Amble Refuge Long Waterproof Jacket – Reviewed & Tested

As the saying goes – some people walk in the rain, others just get wet. While Anna likes to think of herself as a carefree rain-walker and puddle jumper, this jacket helped her learn to appreciate the drier side of life.

While I love gumboots – because wet feet are gross and puddle jumping is fun, I’ve never really been one for a raincoat. I’ve always just dealt with the rain (and the soggy consequences) in whatever coat I had on hand.

But, when Amble asked We Are Explorers to review their Refuge Long Waterproof Rain Jacket in the delicious Yapa Mali collab print, I decided it was time to add a raincoat to my wardrobe and give my poor puffer a break. 

Luckily for me within a few days of receiving this beauty, Sydney received two straight weeks of wet weather – giving me a chance to put it to the test in some serious rain. 

And I’ll tell you what folks, this is a jacket that your dad will inspect with nodding approval saying, ‘they don’t make ‘em like this anymore’.

Quick Specifications

Length: Mid-thigh
Style: Shell jacket with taped seams (to keep the water out)
Material: 100% recycled polyester, made from recycled PET bottles
RRP: $259
Colourway: Limited edition artist collaboration print with Yapa Mali

Design

Aesthetics

It would be rude to start this review with anything other than the design section because the Makukara Ngurra print is a head-turning, compliment-earning literal work of art. 

Designed by Wangaaypuwan/Wiradjuri woman Maddy Hodgetts, the artist behind Yapa Mali, the Makukara Ngurra print depicts the red dirt landscapes of Wangaaypuwan Country in all its glory.

The artist says ‘I see… all the different shapes of Country but all connected as one, one line and heart. One can’t live without the other. That is the interconnectedness we share between our Country, the plants, the animals, and our people’. 

The Refuge Jacket is also available in a range of other colours and prints – from earthy eucalyptus through to vibrant opal.  

Read more: How (and Why) to Wash Your Waterproof Jacket

The pattern is to die for

Functionality

Elastic toggles are on both the hem and the hood so you can adjust as needed and tighten it around you when it’s extra wet or windy. 

One of my favourite features on most jackets is a double zip, and the Refuge Jacket is no exception. Though I would have loved an inner pocket, it does have two extra large zipped pockets that kept all my belongings just as safe and dry as I was. 

Elastic sleeves are a logical and incredibly functional aspect of a rain jacket, which for many I’m sure would be a pro. Personally, I find elastic sleeves annoying when checking or starting/stopping my Garmin on a hike (because you didn’t hike if it’s not on Strava right?). I’d far prefer an open sleeve with the optional velcro strap to tighten, but it does the job and keeps the water out – so while I’m not the biggest fan, it’s more a me issue than a functionality issue!

Performance

Material

When getting my thoughts in order to write this review, I had ‘tarp-like material’ as a con. But the more I thought about it, the more I realised, tarps are like, really good at keeping water out… it’s kind of their thing.

Initially the material felt a little jarring when comparing it to the softer shells of other raincoats, but having put it to the test it’s safe to say the crew at Amble were VERY deliberate when choosing this material and its ability to repel water. While I say tarp-like I want to be clear it doesn’t feel plastic-y, it just feels a little more rigid (and to be honest) far more durable than expected.

Made from 100% recycled polyester, the material is laminated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellant) spray, meaning it’s not just waterproof, it’s rainproof up to 10,000mm – so it’ll roll off like water off a duck.

Equipped with taped inner-seams for wind proofing, this jacket throws me back to days spent in the Army Disposal Store with Dad as a kid – him inspecting every seam with a click of the tongue before saying ‘they just don’t make them like this anymore’.

Except, hey Dad, Amble do! And I reckon they’re just as durable as Sylvester Stallone’s old M65 Field Jacket (IYKYK).

It’s got a generous hood on it too which is great if you like wearing chunky beanies

Comfort

The a-line cut of the Amble Refuge Jacket and its slightly longer length earned a big tick of approval from me.

I’m 5”6 (ish) and usually wear a size 8-10. The small sits comfortably while also allowing that little extra room to layer a jumper underneath without looking too boxy or oversized. Lengthwise, it sits just above the knee, covering enough of me to keep dry in big downpours.  

Secondly, the jacket is unlined, which for me was both a pro and a con.

