Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Vinjatek
    • Home
    • Shop
    • About
    • Contact
    • Gear
      1. Reviews
      2. Bags
      3. Clothing
      4. Flashlights
      5. Footwear
      6. Hunting
      7. EDC
      8. Guns
      9. Tech
      10. Knives
      11. Pens
      12. Outdoors
      13. Optics
      14. Tools
      Featured

      Best Camping Cot Reviews: Expert’s Picks & Buying Guide

      By Carl Williams05/12/2022
      Recent

      Best Camping Cot Reviews: Expert’s Picks & Buying Guide

      05/12/2022

      Best Snowshoes Reviews: Expert Picks & Buying Tips

      29/11/2022

      Best Sleeping Pad Reviews: Expert’s Picks & Buying Guide

      29/11/2022
    • Sections
      • Lifestyle
      • Tactical
      • Survival
      • Preparedness
      • Restricted
      • Hiking
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Vinjatek
    You are at:Home»Gear»Clothing»Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket : Review
    Clothing Gear Reviews

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket : Review

    avatarBy vinja10/02/20186 Comments7 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket Glow in The Dark /// Vinjatek
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    From the makers of Kevlar® hoodies and ceramic armored shirts comes an ultra-minimal, agile and waterproof glow in the dark technical jacket.

    Buy >>>

    “When your jacket can glow like kryptonite you know there’s some batshit crazy tech going on. Made from a highly responsive material that can be charged by exposing it to almost any light source, one of the most technologically advanced jackets the world has ever seen. WIRED’s Sports Gear of the Year 2017.” -Vollebak

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket Glow in The Dark /// Vinjatek

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket /// Vinjatek

    You don’t have to know me personally to know that I like my gear and apparel to be exclusively black – with 1 or 2 exceptions. Perhaps in part of my New York roots but it’s mostly because I simply like the darkness.

    For almost the entirety of my career, I didn’t get to wear black. Because of the nature of our work, our “uniforms” were whatever the local people were wearing – true urban camouflage.

    The Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket ($350) is the complete opposite of dark and camo. In fact, it’s an actual light source and an agent of anti-camouflage.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket - Before and After /// Vinjatek

    Forget the fact that this jacket glows in the dark like it’s been irradiated in tritium. When in the light, it’s a battleship grey with some translucency. It’s rather handsome and subtle, but a far cry from black.

    I mention all this to press upon you how much I like this jacket. That I proudly added a non-black article of clothing to my very limited packing space as I live out of a backpack. It certainly sounds silly but it’s a testament to this most outstanding kit.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket With Rolex Lume /// Vinjatek

    So yes, this jacket is essentially reverse-camouflage, which is the point and executed very well. It’s no gimmick though, there’s many practical uses of such a feature of a jacket, but also, it’s a high-end piece of technical apparel that you won’t find anywhere else.

    One of my pro members sent me a link to the Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket product page last year and I almost dismissed it as one of those over hyped Kickstarter clothing startups that produce crap.

    I only scrolled down for the images with slight interest and was about to close out the browser window until I saw a pic of Jason Fox, a former special forces sergeant wearing a strange black shirt. I clicked on it and it took me to what I now unequivocally consider the best technical / tactical t-shirt ever made.

    The Condition Black Ceramic T-Shirt. I read every word and examined every photo on that product page. I ordered the shit out of it, hard.

    48 hours later, it arrived and without even testing it, it became my favorite t-shirt of all time. A few minutes later I went back online and ordered the baselayer version. Then eventually the midlayer, completing the Condition Black Range trifecta.

    Vollebak

    I almost dismissed this relatively new but arguably the most innovative clothing company right now. Instead it’s become my favorite apparel brand.

