Why We Chose The Cotopaxi Teca Cálido Hooded Jacket: Stylish, sustainable and packable

This jacket proved impossible to ignore for a number of reasons when we were compiling this year’s Outdoor 100. First, we were immediately attracted to the on-trend, colour-blocked design. Then we learned there was a sustainable rationale for its striking looks: the face fabric panels are made of repurposed taffeta, using leftover fabric from other companies’ large production runs that would otherwise go to landfill. Double win.    

Inside, it’s stuffed with a recycled polyester fill that, once we’d tried it on, proved pretty toasty, helped by a snug, elastic-bound hood, hem and cuffs plus two cosy handwarmer pockets. We also appreciated the fact that it is packable enough to stuff inside its own chest pocket, making it easy to stash away in a backpack, ready to grab whenever the temperature drops.

Who Is The Cotopaxi Teca Cálido Hooded Jacket For?

We’d say this is one for style-conscious outdoorsy women who care about the environment. It’s not a super-technical jacket, instead it’s a versatile puffy that will do double duty as everyday wear or as a handy extra layer for a chilly camp or a weekend walk. The best thing about the Cálido is that you can wear it pretty much anywhere, anytime – it’s a light and packable jacket that delivers a welcome boost of warmth right when you need it. The fact that it is easy to stow also makes this a good travel piece: ideal for round-the-world backpackers and van lifers alike.

If you’re intrigued by the brand, you’ll be pleased to learn that there’s lots to like about Cotopaxi, too. A US company with South American roots, it is a certified B-corp that cares about its supply chain. The brand puts 1% of its revenue towards addressing poverty and supporting community development. Through a grant programme, it also promotes organisations working for social good in impoverished countries across the globe. Basically, they sound like all-round nice guys and gals.    

Materials

In alignment with those brand values, this jacket has been built with sustainability in mind. The shell is made from a repurposed polyester taffeta with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and a PU backer for added windproofing and weather resistance. The fill is 60gsm synthetic insulation made from 100% recycled polyester. So leftover and repurposed fabric gets a second chance to shine with the Cálido, and what’s inside is made entirely from recycled materials to ensure it is just as eco-friendly too.