Thanks to being an Ordnance Survey OS Champion (currently… I find out in mid-March if my application to continue on in the refreshed scheme has been successful or not), I recently received a set of Mac in a Sac waterproofs to test and review. I was allowed to choose what I wanted from the range, and I went for the Origin 2 Jacket and Overtrousers – the jacket in the bright blue, and the trousers in navy.
Mac in a Sac Origin 2 Jacket and Overtrousers
Mac in a Sac specialise in low-cost, lightweight, portable outerwear. The main feature is that the jacket and trousers pack down really small into their own little bags, which can easily be stuffed into the smallest space in your bag, or even hung from the outside. And this is by far the biggest benefit of this outdoor gear.
The convenience cannot be under spoken. Nothing else I’ve got, including The North Face Vanadium jacket I’ve been using on all my long-distance trails over the last few years, takes up more space in my bag than these two items put together. And it’s heavier. The Mac in a Sack Origin 2 jacket and trousers combined weighs just 357g (I weighed these actual items on my kitchen scales, so that’s the combined weight for my size).
Convenience or Compromise?
The key question, though, is does the convenience of Mac in a Sac waterproofs come at a compromise in quality? At less than £60 for the set (under £40 for the jacket, and £20 for the trousers), are they cheap and cheerful, or excellent value?
The packability is achieved thanks to both items being very thin and lightweight. Which is great, because while heavy waterproofs are great for walking around town, or winter conditions, they are bothersome to both cat around and wear when hiking.
But that’s no good if they don’t actually keep you dry. On paper, they should do a great job when the rain arrives. The breathability isn’t bad, either. They are each listed as waterproof to 10,000mm, and breathable to 8,000gsm. Decent stats.
In practice, I can happily confirm these are indeed waterproof. And reasonably breathable, too. Tested on a number of occasions over the last month or so, including in both very heavy rain, and that horrible drizzle that seems to seep in everywhere, they have kept me dry. Which is the main thing.
I’ve not found them clammy when putting in lots of effort going uphill or hiking quickly, either – no getting soaked from the inside (so far!).
A Bit Better than Basic
While both items are pretty basic in specification – these are uncomplicated waterproofs, not all-singing-all-dancing bits of kit – the jacket does have some nice added features.
The elasticated cuffs and adjustable hem and hood help stop water getting inside the jacket. And the flap-covered vent across the shoulder blades helps to provide airflow which aids the breathability. Even if that is mostly covered up when wearing a backpack. Also, the curved hem means the jacket covers the butt area well (useful for sitting down), there are two zip pockets which are themselves waterproof, and the hood stows away inside the collar when I don’t want it.
The trousers are even more basic in their design than the jacket, but to be honest, that’s what I look for in overtrousers. They have an elasticated waste, a wide leg with Velcro to tighten the opening around the ankle, and aren’t too long (the main thing for me!). One downside of the rudimentary design of these is there’s no pocket, and no means to get to your trouser pocket without sticking your hand down from the waist opening, which just makes you look weird!
Too Thin and Light?
Given how thin the Mac in a Sac Origin 2 jacket and trousers are, I do question how long-lasting they will be. No issues yet, not at all, but I wonder if the material might rip easily, or stretch out of shape.
That thinness also means that while these can, of course, be layered over base and mid layers to keep you warm in most weathers, these are not all-season outer garments. They are pretty windproof, I have to say, but personally I won’t be reaching for these in snowy conditions, or when it’s very cold.
I also wonder how long it will be until I lose the two little pouches these pack into… It would be really helpful if they were attached to the garments somehow. Or maybe that’s just me?!
Fit and Style
The fit isn’t particularly flattering; these aren’t stylish bits of outdoor gear. But I’m not sure I’m that bothered about that. Not for wearing them for what they are intended for, anyway. These are unisex bits of kit which have a function-first design, which has plenty of room allowing freedom of movement. The fit and look is perfectly acceptable for getting out hiking. And camping. And even for over my summer motorcycle gear should I want to.
The length of the arms and torso of the jacket (which I got in a size small) means I have good coverage for my frame. And the trousers (which I got in a size medium) are wide enough to allow freedom of movement, but not so baggy I’m falling over them.
What I do really like about the design is the colour of the jacket. I chose the bright blue as, while I never wear these tones in my everyday life, there is something cheerful (and sensible) about being pop of colour in the landscape. And navy trousers instead of black? Something a bit different to the norm.
My Mac in a Sac Thoughts
Look, these are not expensive Gore-Tex bits of kit. They aren’t designed to compete with such things, and don’t cost anywhere near as much. As such, they don’t perform like them and should not be compared. This set isn’t going to replace my thicker, more structured, better quality waterproof coat.
But, as a just-in-case measure when day hiking or on long-distance trails, this Mac in a Sac set really is brilliant. It really is incredibly convenient to carry something so small and lightweight that you know will also do the job when you need to pull them out of your bag and chuck them on quickly.
I’m happy. This set is genuinely a useful addition to my kit, and I know I will be getting a lot of use out of each item this year. I can see these being very handy for any trip – for the day or longer – where space is a premium and I don’t want to pack anything more bulky.
Get yours from the OS shop.
Poncho?
If you’re more of a poncho kind of person, maybe you’re off to a festival or two this summer and want a cover-all option, the Mac in a Sac Origin 2 Poncho is also really great. I’ve not got one myself, but a couple of friends have, and I saw them in action at CarFest last summer and at a couple of other events.
Also lightweight and very packable, it’s perfect for throwing on over everything when the rain hits. The neon colours are also perfect for helping others spot you in the crowd! If I could see myself wearing a poncho for hiking (which I know some people do), then I would have chosen this over the jacket and overtrousers reviewed here.
With thanks to Ordnance Survey and Mac in a Sac for gifting me the Origin 2 set. These items were gifted, but this post is not sponsored.