When Norwegian pro skier Trygve Sande helped us develop the first Nebba years ago, we thought we were making a jacket that was narrowly profiled for freeskiing. But you guys started using it for climbing, hiking, running and grocery shopping...
Fast forward to autumn of 2024, there are actually two Nebba jackets in our collection - the classic and a TPG. We're going to talk about them for two good reasons. One, because we just sewed them, and two, because Nebby weather is here!
Nebba and Nebba TPG
Comparing two almost identical models is not easy. Fortunately, they differ in one crucial parameter, and that is the upper material. In the Nebba it is Pertex Quantum Air and the Nebba TPG is made of GORE-TEX® Infinium™ membrane material. The next (and only) difference is the thumb loops. The Nebba has them, the Nebba TPG does not. That's exhausted the differences, and we can look at what the jackets have in common, and whether one or the other would fit well in your arsenal of technical outdoor clothing.
1. Hybrid construction - warmth, breathability and light weight
We developed Nebba for active movement: the body, shoulders and neck are insulated with Polartec® Alpha® Direct, while the hood and sleeves are uninsulated. The result is a lightweight jacket that doesn't let wind through in either version. It features active insulation that warms the mid-body while not restricting movement and is highly breathable.
Know your fabrics: Polartec® Alpha® Direct
An insulation material originally developed for the US Army Special Forces, Polartec® Alpha® first saw the light of day in 2012. It helped maintain optimal body thermoregulation during movement and at rest. It featured high vapor permeability and low weight. But in 2017, Polartec has taken their already cutting-edge material even further - Polartec® Alpha® Direct now also has greater mechanical resistance. The construction is actually a mesh core with Alpha® corrugated fibres.
It can look like a spider web and indeed borrows some of its properties - it is ultra-light and yet strong. It dries incredibly quickly and is virtually unrivalled among insulating materials when it comes to breathability. It is active insulation - the material actively dissipates excess heat.
Polartec® Alpha® Direct body insulation and chest pocket
The insulation around the entire neck is hidden under the upper material.
But it's there, it's warm and it's really comfortable.
2. Hood - simple, snug and suitable even under a helmet
The hood of both models is identical in design. The front is actually the hood from the Aira jacket - simple, elastic, fits perfectly even in the wind and requires almost no manipulation. However, it has an extra drawcord at the back compared to the Aira.
The hood also fits perfectly under the helmet. Here you can also clearly see the insulation around the neck.
The hood has a simple drawstring system at the back
3. Pockets
Both Nebba and Nebba TPG have the same pockets - two zippered pockets at the waist and one pocket hidden inside the chest (into which the jacket can be conveniently packed) - you have already seen that one in the photo above.
Two zippered waist pockets
Both jackets can also be conveniently packed into the inner chest pocket
4. And finally, the most important thing - Pertex Quantum Air or GORE-TEX® Infinium™?
Read: should I get Nebba or Nebba TPG?
If you're looking for a lightweight, insulated jacket for autumn and spring that's truly versatile and suited to a wide range of activities, plus it's been tested for years in the gear of Mountain Rescue and Tilak team climbers, the Nebba may be right for you. The Pertex is windproof, super breathable, and can handle light rain thanks to the DWR. At the same time, it looks a little more civilian and can be taken for casual wear. The Nebba is available for men and women in several colour combinations.
Mountain Rescue Nebba jacket
Conversely, if you know you'll be outdoors a lot in cold, wet weather, whether it's rain or melting snow, the Nebba TPG will be more suitable. GORE-TEX® Infinium™ has a 10m water column and offers better thermal comfort compared to Pertex. At this level of waterproofing, it's also the most breathable membrane on the market. Combined with the highly breathable Polartec® Alpha® Direct insulation, this is a highly functional piece of clothing that is unmatched in our (and as far as we know, any other) collection. It's perfect for ski touring and being active in cold, wet climates, from brisk mountain crossings to climbing.
