How do I choose the right type of waterproof jacket for me?
26 June 2008 16:00
You can spend a small fortune getting yourself kitted out in head to toe in walking gear. But you should only pay for the features you need.
There’s no point in throwing cash at a jacket designed to take you up a 4000m Alpine peak when you really want to use it to walk round the Lakes in summer. And don’t be duped into buying a jacket specifically designed for scrambling, when you really want it to take you up a Scottish Munro in winter. Here’s your guide to making the right choice…
Year-round walker
If your walking takes you from lowland moors to hills and mountains then a good general jacket is the best bet. Ideally, it should offer a fairly good length and be made of a breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex or eVent.
Look out for
• Pockets you can access with a rucksack on
• A good hood that can be adjusted to fit your head
• Drawcords at hood and waist that tuck neatly away
• Stormflaps over zips to keep water out
• A decent map-sized pocket
Scrambler
If you like to get your hands on rock and tackle scrambling routes such as the North Ridge of Tryfan or Snowdon’s Crib Goch, then you need a jacket that will allow a very different range of movement. Tackling these rockier routes means you need to be able to reach for holds and you should expect a bit of movement in your jacket.
Look out for
• Durable materials in places that come in contact with the rock
• Sections of the jacket that allow stretch are a good bet
• You should be able to get a helmet on under the hood
• Pit-zips (zips under the arms) allow for better control of ventilation
Winter walker
If you see yourself standing at the top of a snow-covered Scottish Munro (a mountain over 3000m) or the Alps, then you need a jacket designed to cope with technical winter conditions.
Look out for
• The hood should be able to fit over a climbing helmet
• Large easy to use pockets that can be accessed with rucksack and harness on
• Good length is important and some winter jackets come with an internal snow-skirt
• Durable, breathable materials such as Gore-Tex’s Pro Shell
• Pit-zips to allow increased venting around the jacket
Multiactivitist
If you mix your walking with a bit of climbing, scrambling and biking, then you might want to buy one jacket that will cover all those activities. Venting and light weight are key priorities with these jackets so you will have to expect a bit of compromise in terms of waterproofing.
Look out for
• Maximum breathability of fabrics as you can easily overheat when running or biking
• A shorter fit that won’t compromise movement when running, biking or scrambling
• One decent map-sized pocket that can be accessed with a pack on
• A rollaway hood is a good idea on multiactivity jackets
Lightweight walker
If you just walk in summer, if you take part in mountain marathons or if low pack-weight is your priority, then you should consider a lightweight jacket. Be aware that there will be compromises here in terms of durability and protection from the elements.
Look out for
• One of the ways of saving weight is to get rid of pockets, so make sure you have at least one that will take a map
• If there is no stormflap over the zip then it will let water through
• Make sure the jacket is long enough to cover your hips
• A good hood should move well with your head. A stiffened peak is good and a rollaway hood is useful.
• Dangling drawcords on the hood can whip you in the face in high winds so make sure they can be tucked away
