What type of waterproof is right for you?
26 June 2008 16:44
Think any waterproof will do the job? True to an extent – but why have a begrudging servant when you could have a willing partner?
You are a… year-round walker
If your walking takes you from lowland moors to hills and mountains, a good general purpose jacket is the best bet. Ideally, it should be fairly long and be made of a breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex or eVent.
Look for
1 Pockets you can access with a rucksack on
2 A good hood that can be adjusted to fit your head
3 Stormflaps over the zips to keep you dry
You are a… scrambler
Love scrambling? Then you need a jacket that will allow a wide range of movement. Tackling rockier routes means you need to be able to reach for holds and so you should expect a bit of give in your jacket.
Look for
1 Durable materials
2 Sections of the jacket that allow stretch
3 The ability to get a helmet on under the hood
You are a... winter walker
If you see yourself standing at the top of a snow-covered Munro (a Scottish mountain over 3,000ft), then you’ll need a jacket that’s designed to cope with winter conditions.
Look for
1 A hood that can fit over a climbing helmet
2 Large, easy-to-use pockets that can be accessed with rucksack and harness on
3 Durable, breathable materials such as Gore-Tex’s Performance Shell
You are a… multi-activist
If you mix your walking with a bit of climbing, scrambling and biking, you might want to buy one jacket that will cover all those activities. Venting and light weight are key priorities so you will have to expect a bit of compromise in terms of waterproofing.
Look for
1 Maximum breathability of fabrics
2 A shorter fit that won’t compromise movement
3 One decent map-sized pocket that can be accessed when you’ve got a pack on
You are a… 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.
Look for
1 One pocket that will take an OS map
2 Enough length to cover your hips
3 A good hood that moves well with your head
