ProView – HIMALI Women’s Nebula Wind Shell Review

When I first pulled the Nebula Wind Shell out of its package I was confused by what I was holding and I had to check the tag to make sure they sent me the correct product. I was expecting a traditional windbreaker, with the standard firm fabric and wind resistant thickness. What I held in my hands however, was the lightest weight jacket I have ever witnessed, and it was soft, supple, and easily packed into its own pocket. This is too thin and lightweight to do anything, I thought, but after my first outing with the Nebula Wind Shell I was a huge fan of this impossibly thin but effective layer.

Do you know the type of weather where if you’re in the sun, it’s hot, but if there’s a cloud you’re chilled, and if there is a breeze it’s just a little too cold to be in a sleeveless shirt? If you know what I’m talking about, then this is the jacket. This jacket is so lightweight and packable that it is great for the times in the mountains when you are in between layers and/or are constantly switching between layers. I wasn’t expecting to like this jacket, but turns out I love it. 

Fit/Comfort

The Nebula Wind Shell is much more comfortable than any other windshell I have tried before. Most windshells are stiff and I don’t like how the fabric feels on my bare skin, but the Nebula Wind Shell is soft and moves with me. I sized up and am glad I did so that I can fit other layers underneath. I am 5’2, 115 lbs and got the size small. The sleeves are long, which I like. I wish the torso section of the jacket was a little longer and came down lower on my backside, but it’s not too short. 

Look/Style

The Nebula Wind Shell is a sleek and stylish jacket. I love the blueish gray color of the fabric and think the Himali logo on the front is very tasteful. Though not a huge consideration for me when choosing mountain clothing, I do find this jacket to be attractive and colorful.

Features

This jacket is very simple, but it covers all the bases. It has a cinch around the head to keep it in place when the wind is ripping, and packs into its chest pocket with an attachment loop, so you can attach it to a harness. The main feature of the jacket is the fabric used. It is somehow both soft, supple and wind resistant. 

Weight/Packability

I have never used such a lightweight jacket! It’s fantastic. There is absolutely no question of, ‘Should I pack this today?” It weighs nothing and takes up no space, so I have been bringing it everywhere!

Function/Performance

I honestly was blown away by how effective this jacket is. It’s so thin, yet it provides a lot of warmth. I wore it in the forest at the beginning of the day and as soon as I started going uphill it trapped all of my body heat and warmed me up quickly. Although the jacket says it is breathable I didn’t really find this to be true. It traps a lot of heat and therefore it needs to be pretty cool or windy out to actually use it while moving. I think this jacket would really excel in spring and fall, when the wind and sun can drastically change the temperature. For me it was most ideal to wear when I was moving slowly in the wind, or taking breaks. I will also say that it is a great layer for bugs! Here in Alaska a big issue is mosquitos or flies that attack you when you stop moving, so it was nice to have this thin layer to throw on quickly.

Durability/Construction

I tested this jacket out on a ridge scramble, and it held up well, but I definitely wouldn’t say this is a durable jacket and wouldn’t hold up to much rock abrasion. It would not be very good for rock climbing. Its niche is more mountain and ridge climbing, and definitely good for a mountain running athlete.

What sets this product apart? 

What sets this product apart is how well it traps heat, blocks wind, and is incredibly lightweight and packable. It is a jacket you will want to bring for any objective that you are trying to be ‘light and fast.’ The Nebula Wind Shell stands out for its soft and supple material, making it very comfortable to wear against your skin. This jacket is so easy to throw on and off on those days where no other layer feels right. 

Who is this product for?

The Nebula Wind Shell is made for mountain athletes that want to move quickly through terrain but not sacrifice comfort. If you want to be comfortable on any breezy mountain ridge, next to a cool mountain stream, or battling through a haze of bugs, this jacket should live in your day pack. This product is made for the mountains and would excel in shoulder seasons, when the sun and wind can drastically change the temperature in an instant.

Friendliness to the Earth

Himali as a company is trying to do their part to create more sustainable products. For this jacket they used a PFAS-free water-repellent finish, which is really awesome. They also use a Fair Trade Certified® Factory, which helps eliminate poverty and enable sustainable development for farmers, workers, their families, and communities around the world. Himali works with bluesign® to ensure their textiles are good for the planet, by using recycled materials when possible and fluorocarbon free waterproofing.

The Final Word

The Nebula Wind Shell is a jacket for mountain athletes. This jacket wants to be up in the alpine, scrambling a ridge, moving quickly through variable terrain. This jacket is a piece of gear you can trust to get you through changing weather and conditions. The lightweight and packable nature of this jacket makes it easy to bring on any and every adventure, and when the wind picks up in the afternoon you’ll be glad you brought it. The Nebula Wind Shell doesn’t compromise on comfort and especially in the shoulder seasons this will be a jacket I always have with me, even if the forecast looks favorable. 

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