You can trust Finisterre to get a whole bunch of recycled material and create something both practical and super stylish. The Skybird Jacket is available in both men and womens designs. The guys get four attractive natural colours to choose from, Navy, Seagrass, Pecan and Buckwheat. Unfortunately, the women miss out with just Seagrass and Dark Orchid, which is a shame as the Pecan and Buckwheat are our favourites. This jacket sits between lightweight shells and heavyweight storm jackets in terms of protection, bringing a blend of toughness, comfort, and style.
Right away you notice the materials. It uses a 3-layer recycled polyester fabric with a ripstop outer layer that resists tearing as the name suggests. Fully taped seams and a longish cut help keep out driving rain. The hood, hem and cuffs are all adjustable to seal out the elements when needed, and the raglan sleeves allow better movement and help water run off the arms.
In use it performs very well. It has a hydrostatic head rating of 12,000mm, so it handles steady rain and sudden downpours reliably. The breathability is around 10,000 g/m², which helps when you are exerting yourself (walking briskly or carrying a bag). The water proofing is PFA free since Finisterre eliminated harsh fluorocarbon chemicals from their waterproofs in 2017. This helps them maintaining the highest water repellent standards without compromising the environment.
While it packs down more or less into a rucksack, it is not ultralight at 362g, which some people may find it a bit bulky for long hiking days. It also feels stiffer than simpler rain jackets making it is less ideal for fast-paced or alpine style. However, the comfort is good. The longer body length gives better coverage in wind and rain, and the hood fits well without being overly big. Zipped pockets are secure for keeping essentials dry.
The Skybird is an excellent all-weather jacket for UK use if your priority is keeping dry and coping with harsh weather, rather than chasing ultralight or minimal gear. If your activities are walking, commuting or general outdoor use in changeable weather, it is a very strong option. You get the added bonus of knowing the recycled materials are helping protect the outdoor environment you are exploring. RRP £175
- Highly waterproof (12,000 mm hydrostatic head) with
- Fully taped seams
- Breathable fabric (10,000 g/m²)
- Made from 3-layer recycled polyester
- Longer body cut plus adjustable hem, hood and cuffs
- Secure zipped pockets and a 2-way YKK zip
- Heavier and stiffer than ultralight shells
- Bulk and rigidity reduce packability
- Fewer colour options in women’s design
