Mountain Warehouse Journey Men’s Recycled 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket: first impressions
Coming from a brand known for its more affordable outdoor kit, the Mountain Warehouse Journey Men’s Recycled 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket comes with slightly steeper price tag than you might expect. However, as the name makes pretty clear, you do in fact get three garments for the price of one with this modular wild-weather jacket, which makes it good value and very versatile.
• List Price: £219.99 (UK) / $175 (US)
• Gender specification: Men’s
• Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL
• Waterproof rating: HH 2,000mm
• Breathability rating: 2,000g /m2/24hrs
• Materials: Recycled polyester
• Colors: Black
• Compatibility: A very protective and cozy jacket on cold and rainy days
Impressively made almost entirely from recycled materials, the coat comprises a quilted padded inner jacket and a waterproof outer shell. The two garments can be worn completely separately, one without the other, or collectively as one integrated jacket.
The filling in the padded inner is made with microfibers, a synthetic vegan-friendly alternative to down, and the lining fabrics are also reasonably breathable.
The outer layer has a decent storm hood, which can be pulled in around your face, and the hem and sleeves are also adjustable. With a hydrostatic head rating of 2,000, this shell layer is not as stormproof as many of the jackets found in our buying guide to the best waterproof coats and rain jackets, but it can still cope with most downpours, and the inner is also water resistant.
Mountain Warehouse Journey Men’s Recycled 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket: in the field
I tested the Journey jacket during a wide variety of outings, ranging from the mid-winter walks in the wilderness of mid Devon through to chilly coastal adventures along sections of the South West Coast Path, as well as wearing it for everyday reasons such as taking the dog out for walks in the woods.
The modular design of this coat effectively comprises two parts of the layering system, the mid and outer layers, and I found that, so long as I popped on a good base layer, the Journey jacket did its job, even in the coldest conditions.
Midwinter, unsurprisingly, I used both sections of the jackets together, which enabled me to stay both warm and dry. When you do choose to combine them, the two jackets zip together to form one coat, with additional attachment poppers at the cuffs and on the back of neck, to which is handy when you reach your destination and want to keep your kit organized and easy to find.
As we segued out of the coldest months and into springtime, however, I regularly wore either the quilted inner on its own, which supplied enough insulation to keep my torso toasty, or opted just for the shell layer, when conditions were more wet and windy.
In terms of other features, there are two chest pockets with Velcro closures on the outer, as well as a pair of zipped hand pockets – all generously proportioned. There are no inner pockets, however, no doubt because of the design of the jacket.
There are warmer and better-designed mid layers out there, and more waterproof shells, but as a modular design this coat offers a degree of versatility for people who just want to own one coat. Personally I would lean more towards buying two separate garments, but it can be cheaper to pick up a combination jacket such as this. Full price it isn’t cheap, but the Journey jacket can be found heavily discounted as we move into the shoulder seasons, and it’s well made so it should see you through many more cold months in years to come.
