REVIEW: Zip Us In Universal Clip-In Jacket Expander Panel

Badger survey serious!

At 22 weeks I realised, as I tried to zip up my best winter jacket, that within a couple of weeks or so, I wouldn't get that zip over my bump any more 😶 I was reluctant to buy a separate maternity jacket. Why you ask? Well, I do a lot of outdoorsy ecology field work where you need a functional waterproof jacket so pretty much all my jackets are very expensive... There is no maternity outdoor wear sold in the UK - one thing I would like to change one day!

Anyway I stumbled across these extender panels on Amazon (NOT an affiliate link!) and thought that that is just what I need. Especially since I plan to be babywearing too, and they can also be used for that (which maternity jackets usually can't). As for needing weather proofing, the softshell material in this panel is both water and wind resistant. I clearly needed one of these!

First off - I had no idea there were so many damn kinds of zipper?! After getting stuck trying to figure out what would fit, I ended up messaging the company on Facebook (as suggested in their Amazon listing). I got an almost immediate response, sent photos of jackets I had and was advised on the Universal clip-in panel, as this is guaranteed to work for all my jackets. And The Husbands jackets too, just sayin..! 😁

Lucky for me I had some Amazon vouchers from my birthday to use, so I bought the Universal panel. I had to watch a few videos, as it's not immediately obvious how this model works (the other models just zip into your normal jacket zips)... I felt ready to roll then I just stared blankly at the clips. They had of course never been used so were still flat from the factory. I couldn't figure it out. Until The Husband pointed out there was instructions on the box the panel came in... #babybrain is a real thing, ya'll.

The Husband bent the clips for me, after that it was oh so obvious...

Once I had followed the instructions, it was easy to do. The panel clips in easily, but it's not a one handed operation. One rather amusing promo video shows Mum unclipping the panel and giving it to Dad who clips it to his jacket in was looks like a minute or so. All very slick operation in a coffee shop kind of thing. Don't be fooled. Changing this from one jacket to the next is not something that you do with one hand. There is a "knack" to unclipping these, as they are very secure (which is good) and both panels need to be lined up or it looks a bit wonky when you zip it up.

So did it actually work?? Of course. And very well too. I did a bat hibernacula visit in the morning, then a badger sett survey in the afternoon, and I found the adjustability of the panel was a great help in ensuring that The Bump could be successfully navigated while crawling on the ground and looking into badger holes...

I bet they never thought of this when they designed this panel! I was a bit muddy when I got home but I took a baby wipe to the panel and it looks as good as new. So clean I could easily pass for a normal person - except for the really muddy walking boots and what looks like rabbit turds stuck to my trousers...

In "pregnancy mode" I first thought the panel was maybe that tiny bit too short - I chose to leave the biggest gap in the neck as I wear a buff band so it still worked really well for me. HOWEVER - for use when babywearing, the shorter length is actually necessary as you need to be able to see your baby's head and face!

I will also be getting the fleece lining that goes with it, as the only thing I felt was needed on the design was that the double softshell fabric wasn't warm enough when I was outside for 4+ hrs... But, it was only 4 degrees outside and 35mph winds! It will be perfect in all other seasons other than winter, and that's I guess why they designed the fleece inset! 😃

These are £35 so they are not exactly cheap. However, considering the versatility of this particular panel, and that it extends well beyond pregnancy, means for me it's money well spent!

TOP MARKS! 

Will you be trying this, or would you prefer to go for a maternity jacket?