Outsider’s co-director and International Mountain Runner Matthew McConnell has put the jacket through its paces, and here are his thoughts:
Meet the Terra Nova Jacket, a piece of outerwear that brings together technical innovation, environmental conscience, and a distinctly Irish sensibility. Built by an Irish company with a deep respect for the landscapes that inspire us, this jacket is designed for fast, focused movement through wild spaces. Whether you’re tackling steep climbs, long wet mountain runs, or a misty morning hike, the Terra Nova promises reliable protection without the bulk.
Performance on the Trail
I have been using the Terra Nova Jacket for just over a month now across a range of activities, from trail running to fast hiking and biking in typically unpredictable Irish weather. While it is marketed as a trail running jacket, I have found it to be much more versatile.
At first glance, the jacket looks and feels premium. The lightweight, paper-thin fabric feels delicate but has proven remarkably durable, even under the pressure of a trail running vest or hiking backpack. When you pull it on in bad weather, it feels like a suit of armour, tough, protective, and ready for whatever the mountains throw your way.
The adjustable, storm-ready hood fits snugly, offering excellent coverage without obstructing vision, and the minimalist silhouette moves naturally with the body. There are no hand pockets, which helps reduce bulk and keep weight down, a design choice that makes sense for fast, performance-focused movement.
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Fit and Feel
I opted for a size small, which provides a fitted feel ideal as a trail running jacket. For those who want a bit more versatility, perhaps to layer underneath for hiking or bikepacking, sticking true to size would be the smarter choice. The orange colourway I tested not only looks sharp but also adds a layer of safety, standing out clearly against Ireland’s muted hillsides.
Design and Materials
The Terra Nova is made using the Xpore Ultra membrane, a high performance nanoporous material. It delivers 20,000 mm waterproofing and 20,000 g breathability, keeping you dry through even the most unpredictable Irish downpours. The outer fabric is 100 percent bio based, derived from castor beans, reducing dependence on fossil fuels while maintaining impressive durability.
What sets the Terra Nova apart is its commitment to clean technology. It is PTFE free, solvent free, and designed with fully recyclable trims and zips, setting a high bar for eco friendly performance gear. Even the care instructions for the piece on the Zirkulu’s website promote longevity, from using eco detergents to reproofing with fluorocarbon free treatments and repairing rather than replacing.
Gearing Up For Autumn
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The Terra Nova Jacket feels purpose built for Ireland’s mountains. It is lightweight, breathable, and durable, and while it truly shines in heavy rain and stormy conditions, it might feel a bit overbuilt for lighter showers, a trade-off common to most fully waterproof shells.
But beyond performance, what makes this jacket special is its Irish origin and environmental ethos. It is a reminder that high end technical gear does not need to come from the other side of the world. It can be designed right here, inspired by our own rugged landscapes.
If you are looking for a fast, functional, and planet-friendly waterproof jacket for mountain adventures, from hiking and biking to big winter days on the trails, the Terra Nova is a piece of kit worth investing in.
Speaking of investing, this jacket costs €150 RRP which is competatively priced for a lightweight waterproof jacket. Especially one that has a well connected environmental story.
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