Team Timbuktu Banksia Forest Elements Waterproof Jacket – Gear Review

We convinced Sian our Digital Campaigns Coordinator to go stand out in the rain for the week. She was still smiling when she came back, so this stunning rain jacket she was reviewing from Team Timbuktu must’ve had something to do with it.

The Team Timbuktu Banksia Forest Waterproof Jacket is their much loved lightweight Elements Waterproof Jacket, only this time it’s their first artist collab, and I’m here for it.

With NAIDOC Week upon us, it felt quite fitting to be celebrating First Nations people, culture, and excellence by parading an Indigenous artwork on my back.

The artist Shanai Kellet is a Yorta Yorta/Juru descendent living on Boon Wurrung Country.

We asked Shanai to explain the significance of the work and she said, ‘Banksia Forest takes you on a historical journey through Bushrangers Bay on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, taking in the exceptional views of Boonwurrung/Bunurong Country. To the local Aboriginal people it was an everlasting food supply chain and sheltered area.’

‘The symbols used represent the coastal hinterland of tracks, creeks, bushland, animals and camps. The colours used depict the colours of the environment including the animals, plants and secluded beach breaks.’

You can check out more of Shanai’s Contemporary Aboriginal Art on her Instagram profile @malogaart.

Already scoring a 10/10 for style in my books with its bright and beautiful colours, I took this jacket with me all week on walks and adventures to test out its functionality and performance.

Waterproof

Let’s get straight into it. How does it hold up in the wet?

I received this jacket on a very fitting week. It rained for six days straight the day after it appeared in my mailbox.

This jacket scores high on the waterproof scale. Rain rolls right off the durable shell. Plus it’s super easy to shake the water off before you stuff it in your bag. All seams are taped leaving no room for water to sneak in through the pockets or front zip, keeping snacks dry and secure.

With a waterproof rating of 10,000mm, you can spend a long time out in the rain and stay nice and dry like I did. 

Wind And Warmth

The first real test was donning this jacket on a windy coastal track after work, the sun had just gone down and it was raining on and off for the whole 45 minutes.

This jacket is quite thin and I was concerned about how well it would function at keeping me warm as well as dry. Yet, I didn’t feel any wind at all. The hood really tucks your face and neck away keeping the wind locked out. In the middle of winter I had to wear a jumper layer underneath to keep toasty, but in the other seasons the windproof factor would certainly do the trick at keeping you warm.

Weight And Packability

This jacket reminds me of the classic yellow rain jackets, except instead of making you feel like a stiff glad wrapped burrito, it’s super lightweight and very breathable.

If you’re a neat freak, the material allows it to be folded in a square and slide nicely into a bag. If you’re a scruncher, it packs away neatly into its hood too. I’ve seen jackets that pack down smaller, but they don’t look anywhere near as cool and this small sacrifice for performance is worth it, I reckon. 

Features And Fit

The website details the fit really well. I’m usually a small, however downsized and wore an extra small in this rain jacket after looking at the dimensions. That still allowed me to fit a jumper underneath and without looking bulky. So, if you’re an extra small human, beware the smallest size could be a bit too big for you.

It has a large adjustable hood with a peak to keep the rain out of your eyes, zipped outside pockets and extra inside pockets which I love.

Sustainability And Ethical Approach

Team Timbuktu cares about the planet and ethical production.

This jacket supports Indigenous art, plants a tree with every purchase, and is made from 100% recycled water bottles.

According to Team Timbuktu founder Rhianna Knight, ‘It’s made from 31.2 certified post-consumer bottles, which I think is pretty mind-blowing. What used to be slightly bigger than a party-sized case of lemonade bottles is now a raincoat.’

As for the need to involve First Nations voices in her product range, ‘The thought of an artist collaboration first came to me after the Black Lives Matters protests,’ said Rhianna.

‘I was thinking about what can I do to amplify and support Australia’s Indigenous voices and people.’

‘I’d been following quite a few Indigenous artists on Instagram for a while (including @malogaart) and had been thinking of investing in some art for myself when there was the lightbulb moment that I could collaborate with an artist with the brand. From there I simply reached out to Shanai and we began chatting how a collaboration could work.’

Conclusion

Move aside black rain jacket, I’ve got a new bestie.

The Team Timbuktu Elements Banksia Forest Waterproof Jacket is the perfect companion for everyday life. Keep it in your bag or your car as your trusty mate that’ll keep your underlayers dry.

No more looking like a garbage bag when you get caught in the rain and have to settle for a plastic poncho. It’s also far better than the other common attires of a non-waterproof windbreaker or a regular hiking jacket, which can be way too hot.

Sian was sent the Banksia Forest Waterproof Jacket by Team Timbuktu and was allowed to keep it afterwards, the views are her own.