Most waterproof jackets make you choose a side. You’ve got the technical hiking shells that look out of place on the school run, and the casual jackets that fold under the first strong gust of wind. Either way, you end up owning two jackets when you only wanted one.
The Mac in a Sac Nomad Waterproof Half Zip Jacket is built to close that gap — a shell that’s happy on a hilly hike one day and a coffee run the next. I’ve been wearing it over spring, through everything from strenuous hikes over the South Downs to dog walks, to find out if it actually pulls off both jobs.
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This post was created in paid partnership with Mac in the Sac. All opinions are my own.
At a Glance
- Build Quality
- Performance
- Features & Usability
- Value for Money
The Verdict
The Mac in a Sac Nomad is a half-zip waterproof that bridges the gap between hiking performance and everyday wearability, without asking you to compromise much on either side. Build quality and weatherproofing are well above what you’d expect at this price, and the only real marks against it are a hood that lacks fine-tuned adjustment. It’s best suited to anyone who wants a great looking jacket for both outdoor activities and general everyday life.
See the full ratings breakdown below, or jump straight to my personal testing experience.
Best For: Anyone wanting one jacket that works for hikes, dog walks, and everyday life — not just dedicated hill walkers.
Price: £59.99
The Mac in a Sac Nomad is a half-zip pullover waterproof, built to a 10,000mm waterproof rating and 8,000gsm breathability, with a relaxed, modern cut that doesn’t scream “hiking jacket.” It’s made from recycled fabric and packs into its own front pocket, which doubles as a stuff sack.
Top Features of the Nomad Jacket
The Nomad’s feature list reads like a typical packable waterproof, but it’s the combination of those features with a pullover, half-zip cut that makes it stand out from the more obviously “outdoorsy” shells in this category.
Waterproof Rating & Breathability
A 10,000mm hydrostatic head and 8,000gsm breathability rating put the Nomad comfortably within the range you’d want for UK hiking and everyday weather, without tipping into the heavier, more technical end of the market. It’s also fully windproof, so you’re not relying on extra layers underneath to cut the chill.
Water-Repellent YKK Zip & Taped Seams
The front zip is a water-repellent YKK, and the seams are fully taped throughout, which is what stops a jacket’s waterproof rating being undone by stitching.
Adjustable Hood
The hood cinches in around the face to keep wind and rain off, giving you a snug, secure fit in changeable weather without it flapping around or letting drafts in.
Elasticated Cuffs & Drawcord Hem
Elasticated cuffs and a drawcord around the waist keep moisture from creeping up your sleeves or under the hem, and let you cinch the fit in snugly when the weather turns.
Packable Front Pocket & Storm-Flap Pockets
Two zipped pockets sit at the waist, and a large front pocket doubles as the stuff sack the jacket packs down into, protected by a storm flap over the zip. It’s a really useful set-up for stashing the jacket in a pack when not in use.
Recycled Fabric & PFC/PFOA-Free Build
The Nomad is made from recycled fabric and built without PFC or PFOA chemicals, which is a welcome eco credential.
Mac in a Sac Nomad Jacket Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | £59.99 |
| Weight | 420g to 630g depending on size |
| Packed Size | Approx. 15 x 15cm (packs into front pocket) |
| Waterproof Rating | 10,000mm hydrostatic head |
| Breathability | 8,000gsm |
| Windproof | Yes |
| Materials | Recycled fabric, PFC & PFOA-free |
| Closure | Half-zip pullover, water-repellent YKK zip |
| Pockets | 2 zipped waist pockets + front storm-flap pocket (doubles as stuff sack) |
| Sizes | XXS–XXXL (UK 8–22 equivalent) |
| Colours | Blue Burnt Orange, Navy/Blue, Ivory Poppy, Teal Pink (unisex sizing) |
A 10,000mm/8,000gsm spec is a solid, dependable baseline for UK conditions — it’s not chasing the very top end of the performance market, but for the price, it’s a strong spread of weatherproofing for everyday and moderate hiking use.
