Review: Kenpo Jacket for iPod

Kenpo Fashion makes one wicked iPod jacket. Well, more like 15 different iPod jackets, for a variety of vendors and in a variety of styles. The one I got my hands on is in my signature style, black on black with black embroidery. This particular model, the Kenpo Jacket for iPod MKT-07, is a fleece-lined cool weather jacket. It’s a bit hot for Summer but come the inevitable cold months this snug iPod case will surely prove invaluable. If you want something lighter, try Kenpo’s MKT-023 model.

At its most basic, the Kenpo Jacket for iPod MKT-07 is comfortable, it’s roomy, it has enough give for layering if you need, and the outer shell is wind- and water-resistant. There are two non-zippered pockets inside the coat and two zippered hip pockets outside. The Velcro closing inside left pocket has two compartments: one for your iPod and the other for the iPod’s 30-pin dock-connector plug. There’s a neck loop to keep your headphones from falling back inside if you have to take them off for whatever reason. The cut is stylish and youthful and the construction is solid and well-executed. You definitely won’t be compromised in the wardrobe department while wearing a Kenpo jacket.

So, what makes this jacket an iPod jacket? Well, just look at the sleeve.

Kenpo has put five icons right on the left sleeve—they look like they’re been silk-screened—that, wonder of wonder, actually control your iPod from a safe and snug inner pocket. Chose your playlist, plug your iPod’s 30-pin dock connector into the jacket’s controller, snap and zip everything secure, and you’re on your way, cold be darned!

You turn your iPod on from the sleeve, turn it off from the sleeve, move a track forward, or a track back, or pause from your sleeve. Way cool!

In order to active the controls, if you’ve not used them for five or so seconds, you have to hold down the Forward button for three seconds to reactivate them. Why? Because if the icons were on all the time, you’d be turning your iPod on and off and jumping tracks every time you brushed against something. Yeah, it might take a little while to get used to, but only a little while. I wouldn’t worry about it. While the overall convenience and gee whiz factor are compelling, not having to unzip in a snowstorm is really worth it. What an amazing idea!

These sleeve control buttons vary from style to style as well so if black on black isn’t your style, or if you’d like a slightly more visible icons for low-light use, you can opt for other colours up to and including a more distinctive bright acid green. It’s all a matter of taste.

Because there’s no way to look at your iPod’s screen once you’ve installed it in the inner pocket, short of opening your jacket and undoing all those pockets again, you’ll want to set up your playlist before you head out, or be prepared to find an occasional warm spot out of the wind to change your music.

Overall then this jacket does exactly what it says it will, provide you with a warm, secure and stylish way to listen to, and change, your music while out an about on blustery days. You’ll not be wearing it in the Summer, but when the cold winds start to blow and constantly fiddling with your volume and track controls gets a bit nippy, this is an excellent way to keep your iPod warm, secure, and conveniently at hand.

If I had to assign it a rating, in the spirit of “Whose iPod is it Anyways”, I’d give it an easy 88%. Pretty darned good!

Well done, Kenpo! This is one amazing jacket.

The Kenpo Jacket for iPod, at $139.00 MSRP is a definite must if you want to listen to your iPod outside this Winter.