Portal is one of a growing number of brands approaching outdoor gear from a place of aesthetics as much as performance. But where most labels that dabble in this particular niche tend to prioritise one of these opposing forces at the expense of the other, Portal manages to strike a perfect balance. And now the brand has doubled down on that by launching its own Gore-Tex shell, the Sphere jacket – a piece of cleverly designed outerwear that rips up the rulebook for how a waterproof should look.
At its core, the Sphere jacket is cut from Gore-Tex's lightest and most packable waterproof textile. As a result, it tips the scales at a mere 173 grams for a size medium. Other functional features include a waterproof two-way zipper, a minimal fitted hood with elasticated hems, a single pocket with a concealed zipper that doubles up as a stuff sack, and a unique pleated design at the rear which allows room for a hydration vest to be worn underneath.
The Sphere jacket's functional details mean it works for hiking, trail running and cycling, switching seamlessly between the three, but the fashion-forward design makes it adaptable for urban use too. In other words, it's not going to look clumsy with casual clothing when taken out of the context of outdoor activities.
