Review: Kathmandu Benmore Men’s ngx 5-in-1 Travel Rain Jacket

Want to know more about the Benmore ngx 5-in-1 travel rain jacket from Kathmandu? I’ve had it for a couple of months now, and here is a complete review of the jacket with my thoughts, more info, and of course the pros and cons.

Short info about the Benmore ngx 5-in-1 jacket

A versatile jacket that’s possible to wear in five different ways. With easy to use zippers, you can change your layers quickly by zipping off the different parts. Simply explained, this is a rain jacket with a bomber jacket/vest on the inside with detachable arms and hood.

So basically, if you can only bring one jacket this is a really good choice.

Fabric

• Outer: 62% Nylon 34% Polyester 4% Elastane, Inner: Shell: 100% Nylon
• Lining: 100% Nylon
• Trim: 76% Nylon 19% Polyester 5% Elastane
• Fill: Duck down and feather Minimum 85% Duckdown (Class 1)*

*The down is 100% ethically sourced (RDS).

The technique behind ngx®

This jacket has ngx™2 on the outer jacket. See the explanation from Kathmandu

ngx2® technology uses a layered construction; bonding a water-repellent shell fabric to a waterproof, breathable barrier. Choose ngx2 for comfy and versatile everyday weather protection.

Read more about ngx® here

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Who should buy this jacket?

I would recommend it especially for full-time travelers, but also to those who know they will be traveling between different climates and temperatures. It’s always nice to carry as little as possible, and if you travel from between colder and warmer climates on the same trip, this jacket from Kathmandu is very convenient.

It’s also great against wind and water. With the right layers, you could also use it in colder temperatures. I would even go as far to say that you don’t even have to be the outdoorsy type to buy this jacket. It’s stylish and can be worn in urban areas, especially the inner bomber jacket, but also the outer jacket.

So, basically, everyone who wants a versatile and stylish jacket that’s able to combine an urban look with functionality. It’s something that you don’t come across every day, but Kathmandu has really come up with a great design.

Pros

• Stylish
• Multifunctional
• Detachable hood
• Good and useful pockets
• Lightweight, yet a sturdy and warm jacket
• Can be transformed by zipping off the arms or detach the bomber jacket/vest from the shell.
• Outer jacket: Waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric (ngx™2)
• Outer jacket has Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish
• Makes it easy to use smartphone/iPod

Cons

The list of cons will be very short as in overall the Benmore Men’s ngx 5-in-1 is absolutely superb. However, there is one small thing that could’ve been better.

• The hood is kinda big (no problem if you wear a hat/cap under)

Even though I personally thought the hood was a bit big, it still fits its purpose. And this jacket from Kathmandu is without a doubt one of the best jackets I’ve tried.

My thoughts on the Jacket

After a few months of use, I can say that I really like this jacket. It works well in many situations, and could also be worn quite casually in cities, so it’s not the typical outdoor jacket. In fact, I’ve gotten several compliments from strangers and friends, especially for the inside bomber jacket.

Another good thing is the quality. I’m not the best at taking care of clothing, shoes etc while traveling as I like to be caught up in the moment. I would rather get my feet wet and dirty than just standing still or avoid certain paths. The same goes for my jackets.

One thing that struck my mind is how hard it is to get stains and dirt. You don’t really have to worry, which means you can be yourself and just enjoy the adventure and nature.

All different styles have been useful except the vest, but that’s a personal preference, as I don’t really like wearing vests. However, if you do like to wear a vest you would probably enjoy this one. As for the other styles, they’re all excellent and have their own place for different surroundings and temperatures.

I should also say that I’ve worn it in temperatures below zero, and temperatures up to 15-20 degrees Celsius.

Is the Benmore ngx 5-in-1 travel rain jacket worth the price?

I will say yes. The price tag is currently set at $599.98 (Australian dollars) and $359.98 (Australian dollars) for members. This is equal to about 385 Euro and 231 Euro for members. For this, you get a multifunctional jacket that you can wear for several occasions instead of buying each piece separately.

Where can you buy the Benmore ngx 5-in-1 from Kathmandu?

You can buy it online at the Kathmandu website – www.kathmandu.co.nz

They offer international shipping, and if you join their summit club, you get more benefits. Members also get lower prices and special deals. So, that’s something I can recommend if you’re planning to buy outdoor gear.

More about Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a leading retailer of clothing and equipment for travel and adventure in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. It’s a well-known brand in the outdoor industry and they have more than 163 stores spread across New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

Other than jackets, they sell just about anything you think of when it comes to outdoor gear and equipment.

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Do you have more questions about the Kathmandu jacket? Leave a comment below or send me an email, and I’m happy to answer from my own experience.