Product reviews/11/22/2024

Winner of the ISPO Award 2024: The Watusi Hooded Expedition Down Jacket from BLACKYAK

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The Watusi Hooded Expedition Down Jacket is all about mobility, lightness, durability and an innovative thermal concept. It was developed for adventurers who need equipment that is just as robust and flexible as they are. 

Winner of the ISPO Award 2024: The Watusi Hooded Expedition Down Jacket by BLACKYAK.

This high-performance down jacket is part of BLACKYAK's TheOne collection. Designed for mountaineering, the line is deliberately built to last and is suitable for surviving multiple expeditions. To achieve this, BLACKYAK uses highly functional materials that have been tested by athletes in extreme conditions. 

Innovative heat management

The core concept of the Watusi Hooded Expedition Down Jacket is to provide optimal warmth with minimal weight for extreme alpine conditions. It is filled with 800 cuin RDS-certified down that has been treated with NIKWAX® to be water repellent, so that it retains its full thermal performance even when damp. The YAK BOX-WALL™ construction of the down chambers prevents cold spots and ensures even heat distribution. It also reduces volume and allows for a sleeker, more athletic fit that gives you more freedom of movement without sacrificing warmth. Stretch panels in the back provide added comfort and mobility. 

The Watusi Hooded Expedition Down Jacket is designed to provide optimal warmth with minimal weight for extreme alpine conditions.
Image credit:
BLACKYAK

Focus on durability and longevity

The jacket is made of water- and dirt-repellent CORDURA® ripstop fabric, which has been coated with a PFC-free and abrasion-resistant DWR. This ensures that the jacket retains its function for as long as possible, even in rough terrain. Polyester insulation in high-wear areas provides additional strength. A helmet-compatible hood, adjustable cuffs and waist, an extended back, practical pocket placement for ample storage and YKK™ zippers make it ideal for extreme alpine conditions. 

Produced in Europe

The Watusi Hooded Expedition Down Jacket is manufactured in Europe to strict environmental and occupational safety standards. High-quality fabric remnants are also used in production to reduce the jacket's environmental footprint. BLACKYAK also operates an in-house repair centre to extend the lifespan of products. 

The clear, alpine-inspired aesthetics combine technical precision with modern design and make the jacket as eye-catching as it is functional at high altitudes. The jacket is available for men and women and has been on the market since September 2024. 

The jacket is filled with 800 cuin RDS-certified down that has been treated with NIKWAX® for water repellency.
Image credit:
BLACKYAK

What the jury says:

“This jacket is a real eye-catcher! Not only does it look incredibly good, it also has great features. Thanks to the high-quality workmanship and materials used, it is designed to last. And with the down treated with a water-repellent Nikwax coating, you'll stay warm even if it gets damp.”
ISPO Award Jury

What convinced the jury:

  • 800 cuin NIKWAX®-treated 800 fill power RDS-certified down and YAK BOX-WALL™ down chambers for lightweight warmth 
  • CORDURA® ripstop fabric, DWR coating for durability and protection 
  • Stretch panels at back for freedom of movement 

Statement BLACKYAK

"Thank you for the ISPO Award! Maximum protection against the cold without weighing you down - the very light and warm expedition jacket is ready for your missions in cold and alpine terrain."
Maximilian Nortz, Managing Director International Business BLACKYAK
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