Waterproof jacket test
YOUR COMPLETE BUYING GUIDE TO
BRITAIN WOULD NOT be a green and pleasant land without rain. A waterproof jacket is a small price to pay to get outside and enjoy it in comfort – whatever the weather. And what you spend on a waterproof jacket can be just that – a small price. You don’t need to spend a fortune for a decent waterproof jacket. But you’re probably wondering why some are more expensive than others. What do you get for spending more? Are smart membranes and trendy brands unjustly hyped? These are some of the questions we’ll be answering in the next few pages, as we guide you through the ins and outs of 13 waterproof jackets, representing the wide range you can buy today. They vary not only in price, but in quality too. Often, but not always, a pricier jacket brings refined design, better materials and superior durability. These are the factors we assess in our reviews. We’ll help you find the right jacket for your budget and needs: whether you want something inexpensive or innovative. A hardshell, as they’re sometimes dubbed, is probably the biggest investment made by most walkers. You may not be wearing it all the time, but when rain prevails, you’ll be grateful of an outer layer you can depend on to stay dry.
About our reviews
Between them, Philip and Rachel have tested 13 waterproof jackets that should be widely available in the UK at the time of going to press. Nearly all are available for both men and women (indicated by these dots ). We rate each jacket on comfort (how it fits and feels), performance (how it copes with rain and sweat), versatility and value for money. We don’t select an overall winner, but Philip and Rachel have chosen stand-out favourites and one jacket that offers best value for money.
HOOD A good hood should fit snugly around your head. Two cords in the collar and a further one at the back will let you fine tune a head-hugging fit that doesn’t impede your visibilty when you’re looking around. A stiffened or wire-rimmed peak can be shaped to help keep the rain out.
VENTING Some jackets (not this one) feature ‘pit zips’ under the arms for venting heat in wet and humid weather.
WATERPROOF FABRIC A waterproof and breathable fabric is what keeps you dry and comfortable on the go. Some are better than others at keeping rain out and letting perspiration escape. Many fabrics combine a durable, rain-shedding outer layer with a membrane bonded to its underside ( we explain the science on page 77). Seams are taped to stop water getting in.
LENGTH It stands to reason that a longer jacket better protects your thighs and bottom, but it could also inhibit your stride when going uphill, unless you’ve got a twoway zip to undo. A scooped back (like this one), allows greater freedom of movement while still covering your hind quarters.
POCKETS Most jackets sport multiple pockets both outside and inside, for stowing valuables, maps, hats and gloves. You’ll find some ‘handwarmer’ pockets are located above the waist, so that a rucksack hip belt won’t get in the way. Chunkier tabs make zips easier to grapple with when wearing gloves.
ZIP A weak point in every jacket’s armour is the zip, which is usually protected by at least one storm flap. Pricier jackets feature zips protected by a strip of heatbonded, waterproof tape, saving weight, and the faff of velcro and poppers. A two-way main zip provides easier access to pockets and openings underneath.
ARMS Go for a jacket with enough slack and length in the arms. They’re often described as ‘articulated’. Extra length ensures your forearms are covered when stretching.