While one of the main features is supposed to be great breathability, I did find I got a bit sticky against the inner polyester if I wasn’t wearing a long sleeve underneath. In saying that, I wore it in humid Sydney – not in a chilly climate – and adding a long sleeve completely stopped the sweaty effect.

Not being lined also made it far easier to layer without feeling super bulky – which if you’re using it in cold and wet climates is a big win.

It catches the wind easily when unzipped but gives a nice silhouette when you zip it up

Sustainability

PFC Free DWR

Alright, bear with me, this acronym is worth understanding.

Call me naive, but I only recently came across the term PFC-free in conjunction with rain jackets. Also known as fluorocarbons, you might be more familiar with PFC usage on non-stick pan coatings – you know the ones that are magic until you scrape them with a spoon and then they fill you with all kinds of carcinogenic nasties? 

Apparently, this non-stick coating is also a ‘brilliant’ covering for raincoats – repelling water, dirt, mud and literally whatever else you can throw at it. But, just like your pans, it turns out we don’t want PFCs on our clothes either. Seeping into our atmosphere, the PFC chemicals have been found in places where they shouldn’t bloody be – ice caps, glaciers, and even the stomachs of polar bears.

There are many different forms of PFCs and some are more harmful than others, but without studying a full science degree I’ve broken it down in layman’s terms – if they’re bad for us, bad for the environment, and bad for the polar bears… then get em off my gear!

Amble, the polar bears send their thanks. 

Sure it’s ochre-coloured but this coat is definitely green

100% Recycled Fabric

This jacket is all your old water bottles reincarnated and looking way better (and more useful) than ever before. In fact, each jacket is made from over 31 old PET bottles. 

Need I say more?

Price

You can certainly find rain jackets cheaper than this, but if you’re comparing higher-quality brands the $259 price point is pretty on par. Personally, I don’t get enough wear out of a rain jacket on a day-to-day basis, however, if you live in a wetter climate or are planning a wet weather adventure I’d 100% recommend spending a little extra on a jacket that I’m pretty sure will last forever.

If $259 is still a bit much for you, keep an eye on Wild Earth – they occasionally have them on sale.

Fashionistas – I can confirm that it matches both black and white socks. Don’t say I’m not thorough!

Final Thoughts

Protecting the planet and polar bears’ tummies, this head-turning, compliment-earning Refuge Long Waterproof Jacket by Amble has my (and more importantly, my Dad’s) serious approval. 

The long length, double zip feature, and a-line style are flattering and comfortable. Having put it to the test in some of Sydney’s worst weather in a long while – I can see why it’s been given a 10,000mm rating. For obvious reasons, I can’t legally say it’s floodproof, but if we added an inflation device somewhere, I’m pretty confident in saying you’d be found safe and dry from the knees up. 

Safe to say, this is a jacket you’d proudly take home to your pa – and he’ll be proud as punch to see you finally spending your time and money on someone something that’s in it for the long haul.

Got my coat, now it’s puddle time!

FAQs Amble Refuge Long Waterproof Jacket

How much is the Amble Refuge Long Waterproof Jacket?

The RRP for the Amble Refuge Long Waterproof Jacket is $259. Sometimes you can get them on sale at Wild Earth.

Is there a shorter version of the Amble Refuge Long Waterproof Jacket

The Refuge Waterproof Jacket only comes in a long version but Amble does have a few shorter waterproof jackets as well.

What other waterproof jackets are good?

There are so many great raincoats and waterproof jackets out there – check out this list of the best ones for hiking! Otherwise we’ve also reviewed the Dryzzle Futurelight Jacket from The North Face, the Zorali Rain Dance Kit, and the Patagonia Torrentshell, which has been highly regarded for years.

What size will fit me in the Amble Refuge Long Waterproof Jacket?

Good question! Follow the Amble sizing chart and you won’t have a problem. Stick to your usual size as the cut is generous to allow for layering.

Is the Amble Refuge Long Waterproof Jacket suitable for vegans?

Yep – every product from Amble is made without any fabrics or trims coming from animals or their by-products. Pretty cool. If you want more information, check out their sustainability page.

More Waterproof Rain Jacket Reviews

• Patagonia Triolet Waterproof Jacket – Reviewed & Tested
• The North Face Women’s Dryzzle Futurelight Jacket – Reviewed & Tested
• Team Timbuktu (AKA Amble) Banksia Forest Elements Waterproof Jacket – Reviewed & Tested
• Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Waterproof Jacket First Look