Webtogs guide to Waterproof Jackets

http://www.webtogs.co.uk/help/Choosing_The_Right_Jacket.html In this guide from outdoor gear retailer webtogs.co.uk, resident gear expert Gareth describes the different types of waterproof jackets on the market and helps users decide which jacket is right for their chosen activity.

What are you going to be doing?

If you are walking regularly and take it seriously, it's worth getting something you will feel comfortable in and with the ability to let that sweat out. This is particularly critical as wet clothing is a bad insulator and you can't trap any warm air with potentially serious implications when you are out on the hill. All the waterproof jackets we have here at Webtogs are breathable and to varying degrees let sweat out. We would recommend though that you think carefully about what you need, jackets can be expensive, and if you are taking a gentle walk once a year with friends in the countryside, you may not need a top of the range jacket. Consider a jacket that does not have such a breathable fabric but that is wind, and waterproof.

If most of your activity is outside the UK in a place without much rain, it might also be worth considering something which is not completely waterproof but is very breathable. Likewise if you are doing something very aerobic or carrying heavy loads, having a fabric that is breathable / windproof more than one that is waterproof may be more important.

If you are going to be climbing, you need to ensure that your jacket is short enough to allow a harness over it and has enough flexibility in the arms to allow free movement. It's also helpful to look for reinforced panels that will protect from abrasion when climbing (shoulders and arms). Lastly bear in mind that if you are a woman, we have lots of jackets for a female fit. Just ensure you have women's or men's selected on our gear filter.

FEATURES

Storm Flap

This is the piece of fabric that covers the main Zip. You can get single or double versions and it's usually held in place by Velcro or press studs.

Zips

Zip in fleeces can be useful in Winter to give you an all in one jacket, but you are tied in to a fleece of the same brand as your jacket and in very cold weather they can leave cold spots where they zip in. Otherwise the very least you are looking for is a Zip that opens at the bottom and the top for ventilation. Also look for a little fleecy bit at the top to stop your chin getting chafed by the zip!

Hood

This tends to be where some jackets fall down design wise so choose carefully. At the very least make sure that you can get a hat on underneath for when it is cold. If you are climbing you may wish to be able to get your helmet underneath as well. Some hoods can be detached and we would look for a hood that can be adjusted to fit snugly so that your vision isn't compromised. Other things that help are a stiffened peak to ensure it keeps the rain away from your face.

Snow Skirt

An elasticised valance that goes around the bottom of the jacket to stop snow getting up if you are crashing around in the snow. More for Ski jackets but some high end mountain jackets will have them too

Pockets

My rule of thumb is the more you have the better! Most these days have a flap covering the zip to ensure water doesn't get in and some will be mesh lined to also act as a vent. If a coat does not have pit zips, this can be an important feature. Walkers might want to look for a central chest pocket to store a map for when out and about.

Velcro Adjustable Cuffs

One of the quickest and easiest ways of letting in air when hot yet will keep the elements out when the weather gets hairy.

Drawcords

The bits that keep you snug and war, found at the hem, waist and around the hood, ideally should have a toggle to lock and a tanka to be able to be drawn single-handed.

For more videos on any of our products, and guides to help you enjoy your life outdoors more, head to http://www.youtube.com/user/webtogs

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• jacket
• waterproof
• goretex
• event
• north face
• berghaus
• mountain
• equipment
• webtogs
• gear guide
• outdoor
• hiking
• camping
• outdoors
• adventure
• waterproof jacket
• rain jacket

[Mugtree]

Not bought yet but it is now between the haglofs endo and finisterre anabatic. Thanks to this I've discounted the Berghaus front range which was the one I was going to buy. Now I have two weeks to make my mind up re the first two. Need a jacket I can use for cycling and hillwalking. Don't want much do I ;o)?

[webtogs]

@Mugtree great choices both, though you might want to take a look at the Rab Active Shell we will have on our site in March ;)

[Mugtree]

@webtogs Cool thanks I will do. I can wait until March:o) Will you be doing review here on it?

[webtogs]

@Mugtree Will indeed, sub to keep up to date and to catch it first!

[Mugtree]

Thanks. Really helpful. It's helped make my mind up for my new jacket :o)

[webtogs]

@Mugtree You're welcome - what did you decide to go for in the end?

[bencorgan]

Could you make another video for fleeces?

[petervagt]

Great Video Boys the Kongur MRT jacket is so nice i've ordered for this Winter..

great instruction video of waterproof gear

Regards Peter Nielsen Denmark

[Mugtree]

@webtogs. Thanks very much. As soon as my phone lets me subscribe I well. Looking forward to seeing the review :o)

[bunglaow]

Goretex DOES wear out. Where it creases, the membrane is weakened. I have several jackets and ski suits where this has happened. Takes a few years.

[webtogs]

@ismartxx Thanks for the kind words!

[ismartxx]

Very Helpfull