Regatta Nicole Waterproof Jacket
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Nicole Waterproof Jacket Vital Statistics: Colours: Red, Sky Blue Sizes: 8 - 20 SRP: £62.50

Nicole Waterproof Jacket

Regatta

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Red, Sky Blue

Sizes:
8 - 20

SRP:
£62.50

Features to Note:

Waterproof fabric with taped seams for excellent weather protection
Detachable hood with adjuster for convenient protection from the elements
Chin guard for added comfort and protection from the cold
Multi pocketed including map pocket
Interactive option - compatible fleeces can be zipped into this shell

In-use Test:

Material/Waterproofness/Breathability: The Regatta Nicole jacket is constructed from Isotex. Fabric consists of PU coated polyester with sleeves and lower linings of polyamide and an upper in polyester mesh. Pockets have a soft, fleecy fabric liner. The jacket was tested in late winter/early spring, mainly on cycling trips around Oxford. Conditions could be described as 'raw'. The jacket was waterproof, windproof and warm. May be a bit heavy for summer use.

Overall Design: The jacket has a front zipped opening with a storm flap, chin guard, Velcro fastenings and poppers. The hood is generous but not stiffened. It can be removed (zip) and/or stowed in a zipped pocket. Temperature control is via the front zip and hem shock-cords. Cuffs are adjusted by Velcro fastenings. The jacket suffers from a lack of a means of waist adjustment and may be subject to a degree of 'bellowing' in high winds. Overall the jacket would perform reasonably well in most conditions and remarkably well in terms of breathability. There was no significant condensation. The jacket was easily ventilated via the front zip and cuffs. This tester was unsure of the purpose of the poppers in the cuffs, but these would be useful for fastening gloves or mitts which had cords attached.

Fit: Tester: female, 5' 8'', generous build. Overall good length in body and sleeves. Not very 'shapely' due to lack of waist adjustment.

Zips: The main zip goes all the way down the front and is easy to use with gloved hands. Pocket zips have a short length of shock-cord and are also easy to use. An additional internal zip is present for attaching a fleece. This was not tested, but as it's the same as the main zip, no problems could be anticipated.

Pockets: External pockets are generous and have a nice, warm feel. Shock cords on the zips are useful. Could do with one on the map pocket. The map pocket is big enough to take a folded OS map.

Hood: The hood is generous and has a volume adjuster controlled by Velcro, chin guard, with Velcro and is removable and/or can be stored in a pocket. The jacket needs to be removed to fix the hood. The hood is not wired or stiffened but can be tightened around the face using shock-cords. It does flap around in high winds. The face guard is adequate for poor conditions.

Cuffs and Collar: The cuffs are adjustable via Velcro fastenings. The collar isn't adjustable, but fitted well.

Care and Maintenance: The jacket has detailed instructions about how to wash it and which products to avoid contact with. The instructions were good. The jacket was light blue and showed dirt easily.

Buying Advice:

The Regatta Nicole jacket performed very well. The zips and pockets are better than some more expensive jackets, especially with the thoughtful addition of bits of shock-cord. Very good value for money and perfectly adequate for most conditions. Lacks some features necessary for comfort on the wilder days and winter Munro-bashing. May be a bit heavy for summer use. Anyone concerned about their 'hill-image' might shy-away from the 'bland' appearance. It's a much more interesting jacket on closer inspection, though.

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