by 
To-date, we’ve talked to you about some different pairs of waterproof shoes from the Canadian brand Vessi (you can see those here). Well, they’re not content with just keeping your feet dry when the weather turns wet. They have options to keep your upper body warm and dry as well, and we’ve been spending some time with the Vessi Overcast Jacket 2.
Vessi Overcast Jacket 2: what it is
Well, obviously, the Vessi Overcast Jacket 2 is a rain jacket. While it does have some technical features to it, it’s not what I would consider to be a “technical” jacket. For one, the material of it is not super noisy as you move in the jacket. For another, it does not have a zipper that goes up to under your chin. Sure, that can be helpful for keeping really bad weather out, but for regular day-to-day stuff, that can be overkill.
What I’ve come to think of the Vessi Overcast Jacket 2 as is a comfortable rain layer, something more like what I remember having, say, 30 years ago. To reach that, there are a few different things going on with the jacket that put it in that category for me. First, the zipper stops at your collar bone, keeping an open neck. Secondly, there’s no adjustment or velcro at the cuffs – just a decently wide cuff that’s easy to slip on (or slip gloves under). Third up, we’ve got the very soft fleece inner lining that adds a bit of warmth into the shell.
Finally, the jacket has a bit of a generous cut to it. This is their second version, and it is supposed to have a more tailored fit than the prior version (we haven’t seen that one, so we can’t compare). Even so, this is a jacket that felt roomy. It felt like I could move easily in it, and it was easy to slip a vest or something on under it as well. And that hood? Plenty of room, even for my oversized noggin, and easy to pull up to just keep some heat in, or to cover up from some rain.
Wearing it in the weather
When the Vessi Overcast Jacket 2 showed up, I was wondering how much of an opportunity I’d have to test it out, as late fall (and into winter) usually means quite cold (and not so rainy) weather for Chicagoland. Well, wouldn’t you know, we had quite the stretch of weather in the upper 30s and 40s that also brought some rain along for the ride.
In the wet weather, it was great. Once I had it zipped up (and had the hood up) I stayed plenty dry, and the straight cuffs worked well for being out there as well (no rain up my sleeves). When it was cooler, again, it just worked. Those wider cuffs worked to drop down over a pair of gloves, keeping things overlapped a bit. In the 40s, the jacket by itself was enough of a layer for me; when it dropped into the 30s, it still worked, I just needed to add a thin puffer jacket or vest in for some additional heat. In short, I think this is going to be a great layer to put on when winter starts drifting into spring, or when fall comes back around.
Wrapping things up
So, as you can see, I really liked the Vessi Overcast Jacket 2. It really feels like a much more comfortable version of the rain jackets than we normally see from companies now. While I wouldn’t have minded having a chest pocket on the inside, I appreciate that omitting it helped keep construction simpler. And really, that’s what this jacket is all about, for me. Giving you some of the technical advances that the Dyma-Tex fabric offers (water proof yet still breathable), while giving you the no-fuss look and feel of a classic rain jacket.
For me, this jacket just works great, and I appreciate that I can easily layer if I need to. I’m definitely looking forward to getting this more into the rotation once spring starts to hit. If you want to get one to be ready for warmer weather, it’s available in men’s (blue or black) or women’s (red or black) silhouettes for $145. Check it out, and order yours, over at vessi.com
Vessi Overcast Jacket 2 Details
- Features
- Waterproof
- Soft fleece inner lining
- Secure zipper pockets
- Size and fit: regular fit
- Care Guide
- Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with like colours inside out.
- Do not use fabric softener.
- Do not bleach.
- Do not dry clean.
- Do not iron trims.
- Hang to dry.
