WATERPROOF ESSENTIALS
Jackets to keep you dry this spring.
THREE OF THE BEST HARDSHELL RAIN JACKETS FORAY MEN’S JACKET Outdoor research, £219.99 01740 644024, ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk
This jacket is compact and light enough (at around 440g) to be stuffed into a corner of your pack. When you need it, the
generous cut allows ample space for a fleece beneath. If you overheat, the Foray has the longest underarm vents I’ve ever seen, zipping down to the waist. It’s made of a soft PFC-free (perfluorocarbon-free) Gore-Tex Paclite, which repels rain but is also breathable. Don’t expect perfection: after hiking in teeming rain, you will find a build-up of moisture on the inside, and on pressure points – especially on shoulders where your pack harness fits. The hood
fits snugly, with dual adjustment. M/F: The women’s version is the Aspire. VERDICT: For a lightweight waterproof,
it’s effective, reliable and versatile. TIP: Shop around: you may be able to buy it for under £160.
KENTO JACKET Mammut, £189 0330 808 8466, uk.mammut.com
At 400g, this lightweight, compact jacket is an appealing just-in-case waterproof for active outdoors people. It’s a close-fitting cut, so it may suit those with a leaner physique. If you choose your normal size, you may struggle to fit many layers beneath, perhaps a base layer and microfleece at most. On the other hand, that low profile means it’s ideally suited to use in spring and summer, or for travelling light on fast-moving winter hikes. The long (36cm) underarm vents will help you keep cool on steep uphill stretches, or on warm summer days. The Drytech stretch material is flexible, waterproof and
breathable; the hood has a soft peak and fits snugly. M/F: The women’s version is the Keiko. VERDICT Pop it in your pack in spring or summer, just in case of wet weather.
RIDGEMASTER VENTED JACKET Berghaus, £200 0345 607 2477, berghaus.com
This one ups your protection against the elements. At 564g, it is not as light as the other jackets on test and is a fair amount bulkier, too. But it comes into its own when storm clouds gather in cooler months. The two-layer Gore-Tex fabric is waterproof and breathable, and feels tougher than the other jackets on test. The adjustable and longer-than-usual dropped hem adds protection. The hood fits extremely well and has a longer than usual soft peak to keep rain out of your eyes. When the temperature drops and you want to layer up beneath, you may find the cut a bit tight beneath the arm, so consider going up a size. Underarm vents help you cool down. M/F: Versions for men and women. VERDICT: Good weather protection, but layer up and try for size before buying.