With its impressive features, this jacket can be a staple piece in any wardrobe!
Exploring the city is a unique experience, and having the perfect jacket can be essential to keeping you warm and comfortable. Designed specifically with urban explorers in mind, the Graphene-X’s Nomad(e) Ultralight Jacket was an impressive piece that I had the chance to review. Whether you are sightseeing, going out for the night or venturing beyond the city, this lightweight and versatile jacket is perfect for any kind of journey. Read on to discover why this jacket is a must-have addition to your gear collection!
About Graphene-X
Launched in 2019 by Jorge Barros, Graphene-X is a Hong Kong-based company dedicated to designing carbon-neutral, long-lasting and lightweight clothing with graphene-integrated fabric and unique styles. As one of the strongest, thinnest (one-atom-thick layer of carbon) and most durable materials, graphene has allowed Graphene-X to create urban and incredibly resilient adventure apparel. The Graphene-X collection includes 18 items, such as reversible hoodies, expedition hats, jogger-X pants and the Nomad(e) Ultralight jacket that I am reviewing in this article.Â
Nomad(e) Ultralight Jacket’s features
This particular jacket has been aptly named Nomad(e) because, like a nomad, it has no fixed use case, meaning that you can wear it on whatever occasion. From being a regular article of clothing to a highly functional emergency jacket when out in harsh weather conditions, the jacket has got you covered. It is waterproof and windproof and also helps keep you visible in pitch-black darkness with its reflective pattern, increasing your chances of survival if ever lost or stranded.
The Nomad(e) jacket has two layers—the outer made of Ripstop nylon and the inner made of its proprietary fabric, a graphene-caged membrane. These two layers are held together through thermal bonding, which produces an ultrathin yet resilient fabric that can withstand any weather. Thanks to the usage of graphene in its inner layer, the jacket is waterproof while facilitating the evaporation of moisture from your body, retaining heat and keeping it lightweight.Â
In addition to its water resistance capability, the jacket has laser-cut ventilation holes at the shoulders and lower back hidden among the flaps to ensure great airflow and keep water out. Lightweight and sturdy, this piece weighs just 250 grams. The unisex jacket is available in two hues (black and ice grey) from 2XS to 2XL.
What I think about this jacket
Having tested the Nomad(e) Ultralight Jacket for the past few months, I have been thoroughly impressed with its performance in various conditions. I was sent a medium-sized jacket, and it was slightly too large for me. However, with the help of the adjustable hem adjuster at the bottom of the jacket, this was easily remedied; I could ensure that not a single draft of wind or chill could get through. Though it seemed quite voluminous to me, it was feather-light, so this minor flaw can be overlooked.
The first time I wore it was on a two-day backpacking trip to the Kedarnath trek in India, which covered around 18 kilometers. The temperatures were cool, in the 40s Fahrenheit, and there was some light rain. Despite the conditions, I stayed dry and comfortable throughout the entire trip, thanks to the waterproof and breathable graphene-infused fabric. In addition, the Nomad(e) Ultralight Jacket has an invisible hood that can be folded down and zipped in the form of a collar when not in use. It has an elastic that can be adjusted to fit most people’s heads comfortably. Thanks to the hood, I managed to keep my head dry during the trek.
I have also worn the Nomad(e) Ultralight Jacket while running errands around town on cooler days. Again, I have been consistently pleased with its performance. The jacket is lightweight and very comfortable to wear, and it provides excellent warmth on chilly days. Additionally, the jacket is self-packable and can be easily transformed into a convenient carry bag with a strap to take it anywhere. However, the strap of this jacket-tuned sling bag is a bit tricky for me, as it is about one meter long and not adjustable, which makes it difficult to carry for people like me who are five feet in height.
I also tested the jacket while riding my scooty in the winter air and was glad to find that it kept me from feeling cold. The pockets were definitely my favorite aspect; it has three spacious pockets in total (two at the front and one at the back), with the back pocket being slightly bigger than its counterpart duo—perfect for taking along lots of items without needing an extra bag! I also liked the reflective pattern a lot, as it keeps me visible at night and makes me feel safe to be outdoors in the dark
The jacket can be cleaned easily at home. Just make sure you close all zippers, use delicate mode (if you are washing it in a machine) and don’t tumble dry it, then your jacket would last for years and years, as per Graphene-X.
Since it is intended for active lifestyles, the jacket’s price tag (US$299) is slightly higher than its competitors. However, this can be justified by the high-quality and proprietary materials used and its performance. Also, you can return it for a full refund or a new item within thirty days of purchase if you don’t like it or need a different size. What’s more, Graphene-X offers a lifetime guarantee on all of its products.
Overall, I’m very impressed with Graphene-X’s Nomad(e) Ultralight jacket and would recommend it to anyone looking for a high-performance, ultra-lightweight piece of gear.
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All images courtesy of Graphene-X
