Waterproof Jackets - Buying Guide - GO Outdoors

Waterproof Jackets are one of your most important layers when out against the elements.
It can repel all that the weather throws at you from rain, wind, snow and hail. This Waterproof Jackets guide is here to help you choose the most suitable features to keep you completely protected for your chosen activity.

• Activities and Usage
• Lowland Walking / Rambling
• Hill Walking / Trekking
• Mountaineering / Snowsports
• Waterproof Jacket Features
• Technologies Behind Waterproof Fabrics
• How is waterproofing created?

See our huge range of waterproof jackets: Mens Jackets & Womens Jackets.

Activities and Usage

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Lowland Walking / Rambling - Lightweight Waterproof Jackets

Ideal for the casual walker who doesn’t expect to need to wear it all day, and those who are packing to be weight conscious. They can be used for general hiking, summer day trips, street walking and fun outings where there may be a chance of rain. Also many runners may use these lightweight waterproof jackets as they are mandatory for many mountain marathon and fell races.

Hill Walking / Trekking – Mid weight Waterproof Jackets 

These are functional jackets designed to give the highest level of weather protection for the dedicated hill walker. They usually have tougher fabrics and more technical design to give you maximum performance on the mountains.

Mountaineering / Snowsports

These are highly specialised jackets designed for rock climbing, ice climbing, summer and winter mountaineering and snowsports. They need to be suitable for steep slopes and wet winter weather conditions of the northern parts of Scotland.

As you lose over 30% of your body heat through your head it is important to keep it protected and warm. Your hood can be fixed or detachable and as you probably need to see where you are going when you GO Outdoors, you have to make sure that when it is done up, it doesn’t impair your vision in any way. You may also want to fit a helmet/hat under your hood, so keep an eye out for compatibility and a visor if you want to see more. 

Zips

Zips are the most important closure method in all jackets.  They allow you to get your jacket on quickly when the conditions worsen, or take it off when the sun appears.  Some jackets have 'Zip-in Compatibility' for complete comfort and protection.

Zip-in-Compatibility - this means you can zip a specific fleece mid-layer into the jacket using inner zips.  This gives you a complete layering system (see below) to protect you from cold and wet conditions. 

Pit Zips or Core Vents

Zips and vents allow your body to cool down without taking off a layer.  Pit zips offer fresh air for those underarms that can get sweaty if carrying a rucksack for a long period of time.  Core vents, such as front zips and ventilation flaps, allow your body heat to dissipate therefore increasing ventilation and keeping you cool. 

Length

Jacket length is very important to those who want to perch on a rock, patch of grass to eat their lunch while on a hike, climb or run. The length is usually measured from the base of the collar to the hem.

Long Wateroof Jackets with drop tails aren’t just good for sitting down without getting your posterior wet, they are ideal for bikers and give great protection for walkers from the wind and rain; making sure that there isn’t a gap between your over-trousers and your jacket. These will have a shorter front due to the material usage and fit and may restrict your movement compared to shorter waterproofs.
Mid Length Waterproof Jackets are the most common on the market, giving protection to your waist region and the top of your legs when walking.
Short Waterproof Jackets will be more lightweight and usually pack down to a smaller size. These have been designed for use with a harness for a greater freedom of movements but gaps can be made when bending over.

Pockets

Most pockets on waterproof jackets should have storm flaps to protect the opening of the pocket from water. In newly designed jackets most of the pockets (including chest pockets) may have a mesh lining to increase ventilation, if open, through the jacket. Chest pockets can range in size and most offer space for an OS map or at least a mobile phone or snack to eat while walking.  Mountaineering jackets usually only have chest pockets due to the harness reducing access to waist pockets. 

Seams

For a waterproof jacket to be classified as a waterproof, seams must be sealed.  The only exception to this is the Paramo Analogy which works via a 'Pump Liner', which actively pushes liquid moisture away from the body keeping you dry.

Drawcords

These should be elasticated for increased flexibility and movement to allow you to climb, run, walk, or ski without being impaired by the jacket.  The toggles for this will generally be found at the hem, waist and at the collar to allow shaping of the hood. 

Technologies Behind Waterproof Fabrics

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The way a material can be waterproofed is divided into 3 by our staff here at GO Outdoors.

1. Coated
2. Membrane
3. Advanced Moisture Management

Fabrics are sprayed with a PU (Polyurethane) coating before being made into a jacket. Waterproofing is sprayed on the inside of the jacket and the seams then sealed. Water repellency (DWR - Durable Water Repellent) is on the outside to form an impenetrable seal from the elements.

A plastic based PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, for those scientist amongst us) layer is laminated to the outer fabric and then the jacket is cut to shape. Seams are then sealed and the jacket is ready for you to use!

The outer layer sheds most of the water, when water penetrates the outer it comes into contact with the “pump liner” which forces any moisture back out of the jacket. The “pump liner” effectively dries faster than it can get wet. Paramo works like the fur of an animal; conventional waterproofs work more like a sheet of plastic.

All that can be confusing so here's a table that our staff find useful to identify which fabrics are coated, membrane and moisture management:

See our huge range of waterproof jackets: Mens Jackets & Womens Jackets.

For any more information about the Waterproof Jackets we stock please contact our Web Team on 08450 020 888.