Jack Wolfskin JWP Rain Jacket for Women Review

Materials

The Jack Wolfskin JWP rain jacket is made with the brand’s very own Texapore Ecosphere material. What sets Texapore Ecosphere apart from Jack Wolfskin’s other Texapore materials, is that it is made out of 100 % recycled polyester, which is produced using a lower amount of CO₂. The shell fabric and mesh lining are made of recycled PET bottles, while the membrane is made from cutting waste from the manufacturing process. The jacket is also entirely PFC-free. The hydrostatic head and MVTR value of the Texapore Ecosphere material is 20.000 mm and ˃15.000 g/m²/24hrs respectively, which is comparable for example to the performance of Patagonia’s H₂No material, meaning that it is water-resistant enough to endure longer periods with heavy rain (although perhaps not an all-day monsoon) and breathable enough for aerobic activities like mountaineering and hiking.

When I first wore the Jack Wolfskin JWP shell in rain, I was impressed over how well it withstood it with the rain beading off smoothly in small pearls. I also noticed how comfortable it is to wear, because there is a certain stretch/softness to the fabric unlike a rain shell like the Montane Minimus jacket which in comparison is very crunchy and stiff to wear. So, while the Jack Wolfskin jacket is meant to be something you can throw in a backpack and use it when you need it, it is also comfortable enough to wear for longer periods – you never feel like you are wearing a plastic bag with sleeves! Part of the comfort stems from the mesh lining, which, however, also adds to the JWP jacket’s weight – 360 g. It is thus not the lightest rain jacket out there, but more something in-between.

Sizing and Fit

As mentioned in the review of the Jack Wolfskin down jacket, I am between a size M and L for the brand’s jackets. Since I received the rain jacket in both sizes, I can honestly say that I could have gone with either – there isn’t a huge leap between the sizes. I chose to stick with size M, however, because it fits me a bit nicer while still being very comfortable to move around in – even when wearing the down jacket underneath for insulation and warmth. The larger size of course has a bit longer sleeves and bottom hem, but again the difference is not conspicuous. The hood fits me extremely well, and comes comfortably snug around the face but can also be adjusted further with a drawcord string at the back of the head.

Comfort and Functionality

Besides the stretchy fabric, the Jack Wolfskin JWP rain jacket is also comfortable to wear because it is constructed with articulated tailoring on the hood, sleeves and along the sides, so that it offers the best freedom of movement. Otherwise, the Jack Wolfskin rain jacket is full of other functional details like a drawcord string along the bottom hem, Velcro cuffs, pull loops on all zippers, reflective details, and two zippered hand pockets (with storm flaps) where the left one doubles as a stuff sack. The main zipper is a YKK AquaGuard zipper, but features an internal storm flap for extra protection against incoming water and a chin guard to protect the delicate skin on your neck from any rapid zip ups. Like the Jack Wolfskin JWP down jacket, the rain jacket has the locker loop on the outside of the back of the neck, which sometimes throws me for a moment when I’m about to put it on. The locker loop has a reflective stripe, but I guess that you could also use it to attach a larger dangling reflective tag to be spotted easier in the dark by drivers etc.

Washing and Drying

I haven’t washed the Jack Wolfskin rain jacket yet, but merely wiped it off before using it in case of any debris from production and transportation. In general, you should wash rain gear as little as possible (and reapply DWR when needed), but once needed the rain jacket can be washed in the machine on a cold gentle cycle (30 ºC) without fabric softener, as this can affect the performance of the jacket. Curiously enough, Jack Wolfskin recommends to dry the JWP rain jacket in a drier with low heat for “optimum function” rather than air-drying it  according to the washing tag.

Verdict

The Jack Wolfskin JWP rain jacket is a great all-around rain jacket which you can easily stow in the left pocket, which doubles as a stuff sack, and take it wherever you please. Due to the materials and articulated tailoring, it is very comfortable to wear, even for longer periods, and offers good weather protection and breathability. It packs down into its own pocket, when not in use, and has multiple other practical features like a well-fitted adjustable hood, pull loops and Velcro cuffs.

If you have any questions about this product, drop me a line in the comments below.