Nobis Elora Ladies Vest review: a premium price gilet with performance to match

Warm, tough and fully waterproof, the Nobis Elora Ladies Vest has a smart, slim-fit finish and is well worth splashing out on

Nobis Elora Ladies Vest
(Image: © Nobis)

Advnture Verdict

Top-of-the-line and tough body warmer offering great fit, warmth and waterproofing, ideal for anyone who works outdoors or spends a lot of time adventuring in changeable weather conditions.

Pros

  • +

    Fully waterproof

  • +

    Multiple pockets

  • +

    Smart looks

Cons

  • -

    That price tag

  • -

    Lack of color options

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Nobis Elora Ladies Vest: first impressions

Is the Nobis Elora Ladies Vest… a technical vest that actually looks stylish? Canadian brand Nobis do a fine line in high-quality outdoor clothing that you can rely on all winter long, and the new Elora gilet is no different. Plentiful duck down insulation provides instant welcome warmth for all-day wear but the jacket still has a slim profile that looks very smart. 

The front material is a brushed twill that is fully waterproof and repelled even heavy rain when we tested it for our best women’s gilets buying guide. Obviously your arms will get damp, but it keeps your torso warm and dry helping to ensure you stay comfortable and cosy if you’re out in the elements all day. 

Specifications

• RRP: $885 (US) / £650 (UK)
• Fill: Duck down
• Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL
• Waterproofing: Waterproof
• Colors: Black
• Compatibility: A versatile vest that can tackle grim weather

Nobis Elora Ladies Vest: on the trail

We wore the Elora constantly while hiking trails in super-changeable Scottish weather, and we didn’t want to take it off at the end – it’s the perfect balance of warm, comfortable, sleek and weatherproof. 

We also found it more breathable than similar gilets on test, despite its solid appearance – if you move faster on the trail or the weather improves while you’re out the Elora won’t make you overheat and provides warmth without excessive weight. 

Four front pockets are ideal for storing essentials and tools whether you’re working, gardening, fishing or camping. This is an investment piece for sure, but if you plan to wear a gilet daily all winter long for work or for a variety of adventures, the Elora is worth splashing out on.

Sian Lewis

An award-winning travel and outdoors journalist, presenter and blogger, Sian regularly writes for The Independent, Evening Standard, BBC Countryfile, Coast, Outdoor Enthusiast and Sunday Times Travel. Life as a hiking, camping, wild-swimming adventure-writer has taken her around the world, exploring Bolivian jungles, kayaking in Greenland, diving with turtles in Australia, climbing mountains in Africa and, in Thailand, learning the hard way that peeing on a jellyfish sting doesn’t help. Her blog, thegirloutdoors.co.uk, champions accessible adventures.