My Personal Experience with the Nomad Jacket
I’ve had the Mac in a Sac Nomad jacket since spring, and it’s joined me on strenuous hikes across the South Downs, dog walks across the fields, and plenty of trips out and about in town as casual wear. As I’ve come to expect from Mac in a Sac, it’s extremely breathable and highly waterproof — even though it doesn’t look like a hiking jacket at first glance.
The first real test came in early June, when the South Coast was under a yellow weather warning for strong winds and rain. I wore the Mac in a Sac Nomad on a dog walk across the fields in those conditions, and at no point did I feel uncomfortable or wet. The elasticated cuffs and hem did their job keeping moisture from dripping down my sleeves, while the hood cinched in nicely around my face to keep the worst of the weather off.
Not long after that, I took it out onto the South Downs for a long hike across the hills, heading out at the break of dawn on a Sunday. The conditions were a bit kinder than the first outing, but it was still cold with some drizzle in the air; mainly, it was the wind I was fighting against that day. The jacket’s windproof construction meant none of that got through to me, even out in the open. For such a lightweight shell, it really did protect me from the elements.
I wore it with my Passenger Trailscape 30 backpack loaded with gear for that South Downs hike, waist belt and chest strap both cinched in, and it was really comfortable — no chafing or restriction around the shoulders or waist. I still had the half-zip to open up if I started getting too warm, but breathability wasn’t an issue even with the pack on.
What I love most about this jacket is the style and the colourways on offer. I went for Blue/Burnt Orange as you can see from my pics, but it also comes in Navy/Blue for something more conservative, plus Ivory Poppy and Teal Pink, which lean more towards a women’s aesthetic — though this is a unisex jacket throughout, with all four colours available to anyone. It holds its own out on a hike or during an outdoor activity, but it’s equally stylish for everyday wear, running errands, or heading out to meet friends, which is what makes it such a versatile piece.
Being a half-zip means it’s a pullover jacket, which gives it a relaxed, modern, laid-back style while still bringing top-tier performance to whatever you’re doing — hiking the hills or grabbing a coffee in town.
I took a size small, and found it true to size. It’s designed to be worn over layers, and I could easily fit a fleece or jumper underneath without it feeling tight. With sizes running from XXS to XXXL, or roughly UK 8 to 22, there’s a good spread to find your fit. Off the back of the testing so far, I’d say this could be worn year-round — though if you’re doing something truly technical, like winter mountaineering or alpine conditions, this isn’t the right jacket for that.
Mac in a Sac Nomad Rating Breakdown
Build Quality — 5/5
The Mac in a Sac Nomad ticks every box for build quality. It’s made from recycled fabric, the YKK zips are water-repellent, the seams are fully taped throughout, and it’s built without PFC or PFOA chemicals. Combine that with the high waterproof and breathability ratings, and there’s nothing here that feels like a corner has been cut to hit the price point.
Performance — 5/5
Across testing in strong wind and wet conditions, including a yellow weather warning day, the Nomad held up without letting any water or wind through. My previous experience with Mac in a Sac jacket points to excellent longevity too, which gives me confidence this performance won’t fade after a season of regular use.
Features & Usability — 4.5/5
There’s plenty here to like: multiple pockets including the front pouch with its storm flap protecting the zip, elasticated cuffs, and adjustment points around both the waist and hood. The only thing missing is a rear toggle on the hood to adjust how far forward or back it sits, and there’s no wire peak to shape it — a minor gap that keeps it just shy of full marks.
Value for Money — 5/5
When you consider you can pay £30 for a plain T-shirt these days, getting a jacket with this spec for £60 is hard to beat. The combination of waterproofing, breathability, build quality, and styling at this price point is close to unheard of.
Mac in a Sac Nomad Pros and Cons
Pros
- Held up through a yellow weather warning — stayed dry and comfortable in strong wind and rain.
- Equally suited to hikes and everyday wear — at home on the hills or a casual day in town.
- Packs down small — stuffs into its own front pocket.