    And so I have a glow in the dark jacket. A jacket I’m going to get some damn good use out of. It’s replaced my Triple Aught Design Raptor Hoodie jacket. Which is also a high-end waterproof packable shell that’s served me well for the last couple of years.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket Packed in a Ball /// Vinjatek

    The Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket is not as tough but it’s 1/3 lighter in weight and packs a lot smaller for extremely flexible packing and carrying options.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket Membrane Fabric /// Vinjatek

    The incredible packability was one of the strongest selling points for me. The high-tech glow in the dark fabric helps but it’s the overall minimalistic design that keeps it so mobile, light and packable.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket With Condition Black Ceramic Midlayer /// Vinjatek

    I’ve never seen fabric like this. It’s triple layered with a phosphorescent compound (glow material) in the center. It’s silky smooth and seemingly weightless with a touch of shimmer. Vollebak uses the word “membrane” to describe the fabric and that’s not just marketing talk, upon close examination you can see how it’s similar to the cell structure of living plants.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket Zipper /// Vinjatek

    The waterproof rating is a low 2,500mm but with taped seams throughout and an incomparable storm guard waterproof zipper system. It won’t keep you dry under torrential downpours for long but mild rain will be fine. Fabric breathability is most excellent in tests, further enhanced with 3 vents under each arm pit.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket Hood /// Vinjatek

    As far as hoods go, this has the most comfortable and maneuverable one I can recall wearing on a jacket. The Raptor Hoodie always felt like it was pulling my head down and didn’t move well when turning. The Stealth Hoodie LT may just have the best ever but I can’t get over how it feels like there’s nothing over my head with the Solar Charged Jacket’s hood.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket Pocket /// Vinjatek

    It has a single pocket, oddly but strategically located on the back right hip. It’s triangularly shaped with a waterproof zipper. It’s perfect for wallets, mobile phones, keys and other small / important items.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket Sleeve Cuff /// Vinjatek

    To maximize on minimizing, Vollebak used laser-cut bonded sleeve cuffs with a type of ultra thin elastic I don’t recall seeing before. So no straps or extra material, but it’s articulated inward for a fitted fit.

    In Vollebak’s own words: “Whether you’re heading out training in the dark, running an ultra through the mountains, climbing, riding, or out on the water, it works as a phenomenal lightweight rain jacket, windbreaker, emergency layer or safety device.”

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket Drawcord /// Vinjatek

    At its core, that’s what this is best for. An impromptu jacket for specialized purposes or circumstances. Something that you can almost always have on you without weighing you down or taking up space. Especially for when you may not even need a jacket but always good to have just in case with no nuisance.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket Tag /// Vinjatek

    So it’s not intended as a primary jacket for full-time use or harsh winters. Although I will be using it all the time, but I tend to stay in warmer parts of the world.

    I would have loved this thing as a kid, who wouldn’t? But only because it glows like unstable kryptonite. As an adult, survivalist and former operative, I can appreciate the many practical applications that can be utilized with such an illuminating feature.

    For starters, it’s a damn fine technical jacket even without the glow. But it does glow, like a giant glow stick, and for many hours. I haven’t been able to test Vollebak’s claim of 12 hours but it does outlast my Rolex Submariner’s lume at about 7+ hours.

    I like to run at night, way after the sun goes down. Recently I’d put on my Goruck TAC Hat with an LED torch I integrated onto it. Not so I can see, but so drivers can see me. Now I just “charge” my Solar Charged Jacket with any light source then head out. So much better than using a light or reflectives.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket Writing /// VinjatekThat’s just one way of using the glow function of this jacket with plenty of other uses; ambient light source, signaling, spotting and even messaging.

    Such as writing on it like your spray painting or penciling on the jacket, depending on the type of light source.

    This opens up a whole new set of survival and trekking tactics without carrying additional gear – but just by having something you’d have anyways, a jacket.

    You can have fun with it as well of course; creeping up on friends in the dark or partying at a nightclub.

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket - Before and After /// Vinjatek

    True innovation is risky in the clothing business, even to huge and long established brands like The North Face and Arc’teryx. That’s why they take incremental advancements in their product lines over time to ease consumers into buying safe bets.

