A super-compact, lightweight jacket for EDC (everyday carry) and emergency when getting caught out by a wind chill or sudden torrential downpour!

 

 Graphene-X's new apparel garment - Nomad(e) Jacket - is designed similarly to the Hoodie X zip up jumper and Omega pants to be breathable, wind-resistant and waterproof in a portable, packable form factor. The large version of Nomad(e) seen pictured on the review weighs 937 grams. 

 The main zipper is a heavy duty YKK 5CN zipper with a guard zipper on top to prevent compressing and/or scratching the throat. The Nomad(e) Jacket features a built-in rear kangaroo pocket compartment with a zipper protected by a flap. 

 

The rear pocket is dual purpose designed for storing and retrieving gear - similarly to a cycling jersey back pocket - and for transforming the jacket into a sleak carry bag with strap. The strap is attached to two quick release buckles on either side to remove the strap from the jacket. The strap doesn't have adjustable buckles so, it has a fixed length (~1 meter long) and, it is made of thin fabric ( feels more like a long lanyard than a webbing strap).

Converting the jacket into bag mode requires having to fold, roll and cram the jacket into the pocket, while poking and prodding the jacket evenly across. The more times you do it, the easier it gets to quickly pack the jacket down. 

 

Deploying the jacket takes seconds, which is super handy in an emergency situation. The Nomad(e) jacket is safely secure inside the bag, thanks to the built-in zipper, which is fully waterproof. The dimensions of Nomad(e) bag mode is 20cm long x 20cm wide and 4cm thick.

The material lining the interior of the Nomad(e) jacket is graphene grid designed for warmth and retaining heat. The graphene grid liner has been printed seamlessly directly onto the waterproof membrane so, it is not noticable, doesn't get in the way and makes it easier to wick moisture from the body. 

 

The outershell material on the outside is stretchable nylon ripstop fabric, which is durable with 2-way stretch to make the jacket less rigid and more flexible so, it is comfortable to wear without feeling restricted. 

 

The Nomad(e) waterproof membrane is rated at 10k (10,000 mm) with a 8k (8,000 grams) breathability rating, which is maximized via perforated holes strategically across the shoulder blade area and lower back. The ventilation holes are hidden by a fly over flap to help maintain warmth and waterproofing integrity.

The Nomad(e) 10k waterproofing is the same as the Alpha Series II jacket so, Nomad(e) can be used as an all-day type rain jacket that can handle heavy pressurized rain downpours with ease. 

Aside from insulation and waterproofing, the Nomad(e) jacket has reflective material - a must on a emergency jacket. The logo on front is made of reflective material, while the backside has three long reflective strips running vertically across the jacket. The collar of jacket has concealed zipper hiding the hood. 

 

As far as sizing, the Nomad(e) Jacket feels true to size, although the sleeves feel shorter than other Graphe-X jackets. You may need to size up (e.g. from large to extra-large) to get longer sleeves, although this also means a "baggier" looser fit. The large size jacket sleeve length (from armpit to cuff) is 51cm.

You can buy the Nomad(e) jacket from Graphene-X website. Check out the review of the new All Rounder Shorts.