A good quality waterproof is essential for adventure in the UK. The first line of defence in the battle against the elements, if you’re getting out and exploring nature, you need something that’s going to look after you.
The problem is that buying one can be a bit of a minefield; wading through technical jargon and knowing how much to spend to get something that’s going to be up to the job isn’t easy. That’s why we’ve snagged a series of affordable and premium men’s and women’s from a selection of our favourite brands, putting them through their paces over the past couple of months to help you make the right choice when you next splash the cash.
You can see our top picks for women here and men here, but before you do, read on to find out everything you should consider before purchasing one of your most important pieces of kit.
What makes a waterproof, well, waterproof?
There’s some key stuff to consider when you’re on the hunt for a new waterproof jacket, no matter whether you’re into hiking, biking, climbing or just taking the dog out for quick leg stretch.
It might sound obvious, but the most important thing is waterproofing. Ideally, you’re going to want a jacket with a solid waterproof membrane. Gore-Tex is the one everyone knows, but plenty of other firms have been working hard on creating their own high-quality technical materials that’ll help to keep you dry when the rain really pours. The waterproof rating, which is usually measured as something called hydrostatic head, is important too. Basically, the higher number the better, as it’s a measure of how much water pressure the jacket can handle before it starts leaking.
It’s worth noting that hydrostatic head tests are performed in controlled conditions and don’t always tell the full story, so you can’t rely on the measurement to know exactly how waterproof a garment will be in the real world. However, it does give you a good idea. For light rain, a lower rating’s fine – but for proper downpours, go for as high a rating as possible. 20,000mm should do the trick for most extreme adventurers.
Don’t forget the DWR
Many waterproof jackets also feature a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to help water bead and run off the jacket’s surface, while still allowing breathability. Quality can differ quite dramatically, but if it’s got one, you can always recoat it with an aftermarket reproofer from the likes of Grangers and Nikwax to stop it getting saturated and wetting out.
It’s also worth noting that modern DWRs are moving away from highly-effective fluorocarbon-based chemicals, which do a fantastic job at repelling water but not such a great job at degrading naturally in the environment. There are new, fluorocarbon-free DWRs that are emerging on the market which can match older mixtures, but the one caveat is that they need re-applying much more frequently. So, it’s worth checking out what kind of DWR your jacket uses and which one to re-apply with.
What’s this breathability all about?
Everyone will claim that their jackets are breathable and waterproof, but in reality, there’s always a compromise. If you want total breathability, moisture will get in as well as out, and vice versa when it comes to waterproofing.
However, high-performance waterproof fabrics can do a good job at letting moisture escape from the inside, and if you’re planning on moving at all, you’ll want a jacket that’s breathable. Even better is a jacket with ventilation, which usually takes the form of zips in the pit. This will allow hot, moist air to escape from inside and circulate air around your body when you’re working up a sweat without sacrificing too much waterproof ability.
What are you using it for?
You need to consider if it’s suitable for what you intend to use it for too. If you’re hitting the trails and will be lugging around a heavy pack, look for something tough and hard-wearing with reinforced shoulders and elbows where the jacket’s more likely to wear out.
Cycling? You’re probably going to be better off with something super lightweight that you can chuck in the bottom of your bag when you don’t need it, and something with a slimmer fit to reduce resistance. And if you’re mountaineering, you’ll probably want a jacket with a hood that’s big enough to fit a helmet underneath and a two-way front zip so you can access your harness and belay while wearing it. It all depends on the job you need the jacket to do.
Fit and finish
It’s also essential that you get the right fit. Too tight and your movement will be restricted, too loose and you’ll catch the wind like the sail of a schooner. You want a jacket that fits comfortably over your base layers without being too bulky. Many feature adjustable hoods, cuffs and hems to make it easy to dial in the fit and further seal out the rain and wind.
Go to a shop and try some on. Also have a think about what other features you need. Generously sized pockets are always handy – and we’re partial to one that’s big enough to hold a map. Do you need an adjustable hood that’ll fit over a helmet? How about reflective details to ensure you can be better seen out in the low light?
Taking all this into account, you’ll be well on your way to seeking out the perfect waterproof that’ll be just right for when the heavens open. But to help you even further, we’ve handpicked a selection of jackets ranging from less than £40 through to £400. We reckon that these jackets are about the best in their class.
You can find which waterproof jackets we recommend for women here and our favourite men’s waterproof jackets here.