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When you live in a country where it rains more than 100 days a year, waterproofing is serious business. A proper waterproof coat or jacket is an essential wardrobe staple in stormy Britain, and it’s worth investing the money in a decent coat that will protect you from the elements all year round.
What do you need in a waterproof coat?
A good waterproof jacket should be two things: waterproof and breathable. Cheap and cheerful pimps and rain ponchos will keep you dry in a pinch, but they’re not breathable – you’ll quickly get sweaty and warm, which isn’t ideal for hikes or travel by bike.
Look for a waterproof jacket that uses branded technology, such as reliable Gore-Tex, or own-branded technology to make its outer membrane waterproof.
Stay away from “ water repellents or water resistant ”
Waterproof jackets (make sure they’re not just labeled water repellent or water resistant, which tend not to be fully waterproof) are also known as hard shells, and you’ll often see jackets rated by millimeters. waterproof – as a guide up to 1500mm is water resistant (so unnecessary in anything other than drizzle), 1500mm to 5000mm is waterproof and suitable for most wet conditions, 10000mm and more is very waterproof and ideal for mountain and snow conditions.
Think about how and where you will wear your jacket. If you want something for casual wear, a more spacious design is great for layering underneath on cold mornings, and a longer jacket with a little insulation will provide more warmth. If you plan on hikes or quick cycles, you’ll want something light, breathable, and without insulation.
A good jacket should fit snugly but not too tight at the waist, cuffs and neck and include taped seams, sealed or protected zippers, zip pockets, and a well-designed hood (look for a helmet-compatible hood if you want to wear it for climbing and cycling). Zips under the arms will prevent you from overheating.
If you are in extreme conditions, it is a good idea to choose a jacket in bright colors so that you are easy to spot in bad weather.
We tested all of these jackets in heavy rain and they kept us dry for several hours. To check that a jacket is waterproof, see if any water spilled on its outer shell turns into droplets and rolls off the surface. If water begins to absorb after regular use, you can re-waterproof your jacket by treating it with a technical wash.
Columbia Outdry Extreme NanoLite Shell Jacket
Key Specifications – Waterproofing Technology: OutDry; Pockets: 2, Available colors: black, white
To travel light? Pack the Columbia OutDry Extreme NanoLite in your backpack or bike bag – it compacts into its own pocket and is so light you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it.
Columbia-branded OutDry technology and taped seams provide reliable waterproofing in the rain, and we’ve worn this jacket for hours in bad weather without getting wet or sweaty.
While we love the look of this jacket, we would prefer the black over white colourway, which could end up looking dirty, and not everyone will like the rather glossy finish of the Extreme NanoLite.
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Joules Shoreside waterproof jacket
Key specifications – Waterproofing technology: waterproofed cotton; Pockets: 2, Available colors: gold, red, navy, pink, white
Few fully waterproof jackets on the market are as stylish as Joules’ hugely popular Right as Rain coat collection in bright primary colors.
The Shoreside is our top pick – the longer length provides more protection for your torso, there’s a well-fitted hood, and the jacket is lined with soft cotton, which is much nicer to wear against the skin than many plastic raincoats. .
The Shoreside may look laid back, but the outer material is still fully waterproofed and withstood heavy rain in testing.
This jacket isn’t super breathable or lightweight – save it for relaxed walks, dog walks, and port in town in a downpour.
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Original Red Waterproof Active Jacket
Key specs – Sealing technology: 5,000mm; Pockets: 1; Available colors: gray.
The Reds are best known for their popular paddleboards, and they have now taken their water sports expertise and created a waterproof jacket designed for paddlers and water sports enthusiasts.
This lightweight case is compact for easy transport and barely feels there once you put it on, but it offers a decent 5000mm waterproofness, so it’s rain and splash proof.
The zippers are also waterproof, so you can carry your phone and keys for adventure. The Active jacket adapts …
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Source: www.thestar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-13 12:38:16
