FINISTERRE RAINBIRD
Finisterre’s latest waterproof jacket is made from recycled polyester and has a PFC durable waterresistant treatment. When worn out the Rainbird can be recycled too.
The fabric has a slight stretch, so the jacket moves with you. It’s incredibly soft for a waterproof, feeling more like a light softshell. It has a minimum of panels, which keeps the weight and number of seams down.
The toothed front zip is surprisingly chunky. It’s water-resistant and is backed up by an inner flap with a rain gutter and a wide strip of double fabric. There’s a microfibre collar guard at the top of the zip.
The hood is a simple one with no peak. It does have front drawcords (my preference) and can be cinched down close to the head and face for good protection. The pockets have zips with flaps over them and are quite roomy, though the bottom of them is cut off by a hipbelt. All zips have long pullers. The back is slightly extended. A drawcord in the hem has cordlocks. The adjustable cuffs allow ventilation.
The Rainbird is very comfy. Finisterre says the fabric has a breathability of 10,000. This is on the low side, so condensation build-up is quicker than on much more expensive garments even though Finisterre says the ‘microporous inner film wicks moisture away the harder you work’ (it does, to some extent) . However, for a jacket at this price it’s reasonable. And the price is very low, making the Rainbird excellent value for money.