When you start searching for outdoor gear, you quickly discover yourself faced with a dilemma. Blow your budget and get the best gear for the task or go for a cheaper option and risk regretting it later when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan? Well, what if you didn’t have to settle for this approach? This is where RevolutionRace comes in.

Based in Sweden, the RevolutionRace was established in 1994 by 2 outdoor enthusiasts, Pernilla and Niclas Nyrensten. Their objective: to produce outdoor garments to the highest standards, with high quality material, but also to keep things fun, well-fitting and, most importantly for a lot of us, affordable.

The brand RevolutionRace

I have to admit that when I was approached to review their products, I had not yet heard of them. After browsing through their site and learning more about their history, values and production methods however, I was very eager to get my hands on some of their gear to put them to the test and to see for myself if they have managed to turn their bold claims into a reality.

Setting up the review

To test their products, I decided to prepare a 20km hike through the forest and dunes of the Waterleidingduinen, on the Netherlands’ western coast. The hike presented a mix of dirt and sandy paths as well as cross-country hiking through the woods.

Once done, I turned my attention to selecting which items to test. This is when the fun actually began for me as RevolutionRace’s promise to keep things fun is apparent in the colour choices you are faced with. After a lot of back and forth, I decided to go for a Lemon Curry (yellow) Flex Down Jacket, combining it with a more sober jet black Nordwand Pro short trousers.

The order was processed and a few days later, I received a simple compact package containing both items. Staying true to their sustainable objectives, there are no endless layers of packaging and boxes here. Just a simple sealed plastic bag containing my order. Other brands should take note!

First impressions are positive as I try on both items and immediately can appreciate the comfort and the fit. They are roomy, yet well-tailored. The quote and signatures of the founders inside the jacket also serve as a good inspiration to get out there and play. Duly noted!

Flex Down jacket in Lemon Curry

Comfortable, breathable and well-cut

Fit

It is definitely an outdoor garment but I find it stylish enough to be worn around town too. It is clear that extra attention has been paid to this jacket in order to create an optimum fit. The jacket is roomy, yet tapered. The length allows the jacket to cover the hips which is perfect for outdoor sports.

Comfort

The jacket is well insulated being filled with certified down and is protected with a PFC free DWR to help repel water. It won’t get you through a heavy downpour but has proven enough to keep me dry during these last weeks of Autumnal drizzle.

Features

Elastic sleeves and 3 outer pockets with zippers. The jacket also has 2 larger inner pockets, perfect to store larger items such as gloves. Both the waist and hood have elastic bands allowing you to fine-tune the fit to your preference.

Colours

The Flex Down jacket is available in 3 colours: black, Lemon Curry (Yellow) and Paprika (red/orange)

Nordwand Pro Short Pants Jetblack

Everyday trousers, perfect for outdoor activities.

Fit

First off, I was very happy to see that a short version is available. Being 176cm tall, I always have difficulty finding appropriately sized trousers. Regular, comfortable fit thanks to the high waist band as adjustability via the belt loops. Based on the size calculator, I chose to order these in size XL but think I could have fit an L.

Comfort

Breathable, pre-shaped knees and soft fabric where it needs to be. I was afraid the trousers would feel tough before being broken in but this wasn’t the case.

Features

Excellent! The pants have adjustable leg endings and recessed boot hooks for a perfect fit with your hiking shoes. The zippered thigh pockets are large and the left one even includes a mesh phone holder which is a brilliant idea, keeping your phone snug to the leg, preventing it from bouncing around when you hike/run. The pant legs have a thigh ventilation zip on the outside, including a mesh seam.

Colours

These trousers (as most trousers from RevolutionRace) are available in 16 colours! I love this as it allows you to be very creative with your colour choices.

Summary of my experience

Overall, the clothing has a premium feel to it and the abundance of features have made both the jacket and the Nordwand Pro pants my go-tos when I’m heading out for a hike or outdoor adventure of any kind. Even my Arc’teryx Atom SL often gets left behind these days which is saying something as it has been my favourite jacket for a good 6 years straight.

Final verdict

Would I recommend these products to others? Well, I think the answer is clear as I already have started doing so to friends and family. There are no brands I can think of that offer this level of quality and features at this price point. A real no-brainer.

Review overview

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Flex Down Jacket | Lemon Curry € 169,-

Nordwand Pro Broek | Jetblack € 105,-