Jackets Guidebook

Are you following trails, rugged coastlines or forest paths? What time of year is it? Are you looking for something to see you through the depths of winter or a ‘throw on and go’ for morning commutes and late nights around the fire? In this guide, we talk all things jackets; how they’re Made To Roam and the technical features that set them apart.

First up, what’s your heading? Are you looking for an everyday wearer for winter, something to withstand the wind and rain out on the trails, or a bit of both? The durability, weight and waterproof performance are good things to keep in mind, but it’s also worth noting the style, fit and number of pockets. You might find something that’s technically up to the challenge but if it’s not comfortable, it’s not the one. At Passenger, we understand that a good jacket made responsibly is an investment. That’s why we want to make sure you make the right choice. Here are some things to think about:

• How do you find escapism? Hiking, bikepacking, coastal walks, long-way-round commutes or pre-dawn surf missions?

• Is it waterproof? If unsure, read our Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant guide.

• Is it lightweight? Can it be stuffed in a pack, or does it come with its own pocket?

• How does it fit? Over-sized, fitted, short or long?

• Does it have a hood? If yes, can it be synched to keep out the wind?

• Does it have pockets? Enough to fit your everyday carries (EDC)?

• How durable is the outer material? Will it work for your chosen escapism?

• What kind of insulation does it have? Down, synthetic or sherpa fleece?

• What kind of zip does it have? Full-zip, half, or buttoned?

To ease any outerwear headaches, we’ve split our jackets into six core collections with a little bit of background on each. Read up on how they’re Made To Roam, technical features and shop community favourites:

• Waterproof Jackets
• Windshell Jackets
• Insulated Jackets (Synthetic)
• Insulated Jackets (Down)
• Softshell Jackets
• Casual Jackets

You’ll spot a new set of icons stamped on our product pages, there to give a little more on how that jacket / fleece / tee is Made To Roam. They’re super topline features to help you along your journey, so you can get a good feel for the product and compare it with another. At Passenger, we want our community to feel a part of something when they pull on our products. That you’re making a conscious decision, investing in something that’s designed to wander and made to roam responsibly. Learn more about Our Ethos, Our Materials and get familiar with our product icons below:

• Showerproof: For the unavoidable, quick burst of rain that falls out of nowhere.

• Light Rain: For that daily escapism, an hour outside in a prolonged shower. Errand runs, commutes and early AM surf checks.

• Moderate Rain: For when you’re out on the trail for a half-day roam and the heavens open.

• Heavy Rain: For a full day’s escape in the outdoors, in extended periods of rain or snow.

• Warm: For changing seasons, active use on crisp mornings and cooler nights. Lighter weight, warm layering.

• Warmer: For colder days, or whenever you want to be that bit warmer.

• Warmest: For longer spells out on the coldest days. The warmest layers within the range, super toasty.

• Snow: For escapism in the snow, designed with mountains in mind. Look out for product-specific tech features.

• Quick Dry: For active use and prolonged adventures. This product dries quickly so you don’t feel wet and get cold.

• Wind Proof: For when the wind’s howling and you need the highest levels of protection to fend off the chill.

• Wind Resistant: For that bit more wind protection on breezy ridgelines, coastal hikes and forest trail rides.

• Packable: For ease of carrying, packing and storage. This product packs down into itself or a supplied pouch.

• Water Repellent: For initial protection from rain / mud / snow. This product has been treated with a water-repellent outer coating.

• Moisture Wicking: We all create sweat when on the trail, these fabrics wick that sweat away from your skin to help you to stay in the roam. 

• Think about what you have, and the purpose behind buying a new jacket.

• A reliable daily wearer is better than getting multiple jackets for different roams.

• What are the key features of the jacket; insulation, hood, zips, outer fabric, pockets etc.

• Consider the weather, time of year and average temperatures.

• Do you often wear a backpack? If yes, think about breathability, packability and weight.

• Note how easy it is to wash the jacket, is a bottle of Nikwax worth adding to the basket?

• When washing anything with polyester in it, be sure to use a Washing Bag.

• Getting the right fit is super important, think about other layers and how you’ll wear the jacket most.

• Has the jacket been made with responsible materials? We use fabrics like recycled polyester, responsibly sourced down and organic cotton.

To extend your jacket’s lifespan and cement it as a ‘grab and go’ for your chosen roams, get to grips with how to first wash and maintain it. Always read the care label, twice. ‘Spot-clean’ any stains with a damp cloth and dry outside where possible. Wash on a low temp—unless advised otherwise—using a natural detergent over synthetic / chemical-based softeners.

When washing anything with polyester in it, be sure to use a Guppy Friend Washing Bag. Pop your jacket inside before sticking it in the washing machine and the bag will catch microfibres and microplastics, preventing them from entering our waterways. The jacket will last longer too.

When it comes to waterproofs and rain cover, a properly washed and reproofed waterproof jacket should last you a solid few years of adventuring, with just a few additions to the shopping list: Nikwax Tech Wash®, Nikwax TX Direct Wash In Waterproofer and Nikwax TX Direct Spray on Waterproofer.

For a detailed rundown, read our How To Wash A Waterproof Jacket and How To Reproof A Waterproof Jacket guides. Or watch ‘em:

What should you consider when buying a jacket?

It’s good to have in mind the types of adventure, temperature and time of year this jacket is going to get the most use. The durability, weight and waterproof performance are good things to keep in mind, but it’s also worth noting the style, size and fit.

Is it better to size up or down in jackets?

Read the product description to get a good idea of how the jacket fits, with most having lifestyle images to see the product on one of our models or community members. We’re also in the process of adding their measurements to the site, so you can easily compare them against your own.

How do I choose a Passenger jacket?

If you find the answer, please let us know… We have jackets fit for all types of escapism; coastal hikes, trail runs, city travels, van-life and adventures close to home. A reliable daily wearer is better than getting multiple jackets for different roams (in our opinion). Think first about what you have, and the purpose behind buying a new jacket - “how willIget the most out of it?”.

Do I need to re-proof my waterproof jacket after every wash?

With regular cleaning, you’re looking at 5-6 washes (with Nikwax Tech Wash®) before your jacket will require re-waterproofing. When Nikwax Tech Wash® alone does not revitalise the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of your gear (e.g. water does not bead on the fabric surface), it’s time for a re-proof.

How do you reproof a waterproof jacket?

There are two common ways to reproof a waterproof jacket, the wash-in method and the spray-on method. We guide you through both in our How To Reproof Your Waterproof Jacket guide. Make sure your jacket is clean, pockets emptied and zips fastened before reproofing.