Glasgow Caledonian University Mountaineering Club Adventures: Selecting A Waterproof Jacket

A Waterproof Jacket is something that you should take with you on any walk, no matter where you are. However there are many types of waterproofs out there and it can be quite confusing to know what to look for, with different materials from different manufacturers. Remember if you go for a manufacturer with a good reputation for making quality goods you will likely get a good product from them and you won't be looking for a new jacket for a while.

Of course in the mountains in winter you will most likely need a different jacket from a summer jacket used around town.

Seasons

Firstly lets go through what you may need in different seasons of which there are 2 main seasons in the UK.

Here are the recommended features for each:

Adjustable Hood - This is essential no matter where you are, whether fold-able or not you shouldn't venture into the mountains with a waterproof without a hood.
Pit Zips - These help temperature management.
Interior Pocket - Lets face it somethings we want to have handy and dry (or warm in winter).
Exterior Pockets - Essential for map storage, keeping things handy or putting hands in.
Waterproof Zip/Storm Flap - Whether it is a full length, 1/4 length etc it is very useful for temperature management.
Adjustable Wrist Straps - Help keep the wind out.

Summer (Ideally Sunny and Showers)

Packable - For storage in rucksacks while not in use.
Lightweight - You don't want to carry a huge coat for summer it can be a waste.
Breathable - As it is warmer you will sweat more and a breathable jacket will help. These jackets are normally more expensive and it depends on the pressure outside of the jacket in comparison to the inside of the jacket as to whether they are breathable or not.

Winter (Snow and Ice)

Tough - You don't want to rip something easily when it is freezing and blowing a gale.
Heavyweight - This will normally be more durable and less likely to rip than a lightweight jacket.

Materials

As mentioned previously there are many materials, such as Gore-Tex and Event fabrics which have a good reputation for being waterproof and a little breathable. There are many others where manufacturers make their own material to achieve the same effect. Generally a lighter weight jacket for summer has 2 layers of fabric to allow for extra breath-ability. A heavier weight winter jacket generally has 3 or 4 layers of fabric to be tough and not rip easily and conserve heat.

Manufacturers

There are many manufacturers of waterproof jackets, some good companies to purchase from are:

Keela - They are a Scottish company who sell good kit at a reasonable price.
Mountain Equipment - They are an English company who sell great kit but at an expensive price.
Mountain Hardware - They are an American company who sell great kit at a reasonable price.
The North Face - They are an American company who sell great kit at a high price.
Marmot - They are an American company who sell great kit at a high price.
Berghaus - They are an English company who sell good kit at a reasonable price.
Rab - They are an English company who sell great kit at a slightly expensive price.

The list goes on...

Recommended Kit

We in the club have Keela jackets in the store which have stood the test of time. We have created the following short list for each season and some all rounders, taking budget into account: