Jack Wolfskin Taubenberg 3-in-1 Men’s Jacket review

The world of raincoats, jackets and coats has come to a point where one could argue the design process is done, and we’re now at a point of strictly looking for the highest-quality product. Here, Jack Wolfskin has done exactly that with an additional feature that, while it’s not a new concept, certainly makes you stop and consider its benefits. A retractable fleece broadens the scope of who may be interested, and makes that £190 price tag far more justifiable. After all, you’re likely going to hike wearing both a fleece and raincoat. Why not purchase both at the same time?

First things first, we live in the UK, where it is cold and wet. However, for the past month I haven’t been able to complain about it like everyone else (which is the best thing about living in the cold and wet) thanks to the thorough test this coat has been through.

The internal fleece is incredibly cosy with pockets on the inside and out. It attaches to the outer shell by clipping in at the upper neck, inside the cuffs (an easy process that takes moments) and zipping together on a second zip on the outer shell. Long story short, it’s not going anywhere. 

The outer shell ticks all the boxes of a hiking jacket. It’s robust but lightweight and without a doubt waterproof. The polyester shell means rain drops simply sit on the surface before rolling off. Inside, you may think two layers of high-quality material will result in the instance of being too cosy. That’s when the back ventilation comes into play and keeps things breathable. While the limits have not been tested, I can confirm that any brief and light contacts with nature (a polite way of saying I walked into a bush) are no match for the polyester, and no marks were left. Any spillages (such as my breakfast) wipe off with no issues.

And then there’s the adjustable toggles on the waistband and neckline to keep you well-fitted, and reduce any draughts coming in. It’s a lightweight coat with heavyweight qualities – something I realised before remembering it can be made even lighter. At 6’3, the XL option is perfect in terms of arm and body length while maintaining the range of mobility one would expect with a coat on.

From an aesthetic point of view there are nine options, most of which give off an outdoor and autumnal vibe, apart from the bright orange option which speaks for itself. Each colour option is the same as the Hot Choc option (photographed) with black sleeves and panels on the upper chest and a solid alternate colour elsewhere. For each colour, the fleece is one solid shade which varies for each style. However, they are all similar dark colours, meaning your biggest decision is really your outer shell colourway!

Overall, this coat is a bit of an illusionist. It is far thicker and more suitable for colder temperatures than one might think. When assessing alternative options, the quality and features you receive for the price stacks up against the heavy hitters of the hiking jacket game. It’s aesthetically simple but does the job and is certainly one of the best value-for-money options in what is a very competitive market.