Why We Chose The Jack Wolfskin Pack & Go Overhead Jacket: Recycled materials, PFC-free, lightweight and packable.
A contemporary take on the classic packable waterproof jacket, Jack Wolfskin have created an effective product here. And it doesn’t look half bad either.
With summer and warmer spring/autumn trips in mind, we can see this being a great kit addition for those quick countryside jaunts that require as little organisation as possible. The ones where you just throw the essentials in your nearest daypack and off you go. Easy.
Who Is The Pack & Go Overhead For?
Part of Jack Wolfskin’s Pack & Go series, the Overhead Jacket is designed for ultra-lightweight adventuring where weight and pack space are key. It might be light on features, but we’re sure there’ll be plenty of long-distance hikers who will see that as a positive. And it’s got a pretty modern design too – especially when compared with most packable jackets on the market – so it should suit city commuting nicely, as well as countryside getaways and the like.
Materials and Construction
The primary material used for the Pack And Go outer fabric is Wolfskin’s own TEXAPORE 2.5-layer fabric, featuring a water column rating of 10,000mm and a moisture vapour transmission rating (MVTR) of 6000 g/m²/24h. Those figures aren’t high-spec, but you’ll still be able to count on this repelling water on the outside and expelling vapours from the inside.
More specifically, TEXAPORE materials consist of a microporous shell fabric with a PFC-free water-repellent coating and a waterproof PU membrane. They are actually classed as ‘hardshell’ materials, despite the Pack And Go’s light weight, and they essentially create an entirely waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket. In this instance, the TEXAPORE fabric also incorporates ripstop reinforcement threads throughout for extra toughness.
The shell material uses a 20-denier Stormlock Ripstop Ecosphere fabric which is made from 100% recycled polyamide. This adds an extra bit of protection from the elements whilst also ensuring the jacket remains lightweight and tear-proof.
“It has a good quality feel to it, both in touch and in performance.”
In order to ensure transparency regarding the origin of their recycled materials, all Jack Wolfskin recycled fibres and fabrics are certified according to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). They also only uses bluesign-approved recycled materials in their clothing and equipment. This ensures an environmentally friendly and safe production, as well as high standards concerning use of resources, consumer protection, water and air emissions, and workplace safety.
The Pack and Go Overhead has actually been awarded with a ‘Green Button’, which basically further ensures the sustainability of its manufactured textiles, including the elimination of PFCs throughout. All thumbs up then in terms of eco credentials.
Features
In keeping with the Pack & Go collection, the overhead jacket packs away into its front pocket in a mac-in-a-sac/ kag-in-a-bag kind of way. This pocket is additionally big enough to fit essential items such as your phone, a compass, some small snacks and an average-sized map.
The hood is fixed, though can be stowed away into the collar, whilst there’s reflective detailing on the logos throughout for extra visibility in the night time.
With sizes ranging from small (UK size 38) to 3XL (UK size 50), there should be a solid amount of sizes for people to choose from.
