ActiveOutdoorsOuterwearKathmandu NXT Level Bio Down jacket: a functional and flattering insulated coatKathmandu’s new down jacket stands out from the crowd thanks to its innovative biodegradable filling and fashion-forward fitWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Sian Lewis)T3 VerdictKathmandu’s designers have thought outside the box with the NXT Level jacket, and we give the product big points for the fact that every component is fully biodegradable. We also liked the cosy warmth, water-resistance and comfortable boxy fit of this eye-catching jacket, which definitely looks more stylish than your average down jacket. The hood is more of a question mark, though, and the sizing is definitely off.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Wonderfully squishy comfort+Biodegradable technology+Water repellentReasons to avoid-Oversized fit doesn’t trap in heat as well as fitted jackets-Hood is on the wide side-Sizing is offWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
ActiveOutdoorsOuterwearKathmandu NXT Level Bio Down jacket: a functional and flattering insulated coatKathmandu’s new down jacket stands out from the crowd thanks to its innovative biodegradable filling and fashion-forward fitWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Sian Lewis)T3 VerdictKathmandu’s designers have thought outside the box with the NXT Level jacket, and we give the product big points for the fact that every component is fully biodegradable. We also liked the cosy warmth, water-resistance and comfortable boxy fit of this eye-catching jacket, which definitely looks more stylish than your average down jacket. The hood is more of a question mark, though, and the sizing is definitely off.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Wonderfully squishy comfort+Biodegradable technology+Water repellentReasons to avoid-Oversized fit doesn’t trap in heat as well as fitted jackets-Hood is on the wide side-Sizing is offWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Kathmandu’s new down jacket stands out from the crowd thanks to its innovative biodegradable filling and fashion-forward fit
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Sian Lewis)T3 VerdictKathmandu’s designers have thought outside the box with the NXT Level jacket, and we give the product big points for the fact that every component is fully biodegradable. We also liked the cosy warmth, water-resistance and comfortable boxy fit of this eye-catching jacket, which definitely looks more stylish than your average down jacket. The hood is more of a question mark, though, and the sizing is definitely off.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Wonderfully squishy comfort+Biodegradable technology+Water repellentReasons to avoid-Oversized fit doesn’t trap in heat as well as fitted jackets-Hood is on the wide side-Sizing is off
(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
T3 VerdictKathmandu’s designers have thought outside the box with the NXT Level jacket, and we give the product big points for the fact that every component is fully biodegradable. We also liked the cosy warmth, water-resistance and comfortable boxy fit of this eye-catching jacket, which definitely looks more stylish than your average down jacket. The hood is more of a question mark, though, and the sizing is definitely off.Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Wonderfully squishy comfort+Biodegradable technology+Water repellentReasons to avoid-Oversized fit doesn’t trap in heat as well as fitted jackets-Hood is on the wide side-Sizing is off
T3 VerdictKathmandu’s designers have thought outside the box with the NXT Level jacket, and we give the product big points for the fact that every component is fully biodegradable. We also liked the cosy warmth, water-resistance and comfortable boxy fit of this eye-catching jacket, which definitely looks more stylish than your average down jacket. The hood is more of a question mark, though, and the sizing is definitely off.
T3 Verdict
Kathmandu’s designers have thought outside the box with the NXT Level jacket, and we give the product big points for the fact that every component is fully biodegradable. We also liked the cosy warmth, water-resistance and comfortable boxy fit of this eye-catching jacket, which definitely looks more stylish than your average down jacket. The hood is more of a question mark, though, and the sizing is definitely off.
Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Wonderfully squishy comfort+Biodegradable technology+Water repellentReasons to avoid-Oversized fit doesn’t trap in heat as well as fitted jackets-Hood is on the wide side-Sizing is off
Reasons to buy+Lightweight+Wonderfully squishy comfort+Biodegradable technology+Water repellent
Lightweight
Wonderfully squishy comfort
Biodegradable technology
Water repellent
Reasons to avoid-Oversized fit doesn’t trap in heat as well as fitted jackets-Hood is on the wide side-Sizing is off
Oversized fit doesn’t trap in heat as well as fitted jackets
Hood is on the wide side
Sizing is off
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Walk down any city street or mountain trail and you’ll likely come to the conclusion that warm down jackets are more popular than ever before – they’ve become the new wear-anywhere winter wardrobe staple both in and out of the great outdoors. So is there a way to stand out of the down crowd? Australian brand Kathmandu think so – they’re newest offering couples a fashionable oversized fit with a innovative material that will biodegrade when you’re down with it. MeetKathmandu’s new NXT Level jacket. So how does it perform out and about?
Kathmandu NXT Level Bio Down jacket: Specifications
Biodegradable from top to toe: we love to see it.(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
Biodegradable from top to toe: we love to see it.
Biodegradable from top to toe: we love to see it.
(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
Kathmandu NXT Level Bio Down jacket: Materials and design
Kathmandu’s biodegradable design is already innovative – but they haven’t stopped there. The NXT Level looks rather different to most down jackets we review – it has a boxy, flattering and rather retro-feeling cut. We think the NXT Level looked a tad smarter and more urban-friendly than other insulated jackets. The black is a good choice for both city and country use, while the bright brick red will make you visible in the mountains. We’d probably steer clear of the white – it’s likely to look dirty easily, and also looks a bit like it’s meant to be part of a Star Wars costume…
(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
Kathmandu NXT Level Bio Down jacket: Performance and comfort
The hood is wide and roomy, but while it can be adjusted it does feel on the bulky side. It’s an odd shape – it has a bonnet-like wide lip on the front that must be designed to repel rain but might make you look like you’ve escaped from Victorian Britain. The plus side is that it fits over helmets.
The NXT Level is one of the most pleasingly duvet-like jackets we’ve tested – it’s super comfortable next to the skin, and feels deliciously warm from the second you pull it on. We liked the roomy, comfortable fit, which makes layering up easy, and doesn’t restrict movement. Despite having a wide fit, the jacket does layer under waterproof jackets, so it works as a mid-layer as well as an outer layer. Its comfy warmth and bulk make it a good choice for cold days when you aren’t working up too much of a sweat – we’d recommend it for casual country walks, or belaying. We’ve also found ourselves wearing it at home on the coldest days – it’s that comfy.
(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
Kathmandu’s jacket is treated with a Durable Water Repellent finish that does effectively repel light rain, which beaded right off the surface of the jacket on test. We’d keep this topped up with a wash-in down jacket treatment, but probably wouldn’t take this jacket out in a torrential downpour, as it’s likely to eventually soak out.
The only thing we found odd about the NXT Level was the sizing. We mistakenly tried one size too large, which was comically huge on our size UK12 tester, but even the correct size felt far too roomy, and despite the fact that you can cinch in the bottom of the coat, air still got in. We’d recommend trying on a size or even two down from your usual, even if you do want to layer this coat over jumpers and fleeces. We also would have preferred zipped pockets – while the two large pockets on the front of the jacket are in the perfect spot for warming your hands, they aren’t a safe space to store valuables.
(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
Kathmandu NXT Level Bio Down jacket: Overall verdict
We predict the Kathmandu NXT Level will be a bit of a marmite coat – we love its eco credentials and its cosy warm performance, but the fit and looks may be divisive. Sporty mountaineers will probably pick a more functional fit rather than this fashionable jacket, but if you’re in the market for a nice all-rounder down jacket that still gets you plenty of style points when worn casually, this eco warrior could be a good addition to your winter wardrobe.
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