Travel the Globe in KÜHL Lena Insulated Jacket

By Danielle Cemprola on June 19, 2023
2 min read

When I started working with KÜHL, there was one piece of gear I was particularly excited about: the Lena Insulated Jacket.

I’ll be honest – it was mostly about aesthetics. I thought the jacket looked cool, and I didn’t own anything like it. Little did I know that I was about to put it through its paces on my first solo international trip!

Jeronimos Monastery in Belem, Lisbon, Portugal
Jeronimos Monastery in Belem, Lisbon, Portugal

KÜHL Lena Insulated Jacket Product Review

The Lena Insulated Jacket is a military-inspired, water resistant women's jacket with a light lining that keeps out the wind and cold in cooler temperatures. The jacket features fabric that has been peached and coated with blue wax for a soft, dry touch and the technical abilities to withstand an onslaught of wind and rain. The quilted insulation adds another layer of protection against the elements.

Before leaving for my trip to the Azores Islands and Lisbon, Portugal, I wore the jacket around my hometown, and I always got compliments on how it looked. I was thrilled about that, but even more satisfying was how perfect the jacket was for the oft-rainy South Carolina winter. It looks good with anything and everything and kept me warm and dry on my way into the office and out to the bars. That said, this isn’t a jacket for extremely low temperatures – it’s most appropriate for temps in the 40s-60s.

After such success on my home turf, I knew I wanted to bring the Lena (and all my other KÜHL gear) with me to Portugal, where the temps were slated to be in the 50s. What I didn’t count on was how windy it would be in the Azores Islands, where the weather can change in an instant.

Although I had intended to wear the jacket primarily while walking around Lisbon and the towns on the islands, I ended up wearing it everywhere because it kept out the wind and cooler weather better than anything else I brought.

Making the Grade

No matter how I put it to the test, the Lena Insulated Jacket met the challenge.

Hiking around the rim of a volcano while nearly being blown over by the wind?
No problem.

Sete Cidades crater, São Miguel, Azores
Sete Cidades crater, São Miguel, Azores

Exploring the historic fishing neighborhood of Alfalma in Lisbon? 
A travel essential.

Historic fishing village of Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal
Historic fishing village of Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal

Visiting one of the most Instagrammed spots on the Azores Islands in the cool morning air?
A must-have.

Overlooking Sete Cidades crater, São Miguel, Azores
Overlooking Sete Cidades crater, São Miguel, Azores

Practicing my best modeling pose on the evening streets in Lisbon?
The perfect fit.

Baixa district, Lisbon, Portugal
Baixa district, Lisbon, Portugal

A Versatile Must-Have

The Lena Insulated Jacket isn’t just for looking good on the streets. It’s a versatile piece that goes from city to mountains and back again while keeping wind out and warmth in.

The only thing that could possibly make this jacket better is a hood, but even without it, the Lena has been my go-to women's outerwear staple since the day it arrived.

Add the Lena Insulated Jacket to your collection. No matter where you end up, you won’t regret bringing it along!

I received KÜHL apparel for this review at no cost. I received no other compensation for this post, and all opinions are my own.

Danielle Cemprola
Danielle Cemprola

Danielle Cemprola is a freelance writer, marathoner x 52  and world traveler. Danielle and her husband, AJ, love to hike, travel, and eat their way across the planet. She's a self-described carry-on enthusiast who loves challenging herself to pack for any trip, no matter the length or destination, in a carry-on bag. When Danielle's not flying the friendly skies, you're likely to find her working at her day job as an environmental scientist - hey, someone needs to pay for all those plane tickets!

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