Vollebak is known for creating a lot of hi-tech apparel – they call themselves “the future of outdoor gear” – items that you could never have imagined or thought up yourself, but are still versatile and extremely functional pieces nonetheless. They’ve followed these up with perhaps their most interesting piece yet – a Solar Charged Jacket.
You’re probably asking yourself, what is a solar charged jacket and why do I need one? And you’re not alone. Vollebak’s latest creation is a lightweight, stretchy waterproof shell that, in their own words, “glows like Kryptonite.” It does this by literally storing light and energy – whether from the sun, a flashlight or even your phone – and then glowing for up to 12 hours.
That sounds ultra bizarre, we know. The Solar Charged Jacket is made from Vollebak’s proprietary fabric that is infused with a phosphorescent compound and housed behind a translucent mesh layer. This glowing compound layer absorbs light throughout the day, and when night rolls around, emits a strong, steady glow. It’s sort of like having a reflective jacket for running or biking in low-visibility, except way stronger and even more apparent. The thin, breathable and stretchy fabric is perfect for all kinds of activities, whether it is running, biking, hiking or just everyday walking, and whether you’re looking for a windbreaker, a rain jacket or just a reflective safety layer. How waterproof it is is actually kind of surprising, seeing how it’s so thin and translucent you can practically see right through it. It weighs only about 230g, and rolls and packs down to the size of a softball, fitting neatly and compactly into your bag.
The Solar Charged Jacket is certainly not cheap, costing about $350 – which is pricey whether for a rain shell or a reflective running jacket. But if you need both, and you’re willing to invest a little more in some hi-tech fashion, Vollebak offers you a risk-free, no-hassle 30-day return policy. If you don’t like it, they’ll take it back.
