An everyday waterproof jacket that is highly packable, lightweight and made from recycled plastic
Made from recycled materials, the packable and stylish Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell is the perfect rain jacket for the everyday eco-conscious. With a high waterproof rating and a casual fit, it’s the kind of jacket you’ll end up wearing all the time, whether it’s raining or not.
Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell: The stats
| Weight: | 360 g / 12.7oz (small) |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Hydrostatic Head (HH) rating: | 20,000 mm |
| Pack size: | 18 x 15 x 10cm |
| Best use: | Everyday wear, camping, travel and hiking |
| Eco info: | 100% recycled outer fabric and PFC-free |
Features of the Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell
Fabric
Despite its name, the JWP Shell actually has a mesh lining as well as an outer shell. The lining is light, soft and stretchy and made from polyester mesh. The Texapore Ecosphere Stretch 2L outer fabric is 100% recycled with twill look. Like the lining, it is stretch and soft, but also highly windproof, and waterproof with an HH rating of 20,000mm.Hood
The lining of the main body of the jacket extends up into the hood, which has a surprisingly stylish, yet small, peak! There is one adjustment toggle on the hood which sits at the back. The hood area also features a soft, microfibre panel of fabric at chin to help prevent the collar from rubbing.
Hem
The jacket is a little on the short side, though it does have some added length at the back. The whole of the hem is adjustable: there are two discreet toggles that pull in a drawcord.
Cuffs
The lining on the inside of the arms is not mesh but is a silky polyester fabric with a small panel of mesh at the cuffs. The cuffs are adjustable with simple Velcro tabs.
Simple velcro cuffs
Pockets and packability
There are two hand pockets on the jacket. Both are zippered with mesh linings. However, one pocket doubles as a stuff sack which zips closed. Once packed up, there is webbed tab that can be used to hang the jacket up or clip it onto your pack.
Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell review
I really like almost everything about this jacket. I like its simple no frills design. I like the casual and relaxed fit that allows for space underneath it for warm layers. I like how the fabric feels and looks. I like that it’s highly packable and zips up into its own pocket. And I very much like how well the body of the jacket keeps out moderate rain and wind. But best of all, I LOVE its eco-friendliness: it’s made from recycled plastic and is PFC-free. Though not quite as committed to the eco-cause as the Columbia Ex Eco Jacket, the JWP Shell does it’s bit. Some may argue that is does more as the design is more accessible to more people. I certainly prefer the look and feel of the JWP.
The hood
However, as you may have noticed, I used the word ‘almost’ in my opening sentence. Yep, unfortunately this is an almost great rain jacket. For me, a rain jacket is just a jacket unless it has a hood that functions perfectly. Many wearers will only need an OK hood. A hood that keeps out showers whilst sightseeing or strolling the streets. A hood that looks nice when it’s up and functions decently well in normal rainy conditions.
For me, however, a good hood needs to stay up when it’s windy. It needs to cinch in around my face so that, as soon as I turn into the wind, it doesn’t fill with air and pull upwards or backwards. Where I live, it rarely rains without it being very windy. A rain jacket hood can’t simply just sit on my head. As you may have guessed, the hood of the JWP Shell doesn’t stay up in the wind, despite the single adjustable toggle at the back. It pulls backwards and upwards leaving my mouth covered by the collar but the forefront of my head exposed to the element. So for me, this unfortunately lets the rest of jacket down. And I’m a little bit gutted about it to honest!
Everyday wear
That said, it’s important to note that the JWP Shell was designed with “commuters, urban nomads and weekend city-hoppers” in mind. Not for blustery hikes in the hills, though it would handle more adventurous outings if it had a better hood design! The jacket is part of Jack Wolfskin’s PACK AND GO! Collection: it’s lightweight and very packable. Plus, it looks great with casual clothing as well as more technical travel an activewear.
What I love the most about the Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell
Aside from the eco-friendliness of the jacket, it’s the fit and feel of the jacket that are the big winners for me. I love how understated it is, from an aesthetic point of view. Plus, the relaxed fit provides loads of space for movement and layers. I really enjoy wearing the jacket just as a shell, even when there’s no rain forecast!
What I don’t love so much about the Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell
You guessed it… I really don’t like the hood. Which is a real shame as this would be my go-to rain jacket for the majority of my escapades.
Verdict
If you’re after an eco-friendly rain jacket that also happens to be mega packable and lightweight, then look no further than the Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell. Its simple yet stylish design is ideal for travellers and sightseers needing rain cover in moderate conditions. If you prefer a hood that is fitted and secure in blustery conditions then you may way to consider the Columbia Ex Eco.
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Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.
