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Super Speedy Summary Review

The Outerknown Offshore Rain Jacket ticks all the boxes for a Waterproof and Windproof jacket that is your first line of defense against the elements. It has a ton of pockets both on the outside and inside so that it can almost replace the need for a lightweight pack if you were out hiking for the day and as well as quality materials, assembly and waterproof taped seams this jacket is basically made from 15 recycled water bottles and assembled in a Fair Trade Certified workplace.

I think there are other jackets that are more breathable than this, and the front zip not being rubberized lets it down slightly, but I am still hard pushed to think of any jacket that’s under $200 that is as well made, good looking and feature packet that also has a sustainable ethos for materials and construction. Hikers, walkers and people on boats will not be disappointed with the result.

PURCHASE $195

Main In Depth Review

The Outerknown Offshore Rain Jacket fills a niche that’s long overdue. It sits midway in cost while delivering a high level of features and quality and is the first brand I have reviewed that has a firm eye on the environment and rather than using resources actually reduces the level of recyclable waste by using recycled materials for all of the product.

Materials

The jacket is made from 100% recycled materials so you get the bragging rights of saying you are wearing about 15 water bottles as a jacket. Its also great to see that the jacket is stitched in a Fair Trade Certified centre so people making these jackets are not exploited. The polyester used is soft and flexible and repels water well and all of the seams have been taped with waterproofing to make sure water doesn’t seep through.

Fit and Cuffs

The jacket is tailored well to be flattering when worn and its sized correctly to give you enough space to have up to two more layers of clothing on underneath in case you are out in the worst weather in the cold too. This jacket is designed to be the first line of defense from wind and rain so does not provide much in the way of warmth so you can tailor your needs for layers beneath it. Its great to see the cuffs have velcro zips too to help tighten up the sleeves in the worst of weather.

Pockets and Zips

This jacket has A LOT of pockets. The zips to them are rubberized to keep water out, but as well as a the large obvious zips on the front there are another two large pockets hidden lower down behind a storm flap. There are also a lot of pockets inside for things like your phone, wallet, keys etc.

Colors

There is a wider range of colors on this jacket that some of the other Outerknown jackets, I tested mine in black which always looks great but the jacket also comes in a grey and a mallard blue as well.

The hem and hood have adjustable cords to help tighten up the jacket and keep the rain out. The hood is just about big enough to fit a hood under if you wanted to use it for climbing or skiing.

Gripes

I don’t see any information on their site about how breathable this garment is. Although very effective at keeping the worst rain you could imagine out I think this jacket is geared more towards standing around on the seashore in the rain or being caught out in the rain when hiking. If you are looking for a technical jacket that is also very breathable for trail running or more high impact exercise then you might find there are other jackets out there that do a better job with breathability for a similar price range, but none that I can think of match Outerknown for sustainability for fabric composition.

My other minor gripe is with the front main zip which I think really ought to be rubberized as well. There is clearly a storm flap behind this zip to stop water, but I would prefer to see a jacket with a fully rubberized zip down the front to do the est job possible of keeping the elements out on a stormy day.

Verdict

The Outerknown Offshore Rain Jacket ticks all the boxes for a Waterproof and Windproof jacket that is your first line of defense against the elements. It has a ton of pockets both on the outside and inside so that it can almost replace the need for a lightweight pack if you were out hiking for the day and as well as quality materials, assembly and waterproof taped seams this jacket is basically made from 15 recycled water bottles and assembled in a Fair Trade Certified workplace.

I think there are other jackets that are more breathable than this, and the front zip not being rubberized lets it down slightly, but I am still hard pushed to think of any jacket that’s under $200 that is as well made, good looking and feature packet that also has a sustainable ethos for materials and construction. Hikers, walkers and people on boats will not be disappointed with the result.

PURCHASE $195

Details

• Their most technical piece in the assortment. Whether you’re exploring Washington’s coastal rainforests or biking to work in a Washington, D.C. shower, this DWR-coated shell will keep you dry and on your way.
• Water-repellent and wind-resistant.
• Heat-sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and easy-grab zipper pulls.
• Drawcord at hem and velcro closure at cuffs to keep the weather out.
• Reflective logo above left pocket.
• With so many stash pockets, you can leave your pack at home.

Specs

100% recycled polyester.

This was not a hard decision. Using recycled polyester reduces our dependence on petroleum, eliminates the air and water pollution associated with creating virgin polyester, and keeps a valuable material out of the landfill.

About 15 plastic bottles worth of recycled polyester is used to make this jacket!

This garment is sewn in a Fair Trade Certified™ facility, which means the makers have been paid a premium for their work; they collectively decide how to use this extra funding to better their lives.

About Outerknown

11 time World Surf League Champion, Kelly Slater and acclaimed designer, John Moore founded Outerknown with the belief that we have a responsibility to make clothing that respects the world around us.

For over two decades, Kelly and John were on the frontlines of fashion, seeing firsthand the massive impact the industry had on the environment. There came a point where they realized the clothes they were designing and wearing were part of the problem. They wanted to be part of the solution.

What if we could design the kinds of clothes we love to wear in a more conscious way? That’s the question they’re answering every day. They founded Outerknown to change the game and create clothing that not only reflects our style but also our values.

Kelly Slater created Outerknown to smash the formula. To lift the lid on the traditional supply chain and prove you can actually produce great looking menswear in a sustainable way. Sustainability means responsible innovation. They build products by making every decision with the highest regard for the environment and the people we work with .

We’re global citizens, and we manufacture globally with makers who share our values and abide by the strict guidelines of the Fair Labor Association (FLA) & Bluesign.