Down and Insulated Jackets

Jack Wolfskin Pack & Go Vest | Review

Clean and green – contemporary design and eco-friendly construction make this vest stand out from the rest

Why We Chose The Jack Wolfskin Women’s Pack & Go Vest: Comfortable, warm, eco-friendly

Price: £85
Weight: 140g
More info: jack-wolfskin.co.uk

A great layering piece for chilly days in the city or for venturing out on the hills, this insulated vest from Jack Wolfskin combines decent levels of warmth with good packability and excellent green credentials.

The vest is made from almost entirely recycled materials, including a recycled Stormlock Ecosphere 20-denier rip-stop polyamide face fabric and lining, and recycled Microguard Ecosphere 140g/m2 polyester fibre insulation. The outer fabric is windproof, while the synthetic fill provides decent warmth for its weight. In order to ensure transparency regarding the origin of recycled materials, all Jack Wolfskin recycled fibres and fabrics are certified according to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). The brand has also committed to exclusively use only Bluesign-approved recycled materials by 2020.

“In order to ensure transparency regarding the origin of recycled materials, all Jack Wolfskin recycled fibres and fabrics are certified according to the Global Recycled Standard”

The contemporary design looks good and slips easily under outer layers. The women’s-specific fit is nicely tailored and contoured too. The micro-baffle construction keeps the insulation in place effectively, and leaves room for the fill to loft without feeling too puffy and unwieldy. Features are simple – there’s a full-length main zip, two zipped hand pockets, elastic-bound armholes, and that’s about it. However, it does have a nice high collar, which is also padded with the same Microguard insulation as the rest of the vest, to keep the chill off your neck.

Part of Jack Wolfskin’s Pack and Go series, this is a minimalist piece that is intended for travel, outdoor sports and spur-of-the-moment trips. As such, it is designed with versatility in mind and packs neatly into its own stuff sack. Once stowed away it slips easily into a rucksack or even a handbag. Weighing in at under 200g, it’s also extremely lightweight.

Jack Wolfskin have committed to exclusively use only Bluesign-approved recycled materials by 2020. Photo: Chris Johnson

Recycled Microguard Ecosphere 140g/m2 polyester fibre makes up the insulation. Photo: Chris Johnson

The vest is made from almost entirely recycled materials. Photo: Chris Johnson

Overall, this is an uncomplicated insulating layer that fulfils a number of different functions effectively, from everyday use to the great outdoors. It ought to be a useful addition to your wardrobe. Plus, it’s clean and green, which makes it a worthy inclusion in our Green Gear Guide.