- Strong eco credentials — recycled fabric, PFC and PFOA-free construction.
- Excellent value at £59.99 for this level of waterproofing and breathability.
Cons
- No rear hood toggle or wire peak — you can’t fine-tune how far forward the hood sits or shape it for extra visibility.
- Not built for technical conditions — great for hikes and everyday wear, but not the jacket for serious mountain or alpine use.
Top Alternatives From Mac in a Sac
Mac in a Sac Origin Packable Waterproof Jacket
The Origin is Mac in a Sac’s entry-level packable, sharing the same 10,000mm/8,000gsm performance spec as the Nomad but at a lower price. It packs into a separate carry bag rather than its own pocket, and comes as a full zip rather than a half-zip pullover. Best for budget buyers who don’t need the Nomad’s more relaxed styling.
Mac in a Sac Ultralite Running Jacket
I’ve also tested the Mac in a Sac Ultralite Running Jacket, which steps up to a 16,000gsm breathability rating in a lighter, stretch-fabric build aimed at trail running and high-output activity. It’s pricier than the Nomad and trades the relaxed everyday look for a more technical running fit. Better for long-distance trail runners and anyone prioritising breathability over style.
| Jacket | Price | Weight | Waterproof | Breathability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad Half Zip | £59.99 | 420g to 630g | 10,000mm | 8,000gsm | Hikes and everyday wear |
| Origin Packable | £39.99 | 250–300g | 10,000mm | 8,000gsm | Budget buyers |
| Ultralite Running | £74.99 | 240g | 10,000mm | 16,000gsm | Trail running |
Final Thoughts
The Mac in a Sac Nomad Waterproof Half Zip Jacket is a versatile shell that earns its place as both a hiking layer and an everyday jacket. It’s best suited to anyone who wants one piece of kit that can handle strong winds and rain out on a hike and still look the part out and about in the city afterwards. The recycled fabric, taped seams, and YKK zip give it a build quality well above what you’d expect at £59.99, and the only real gaps are the missing hood adjuster and a weight spec still to be confirmed.
Mac in a Sac Nomad Jacket FAQs
Is the Mac in a Sac Nomad jacket fully waterproof?
Yes. It carries a 10,000mm hydrostatic head rating with fully taped seams and a water-repellent YKK zip, which is a solid waterproof spec for UK hiking and everyday weather.
Can you wear the Nomad jacket all year round?
It’s well suited to spring through autumn and most UK winter conditions for everyday use and hiking. For truly technical winter mountaineering or alpine conditions, you’d want a more specialised shell.
How small does the Nomad jacket pack down?
The Mac in a Sac Nomad waterproof jacket stuffs into its own front pocket, which doubles as a stuff sack, packing down to roughly 15 x 15cm.
Is the Mac in a Sac Nomad jacket unisex?
Yes. It’s available in four colourways — Blue Burnt Orange, Navy/Blue, Ivory Poppy, and Teal Pink — and all are unisex sizing.
How does the Nomad compare to other Mac in a Sac jackets?
The Origin Packable is the more budget-focused option at a similar spec, while the Ultralite Running Jacket steps up breathability for high-output activity. The Nomad sits in between, prioritising everyday versatility and styling.
Related Guides & Reviews
The resources below cover the basics, common questions, and related kit to help you get more out of your time outdoors.
- Clothing & Footwear
- Best Waterproof Jackets for Hiking in the UKsout
- Mac in a Sac Ultralite Waterproof Trousers Review
- 8 Best Gore-Tex Jackets for Hiking in the UK
- Mac in a Sac Ultralite SpeedPro Backpack
About the Author
Steve Cleverdon is an outdoor adventure specialist with 15+ years of hiking, camping, and paddle boarding experience. He has conquered Europe’s toughest trails including the GR20 in Corsica, walked 3,000km solo across New Zealand, and worked professionally in the outdoors industry. Steve’s gear reviews and recommendations are based on real-world testing across four continents, from coastal waters to mountain peaks. Learn more about Steve or get in touch.
