At a glance

Plusses: Lightweight, great warmth for weight, slim fitting, affordable
Minuses: Average hood design, narrow around the shoulders

Features: Macpac’s new Supanova jacket is the lightest downie reviewed and its lightweight materials, minimal features and 102g of 800 fill-power goose down deliver great performance for minimal weight (280g – m; 260g – w). 

With a DWR-treated Pertex Quantum shell and HyperDry water-resistant down, the Supanova is well-suited to New Zealand’s damp, but not super cold, climate. 

The under-helmet hood comes without any adjustment cords – a common feature of technical lightweight jackets. 

It has a centre zipper, two zippered hand pockets that double as stuff-sacs and in-pocket hem drawcords.

Fit: The Supanova’s cut is slim and flattering thanks to the narrow horizontal baffles. The sleeve and chest lengths are both about right, but the fit around the shoulders is relatively narrow and can be restrictive when both arms are brought together in front. The hood would benefit from a tighter fit as it doesn’t swivel with head movements and it lets in more air than is necessary.

Comfort: The Pertex lining is pleasant against the skin and the fitted cut minimises dead space. But opting for a slim fit that minimises weight and the need for adjustment toggles has its drawbacks. With a few layers underneath it felt a little tight and restrictive. For a medium-warmth down jacket, this reduces the range of conditions that it is suitable for.

In use: The jacket ticks all the boxes for a technical down jacket. It’s lightweight, compressible and its 800-loft down provides great warmth for weight. It is also built for New Zealand’s damp conditions with a DWR treated shell and hydrophobic down. The flattering cut, and the tasteful range of colours that it comes in, also make it a good around town jacket for those on the hunt for one jacket to do it all.

Value: The price seems about right when you benchmark it against competitors. Once you factor in Macpac’s frequent sales, it starts to look like a very good deal.

Verdict: The Supanova is a lightweight technical down jacket designed for New Zealand conditions and is a solid choice for those looking for an all-rounder at a decent price.