Tierra is a Swedish brand with a good pedigree, available in the UK via Trekitt. I’ve not tested their gear before so was keen to try the Tierra Nevado waterproof jacket.
Price: £370/€499.95 | Weight: 442g (size medium) | Materials: 3L Gore C-knit, 70D 100% polyamide with ePTFE membrane. | Hood: wired with rear and side adjusters | Front closure: two way YKK water repellent zip with rear storm flap | Underarm/side zips: underarm zips | Pockets: two external, one of which has internal organiser pocket, plus two internal mesh pockets. | Hem: elastic drawcord | Cuffs: hook and loop | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Mens version: yes
It’s made using Gore-Tex C-Knit, a waterproof fabric which is lighter and more supple than other Gore-Tex fabrics. The fabric has a lovely soft feel and Gore-Tex say that C-knit is just as durable as standard Gore-Tex products. I found that in cold weather it feels cooler to wear, because it’s not as thick.
Because the materials are lighter, Tierra Nevado have been able to include features that give a luxurious feel without the weight penalty. The hood is generous, easily adjustable and fits over a helmet, with a soft microfibre chin guard plus a broad and protective brim.
There’s no shortage of pockets, including internal mesh pockets, and external hand warmer pockets. The left hand pocket is unusual; as well as having an internal organiser pouch, it has two entrances. I’ve struggled to find this useful, and am suspicious of it as it seems like a good way for water to get in, and for personal items to escape if I’m not careful. It’s definitely one more zip to remember to close in bad weather.
The cut is generous, for easy layering with good freedom of movement for activities like skiing and alpine climbing, and this is the arena where this jacket will perform well, when good pockets with easy access are useful, and Alpine days out are typically better than the standard British suffer-fest that I tested it in.
Reviewed by Lucy Wallace
Lucy tested this jacket on day walks and multi day expeditions in the mountains during the wet and wild tail end of 2023. Conditions ranged from sideways rain, to snow, to gales, and sometimes all three at once. Weights were measured using her home digital scales.
