Comparative review
Munroist Fiona Russell and Ranger Peter Macfarlane check out the toughest all-weather jackets
WATERPROOF JACKETS
IF YOU ENJOY walking year-round in the UK, you’ll need an all-season waterproof jacket you can rely on. It must provide protection from the harshest weather conditions, especially in the winter. This means it should be highly waterproof and windproof. Breathability – or other forms of temperature control such as pit zips – is also vital for comfort. Even in the cold, if you are working hard you’ll sweat – and this perspiration needs to escape the jacket.
Sizing should be roomier than for a twoseason jacket because you are more likely to need to wear extra mid layers for warmth. A longer torso and arms will offer more protection.
Also vital is a well-designed hood. It should be easy to adjust to give a good fit, and also feature a sturdy peak to keep the rain off the face.
Most of us will carry a rucksack, so check the pockets can still be accessed when the hipbelt is done up. In addition, fabric that doesn’t flap noisily is a bonus on a wet and windy hillwalk. Brighter colours can be a wise choice, too, should you need to be located in an emergency.
Finally, more and more of us are keen to reduce our environmental footprint, so relevant information is included where supplied.
Features
The fabric used should be completely waterproof, windproof and breathable to help manage the moisture you produce when you sweat. Most are based around a waterproof membrane laminated to one or two other layers. The membrane is engineered to keep water droplets out but allow water vapour (sweat) to pass through. It is usually protected on the outside by a thin synthetic layer and often on the inside by another protective layer that also promotes moisture management.
A jacket works better if rain ‘beads’ and runs off the fabric. But if the rain covers the fabric via a process called ‘wetting out’ the breathability will be severely reduced, leading you to feeling damp and uncomfortable. A durable water repellent (DWR) coating can be added to the outer fabric to promote beading. DWR has used environmentally harmful chemicals, and brands are now trying new processes, with varying success.
All-season jackets can be worn in winter, so look for one that will allow you to layer under it with fleece or other insulation and still be able to move naturally and stay comfy. A long tail will keep the chill off. Free arm movement is vital for reaching up for scrambling holds and swinging ice axes. Ensure the hem doesn’t lift when you raise your hands.
Adjustable cuffs are excellent for cooling off as well as cinching in to keep the weather out. It’s useful to have a wide cuff as it gives you the option to tuck in he
