A review of the JakPak: A jacket than turns into a tent

I’m always on the lookout for cool and innovative products to assist me in my adventure travels—so, when I recently ran across the

Made of quality materials, the JakPak is ingeniously designed and loaded with features…including:

All-in-one design…waterproof breathable rain jacket with integrated tent, mosquito netting and sleeping bag
3 season design (spring, summer and fall).
Lightweight design (medium size is less than 3lbs).
12” 5 coil Pit zips.
Integrated hood and collar with drawcord and visor.
Integrated suspenders to help distribute weight evenly.
Integrated tent provides shelter over the head, neck and shoulders.
Easy and quick setup.
Tent and bag are detachable and can be stored separately.
Two-way bag zipper allows for ease of entry/exit, which enables you to walk around. There is even a hook & loop to secure the bag from dragging on ground.

The JakPak may not be for every outdoor enthusiast, but I do think it can/will serve a niche segment. The minimalistic combination of weight, bulk and use will be very appealing to some. At less than 3lbs, you’d be hard pressed to find a solo tent under that…and, with the JakPak, ya get a jacket in the deal. I really like how the tent and bag portions of the jacket are detachable, it makes the product more versatile. Overall I’m very impressed with the thoughtfulness of the design. I would like to see better illustration materials that would show the best methods for folding and re-packing the JakPak…but other than that, they seem to have thought of everything.

Some may nudge the JakPak toward novelty over function—and, that may be true for some. For others who think outside the box, there could be a number of uses beyond the obvious for a JakPak—for example…the bag portion could be used during a rainy sporting event or other inclement weather spectator activity. The JakPak retails for $250, and for the quality and versatility…is probably a fair price.

If you or someone you know has a JakPak, let me know what you think by posting a comment below.

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.

5 Comments

Mica says:

March 20, 2011 at 1:36 am

This looks so funky! I really liked your video. Did your head have room to breathe? The top looks like it might be a bit claustrophobic! Nevertheless, an interesting concept. The price is a bit steep, but at only 3 pounds it might be useful in many situations when lugging a sleeping bag/tent is total pain in the butt! Do they make this for women too?
1. Mike's Road Trip says:
  
  March 20, 2011 at 4:32 am
  
  Hi Mica. Thanks for the kudos on the video. Yes, it is a bit “funky.” 🙂 It works though, and yes, there was plenty of head room to breathe. Yeah, I can see how some would think the price might be a bit steep. When you consider that you get a good rain coat, which can cost at least $150 and a solo tent, which could also cost as much…all rolled up into one…at really low weight, some might find it worth the price. I think if they could get the price under $200, they might find a more receptive audience.
  
  Anyhow, thanks for stopping by and commenting! Cheers, Mike
Patrick says:

February 5, 2012 at 3:08 am

Mike you did a great job of reviewing this JakPak and I think you’re pretty gutsy for testing new gear on the trail.
Was there a tarp-tent secreted in your backpack…just in case? (I’m kidding)

Anyway, I wanted to check in and see if after many months you had any more to say about the product.

My two biggest concerns are bugs and water proofing.
It looks like bugs could easily crawl between the overlap of the jacket’s bottom hem and the leg portion, even with the netting in place.
For than matter, I’m also wondering if rain could blow up that overlap or in onto your face from the bug netting tent-side?
Obviously it’s not a 4 season tent in terms of “360 degree” protection, so I’m really just wondering if summer bugs or a summer squall ever got to you?

Lastly, can us side-sleepers use this thing or will it just crumple as a sleeper turns?

Love the site, glad you are doing segments for ABC15 now, and as a native Coloradan I really appreciate the great reviews. I can’t believe I missed you being here last month!

Best regards and best of luck in 2012
-Patrick in Denver
1. Mike's Road Trip says:
  
  February 5, 2012 at 4:13 am
  
  Hi Patrick, thanks so much for the kudos. Regarding your questions…yes, I think all apply. No question a real 3-4 season tent would be more ideal. However, if you are out on a day hike and don’t have a tent with you…wearing/having the JakPak gives you the option to stay over night if you want or have to. Plus, I think there are some other uses for it…if you’re caught in the rain at a sporting event or the like it would be great to have. A JakPak is certainly a lot lighter than a tent too.
  
  I love Colorado…great state! I’ve spent most of my time in the southern part of the state, but will be in the Keystone area this summer for a conference.
  
  Thanks so much for stopping by, and for the kind words. All the best, Mike
Max says:

December 11, 2013 at 2:51 am

The tent looks useless any thing can get in there. (Snake!?)