Waterproof Jackets

Ebbelsen Trek MKII Jacket | Preview

An introduction to Ebbelsen's brand new outdoor, travel and field jacket — Sponsored Post

The new Ebbelsen Trek MKII is of the classic Scandinavian field jacket variety, using traditional yet highly functional fabrics to provide robust protection from the elements. It’s designed as a general-purpose outdoor signature jacket and as a functional adventure travel option.

It’s made from two-layers of a 100% cotton fabric called Duuton3 which creates a rugged construction and a weather protective system. Made in Switzerland from extra-long staple cotton yarns, the fabric is extremely hard-wearing yet it’s still soft and rustle-free, and it’s woven so tightly that it’s able to protect the wearer from rain and very strong winds.

To give an idea of how the fabric works, if the jacket gets wet then the technical yarns swell, squeezing against each other tightly enough to block up any gaps and prevent moisture from entering, while the double layer construction also keeps the inner layer protected.

This type of protection isn’t described as 100 per cent waterproof, but the Trek MKII, designed as a general purpose outdoor travel and field jacket, should still be able to protect the wearer from unexpected downpours, and all-the-while providing excellent temperature regulation.

Ebbelsen Trek MKII Jacket Preview | Features

Aside from this cotton construction, the jacket has lots of other design features which help to protect the wearer and the contents they are carrying.

The main zip is covered by storm flaps on the inside and outside of the jacket, plus there are drawcord adjustments on both the hem and across the rear waist that help to prevent heat loss.

There’s also a detachable hood (made out of the same 100 per cent cotton material) that clips onto poppers across the collar. When it’s not needed it can be neatly stowed away into a small interior pocket.

The inside of the jacket also features a zipped breast pocket that’s useful for small valuables. Then on the outside there are four pockets that expand to a sizeable volume but then flatten down neatly when they’re empty thanks to their folded pleats. The two large exterior pockets are double-skinned and sealed by poppered flaps that incorporate a small foldover closure to give that extra reassurance that small objects will stay securely inside.

Ebbelsen Trek MKII Jacket Preview | Finer details

The designers of the Ebbelsen Trek MKII have put some thought into some of the even finer details also. One of the interesting techniques used is double lapping of the seams. This involves overlapping the edges of two panels of fabric then folding them over one another and stitching through them. It creates a four-layered seam that’s far stronger than a conventionally sewn one, and it means there’s absolutely no chance of gaps.

The bar-tack stitching on show above the Ebbelsen badge

Excess drawcord can be stored in the corner pockets

The four exterior pockets have folded pleats to give extra volume without a bulky look

They’ve also used something called bar-tack stitching which, put simply, is a way of doubling up a stitch to make sure it’s extra strong. The designers have used this in the places where extra strength is needed, like on the tops of the zips and on the pockets.

“At £595 it’s a premium jacket, but this is arguably justified by the quality of its materials and the attention to detail in the construction.”

Other extra details include the main zipper that works both ways so that you can unzip the jacket from the bottom for comfort when you are sitting down, and the little pockets to store the ends of the drawcord to stop it hanging below the hem is a nice touch. The poppers are even designed to be rattle free.

A special consideration by the designers is to line the hem and cuffs with a high denier protective Cordura. This is a really tough fabric that will prevent degradation of the jacket in the areas that tend to show signs of ageing. Another impressive choice of materials is the use of Swiss Riri Decor zips throughout, which use acetal resin teeth for extra strength.

Ebbelsen Trek MKII Jacket Preview | Final notes

The Ebbelsen Trek MKII comes in four colour options; two khaki-types called Earth and Stone and two alternatives of blue. Sizes range from S-XXL. The arms are long (to cover wrists and the tops of hands), the hem is cut to the hips and the fit is quite loose but the double drawcords give the potential to basically tailor this to personal preference.

A final word on the price. At £595 it’s a premium jacket, but this is arguably justified by the quality of its materials and the attention to detail in the construction. On top of this, it should be a jacket that will last a long, long time.