Waterproof jackets
One thing you can guarantee if you’re hillwalking in the UK is that you’ll get a proper soaking at some point. So reliable waterproofs don’t just keep you dry, they offer vital protection in the full range of unpredictable mountain conditions.
1 WHAT WILL YOU USE IT FOR?
If you’ve stared at the endless options for waterproof jackets in gear shops, you’ll know there are loads of different styles depending on the kind of mountain adventure you’re planning. You get specific hillwalking options, lightweight summer shells, heavy-duty winter jackets, and high-spec designs built for high mountains and alpine terrain. The key is to find one or two that will work across all of your mountain trips.
2 KNOW YOUR GEAR JARGON
A lot of jackets badge themselves as water-resistant, but that’s a very different thing to being waterproof. You want a jacket made from a 2or 3-layer fabric, which must include a waterproof lining. Many jackets include Gore-Tex but it’s far from the only lining out there – many brands use their own excellent membranes, which can bring the price of the jacket down.
3 DON’T BLOCK THE POCKETS
When you try on a waterproof jacket in the shop you probably won’t have your rucksack with you, so grab one off the shelf and buckle it up. What you’ll often realise is that the pockets can get obstructed by rucksack straps, meaning you have to take off your whole pack to access what’s in them. A good selection of chest pockets and high-sitting hand pockets is usually best, as these allow you to easily access key bits of kit, like gloves, snacks and maps, as you walk.
4 FIND ADJUSTABLE FEATURES
One of the best features of a good waterproof jacket is adjustability. Key areas you’ll want to be able to adjust so they fit your body shape better are the hood, hem and cuffs. This is usually done through a variety of drawstrings, toggles and Velcro tabs.
5 HOW TO KEEP COOL
The problem with something that doesn’t let water in is that it usually doesn’t let water out either (think of a bin bag), which means your sweat has nowhere to escape to. Waterproof fabrics are getting more breathable every year, but some jackets offer more ventilation options than others. Adjustment in the cuffs helps, as it lets you roll your sleeves up, while pit zips allow you to open up the whole area underneath your arms.
6 FIND THE FIT THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Waterproof jackets come in all shapes and sizes – long ones, short ones, loose ones, tight ones. Some people like the jacket to fall way below their waist, while others prefer it to sit on the hips. If the cut of the jacket is loose it allows more layers underneath, while a more athletic fit will feel snugger around your torso. Try a few styles on, and go for the one that moves best with your body shape and walking style.
7 CHECK OUT THE ZIPS AND HOODS
They aren’t the sexiest things to talk about, but zips and hoods can make or break a waterproof jacket. Despite big recent advances in technology, water often finds its way through zips, so stormflaps that cover the area over the top and beneath the zip offer extra protection. The key things with hoods are movement and visibility. Once you’ve adjusted and tightened them up to offer as much protection as possible, remember you still need to be able to rotate your head to see where you’re going!
8 DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR LEGS!
Most walking trousers don’t come with a waterproof lining, so another key addition to your hillwalking wardrobe is a good pair of waterproof overtrousers (see page 12). Look for a pair with zips that fully open from hip to ankle, so you can put them on without taking your boots off.