Waterproof Jackets

Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket | Review

Sustainability with style - this retro-inspired waterproof jacket has peak to pub versatility.

Cotopaxi have long been leading the way in terms of eco conscious outdoor clothing, and the Cielo rain jacket follows suit. I’ve been out testing this recycled rain jacket on a variety of different trails here in the UK, most recently in Eryri National Park where I faced a real mixed bag of weather in the mountains. Here’s how it held up.

To see how it compares with the competition, check out our article on the best waterproof jackets for women.

Our Top Line on the Cotopaxi Cielo Jacket

This PFAS-free waterproof jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester and offers up to 10,000mm of waterproof protection. It’s got a straightforward design with solid protection from light rain. While not geared towards technical use, it’s a great around-the-town jacket that works well for casual spring and summer walking too.

Buy The Cotopaxi Cielo Jacket: £175 at Uk.cotopaxi.com

Key Features

Peak to pub

The Cielo’s unique colourblocking style makes it good for standing out both on the trail and around-the-town.

2.5 layer membrane

This is a tough feeling fabric that’s made in an environmentally-friendly way. There’s full seam taping too.

Adjustability

The hood has an adjustment cinch at the back and there are Velcro cuffs to lock out the cold too.

Storage

You’ll find two zippered hand pockets as well as a useful zippered pocket on the chest, perfect for a phone or a Clif bar.

Regular fit

I’ve found this roomy enough to fit a few layers underneath on those chillier days.

Who is the Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket for?

If you’re looking for a waterproof jacket that works for both casual walking and day-to-day shenanigans, I think Cotopaxi’s Cielo rain jacket will suit you well. In a similar vein to the Teca Cálido, this one’s for the style-conscious outdoorsy women who like gear that’s made sustainably.

I can see it being a good option for weekend walking, as well as around the campsite when you need a shell that will see off light rain and blustery winds for short periods of time. From my experience, it’s not the best performer in prolonged downpours as it wets out quite quickly and, in turn, loses its breathability, however, I’ve found it to be pretty abrasion resistant.

Sustainability

In true Cotopaxi fashion, the Cielo features PFC-free waterproofing and is made from 100% recycled polyester. It’s also made without intentionally adding any PFAS chemicals into the mix. PFAS chemicals – in case you didn’t know – have been known to cause environmental damage as well as posing serious health risks to both humans and wildlife. It’s not the kind of stuff you want in your clothing that’s for sure.

Buy The Cotopaxi Cielo Jacket: £175 at Uk.cotopaxi.com

The fabric itself is Bluesign-approved which means it has held up to rigorous environmental, health, and safety standards all throughout its production process, reducing its impact both on people and on the environment. And if this fabric falters at any point, Cotopaxi will repair minor fixes if the product is within a reasonable lifespan.

Cotopaxi also only uses factories that are Fair Trade certified or that actively promote fair labor practices. And to top it off, they are a certified B Corp, investing in carbon offsetting and community development projects worldwide. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Details

The hood has a single cord adjustment at the back that can be tightened in one swift motion. It’s fairly roomy too and can fit a nice hiking cap comfortably underneath. From my experience, wind still creeps in when it’s tightened so I wouldn’t count on it for anything extreme.

I like the roomy chest pocket and found it handy for storing my phone and a snack bar in. The two hand pockets are ideal for everyday items like your house keys, a pair of gloves, or a wooly hat. It’s worth noting that these hand pockets become hard to access when wearing a backpack with a hipbelt.

The encased elastic at the hem is a nice touch. I found that it leaves your legs enough room to stretch and move when you’re walking. I wouldn’t count on it to protect you on super windy days, but for everyday use, it’ll more than do the job.

Fit

The Cielo comes in a regular fit which, from my experience, is nice and roomy. I’m roughly 5 foot 6 with a stocky and curvy build and I tried the jacket in a size XL. For most of my hikes so far, I’ve paired the Cielo with both a base layer and a mid layer fleece and haven’t felt too restricted.

The hand pockets are super roomy. Photos: Dave MacFarlane

The fabric has a durable and flexible feel to it which I appreciated on some steep ascents out in the Rhinogydd. I’m yet to really trash the jacket about, but so far it’s fared well against snaggy branches and light rock abrasion.

The jacket does ride up if you’re doing any upward reaching which is a bit annoying but shouldn’t be too much of an issue for its targeted uses.

Verdict

All in all, if you’re looking for a casual shell jacket with a fun look and an eco-conscious build, the Cielo is a solid choice. For light wind and rain, or slightly heavier weather over short stints, it’ll cut the mustard. Anything more extreme and I’d look elsewhere.

For an everyday jacket, however, it’s got most of the things I’d look for including a solid waterproof rating, sealed seams throughout, a water resistant front zipper, a good level of adjustability, and some nice storage options too.