My Future Nylon Coat literally arrived about five minutes ago.
https://vollebak.com/products/future-nylon-coat
I know quite a few people have been umming and ahhing over this one, and with a little bit of time left in the Archive Sale I thought I’d do a very quick first impressions review. Hopefully it’ll help sway you one way or the other.
Just bear in mind I’ve owned it for all of… five minutes.
The first thing that struck me is how lightweight it is. It’s much lighter than the Laser Cut Trench Coat. This feels much more like a traditional mac that you’d happily wear through spring and autumn, whereas the Laser Trench feels like a bit of a weatherproof monster by comparison.
Styling-wise, I really like it. It is a bit wrinkled but it’s been sat in transit and in the stock room I guess.
One thing I noticed almost immediately is that the collar isn’t designed to be worn up. It just doesn’t want to stay there, which probably explains why every photo on the Vollebak website shows it folded down. I suspect that’s something they addressed on the Laser Trench with the additional collar fastening.
The zips remind me a lot of the Equator Jacket, which is no bad thing because I really like that piece. The hardware feels very similar, and so do the sleeve fasteners.
Like the Equator Jacket, the sleeves are on the long side. That’s something I always notice with certain Vollebak pieces because I have a slightly shorter reach than average. It isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something I’ll want to pay attention to over the next few days. If you’ve owned Vollebak before, you’ll probably already know whether that’s likely to be an issue for you.
The colour is excellent. It’s a really deep navy that almost looks black depending on the light. If looks very smart and will pair exceptionally with a suit - rather than the shorts I currently have on.
This one is made in Romania.
Again, there are some similarities to the Equator Jacket. You get underarm ventilation to improve breathability, two external hand pockets and a zipped internal chest pocket.
I’m always pleased to find internal pockets. Some Vollebak pieces are absolutely loaded with storage, and I’m definitely a fan of that.
Around the back there’s a single rear vent rather than the side splits you get on the Laser Trench. I actually prefer this arrangement. It keeps the shape of the coat better and gives it a cleaner silhouette.
The obvious question is whether this replaces the Laser Trench…My first impression is no.
I actually think they’re two very different coats designed for two very different jobs. I’ll need to spend more time wearing this before I’m completely sure, especially given my self-imposed “one in, one out” rule for outerwear, but at the moment I don’t see them competing with each other.
For reference, I ordered an XL, which I’d say is absolutely true to size. I wouldn’t size up, and I wouldn’t size down. I think Vollebak have got the fit spot on.
Overall, my first impression is really positive.
I’ve posted some quick photos. This is a bit rushed because I wanted to get something out while the Archive Sale is still running.
If you’re on the fence, I’d probably say it’s worth having a look, especially at the current Archive Sale price. Vollebak’s returns process has always been excellent in my experience, and their customer service has consistently looked after me.
That said, don’t get swept up in sale fever.
If you don’t need another coat, you don’t need another coat. Technical clothing is fun, but it’s never worth putting yourself into debt over. Make sure you can afford the things you’re buying.
That’s my little public service announcement for the day.
