Waterproof jackets

For days you’ll be really glad you zipped up and went for a walk.

WE ONLY HAVE TO glance at the posts on the #walk1000miles Facebook page to know that CW readers will walk whatever the weather – and you are absolutely fantastic for doing so. Call all it rain, call it liquid sunshine, call it ‘the softness’ (as they do in County ounty Kerry) – but whatever you call it, a bit of rain shouldn’t ruin a day’s walking. A decent cent waterproof jacket is the obvious response to such a day: one that does the dual job of keeping the rain off your skin but also allowing unwanted heat and moisture (you know we mean sweat, right?) to escape. Walking in the rain, unbothered and unimpeded, brings a freshness to the day; a new perspective – and the sense of pride that, no matter what the elements threw at you, you walked. And hey, sometimes (just sometimes) a horrid wet day turns into a stunning sunny day halfway round. On those days, you can really delight in the fact that you got out, zipped up, and went for a walk. In this test you’ll meet the jacket that can make those days happen for you. About our reviews Nick and Rachel have tested 14 waterproof jackets which should be widely available in stores and online at the time of going to press. Nearly all are available for both men’s and women’s (indicated by these dots ). We rate each jacket on comfort (how it fits and feels), performance (how it copes with rain and sweat), versatility (how well it adapts to different conditions) and value for money. We don’t select an overall winner as no single option will suit every walker, but Nick and Rachel have each named a personal favourite.