Waterproof jackets-what to buy
65I do a lot of hill walking and being as the UK is not the driest country around I find some days my waterproof jacket is my best friend. However my current one is badly worn out and I'm looking to buy a new one. I want one that’s not going to leave me feeling sweaty but will keep the rain out and isn't too expensive. I have to admit to not knowing much about waterproof jackets before I started looking for one, my last one was given to me. So I decided to do a bit of research on the subject.
I think what I hadn’t realised about waterproof jackets is how much science is involved. For starters there is the fabric. Apparently there are two different types, coated or membrane.
Membrane fabrics have a microporus layer made up of holes. A good membrane jacket will have holes big enough to let sweat out but small enough to stop rain water from getting in. Coated fabrics have a coating which does the same.
Membrane fabrics last longer, as the coating tends to wear off coated fabrics, they are more durable as they have two layers rather than one, but they are also more expensive. Coated fabrics are cheaper to make and therefore are closer to most people’s budget especially mine!
Examples of membrane fabrics are Gautex and eVent. Whilst there are different types of coatings depending on the manufacturer. For example the coating on Berghaus jackets is called Aquafoil.
I’ve also realised how many different features a coat can have. They can have different types of hoods, cuffs, zips, fleeces, drawstrings and pockets. It really is a minefield out there unless you know exactly what you are looking for.
For example I found that coats come in different lengths depending on whether you are a climber or a walker. If you are a climber you need a shorter jacket so that you can fit a harness over it easily, where as a walker can have a longer jacket that keeps more of you warm and dry.
What I did find when I was looking was a great YouTube video guide to waterproof jackets: http://www.youtube.com/user/webtogs which I found told me everything I needed to know. This really is a great guide so if you are after a waterproof jacket and you’re not sure what to get then go and watch it.
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Thank you for your comment. I think I'm going to go with one of the Berghaus ones as my budget is not very much but I need something fairly decent. Their coats seem to fit the criteria either way. Hope you have fun finding yours!
Hey, thanks so much for the advice, the video is so helpful! I am looking to get my boyfriend a jacket for his birthday and i want to get a really good quality Waterproof Jacket. I'm sold, I think i am going to go with a berghaus one.
cheers.
Anne 3 years ago
Hey, thanks for these tips! And the video is really helpful too... I'm looking for a waterproof jacket myself - not for climbing or hill walking but for cycling and it can get pretty wet here too, so I need something reliable and, well, not too expensive either! I need to do more research on my own but you've given me a great starting point! Keep us updated on your choice!