Jack Wolfskin have given me a chance to preview some of the new autumn/winter 2013/2014 women’s jackets. This is very nice of them! In recent years I have tried, tested and loved Jack Wolfskin’s walking clothes. I my opinion, the brand has reinvented itself and now offers clothing that performs really well and looks great.

I have five jackets that I’ve been wearing and trying out while generally being outdoors and hiking.

• Jack Wolfskin Supercharge Jacket
• Jack Wolfskin Zenon jacket
• Jack Wolfskin Compound jacket
• Jack Wolfskin Carson jacket
• Jack Wolfskin Composite Action Jacket

As I said the colours and design are lovely. Vibrant greens, electric turquoise, black matched with dark pink features, orchid red and raspberry. The fit on the jackets is also feminine but not too neat. If you like a layer or two underneath your jackets but still with a feminine shape Jack Wolfskin have tailored their very really well. I would say that the shape is for women with hips, which is good to see.

The torso and arm length of the jackets is just about right for an average size woman. For me, with very long arms, a couple of the jackets have arms that are only just long enough. These jackets – the Carson and Zenon – are more of a mid-layer though so it is not so important that the cuffs reach over my hands. The outer layer jackets – such as the Supercharge and Composite – have longer arms.

A little detail about each Jack Wolfskin jacket

Jack Wolfskin Supercharge Jacket

This is a Texapore product. Texapore is Wolfskin’s waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric. I have tested Texapore before in the Jack Wolfskin Topaz Jacket and rated it well. It keeps out the rain and the wind yet still lets sweat wick away. The Supercharge is a lot more technical than the Topaz. The Texapore fabric is robust yet flexible and stretchy. The fabric feels durable enough to deal with many harsh, cold winters.

I’d say this jacket is ideal for hiking, ski mountaineering and even climbing because it’s very comfortable to wear and moves with the body. There are lots of thoughtful features, too, such as a fleece lined collar, Long pit zips, a waterproof internal pocket and roll away hood.

Jack Wolfskin Zenon jacket

A lovely insulated down hoody. This jacket is so, so light yet offers a warm mid-layer. I would wear this on its own on dry/damp days too. The Down 700 guarantees a down grade with a swelling of at least 700 cu power. The jacket will even keep you warm even when in damp conditions. Jack Wolfskin also ensure that they source their down ethically.

The Zenon jacket shape is great for women and I like the colours: deeper and lighter red contrast. This is a very handy jacket that could be stuffed into a rucksack for when you stop on the mountains and need an extra layer or can be worn on chilly days as a comfy outer layer with hood.

Jack Wolfskin Compound jacket

This is one of Jack Wolfskin’s Stormlock products, which are “great for on the move, wind-chill protection and rest breaks”. This new 2013/2014 winter jacket comes into their Stormlock Active range, which means it’s been designed for people who like to be moving a lot outdoors. The jacket has won the 2013 ISPO Award already!

Stretch materials and a combination of a lightweight fleece and synthetic insulation creates a jacket that feels very light to wear yet still offers great warmth and wind-proofing qualities. It comes with a hood, too, for days when the wind is swirling around your head.

In keeping with Jack Wolfskin’s responsibility towards the environment, all the materials used in the Compound jacket are manufactured in accordance with the bluesign® standard, which represents safe textiles, eco-friendly production and careful use of resources.

This is a great jacket for wearing in the hills on dry but cold days or when out climbing or skiing.

Jack Wolfskin Carson jacket

This has been one of my favourite jackets. A heavier grade fleece that doesn’t go all bobbly due to wear or washing, the Carson looks great and keeps me very warm. Two deep front pockets and a hood add extra warmth when you need it. I’ve worn this jacket through a chilly winter and spring inside our home (it gets cold while sitting at your desk writing) and while out walking.

Jack Wolfskin Composite Action Jacket

Another Stormlock Active product, this jacket sits somewhere between a lightweight fleece and the Compound jacket. It offers a superb windproof outer layer and would also make a good mid-layer beneath a waterproof jacket on wet days. The Stormlock fabric also allows sweat to evaporate/breathe so you stay dry even when doing active pursuits. The fabric is also stretchy and lightweight and would be a great item to wear when climbing. I have found it to be useful on windy days that aren’t wet but are cold. The bright green colour is fab.

My thoughts on Jack Wolfskin

I’ve always liked the wolf footprint logo but until recent years I was never that impressed by the designs of their clothing. All this has changed. Now I really like the clothing. The designs are modern, fresh, thoughtful and offer good performance. If you have always bought Gore-Tex I think that Jack Wolfskin’s Texapore is worth considering. It isn’t always as light as some Gore-Tex fabrics but it offers excellent waterproofing and good breathability and these jackets are cheaper than most Gore-Tex.

I like the comprehensive range of jackets that are created to suit many different pursuits and weather conditions. The fabrics and jackets do what they say they will on the label. The only difficulty for you readers will be choosing which jacket to buy!

Eco-friendly Jack Wolfskin fabrics

If you don’t already know, Jack Wolfskin are also committed to making “cleaner” products. Three-quarters of their waterproof materials are produced without PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). While there are no laws about the use of PFOA, the company is keen to reduce its use of such chemicals.

Their next goal is to offer fluorocarbon-free alternatives and, in the long term, to stop using fluorine-based chemicals altogether.

Look out for the new Autumn/Winter 2013/2014 jack Wolfskin products in the shops. The women’s range is matched by the same jackets in men’s designs.