Some weeks ago Tekkima, a new clothing company, reached out to see if we wanted to take a look at one of their jackets. “Why not?” I said. A few days later, the Tekkima Overland arrived. I was amazed by how light it was. Then I put it on and was even more amazed how warm and comfortable it is.
Before we dive into the Overland Coat, let’s step back and talk about the company itself. Tekkima is a new company… sort of. You see, as they explain on their website, Tekkima’s parent company has been manufacturing apparel for “big-name brands in the travel, sports, and adventure industries for decades.” In other words, they have been an OEM for years. That means it is rather likely that you have worn their clothing but never knew it. Now, their “parent company” has created their own brand, Tekkima, and is creating clothing that leverages their years of experience while giving consumers great products at surprisingly low prices. The company owns their factory. They do their own designs. They build and test the products themselves and then, once they are happy with the finished product, sell it directly to consumers. As they explain,
Born at the crossroads of proven performance and refined design, Tekkima creates sophisticated, affordable adventure apparel for the active lifestyle—and wherever it takes you.
Okay, so that’s the company. What about the Overland Jacket?
It’s difficult to pick the right outerwear when the weather is unpredictable. It might be crisp and cold in the morning and then warm in the afternoon. The perfect jacket choice for those uncertain days just got a lot easier with the insulated, waterproof Overland jacket from Tekkima. At home on the city streets or wooded trails, the Overland Jacket has a waterproof shell with a lightweight insulation. It features two exterior pockets and two interior pockets that are perfect for stashing tech. With an adjustable stowaway hood, you’re ready for whatever the weather throws at you.
The Overland is a fully insulated, waterproof jacket. The shell is made from 100% polyester with lamination. It has a 100% polyester cire twill lining and, wait for it… the insulation is… 100% premium polyester.
They describe the Overland as:
the go-to jacket for winter warriors who need that one crucial piece to get them through the cold days and nights.
I have to say I agree. As I previously noted, the Overland feels like nothing. It is thin, soft, and light. It is so light that, when I received it, I honestly thought I was going to have to wait for spring to wear it for this review. But the other day I decided to give it a shot despite the cold New Jersey morning.
I put it on, threw on a hat and gloves and headed out with my dog for an early morning walk. It was cold… seriously cold. But the Overland kept me incredibly toasty. Despite my initial impressions it really is a winter coat.
Also, the Overland is waterproof so you can go out in the winter assured that if… when… precipitation starts coming down you will still be warm.
For added protection from the weather, it also has a stowaway hood. I’ve used the hood a few times but, for the most part, I keep it stowed away and simply put on a knit cap.
I do, however, like knowing the hood is there if I need that extra bit of warmth or if it starts to rain or snow.
Here’s the other thing I like about the Overland. Thanks to its variable stitched quilting and pocket arrangements, it looks a bit like a tech-oriented coat but doesn’t go over the top the way some other company’s jackets do. For example, in addition to the two exterior zippered pockets, there are two internal “tech pockets” and a large pocket that closes with a single snap.
The left side of the jacket has a pocket by the breast that is slanted slightly upward.
It is large enough for my iPhone X and had a protective flap that is kept closed with Velcro. The angle of the pocket makes it easy to grab the phone while ensuring it won’t accidentally slip out.
At the bottom of the left side is a large pocket that is open at the top except for a single snap that secures items placed there. It isn’t the type of pocket you would want to keep valuables, but at about 10” long and 8” deep, it can hold a decent amount of stuff.
The right side of the jacket has a vertical zipper measuring 10”.
It opens to reveal a pocket that is large enough to hold an iPad. I know because I tried it out with my 10.5” iPad Pro and the iPad fit just fine. Now look, I don’t see keeping my iPad there. That has always struck me as silly. But it is good to know that if I did need to take my iPad but wanted to keep both hands free, I COULD do it.
So yes, this jacket is designed for people who like and carry their tech with them. But it isn’t over the top, it isn’t used as a huge selling feature, and they don’t have channels for earphone cables. 2018 is the age of wireless after all!
Features:
- Waterproof
- Variable stitched quilting
- Two-way zipper
- Two exterior zippered pockets
- Two interior tech pockets
- Adjustable stowaway hood
Most importantly, The Tekkima Overland is warm and comfortable. I have a number of winter jackets but, since getting the Overland, it is definitely the one I find myself reaching for as I head out the door. That says a lot! The Tekkima Overland is just $145. Check it out here.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Thin and light; Surprisingly warm; Hood stows away; Waterproof; Two zippered exterior pockets; Two interior “tech” pockets; An additional space for carrying things.
What Needs Improvement: Nothing. I’m a fan of this jacket!