Meet the passionate team helping Australians find their perfect outerwear
Best Jacket Australia was born from a simple frustration: finding reliable, unbiased jacket recommendations tailored specifically for Australian conditions was nearly impossible. What started as a personal quest to find the perfect hiking jacket has grown into Australia's most trusted resource for outerwear guidance.
In 2024, our founder Marcus was preparing for a three-week trek through Tasmania's Overland Track. After spending countless hours researching waterproof shells, layering systems, and insulation types, he realised that most jacket reviews were written for Northern Hemisphere climates and conditions. Australian winters are different—we deal with sudden temperature swings, horizontal rain in Melbourne, alpine conditions in the Snowy Mountains, and everything in between. Marcus assembled a team of fellow outdoor enthusiasts to create the resource he wished had existed.
Today, Best Jacket Australia serves thousands of Aussies each month, from weekend bushwalkers to urban commuters, from fashion-conscious professionals to dedicated mountaineers. We believe that everyone deserves honest, detailed information about the outerwear they're considering—whether it's a $89 fleece from Kmart or a $700 GORE-TEX shell from Arc'teryx. Our team personally tests jackets in real Australian conditions, from the windswept beaches of Victoria to the humid tropics of Queensland, ensuring our recommendations actually work for the diverse climates we experience across this beautiful country.
Founder & Lead Reviewer
With over 15 years of bushwalking experience across Australia and New Zealand, Marcus brings practical knowledge of what works in the field. He's completed the Overland Track three times, summited Kosciuszko in winter conditions, and has an unhealthy obsession with testing waterproof ratings. When he's not reviewing jackets, you'll find him planning his next multi-day hike or experimenting with new layering systems.
Fashion & Style Editor
Sarah ensures our recommendations aren't just functional—they look good too. With a background in fashion retail and a keen eye for trends, she bridges the gap between outdoor performance and urban style. She specialises in reviewing leather jackets, denim styles, and everyday wear that transitions seamlessly from the office to weekend adventures. Her philosophy: you shouldn't have to sacrifice style for warmth.
Technical Specialist
James is our resident gear nerd who obsesses over the technical specifications that matter. A former outdoor retail manager with certifications in fabric technology, he deciphers the difference between 800-fill and 650-fill down, explains why some membranes outperform others, and tests durability through rigorous field use. He's particularly passionate about sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices in the outerwear industry.
We never accept payment for positive reviews. Our recommendations are based purely on performance, value, and suitability for Australian conditions. When a jacket doesn't meet expectations, we say so clearly—our readers deserve nothing less than complete honesty.
Every review considers our unique climate challenges, from the muggy humidity of the tropics to the biting cold of alpine regions. We test in conditions that actually reflect what Australians experience, not what works in Colorado or the Swiss Alps.
We actively highlight brands using recycled materials, ethical down sourcing, and responsible manufacturing. The outdoor industry has an obligation to protect the environments we love, and we believe in supporting companies that share this commitment.
We don't just recommend products—we help you understand why certain features matter. Our guides explain insulation types, waterproof ratings, breathability scores, and fit considerations so you can make informed decisions for years to come.
We'd love to hear from you. Whether you need specific jacket recommendations or want to share your own experiences, our team is always happy to help.
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