COLD WEATHER PROTECTION

Six of the best lightweight waterproof jackets tested

ONE FOR STYLE AND SUBSTANCE PATAGONIA TOPLEY JACKET £330, patagonia.com/gb

The Patagonia Topley is very impressive. Build quality is stunning, the ethics robust, the spec impeccable. We’re talking 100% recycled filling – a 700-fill mix of duck and goose down – a 100% recycled polyester shell with an internal membrane and DWR finish, and the entire jacket is Fair Trade Certified. Tapered wrist closures, a cavernous insulated hood, and patch pockets with concealed, lined hand warmer pockets boost overall warmth and comfort. It’s heavy – over a kilo – but brilliant.

ONE FOR TRAIL TO TOWN JACK WOLFSKIN ON THE MOVE £200, jack-wolfskin.co.uk

There’s plenty to like here, including a fully recycled polyester windproof and waterproof outer shell that wraps around a recycled synthetic insulation core to deliver warmth in cold weather. Fully taped zips are a nice touch, as is the adjustable and detachable hood, and the adjustable hem keeps the wind at bay. Meanwhile, hand pockets and higher chest pockets as well as internal and normal chest pockets mean there’s acres of space for stashing maps, snacks and small tech.

ONE FOR WINTER RUNNERS ARC’TERYX NORVAN SL £255, arcteryx.com

This jacket makes the worst conditions more manageable. Weight is a mere 125g, and a full-fat Gore-Tex shell wraps round a Coreloft insulated liner; Arc’teryx shaves weight here by stripping the usual face fabric away, leaving just the waterproof membrane. This means it sheds rain immediately, rather than gradually wetting out. Tiny reflective areas on the forearms aid night road-running visibility, and the hood is not just stowable, it comes with a wired peak for added weather protection.

Thin and lightweight waterproofs are superb for keeping you dry during late spring to autumn downpours, but they won’t keep you warm in the depths of winter. Sideways rain and bitter winds can cut through a thin waterproof jacket like an icy knife – that’s why tweed was invented, after all.

On the other hand, choosing a jacket that keeps you warm but can’t cope with a downpour is just as frustrating. That’s why we’ve rounded up six top-billed insulated waterproof jackets to keep you warm and dry. As you’ll discover below, some jackets carry out their duties better than others, and, depending on your budget, you may need to make some sacrifices in terms of warmth or weatherproofing. But luckily, there are a few that do it all, and will last you many a winter too.

ONE FOR ALPINE SPORTS LOVERS THE NORTH FACE MOUNTAIN Q JACKET £150, thenorthface.co.uk

This is one of the simplest jackets on test, and that’s no bad thing. A seamsealed Dryvent shell face fabric is backed with a relatively thin layer of insulation, making this warm enough if you’re admiring the alpine view, yet without being overwhelmingly hot when you get active. A helmet-compatible hood with twin adjusters and elasticated cuffs are as technical as this jacket gets, giving you clean, uncluttered lines on piste and off. So it’s ideal for the town as well as the slopes.

ONE FOR THE CHILLED COLUMBIA HORIZON £180, columbiasportswear.co.uk

The Horizon delivers big warmth for your buck, and it’s down to Columbia’s clever Omni-Heat thermal reflective material. This space-blanket-style material lines the jacket and immediately appears warm to the touch, as it reflects body heat back at your body. Elsewhere, Velcro cuffs can be tightened down to keep the elements out, a spacious hood can be tucked in for further protection, and vast hip pockets offer sanctuary for cold hands. A fully waterproof outer layer is the finishing touch to this casual and comfortable winter jacket.

ONE FOR EVERYTHING RAB VALIANCE JACKET £310, rab.equipment/uk

Some like it hot – and if that includes you, down-based insulation will keep you warmer than any other substance. This goose down-stuffed jacket is an unusual offering in that down and water are not usually good companions. However, Rab has taken precautions, adding a Pertex Shield waterproof outer and coating the down in a hydrophobic layer to fend off damp. Also, Rab’s bonded box wall tech keeps the down where it’s supposed to be without adding a weight penalty. When winter bites, this is the waterproof you want.