Craghoppers CO2Renu Arche Jacket

9th February 2025

In January I had the opportunity to take the Craghoppers CO2Renu Arche to a snowy Dartmoor where the ThermoPro insulation certainly proved its worth [© Mike Gormley]

The CO2Renu (i.e. Carbon Dioxide Renew) Arche is an innovative jacket that’s a first of its kind from Craghoppers, writes Mike Gormley.

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Following on with their innovative material produced from CO₂, Craghoppers CO2Renu fabric is now being used in the Arche. I reported on CO2Renu, a Bio3 carbon smart polyester recycled fabric used by Craghoppers on some of its range, a while ago in this fleece top. This material makes the Arche Jacket a soft feel and cosy to wear waterproof outer garment; the water resistance coming from AquaDry, which also offers good breathability.

My son Angus, on a rare visit home, modelled the Arche for me on a post-Christmas coast walk where it proved ideal for a chill day with possibility of rain forecast [©MG]

¤ The Arche is well equipped with pockets ~ seen here chest and side
¤ Chest pockets are of good size and secured by a press stud flap
¤ Side pockets are drop-type ~ Angus, who has spades for hands, commented these were a bit of a tight fit
¤ There is a generous inside pocket with basic detail about CO2Renu materials
[©MG]

This is Craghoppers’ first insulated waterproof jacket. It is not a bulky garment to wear but does give you that useful additional warmth over the mid-layers, so is great in the winter or on cool damp days year-round. The Arche is an easily wearable jacket for days out in the countryside or around town, safe in the knowledge if it gets cold later or you get a sudden downpour you are well protected. The waterproof capability is rated at 25,000mm and breathability is given as being 25,000g / m² / 24hrs .

The hood is a good one and zips up well for protection ~ captive pull cords enable good adjustment and there is a volume adjuster at the back [©MG]

The Arche has a really good and adjustable hood, complete with captive drawcords to save that annoying face slap in the wind. The insulation layer uses ThermoPro recycled polyester and as I sit writing this with the Arche on my lap, I very quickly feel the warmth.