Boreas Jacket: NASA level Jacket Tech
Ditch the bulky jacket. Go with NASA tech.
What if we told you one of the warmest jackets out there to nab in 2021 is one made by Wen Times and weighs only 660 grams (translation: 2 cans of soda)? Yeah- you’d probably think it was some sort of wind breaker. Nope, not a wind breaker- more like a rule breaker in the jacket game. Meet the Boreas Jacket by Wen Times out of Hong Kong.
This super slim yet durable and cozy jacket is new to the scene for 2021. In fact, at the time of this review it still was in its final stages of the INDIEGOGO campaign and reached over $145k with 435+ backers. Our crew was fortunate enough to nab the jacket prior to launch so we could test it out and see just how legit this slim jacket really was against the elements.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
To kick things off, take a look at this promo video from Wen Times and see just what the Warmest Jacket Made by NASA Tech has to offer:
Yeah looks pretty slick. But is it? When our crew first received the box containing the jacket we had our doubts it was a jacket in the small box. We thought it was something entirely different until we opened the air tight sealed jacket. Out of the box the jacket was lightweight, smooth, and made us all scratch our heads in shock that a jacket this slim could handle being sprayed with -196 °C (-320.8) °F liquid nitrogen (yeah Wen Times did this to test it).
The Boreas Jacket features a temperature resistant factor that can withstand -196 degrees celsius, has built in ventilation and breathability, is extremly lightweight, both wind/water proof (not to mention stain proof), is resistant to flames and is made with NASA grade materials. If the same materials can keep astronauts comfy in outer space, imagine what it could do for us on earth? Our crew immediately loved the slim design, the color choices (black or white), and the overall look of the jacket.
Our initial crew impression: This jacket is outta this world (sorry we had to with the whole NASA thing)
TESTING IT OUT
KEY FEATURES:
Consists of silica aerogel (highly resistant and lightweight material researched and developed by NASA)
Inner aerogel is as thin as just two millimeters of foil
Extremely porous and very low in density
660 grams of weight for its S size
Extraordinary insulating capability
Heat retention in environments as cold as-40 °C/-40°F
Built in thermometer
Stain proof, Waterproof, Lifeproof (kinda)
Our crew took the Wen Times Boreas jacket to Idaho for the test/review. We wanted to get out of California and put the jacket to the test atop some snowy mountains for a day full of testing and exploring. The temperatures during the day reached a high of 39 degrees and at night we faced lows of 19 degrees. While not as cold as some regions, we felt that it would still be a good barometer of the jackets capabilities for the average cold weather fan.
COMFORT
To kick things off- we nabbed a medium size jacket (we usually wear a medium) and the chest, waist, and neck/head sections were perfect. The arms and wrist sections were a bit tighter than we are used to, but we chalked that up to the extra time we’ve been spending in the gym (wishful thinking, we know). The overall comfort level was really on point. The reduction of bulky layers and the thin aerogel filling really helped us maintain our core temperature in the various temperatures. The lightweight design really allowed for movability and freedom to explore the snow and outdoors without feeling weighed down or constricted.
WARMTH
As mentioned before, this jacket consists of silica aerogel, the highly resistant and lightweight material researched and developed by NASA to insulate spacesuits. It is ultra-thin and creates the ability to retain heat in the most extreme conditions. We zipped up the jacket and in 40 degree temps, our internal temperature on the built in thermometer hovered around 68 degrees. We felt comfortable and the jacket retained heat just as promised. In the 19 degree nights, the jacket stood up to the same test. Fully zipped up in 19 degrees we stayed a consistent 68 degree internally. We liked how we could check the temp as we did various activities to see just how much our internal temp was heating up in the jacket. A slight un-zip and we could regulate our internal temp as we sought fit.
FUNCTIONALITY
In terms of functionality we really dug the concept of the jacket. The battery-free thermometer (flexible and embedded inside the jacket) was a cool feature we have not seen on a jacket before like this. The jackets heat retention while also allowing us to to breathe as we wore it was spot on. The design worked well to preserve a comfortable fit, while effectively preventing our body from overheating or sweating. The arms at times felt slight constriction, but really was not noticeable once we hit the slopes for a snowboard run. We really liked the internal pocket design and smooth front pockets as well.
STANDOUT FEATURES
The Boreas Jacket by Wen Times has some great aspects to make this a really solid jacket for those into harsh elements or the casual need to stay warm outdoor vibes. There are some key aspects that really make this jacket standout:
In addition to keeping the heat within, the Boreas allows you to breathe as you wear it
Features hidden pockets, killer wrist/cuff design, and great zipper function
Specially designed to preserve a comfortable fit, it effectively prevents your body from overheating or sweating
Added features like neck windshield, skirt, and thermometer are great additions and do not sacrifice the slim design
Oh, did we mention the NASA areogel used to make up the jacket?
Overall the Boreas jacket really is a solid choice for any outdoor element.
BONUS FEATURES
As an added bonus, the jacket features really sleek design concepts not a lot of other jackets have. The price point for this jacket really falls in line with the competition and should make for a great outdoor seasonal find.
Overall Duuude Factor: This jacket is out of this world.
Price: $279 on Indiegogo
BRAND INFO
Wen Times performance clothing is designed to take you anywhere in comfort and style. Cycle through the rainiest day in your neighborhood, up to the highest top of the mountain then down to the deepest gorge in the valley. Embrace the outdoor with no fear of extreme cold or adverse weather conditions. Be anywhere you want to be. Be anything you want to experience. Be Your Adventure.
“After two years of studies and tests, the Boreas jacket was finally completed in the fall of 2020. By selecting the finest materials, passing rigorous tests, and pursuing high standards of quality, Wen Times is committed to creating simple and innovative designs in performance clothing that define fashion as a tech item. We aspire to authentically express the perspective of the wearer through sophisticated and refined technology”
