Finisterre Women's Lapwing Jacket Review: My Sustainable Travel Coat

I’ve owned the Finisterre Lapwing Insulated Jacket since Finisterre released it, and it’s quickly replaced my previous lightweight jackets. I find it to be the quickest jacket to take along when we do day trips, and it’s more packable than my teddy coats and fleeces.

What drew me to this jacket wasn’t just the chic matte finish and flattering straight fit, but Finisterre’s commitment to sustainability. If you’ve seen my other reviews, it’s something that I point out and rate for all my favorite travel gear.

This jacket has been perfect for those tricky early spring and late autumn days when I need just a bit of warmth without the bulk. I love that it’s made entirely from recycled materials, including its ocean waste insulation, which means I can feel good about wearing it while staying comfortable on the road.

Read on, to see how it really looks.

What makes the Lapwing Jacket special

Here’s what stands out about this insulated jacket:

• 100% recycled materials - The outer fabric is made from recycled materials, and the insulation uses Repreve Recycled Ocean Waste. When I wear it, I am literally wearing ocean plastic that’s been transformed into something useful.
• Down-free warmth - Finisterre uses recycled synthetic insulation instead of traditional (non-vegan) down feathers. this method actually retains more heat when wet and doesn’t harm animals.
• Perfect for layering - The straight fit runs pretty true to size (size down for a closer fit), especially with the assumption that it’ll go over a sweater. It’s ideal for wearing over long-sleeved shirts or under waterproof shells.
• Thoughtful design details - Features like snap fastenings, patch front pockets, and a shawl collar give it a polished look that works for both urban and outdoor adventures.

The fit

I chose an XS and that has worked out perfectly. For once, it’s a jacket that’s not too long in the arms, and because it’s not a tight style, nor a form-fitting one, it hangs out around my middle and looks even better unbuttoned than buttoned.

It fits over something big like a fleece pullover, and it’s also fine when I have only a T-shirt underneath. Overall, I’d call it an updated style with a true to size fit.

One thing I want to point out to you is that the snaps down the front are actually on the left. I’m not sure if that is a British thing or a European one, but I think I would naturally button snaps that are on the right. So I have to do a double-take when I’m closing it.

Perfect for spring and fall travel

The Lapwing jacket is my shoulder season item!

I’ve been wearing this jacket during transitional weather trips for a year now, and it’s proven to be incredibly versatile. Most recently, I wore it OVER my Pladra Fleece Jenner Pullover. The lightweight design means it doesn’t take up much space in my luggage, and the matte finish gives it a sophisticated look that works well if I’m out in the city wearing jeans and boots.

The insulation provides just enough warmth for those cool mornings and evenings without making me overheat when the sun comes out. I think that’s the best part. Fleece jackets usually make me very hot when the sun comes out in the afternoon after a cool morning, so those are hard to take along for days that have the potential to get warmer.

I especially appreciate how it layers under my rain jacket when I need extra protection from random weather events. And lastly, it can pack up into a ball in my daypack, oversized belt bag or diaper bag. It’s a true travel essential.

Sustainable materials that really work

What I love most about this jacket is that Finisterre’s commitment to sustainability. It is something I can really see. The recycled fabric on the Lapwing jacket feels durable and comfortable, while the synthetic insulation keeps me warm even when it’s damp outside. Also, the interior of this jacket is buttery soft, somehow. I’m surprised and impressed by that, every time I put it on.

Finisterre eliminated many harmful chemicals from their production back in 2017, and the brand ships products by sea (not air!) to reduce carbon emissions. That’s a serious commitment, and I don’t see any other brands doing such a thing in their production and supply chain. It actually made me say “wow,” when I read about it. It’s refreshing to find a company that’s thinking about the entire lifecycle of their products, not just the end result.

Build quality and care

My Lapwing jacket strikes a nice balance between warmth and weight. After an entire year of wearing it, it has held up perfectly. In fact, it looks completely new, like I took it out of the bag. Believe it or not, I even wore it while I was pregnant during fall and early winter: I just didn’t close it!

Caring for it is straightforward: machine wash at 30°C on gentle cycle, tumble dry low heat, and avoid bleach or fabric softener. I’ve washed it a few times over the year, and it maintains its appearance and performance well. This is the same for Dan’s Finisterre Firecrest Jacket: a simple wash, and a hang dry.

Quick takeaways

• The Lapwing jacket is perfect for travelers who want sustainable, lightweight insulation.
• The straight fit and matte finish make it versatile for both nature/outdoors and city trips.
• Made entirely from recycled materials, including ocean waste insulation.
• Easy to layer under rain jackets or over long-sleeved shirts.
• Simple care instructions like machine washing make it low-maintenance for travel.
• Finisterre’s commitment to sustainability extends from materials to shipping methods. It’s impressive.

If you’re looking for a lightweight insulated jacket that aligns with your values around sustainable travel, the Finisterre Lapwing Insulated Jacket is a good bet. After several months of use, it’s become a staple in my travel wardrobe for those in-between weather days when I need just a bit of extra warmth.