Three Things To Know:
- 100% Recycled and Recyclable - The Sigma is made completely from post consumer waste recycled polyester
- Lightweight But Fully Waterproof - Offers three layers of wind and water protection
- Surprisingly Affordable - At only £169.00 this jacket is a low price for the quality and technology
Our Rating:
Fit and Comfort
Waterproofing, Wind Protection and Breathability
Practical Features
Durability
Check availability at Alpkit (£169.99).
Alpkit was formed in the UK in 2004 by four friends – Col, Nick, Jim and Kenny – adventure enthusiasts who were inspired by their love of the great outdoors to create a brand that provides like-minded people with the best quality gear that doesn’t break the bank.
Alpkit now has over 200 staff across 10 locations, from Bristol to Kingston-upon-Thames, and the brand has a strong focus on sustainability and quality.
The Sigma three layer waterproof jacket is made from 100% recycled materials, and is recyclable itself – here’s how it held up under review.
- Weight: 400g
- Waterproof Rating: 15,000mm
- Breathability Rating: 10,000g/m²
- Intended Use: Hiking, walking, hill walking, scrambling, riding
- RRP: £169.99
Fit and Comfort
The Sigma had a really nice feel when I first put it on. With its three layer breathable and waterproof membrane, adjustable hood and rear toggle meaning you can adjust the fit to suit your needs.
The jacket is “rustle free” which is a relief if, like me, you find overly crunchy waterproof jackets a bit irritating is a plus – especially if you’re into bird watching. It’s also got a tiny bit of stretch to help with movement – especially useful when scrambling – and OS map-sized pockets. The pockets, while useful, do come up quite high which means that they can interfere with a bit with backpack hip belts.
The zip goes all the way up to just under the chin, and it doesn’t rub, and the wire in the hood means you can get it where you want it. One thing about the hood I would say, is that if you want to wear a climbing or cycling helmet underneath, the fit is a bit snug.
Waterproofing, Wind Protection and Breathability
The Sigma has a 15,000mm hydrostatic head (HH) rating, meaning the fabric can withstand the pressure of a 15 metre high column of water before it starts to leak through – a very high level of waterproofing. The beads of rain ran right off the Sigma, even after a good hour in heavy downpour.
It also has a breathability rating of 10,000 MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) which is very high for activities like hiking and cycling, while more intense activities like trail running will need a higher breathability rating. For walking and hiking however, the breathability was impressive, and the fabric feels protective but I didn’t get clammy, even in warmer weather.
Practical Features
Alpkit Sigma has a number of practical features that make it easy to live with on the trail. The hood is fully adjustable with its wired peak and rear toggle keeps it in place in windy conditions, and the Velcro adjustable cuffs and YKK aquaguard zips mean you can cocoon yourself away in nasty conditions, and the main zip has a waterproof storm flap so no sneaky water ingress down the front.
It’s not overloaded with extras, but the essentials are well thought-out and functional, which is exactly what I want from a lightweight waterproof.
Durability
After weeks of use in everything from muddy woodland walks to rocky ridge scrambles, the Alpkit Sigma has held up far better than I expected for such a lightweight jacket. The 100% recycled fabric feels tough enough to cope with regular wear, and so far it’s resisted scuffs from overgrown trails and light abrasions from scrambling.
The seams are still tight, and the zips run smoothly without snagging. I’ve also noticed that the waterproofing hasn’t noticeably diminished, even after repeated soakings, which is a good sign for its long-term performance. That said, the material is still on the lighter side, so I’d be a little cautious about dragging it through thorny hedgerows or carrying it as my only hard shell on very rough expeditions. For general hiking and day-to-day outdoor use, though, it feels like a jacket that will comfortably last several seasons.
Value for Money
Lightweight waterproof jackets with this level of technology can easily exceed £400.00, so for this price I would say the Sigma is very good value for money.
Sustainability
The Sigma is made from fully recycled materials, and is fully recyclable itself and the waterproof coating is free from harmful chemicals.
Should You Buy It
This is a really impressive jacket for the price with a focus on sustainability, so yes.
Check availability at Alpkit (£169.99)
Looking to find your perfect walking companion? Why not take a look at our guide to the best lightweight waterproof jackets.
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