Jack Wolfskin Exolight Pro £350

Highest HH rating on test, good all-round performance Expensive for proprietary membrane, not the best hood

Rather than using Gore-Tex’s nearubiquitous technology, Jack Wolfskin uses its own in-house waterproof membrane (Texapore O2+) in this jacket. It has been treated with a durable water-resistant coating – the confidently-named ‘Super DWR’ – which Jack Wolfskin claims ‘sheds water, prevents the outer fabric from becoming saturated, and keeps you dry for longer’. Together this ensures the Exolight Pro has a superb 30,000mm HH (the highest on test) and 15,000g/m²/24hr breathability, ensuring the baseline stats are impressive. But a jacket is more than just its headline figures. With the Exolight Pro you get two large pit vents, four pockets, reflective bands, adjustable hood and Velcro cuffs – all pretty standard fare. The central waterresistant zip features a sturdy stormflap, press stud closure and zipper garage, and the materials used – a 100% polyamide shell with a 100% polyester lining – feel surprisingly supple and flexible for the level of waterproofing offered. The fit is a little baggy in the men’s version, the hood’s peak is not great and the price tag is quite high for a jacket with a proprietary membrane. But, overall, there’s not much to dislike here – it’s a good all-rounder.

■ Men’s sizes S-XXL Women’s sizes XS-XXL Weight 535g (men’s M)