Waterproof Jackets

Rohan Mistral Insulated Jacket | Review

Our highlight from Rohan’s range this year; a lightweight versatile insulator with some decent tech behind it

Why We Chose The Rohan Mistral: Efficient, reliable insulation at a decent price

While Rohan might not exactly be big hitters in the outdoor world, we do still have a lot of admiration for them here at Outdoors Magic. After all, they’ve been around for years and years now and have been remarkably consistent when it comes to the quality and value of their products, the Mistral being the latest example.

Who’s The Rohan Mistral For?

This is one of those insulated jackets that you want with you during any higher tempo or strenuous activities. We’re talking about hillwalking, backpacking and climbing here. It’s not a heavyweight standalone insulator for the depths of winter but rather something that perfectly balances insulation and breathability.

The inner Octa Yarn lining. Photo: Mike Brindley

Materials

The Mistral’s crucial ingredient is its Octa Yarn insulation. This is very, very similar to Polartec Alpha, involving thousands of little fur-like fibres that line the inside of the jacket. These are all synthetic, hollow and very lightweight and they’re excellent at trapping heat.

Then there’s the 30D polyester micro ripstop outer which works in conjunction with the insulation, keeping warmth in but allowing moisture heavy air to escape – and all the while blocking out wind.

The outer fabric has a good amount of durability to it, plus a bit of stretch. Photo: Mike Brindley

The zipped storage pocket on the chest. Photo: Mike Brindley

The Mistral makes for a handy active insulation piece. Photo: Mike Brindley

It’s not waterproof by any means though there is a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment to help it resist light rain. Unfortunately, Rohan are one of those brands that hasn’t adopted a DWR that’s free from any eco-hazardous PFCs yet.

Features

Features on the Mistral include two zipped handwarmer pockets, elasticated cuffs and one napoleon zipped pocket that’s perfect for keeping your phone safe but easy to access. The hood and hem are elasticated but there aren’t any cinch toggles unfortunately – this means you don’t get a particularly secure fit from the Mistral. When you’re not using it, it can be packed up into its own pocket, making for a conveniently stashable bundle.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“What I like about these kinds of mid layers is that they offer insulation but without the puffy volume and that means you can easily fit them underneath another layer for a versatile system. They also carry on insulating even when they get wet, which can’t be said for most types of down filled jackets.

“I’ve used this during a few summer evenings as my standalone insulation piece and it’s been spot on.”

“I’ve used this during a few summer evenings as my standalone insulation piece and it’s been spot on. I particularly appreciated that 325g weight during the times it was stashed away in my bag as well.

The hood has an elasticated rim and beard guard. Photo: Mike Brindley

“The wind blocking is good. I wouldn’t say the water resistance is that impressive but the quick drying time helps to make up for that. I’ve also found it fitted very comfortably my waterproof jacket when necessary. Overall, I’d say the fit is quite relaxed – as tends to be the case right across Rohan’s line.

“While I like this and I think at £94 it’s good value, I would say it’s a shame there’s no toggle adjustment on the hood and on the hem. It’s also a shame that Rohan, by the looks of things, haven’t taken any steps to lower the jacket’s eco footprint either. That seems to be the case right across Rohan’s line unfortunately.”