Review: Finisterre Skybird Waterproof Jacket

I already have a packable, waterproof jacket that I use for hiking. To complement that, I wanted a more heavyweight jacket for times when the weather is harsh. As such, it would most likely only be suitable for day trips. I was looking for something that would not only be functional during rainy urban commutes and leisurely countryside walks but also stylish enough to wear around town. It would not be a replacement for my lighter, more technical items.

Used mainly for city commuting and countryside walks, the jacket excelled in keeping me dry and warm thanks to its excellent water and windproofing. I used it during the UK’s incredibly wet and windy October and November and not once did it let me down. The jacket beads brilliantly and due to its heavy construction, I would always choose this jacket over my hiking jacket in torrential and sustained rain.

The hood is large enough to fit a cap or woolly hat under without feeling cavernous and the jacket has plenty of velcro and cinches to adjust the hem and wristbands to your body shape to keep the water out. It is worth noting that its heavier construction made it less ideal for more vigorous activities like cycling or hiking than my Outdoor Research Foray hiking jacket.

Given its mid-range price and exceptional waterproofing qualities, this jacket offers great value, especially for those seeking a durable and stylish urban wet-weather solution.