Review: Traverse Nubra Windproof Softshell Jacket

This aesthetically designed jacket from a new Indian gear brand was tested during a Search and Rescue course (SAR) at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi. The Traverse Nubra Windproof Softshell Jacket proved to be a city contemporary winter outdoor jacket with an athletic fit and for low-altitude trekking.

An enjoyable trek is usually aided by the right equipment and clothing. With many options available in the market, it is not hard to get swayed from the varities of apparel to choose from like Traverse's Nubra Windproof Softshell jacket. The Outdoor Journal reviewed and tested the jacket during the Search and Rescue course at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi, altitude of 4,300 ft above sea level. At that altitude, it is a great jacket to warm your body in and if it gets a little hot, it has zippers at sides to control your body temperature and humidity after it rains.

Traverse is a new Indian gear brand in the market founded in 2012 by Aravind Sadaiappan, based in Bangalore, India. Indians have less access to high-range mountaineering apparel and those can not afford, Traverse comes as a relief with its mid-range products like Nubra Windproof Softshell jacket.

Currently only in a men's model, it is a very well-crafted jacket with outer layer in cool olive green color and inner fleece lining in attractive lime green color. It camouflages you among the trees during your treks. However, for an outdoor and adventure setting, a bright color apparel is an advantage.

The Traverse Nubra Windproof Softshell Jacket has a three layer fabric – the outer layer has 96% polyester and 4% elastene, the middle layer is Thermoplastic Polyurethane which is grease and abrasion resistant so I could coil ropes over my shoulders and could give ice-axe shoulder belay without any worry of damage to the jacket. Its inner layer is 100% polyester fleece. We moved from Uttarkashi town in Northern Uttarakhand, India to the mountains after a week for advance training. It has two inner pockets which could be used to store maps, a small writing pad to jot down points or any checklist which you would like to keep handy. Its two hand pockets with the water-resistant zips would keep your batteries and phone safe from light showers. It has pull out palm warmers with thumb support for extra protection from the wind. Up in the mountains, the weather can change without any cue and intermittent light showers at my campsite at 8,200 ft were a norm which this jacket easily handled. I could go out of my tent for dinner to stand in queue for a short while. Its adjustable hood and hem provides you an ideal athletic fit and that extra comfort is sure to take your heart away. It is also comfortable enough to give you a nice sleep wearing it in your sleeping bag as well.

The polyester fleece worked great in protecting from the cold while we were at the institute but after a day’s trek at our campsite, altitude of 8,200 ft, it just couldn’t stop me from shivering. The temperature dropped nearby to 5 degree Celsius as sun went down. We hope Traverse works upon the fleece lining which encourages hardcore trekkers to opt it for high terrain. If an extra layer is put on under it, then it would work the best in protecting from the cold but weight matters during treks. It would work well as a city winter outdoor jacket for running, cycling, etc rather than for high-altitude mountaineering.

All in all, it is a trendy outdoor jacket best suited for cold at or below 8,000 ft. It can be on your checklist for next trip to any hill station but it doesn't work for high-altitude mountaineering.

Pros: Attractive and trendy, scrape resistant, good fit, side zippers, wind proof fabric
Cons: Not for high-altitude trekking

Specifications:

1. Windproof fabric keeps windchill low
2. Abrasion resistant layer
3. Water resistant outer fabric can take light showers for short periods of time.
4. Ventilation zippers at sides for active temperature & humidity control
5. Adjustable hood and hem for achieving optimal fit
6. Two hand pockets and two inner map pockets for storage
7. Pull out palm warmers for extra protection from wind

Price: Rs. 4,850

Website: www.traversegear.co