This review features a set of Mac in a Sac Origin waterproof outer layers that I received thanks to a collaboration with Ordnance Survey (originally published February 2024). OS don’t sell outdoor gear anymore, so I’ve updated my review (October 2025) with links direct to Mac in a Sac.
Mac in a Sac Origin 2 Jacket and Overtrousers
Mac in a Sac specialise in low-cost, lightweight, portable outerwear. Their big selling point? Packability. Both jacket and trousers squash down into their own tiny little bags – small enough to tuck into the corner of a daypack or that last bit of space in your road trip duffel.
The set I have here is the Origin jacket and overtrousers. I chose them from the range because I wanted to find out if something that packs so small can live up to the unpredictable weather, and help me find one less excuse to get outside when the weather is a bit pants. Day hikes, long-distance hikes and motorcycle road trips are all been less fun when the weather turns – can the packability of Mac in a Sac help make sure I’m ready for that?!
It’s fair to say the convenience is hard to overstate. Even compared to my trusty North Face Vanadium jacket (which has clocked up serious trail time), these two items combined take up less space and weigh less. Just 357g for the pair – I weighed them myself on the kitchen scales, because that’s the kind of nerd I am.
Convenience or Compromise?
So, does all that convenience come at a compromise in quality? At £60 for the set (roughly £40 for the jacket, £20 for the trousers), are they cheap and cheerful, or genuinely good value?
Their lightness is thanks to thin, minimal fabric – ideal for hiking, where heavy waterproofs can feel like wearing a duvet in a downpour. But thin only works if it keeps the rain out.
On paper, the stats are solid: waterproof to 10,000mm, breathable to 8,000gsm. And in practice? I’ve tested them in everything from sideways rain to that sneaky drizzle that seems to seep into your soul. They’ve kept me dry. And crucially, they haven’t turned into a personal sauna on the uphill stretches either.
Better than Basic
These are simple, uncomplicated waterproofs, not high-tech marvels. But the jacket does have a few thoughtful touches: elasticated cuffs, adjustable hem and hood, and a shoulder vent (mostly covered by a backpack, but still). The curved hem is a quiet win – it covers your bum when you sit down, which is more useful than it sounds. Two waterproof zip pockets and a stowaway hood round things off nicely.
The trousers are even more stripped back – elasticated waist, wide legs with Velcro ankle tabs, and a mercifully sensible length. No pockets, though, and no way to reach your trouser pockets without a contortionist act. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
Too Thin and Light?
The thinness does make me wonder about durability. No issues yet, but I wouldn’t want to snag them on brambles or barbed wire. They’re windproof enough for most conditions, but I wouldn’t reach for them in snow or biting cold.
Also: the little pouches they pack into? Easy to lose. I wish they were attached somehow – or maybe that’s just me and my trail chaos.
Fit and Style
These aren’t fashion pieces. They’re unisex, function-first, and roomy enough to move in. Perfectly fine for hiking, camping, or even layering over summer motorcycle gear.
I went for a small jacket and medium trousers – good coverage, no flapping. And the colour? That bright blue is a joy. I never wear it day-to-day because I prefer to blend in (!), but out in the landscape it feels like a small celebration. The navy trousers are a nice shift from the usual black, too.
My Mac in a Sac Thoughts
Let’s be clear: this isn’t Gore-Tex. It’s not trying to be. It’s not going to replace my heavier, more structured waterproofs for really serious weather. But as a just-in-case layer for day hikes or long-distance trails, the Mac in a Sac Origin set is brilliant.
It’s the kind of kit I’ll keep in my bag or in the boot of my car for One Hour Outside days – those spontaneous wanders when the sky looks iffy but the pull to step out is stronger. Or in my motorcycle pannier when I’m heading somewhere that should be hot and dry, but the Brit in me just can’t leave home without a waterproof.
This Mac in a Sac set is light, reliable, and doesn’t make a fuss. I know I’ll continue to use both pieces often, especially on trips where space is tight and the weather unpredictable.
Get yours direct from Mac in a Sac.
Poncho?
If you’re more of a poncho person – maybe heading to a festival or just prefer the throw-it-on approach – the Mac in a Sac Poncho is worth a look. I don’t own one, but I’ve seen friends use them at CarFest and other events. Lightweight, packable, and neon enough to be spotted in a crowd. If I were a poncho hiker (some people swear by them), I might’ve gone that route instead.
With thanks to Ordnance Survey and Mac in a Sac for gifting me the Origin set. These items were gifted, but this post is not sponsored.
Stan
Thank you for the review. I’m about to replace my jacket after 10 years using it as a summer waterproof (hence my visit here & to look at Pack-It and Packaway competitors). The inner membrane is starting to stretch and disintegrate, but until now it’s been acceptably waterproof and breathable. Not as breathable or waterproof as my main waterproof (a Rohan Guardian), but that’s bulkier, heavier and 10x the price. If the new one is as good I will be well pleased.
Splodz
Glad you found the review useful. Enjoy your new jacket!
Wilma
Waardeloze jas, met een regenbui, flink nat op de schouders en rug
Splodz
I’ve found the jacket has performed well in light to medium showers, but as mentioned above, wouldn’t want to trust it in very heavy rain (and certainly not persistent heavy rain). The trousers, on the other hand, kept my legs dry in torrential rain this weekend, which impressed me.