Smile through the showers with our selection of seven of the best rain jackets for walkers
m = mens
w = womens
BBC Countryfile Magazine favourite
Rab Arc Eco Waterproof Jacket, £215,
This three-layer lightweight jacket, in men’s and women’s versions, is so waterproof it performed in tests better than the flysheet of many tents. The Pertex Shield Revolve material is breathable and made from recycled polyester. The face fabric, membrane and backer are all made from a single polymer, so it’s also much easier to recycle at the end of its useful life. Solidly constructed, with top-quality zips, the Arc Eco has vents beneath each arm, so you can quickly dump excess heat when you’re walking up a hill without reducing the weather protection the coat offers. It has an excellent peaked hood with three adjustment points, and the collar zips up nice and high, with a fleecy chin protector to avoid snags. The cuffs can be tightened with Velcro, and you can draw the hem in with two side toggles to keep the jacket in place. Two large outside pockets are big enough to stuff OS maps into, but there are no interior pockets.
VERDICT:
Brilliant design using recycled three-layer fabric. 9/10
BEST: Technical jacket
Thrudark Raid Jacket, £545,
The Raid’s three-layer construction isn’t light but offers ultra-reliable protection from the elements, whether you are hiking or skiing. Large vents under the arms help you cool off. There are loads of pockets, including two large ones on the chest, and the storm hood has three points of adjustment. Men’s and women’s versions.
VERDICT:
A ready-for-anything, heavy duty, three-layer, 100% weatherproof jacket . 10/10
Salewa Puez GTX Paclite Jacket, £200,
This good-looking jacket in men’s and women’s sizes can hold its own when the weather plays rough. This is one of the most waterproof jackets on test, impressive given it’s made with 100% recycled fabric. It is also highly breathable – just as well, as there are no vents. The two pockets are huge – easily enough for a map. The excellent hood is easy to adjust.
VERDICT
A good-looking jacket that performs handsomely. 9/10
BEST FOR: Budget
Quechua MH500 Waterproof Jacket, £79.99,
A three-layer waterproof jacket in men’s and women’s sizes, with a price tag far lower than others on test, yet it offers virtually all the features of the more expensive coats and has an impressive waterproof rating. It’s not especially light or easily packable, but it offers more warmth than many others, and if you get too hot there are vents beneath the arms. The hand pockets aren’t massive, but there’s an internal chest pocket.
VERDICT
A brilliant bargain. 7/10
Patagonia Granite Crest, £260,
This top-quality three-layer jacket in men’s and women’s versions is made with material spun from recycled fishing nets rescued from the ocean. The waterproof and breathable outer barrier performed well on test. The underarm vents are quite small, and the side pockets aren’t big enough for maps, but the chest pocket is massive (and works as a stuff sack for the jacket). The hood has a peak and three adjustable points.
VERDICT:
Good-looking, high-performing, eco-friendly. 8/10
Sprayway Reaction Jacket, £180 (men)/£200 (women),
A two-layer, reasonably priced recycled Gore-Tex jacket that is perfect for lowland and occasional hill walks. It’s wind- and waterproof, and has a good hood with a protective peak. There are three spacious zipped pockets. It’s not the lightest jacket on test, but it is warm; pit vents would have been helpful. There’s plenty of freedom of movement. The women’s version is longer (covering the hips) and £20 extra.
VERDICT:
Perfect, practical, unpretentious protection. 7/10
Alpkit Sigma, £159.99,
A decent performer in the hills, this practical jacket comes in a men’s and women’s version at a pocket-pleasing price. The three-layer construction is warm, weatherproof and breathable, and it’s made from recycled (and recyclable) single polymer material. The Sigma is sufficiently waterproof for most adventures, but not as stormproof as some pricier jackets. The peaked hood is easily adjustable. Two hand pockets are big enough for OS maps.
VERDICT:
A fully recycled, three-layer, all-season, no-fuss jacket. 7/10
For more detailed rain jacket reviews, go to countryfile.com/country-kit