A good insulated jacket is a key piece of armour in keeping away the cold. Be that during a weekend-long trek through the mountains or fighting off the chill of a seaside walk, a lightweight insulated jacket can be the difference between a comfortable day out and a not-so-pleasant one. 

The Nimbus currently acts as Finisterre’s core insulated jacket within its outerwear range. Crafted from recycled fishing nets it is interwoven with this brand’s commitment to sustainability, but is a jacket which doesn’t shy away from more technical details, either. It’s got some nifty tricks up its sleeves – or in its pockets – to help make it even more versatile than you might initially think, too. 

In classic Finisterre fashion, it arrives with a super-understated look, too, so this isn’t a jacket for those who like to shout about what they’re wearing. Instead, it cuts a quiet, subdued look that won’t raise too many eyebrows – though it’s likely that those in the know will be aware of the Nimbus’ clever features. 

But in this well-populated area of the outerwear world, what has this insulated jacket go to offer and why should you be considering it? In this review, we’re going to be finding out. 

Sphere Score

For

• Understated appearance
• Quality finish
• Packs up small
• Doesn’t attract too much attention

Against

• Subdued look may not be for everyone
• Hooded version is £10 more
• Only two colours to choose from
• Not all that many pockets

Tech specs 

• Price: £185
• Made from NetPlus – made from recycled fishing nets
• 207g Repreve recycled ocean waste insulation
• Microfibre lined, collar and pockets
• Packs away into its own travel pillow

What does the Finisterre Nimbus have to offer?

Fresh from the box, the Finisterre Nimbus has a quality feel. The primary fabric used on this jacket is NetPlus, a recycled nylon made entirely from old fishing nets. Don’t worry – there’s not a hint of day-old cod about it – and the material itself is soft and has a great sense of robustness to it. Like any other insulated jacket, the Nimbus is going to be susceptible to nicks from thorns or barbs, but that’s just by-the-by for a coat of this type. 

Padding out the Nimbus and making it as toasty as can be is 207g Repreve insulation taken from recycled ocean waste. This – and the new exterior skin – are some of the biggest changes that differentiate this new generation of Nimbus from the one which came before it. There are other cool features, too, such as the microfibre lining which is also applied to areas such as the collar and pockets, while the neckline itself is reasonably high to help shield your face away from the wind. We’re testing the ‘regular’ Nimbus, too, but if you need a hooded version then that’s also available, albeit for a £10 premium. 

The Nimbus is only available in two colourways – black and the more eye-catching ‘Ocean Storm – and though it would be nice to see a few more shades available, you’ve got to argue that both on offer will team with pretty much any outfit easily. 

Storage-wise, there are two primary pockets at the side of the jacket, and a third one placed at the chest. It’s that third and final area which is best suited to valuables. Finally, there’s also the ability to stow the jacket away into a small bundle that Finisterre says could act as a handy pillow – though more than anything, it makes it much easier to store.

Wearing – what is the Finisterre Nimbus like?

Sizing-wise, the Nimbus comes up a little on the large size of things. This tester is around 5’11 and a large-size Nimbus feels a touch too long – it’s great for layering underneath a longer jacket but if you’re after a tighter- more snug-fitting look then we’d recommend going down a size. Certainly, for us, a medium would be spot-on for wearing underneath a jacket. 

But sizing aside, the Nimbus has loads of great features to soak in. The fleece-lined sections add a luxurious feeling to the jacket and are in useful locations. For instance, the lining at the top of the jacket near the neckline helps to avoid any annoying ‘pull’ from the zip when you’re moving about. 

It’s lightweight, too, and not a jacket which will weigh you down. During some lighter rain showers, the Nimbus shrugged off the worst of the weather but, for more sustained downpours we’d recommend putting a lightweight waterproof layer over the top of this insulated jacket.

The lack of a hood on this model is a positive and a negative. On the one side, it’s great for avoiding any of that uncomfortable excess material which bunches up behind you on a hooded jacket – this is more so when you’re wearing it underneath another layer – but naturally you’ve not got as much insulation as when your head is covered. It’s down to personal preference, of course, but we’re big fans of this hood-free model.

The two side pockets are usefully sized, too, though like other insulated jackets, you can’t use them for overly heavy items or you can quickly throw out the shape and design of the jacket. While the exterior material used for the main ‘skin’ of the jacket might not feel the most robust, it’s a trade-off that seems fair given how lightweight and packable this jacket is. 

To finish

The Finisterre Nimbus would be a welcome addition to any cold-weather get-up. It’s ideal for layering thanks to its lightweight design and the option of a hooded model – which doesn’t carry too much of a premium – is very handy too. 

As with many jackets in this segment, it’d be nice if the Nimbus had more colourways available, but slightly understated design aside, the Nimbus is an insulated jacket that you’ll be able to rely on time and time again.