ActiveHiking & WalkingThis waterproof parka has a hidden feature that makes it perfect for the coldest weatherFinisterre’s new Vellus parka is a winner for wintery daysWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveHiking & WalkingThis waterproof parka has a hidden feature that makes it perfect for the coldest weatherFinisterre’s new Vellus parka is a winner for wintery daysWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Finisterre’s new Vellus parka is a winner for wintery days
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Finisterre)
(Image credit: Finisterre)
After an unseasonably mild festive period, the winter weather feels like it has well and truly set in (at least in the south-west of England where I’m writing this from). As Outdoors editor I get sent plenty of waterproofs – I’ve tested a bunch of thebest lightweight waterproof jacketsaround – but while they’ll stop you getting wet in a downpour, they’re not built to keep out the chill on a frosty morning.
So when I got a chance to try out Finisterre’s new Vellus parka, a winter coat that’s designed for the chilliest, grimmest days, I was all over it. I’m a pretty big fan of this brand – itsFinisterre Stormbird jacketandFinisterre X Blundstone Vegan bootsare regulars in my winter wardrobe – so I was keen to see if the Vellus held up too. It has not disappointed.
This coat lands a triple-whammy: it’s extremely warm, it’s weatherproof, and it’s comfy too. I tried the women’s version, but a teammate happened to purchase the men’s version at the same time. Sure, it’s a bit awkward when we both wear them at the same time, but my new sartorial twin has assured me that this new official T3 Team Jacket is also one of thebest winter coats for men. (No matter whether you go for men’s or women’s, I’d say it’s a better fit on a boxier frame.)
The torso section is quilted with insulation, there are chunky knitted cuffs hidden up the sleeves to stop drafts escaping up your arms, and the hood has a snuggly textured fleece lining to keep your head warm too. That all pales into the background compared with my very favourite feature on this jacket: hand warmer pockets. Finisterre says they’re lined with fleece, but it feels more like an ultra-soft and strokeable kind of velour / microfibre that provides instant cosiness akin to one of today’sbest hand warmers.
(Image credit: Finisterre)
(Image credit: Finisterre)
There are two sets: one accessed through the side of the hip pockets and the other tucked up near your ribs. My preference is the latter, because they make me feel like some kinds of wintry kangaroo, although my tall male teammate says the hip pockets are more comfortable for his lanky limbs. Taped seams and a Hydrostatic Head rating of 20k mean you’ll stay dry even in a deluge, and this coat does a great job of providing an effective barrier against wind too.
All that insulation means this coat is an absolute dream in the winter, but it’s too warm and heavy for anything but very cold weather. I don’t imagine mine will be getting many Spring or Autumn outings – although with global warming going as it is, who knows? Perhaps if the Day After Tomorrow lot had had a Vellus each when the big freeze set in, it could have been a very different story. (On a vaguely related note – as a brand, Finisterre is known for its focus on sustainability, and we’re pleased to note that this coat is made from recycled fabrics throughout.)
The Vellus is available to buy now from Finisterre for £360. TheWomen’s versioncomes in Black and Moss Green, while themen’s versionis available in Black (sold out at time of writing) and Burnt Orange.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The ultimate full-body gym workout for beginners, according to a fitness expertWant to hit the gym to build strength and muscle, but don’t know where to start? This workout can help
Want to hit the gym to build strength and muscle, but don’t know where to start? This workout can help
Amazon upgrades Kindle Colorsoft already – new model addresses customer complaintsAmazon’s full-colour e-reader fixes a problem that was plaguing its display
Amazon’s full-colour e-reader fixes a problem that was plaguing its display
Change my mind: the smaller, the better with portable power stationsPut your portable power station to work when you’re not using it
Put your portable power station to work when you’re not using it
This rugged adventure Garmin is mega cheap in Walmart’s Black Friday saleThe Instinct 2 is a top watch for outdoor and sport enthusiasts
The Instinct 2 is a top watch for outdoor and sport enthusiasts
YETI’s best-selling products are ridiculously cheap in Amazon’s Black Friday saleFancy yourself a tumbler, rambler or cooler? Amazon’s reduced them all
Fancy yourself a tumbler, rambler or cooler? Amazon’s reduced them all
Knee pain when hiking? Try these four helpful hacks from a strength coachThere’s no need to hang up your hiking boots just yet
There’s no need to hang up your hiking boots just yet
Feeling cold on your winter hike? An outdoor expert says you’re making this mistakeApparently it’s common with ‘first-time hikers’
Apparently it’s common with ‘first-time hikers’
5 gadgets you need for your fastpacking adventure, according to an outdoor expertIf you aren’t taking these out for a fastpack, then it’s time too!
If you aren’t taking these out for a fastpack, then it’s time too!
What’s fastpacking: the adventure sport that lets you go further, faster, and lighter on the trailsTrail running meets backpacking for one epic adventure
Trail running meets backpacking for one epic adventure
Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Shell review: the most waterproof (and shiny) jacket I’ve ever wornIt might not have the matt finish most people expect from a jacket, but the Wyldwood really shines when it comes to protecting you from wet and windy weather
It might not have the matt finish most people expect from a jacket, but the Wyldwood really shines when it comes to protecting you from wet and windy weather
