: if you’re going out in freezing temperatures and strong winds, you’ll need more than a polo and the Layton, but it does offer a lot of warmth for very little weight and bulk.

It’s breathable, too, so you won’t get too hot and sweaty once the round is underway and you’re moving. If you do take it off, the jacket folds down nice and small for easy storage in your golf bag.

The Galvin Green Layton jacket is water-repellent, but not waterproof, which means it’s designed to cope with light showers but not full-on downpours.

My home club is Royal North Devon, which sits right on the coast and therefore tends to be pretty windy. The windproof fabric really makes a difference and might even mean you can go for one fewer layer underneath, which again helps with not feeling too bulky and immobile.

The jacket is fairly slim-fitting, which I like, but stretchy enough to not feel at all restrictive during your swing.  

Just a note on sizing… I’ve always worn a medium in Galvin Green but this jacket is only just about long enough for me. I’m 6’3”, so if you’re any taller than that, you might need a large for some extra length.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, windproof jacket that offers plenty of freedom of movement, the Galvin Green Layton is a good option.

I’ve only had the Layton for a couple of months so can’t draw any conclusions on its long-term durability, but I’ve had a Galvin Green waterproof jacket for almost a decade and it’s still as good as new; nothing about the Layton suggests it won’t last just as well.

Alternative options

Personally, if I was spending £249 on a golf jacket, I’d go for one of the best waterproof golf jackets, such as Galvin Green’s Apollo or Amos, but those fortunate enough to play in drier climates might not be as concerned about rain protection! An alternative for really cold weather is to pick from one of the best thermal golf jackets available.

About the author

Rob McGarr – Contributing Editor

Rob has been a writer and editor for over 15 years, covering all manner of subjects for leading magazines and websites.

He has previously been Features Editor of Today’s Golfer magazine and Digital Editor of todays-golfer.com, and held roles at FHM, Men’s Running, Golf World, and MAN Magazine.

You can follow him on YouTube where – depending on what day of the week it is – he’ll either be trying his best to get his handicap down to scratch or shoving his clubs in a cupboard, never to be seen again.

Rob is a member at Royal North Devon, England’s oldest golf course, where he plays off a three-handicap.

Galvin Green Layton Windproof Jacket

RRP: £249 - VIEW OFFER

Sizes: S-XXL

Colors: Sharkskin/Black; Navy; White/Black