You can tell there’s a lot of synthetic fill packed into it, then you’ve got that durable, canvas-like shell fabric and the cosy-liner too. The breathability will really be tested on any days where it’s not that cold outside or your working super hard, but I didn’t notice any clamminess from it over the course of a few day hikes through mildish October weather. In fact, on those occasions I was really glad to have it. 

All those big pockets actually reminded me of one of the North Face’s parkas. You’ve got so many options for stashing stuff. I particularly liked the internal dump pockets which are perfect for an OS map and thick gloves or mittens. I also found the zipped handwarmer pockets to be really cosy. 

It’s also good that it’s machine washable as you don’t often see that with big jackets like this. I’d definitely recommend washing it with Nikwax instead of normal detergent though – just to protect the water resistance. 

There are a lot of buttons involved. With the storm flaps and main zip done up and the two buttons around the collar as well, you’ll take about five minutes getting out of this. At least it gives you the option to really lock in the warmth and lock out the cold though. 

The hood is probably the main downside. It does seem like it’s a bit of an afterthought, with not much insulation in it and very little adjustment to make sure it keeps nice and close in strong winds.

I found the size M fitted my 5 foot 10 height and average build well. I’m usually a size M and would say there’s no need to size up or down with this.

Verdict

Most of the really warm parkas out there come with a high price tag and they also don’t usually have anything to reassure you in regards to the environmental footprint left behind by its production. The Pember is an exception to all of that though; a cosy, eco-friendly jacket to keep you warm on country walks or national park excursions and without too eye-watering a price tag either.

More info: craghoppers.co.uk