Wild campingFinisterreInsulated jacket
Finisterre Nebulas insulated jacket review: gloriously toasty, guilt-free warmth
A wonderfully warm winter layer that's as at home at the pub as it is on Dartmoor — made entirely from recycled materials, with the comfort to match.
By Adrian Wilson
✓ RecommendedFinisterre Nebulas Insulated Jacket
RRP£210Weight875gTog rating5.1
The good✓ Outstanding eco credentials
✓ Reliably warm — duvet-territory tog rating
✓ Super soft and cosy to wear
✓ Surprisingly breathable for its warmth
✓ Quality zips and hidden wrist cuffs
The not-so-good✗ Heavy for an insulated jacket
✗ Bulky pack size
✗ Hood toggle digs in when lying down
✗ Less durable than technical mountain layers
At a glance
| Brand | Finisterre |
| Model | Nebulas Insulated Jacket |
| RRP | £210 |
| Weight | 875g (medium) |
| Insulation | 100% recycled synthetic |
| Tog rating | 5.1 |
| Shell | Recycled polyester (PFC-free DWR) |
| Best for | Cold weather hikes, campfire evenings, everyday winter wear |
| Not for | High-intensity activity |
Overview
Based on the rugged coast of Cornwall, Finisterre has built a reputation on doing things the right way. Their deep commitment to sustainability — recycled materials, low-impact processes, timeless designs — has earned genuine credibility among outdoor folk who care as much about the planet as they do about performance. The Nebulas insulated jacket is a prime example of that ethos.
Built with a fully recycled polyester shell and liner, 100% recycled insulation, and a PFC-free water repellent treatment, the Nebulas is a do-it-all winter coat. At 875g (medium) and roughly rugby-ball size when packed, it's not ultralight — but it's portable enough for most British adventures. At £210 it's an investment, but one that might well be worth it if your adventures don't stop when the mercury drops.
Set against the competition: the Rab Nebula Pro (£200, 568g) is the better call for ultralight expeditions or deep-winter wild camps, but it leans heavily technical with a style that won't suit everyone off the hill. The Columbia Oak Harbour II (£180) offers proper waterproofing but is heavier, less packable, and built with practicality over polish. The Nebulas finds a thoughtful middle ground — warm enough for cold camps and slow winter walks, smart enough for town.
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How we tested
We wore the Nebulas on a full-day winter trek across Dartmoor with temperatures just above freezing and a cutting wind — a proper test of warmth. It delivered. Over the following months, we wore it on freezing walks through the Chiltern Hills and Surrey Hills, with temperatures dropping to -3°C at times. We were comfortably warm with just a t-shirt and thin midlayer underneath.
Features and performance
Warmth
Finisterre lists the Nebulas with a tog rating of 5.1 — and yes, that's duvet territory. It's rare to see a brand even mention tog ratings, but in this case it makes perfect sense: this thing genuinely feels like walking around wrapped in a cosy quilt. It's not the jacket you reach for on a lung-busting summit push, but for cold evenings at camp, slow winter wanders, or waiting for the kettle on a frosty morning, it's spot on.
How it feels to wear
A lot of recycled kit we've tried feels compromised — stiff linings, itchy fabric, insulation that crunches. Not here. The Nebulas feels genuinely plush: recycled insulation that's soft and lofty, a liner that glides over layers, outer fabric that's tough without feeling like a tarp. It feels premium from the moment you put it on, which is something we don't say lightly about sustainable kit.
The details
Two deep hip pockets double as hand warmers; an internal stash pocket keeps essentials secure. Zips are buttery smooth with long toggles easy to grab in thick gloves. The stand-out design choice: wrist cuffs hidden under thick layers of insulation, with padding billowing over your wrists to lock in warmth where you usually lose it. It's a subtle touch that makes a real difference.
One minor niggle: the chunky rear hood toggle digs into the back of the head when lying down fully zipped. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing for wild campers who end up sleeping in their coat.
Quick tipIt layers brilliantlyThe Nebulas runs on the roomy side, giving plenty of flexibility for layering. It still looks good even worn over a down jacket on the coldest days. If you prefer a slimmer cut, size down — otherwise the fit is ideal for all-round versatility and comfort.
Our verdictA cracking bit of kit for anyone who wants to stay warm this winter — without making a mess of the planet.The Finisterre Nebulas isn't the lightest or most packable synthetic insulated jacket out there. At £210, it's also unapologetically expensive for what it is on paper. But to stop there would miss the point: the higher price reflects genuine investment in sustainable manufacturing, thoughtful design and materials that feel as good as anything we've tested in this category.For eco-conscious adventurers, casual wild campers, chilly dog walkers and anyone after a jacket that earns its keep day after day in British winters, the Nebulas is easy to recommend. Tested on Dartmoor, in the Chilterns and Surrey Hills — it didn't disappoint once.
FAQs
What's the temperature rating of the Finisterre Nebulas?Finisterre don't list an official temperature rating, but publish a tog rating of 5.1 — duvet territory. In testing, it kept us comfortable down to -3°C with minimal layering. Best suited to cold UK winters and lower-intensity activities.
Is the Finisterre Nebulas breathable?More breathable than most synthetic insulated jackets in this warmth class. Not suitable for high-intensity activity, but handles short bursts of movement — camp setup, gathering wood, moving between viewpoints — without overheating.
How packable is the Finisterre Nebulas?At 875g and roughly rugby-ball sized when packed, it's not ultralight. But for regular cold-weather use, it travels reasonably well. You won't want it on a fast-and-light mission; for everything else it's fine.
Is the Finisterre Nebulas worth the money?At £210, it sits at the higher end for synthetic insulated jackets. But considering the warmth, comfort and genuinely impressive eco credentials, we think it offers solid value — especially for anyone after a jacket versatile enough for both outdoor adventures and everyday use.
