Review: Timberland Summer Benton Packable Waterproof Jacket
OUR VERDICT
A solid daily waterproof! Well constructed for the category it sits in with a nod to sustainability where possible.
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| Centre back length | 71.1cm |
| Features | 100% recycled nylon composition, adjustable hood with cordlock, reverse welt chest pocket, packable tier 3 waterproof technology, fully sealed seams |
Pros
- At home in the city or the fields
- Drawcord hood
- Comfortable fit
- Very packable, a true ‘take anywhere’ jacket
Cons
- No drawcord on the bottom hem or on the cuffs – it’s a very relaxed fit, in line with what’s popular at the moment but when the wind blows you miss these features
- Lacks shake dry technology therefore slower to dry
- RRP is high in comparison to other daily jackets
WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR
In a daily waterproof jacket I like packability, pockets for cold hands and devices, a good sized hood, a neutral ‘wear anywhere’ design and a good balance of being light whilst still truly waterproof.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Smart, timeless, simple. The Benton waterproof jacket is a handy summer essential with a desirable, minimal aesthetic.
THE TEST
First off was a comfort test walking back to town from a swimming spot, the jacket was easy to unpack from it’s pocket-bag, quick to throw on and zip up, and windproof enough to keep the wind away on the cold walk back. I find being particularly cold highlights bad fitting garments, no problems here.
Second; a light downpour on a dog walk, worn from the start, the jacket kept all clothes under it dry as a bone, without causing me to sweat too easily.
Third; a dash from my car across town in a deluge, again bone dry.
The Summer Benton waterproof jacket is for the everyday adventurer who values versatility, easy packing and a laidback look
WHO IS THIS JACKET FOR?
The Summer Benton waterproof jacket is for the everyday adventurer who values versatility, sustainability, easy packing and a laidback look. Covering the downpour on the way to the office, keeping the breeze off at lunch and being dependable for walks in the hills after work.
WHAT STANDS OUT?
Quality
Despite coming from quite a fashion-focused brand, this jacket feels like it would stand the test of time. The material feels thick enough to ward off surprise brambles and gorse while remaining flexible enough to be comfy.
Sustainability
It’s a fine line to tow, making waterproof jackets with environmentally friendly or sustainable materials. It’s easy to lose the effectiveness of the key reason these jackets exist – to be waterproof. This jacket tows the line well, by combining recycled content with virgin material.
Style
The relaxed, modern fit with design accents subtly included means it blends in. You won’t look out of place rushing to meeting or heading out on the fells.
The material feels thick enough to ward off surprise brambles and gorse while remaining flexible enough to be comfy
VALUE FOR MONEY
If bagged at the sale price this jacket is available at right now, this is a solid purchase. It’s not a super-techy, extreme weather item, but for a robust everyday jacket with a nice look to it, the price is decent.
BASE BOTTOM LINE
At first glance Timberland is not a company I’d go to for waterproof clothing. It’s just not what we associate that name with! But hey, I’m very pleasantly surprised. This jacket is bang on the money for being a daily, essential waterproof. It’s got the pockets needed for adulting, the timeless fit to go anywhere (maybe not up The Ben), a very good build quality and most importantly – it functions perfectly well as a waterproof. It consists of 50% recycled material, which given it’s performance is great and I can see it forming part of my daily pack for many years to come.
Be ready for every kind of weather
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