    Vollebak is new and relatively small but they push the boundaries of technical apparel like I’ve never seen before. They take risks with seemingly ridiculous and edgy concepts like a premium glow in the dark jacket.

    But their risky bets pan out exceptionally. They make damn good goods you won’t find anywhere else.

    Glow in The Dark Polymide // Waterproof to 2,500mm // Breathable Membrane // Fully Taped Seams // Waterproof / Storm Guard Zippers // Waterproof Pocket // Peaked Adjustable Hood // Laser-Cut Bonded Sleeve Cuffs

    Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket // $350

    Buy >>>

    [Also featured in this review is Shadow Amphibian Boots, Gator Machete, Rolex Submariner, Goruck TAC Hat and FTD Alpha Touch Gloves.]

    1,444
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleUsing a Watch as “Brass Knuckles”
    Next Article [R] DUSD: The Method of Procuring Food at Restaurants Without Money
    avatar
    vinja

      American patriot, former covert operative and active operations consultant, living globally as a vagabond.

      Related Posts

      Best Camping Cot Reviews: Expert’s Picks & Buying Guide

      05/12/2022

      Best Cooler With Wheels Reviews: Top Picks & Buyer’s Tips

      29/11/2022

      Best Snowshoes Reviews: Expert Picks & Buying Tips

      29/11/2022

      Best Sleeping Pad Reviews: Expert’s Picks & Buying Guide

      29/11/2022

      6 Comments

      1. avatar
        Phil Lacoste on 10/02/2018 1:29 AM

        WOW! Gonna try to get this next week. Great review!

        Reply
      2. avatar
        Specialist Zero on 10/02/2018 1:33 AM

        I got there ceramic shirt after your review and its really an amazing shirt. Cant see myself getting this jacket but their kevlar hoodie looks like is gonna be eating into my bank account once its in stock

        Reply
      3. Mark Scháperkótter on 11/02/2018 4:52 AM

        I love that jacket! BTW there is one more Condition Black item you didnt mention: the jacket. I picked it up in London at Vollebak headquarters. Steve an Nick were really really nice and then showed me the Solar Jacket before it was on the site. Needless to say I order 2 on the spot. One for my gf and one for myself. Its my fave gear 🙂

        Reply
        • avatar
          vinja on 13/02/2018 11:49 AM

          Sold out! It’s probably the most insanely built jacket available. Lucky you! Yeah, I gotta go visit them in London one of these days. Can’t wait for what they cook up next.

          Reply
          • Mark Scháperkótter on 13/02/2018 3:21 PM

            Steve told me that the Portugese company that put the armour on went through 7000+ needles. Stuff is that tuff 🙂 That jacket is true grit man

            Reply
            • avatar
              vinja on 14/02/2018 2:57 PM

              We call that “overbuilt” in America, and it’s a wonderful thing.

              Reply

      Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

      About
      About

      An outdoors, tactics, lifestyle & urban survival site that focuses on the ideology, methodology, mindset and tactics of a covert operative to utilize in life, work and play.

      Facebook Twitter Instagram

      Advertiser Disclosure:
      Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these

      Latest
      Camping

      Best Camping Cot Reviews: Expert’s Picks & Buying Guide

      By Carl Williams05/12/2022

      There’s nothing better than pitching a tent and spending time in the Great Outdoors; that…

      Best Cooler With Wheels Reviews: Top Picks & Buyer’s Tips

      29/11/2022

      Best Snowshoes Reviews: Expert Picks & Buying Tips

      29/11/2022

      Best Sleeping Pad Reviews: Expert’s Picks & Buying Guide

      29/11/2022
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Pinterest
      • Instagram

      Vinjatek
      Facebook Twitter Instagram
      • Home
      • About
      • Shop
      • Contact
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms & Conditions
      Vinjatek is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
      Vinjatek™ Copyright © 2019 - 2022 Kooc Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Registered Company No.05695741 // Survival / Outdoors / Tactics / Gear

      Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.