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Details
- Price $865 at havenshop.com
- Material GORETEX PRO
- Made in Japan
Overview
HAVEN is a Canadian brand with roots in technical apparel, that draws inspiration from urban landscapes and rugged terrains alike. I've been eyeing them for a while because of their alignment with my style of minimalistic, black, well-constructed goods.
While the weather has turned cold in Japan, I tend to favor wearing a single outer, usually a down jacket from Uniqlo. It is my trips to my favorite S.E.A countries that I intend to use. It's light which makes it easy to stay below budget airlines' weight limits, and waterproof so I don't have to bring along an umbrella.
I brought it to my trip to Thailand, and here is how it worked out.
Style
The HAVEN brand first caught my attention due to its inclination towards black. As expected, the Spectre Jacket is only available in black and is the epitome of stealthy elegance. Apart from the GORETEX, I could tell HAVEN took special care to keep all details black, and the same tone of black while at it.
In Thailand where it is hot and humid, most dress down and stay casual. The Spectre Jacket is almost too pristine and I can't say that you won't stand out despite the toned-down details and aesthetics. While you'll stand out against the sea of tourists in Chang singlets and elephant pants, it won't be to the point where it grabs attention.
Outlier is one of my favorite brands because of their minimalistic aesthetics and how they seldom have external branding. While their recent pieces have more branding, I am glad that I could find solace in HAVEN. The Spectre Jacket is a great example of their courage in keeping things simple.
And keeping things simple doesn't mean less it means accentuating the quality of details in this case. Laser-cut hand pocket zippers and dual zip chest pockets are as functional as they are sleek. The position and angle of pockets, the slight sheen of the jacket's opening against the matte GORETEX, and the roomy, but not boxy, silhouette, all come together to give a subtle techwear vibe.
The simple styling makes it more versatile, making it appropriate for most situations just short of business formal. Traveling in a tropical country isn't exactly the same as being in Paris Fashion Week, but it's nice to have something you can put on for dinner at a night market and then to a club after.
I especially like the lightness of the jacket, which allows me to use it as an outer layer when I am back in Japan, or during multi-country trips where layering is key to traveling with just one bag.
Material
The Spectre Jacket’s GORE-TEX PRO™ 3L fabric is a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and durable design. At its core, the jacket uses a three-layer (3L) construction that provides superior protection against the elements. The abrasion-resistant outer layer is built to withstand harsh conditions, offering durability without adding excess weight.
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Beneath that, the heart of the jacket lies in the ePTFE membrane, a waterproof, windproof barrier that ensures your comfort in wet and windy conditions. This membrane is what makes GORE-TEX so special: not only does it keep water out, but it also allows moisture vapor to escape, keeping you dry on the inside.
Inside the jacket, a microgrid backer enhances comfort by improving moisture management and reducing friction. This thoughtful design keeps you dry and comfortable, no matter how intense your activity.
The 70D fabric strikes the perfect balance between weight and durability, making it a medium-weight jacket. It’s tough enough to stand up to rugged use but light enough for high-intensity activities where mobility is key.
Sustainability and safety are also a priority in the Spectre Jacket. The material is bluesign® Approved, ensuring that it’s made with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, it’s OEKO-TEX® Certified, meaning it’s free of harmful substances for peace of mind when wearing it.
Every seam of the jacket is fully taped, ensuring that no water sneaks in while looking dope doing it. The zippers, such as the YKK VISLON® AquaGuard® dual zip closure, are designed to prevent water from entering while remaining smooth to operate.
Every material detail tells me HAVEN intends for this to be a rain jacket and it'll keep you as dry as any jacket will.
I have lived in Japan for a long time and the quality assurance here is just beyond anything I've seen. The HAVEN Spectre Jacket being made in Japan gives me added assurance of high-quality craftsmanship.
Usage
Putting the Spectre through its paces, I found its zippered closure invaluable for both ventilation. My body temperature runs hot, so a full-length front zipper is a requirement. Especially in humid countries, the zipper lets me air out my sweaty body after a day of exploring.
I designed a thing.
I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.
or read review
The chest pockets fit small goods nicely—perfect for urban commutes or light treks. The zippers on these add a layer of security but I find it an unnatural position of a pocket for me to access often. These are smaller than they look, and can fit your passport and not much more.
Valuables like my passport or travel money would go into the pockets on the interior, while EDC items like my wallet or Sony WF-1000XM4 that I access often go into the outer lower pockets or the pocket on the sleeve for convenience.
The interior pocket is compact. You'll be able to fit your passport without any cover and that's the limit.
The chest pocket does allow me to habitually tuck my hands into it, even if I'm not cold. They are placed a little higher than I like, but it's nice to have the option anyway.
The hood’s bungee adjustments provided snug protection against wind-driven rain, while the articulated sleeves made scrambling over rocks feel effortless.
The breathability is impressive and I don't feel stuffy in it despite being a sweaty boi. The sleeves come with two snap buttons for you to adjust the tightness. I didn't find a situation that I needed them but it might come into play in windier climates.
GORETEX has virtually no stretch so you might feel tugging with a bigger range of movement,
Conclusion
At $865, the HAVEN Spectre Jacket costs a pretty penny, right up there, or even pricier than high-end techwear brands like Veilance or Acronym. For example, the Veilance Perron Jacket with the same GORETEX 3L fabric costs $750.
It looks like they spared no expense when creating this jacket, from the highest-end material to having it made in Japan, which somewhat justifies the price.
This jacket isn't for a normie who just wants a good rain jacket, but for the aficionado who wants the best of the best.
Additional Images
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