When it comes to protecting yourself from the rain when out walking on your caravan holidays, what you need is a waterproof jacket. Not water resistant. Not showerproof. But waterproof.
Raining champions
As top outdoor retailer Trespass puts it: “A waterproof product does not let any water in and will withstand the weather whereas water-resistant jackets are perfect for drier conditions.”
Overall comfort and practicality are obviously also key when it comes to choosing the best waterproof jacket for you. Read on.
Top tips for buying a waterproof jacket
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- Call in on the experts. You’ll always get good advice from specialist outdoor jacket retailers.
- Going to a specialist shop will also allow you to try on waterproof jackets to see what sizes suit you best.
- This also allows you to check out other details such as sleeve lengths, ease of use of zips and other fastenings, cuff adjustability and how much movement varies from design to design.
- Fully waterproof jackets may struggle in terms of breathability. Check out any ventilation in terms of areas the jacket that can be unzipped to let cool air in/warm out.
- One key way of assessing how waterproof any garment is, is to look up details of its hydrostatic head rating. A hydrostatic head of 10,000mm or higher qualifies as highly waterproof, with the ability to withstand heavy rain.
- Note also, over time many jackets’ waterproof performance will deteriorate. To maintain it best condition, you’ll need to reproof (following the manufacturer’s advice).
Star Player 1
Sprayway Cape Wrath Jacket
This jacket makes use of Gore-Tex Paclite technology for breathability as well as rain protection, also a fabric that allows for easy packability – hence a design where one of the two main pockets also becomes a stuff sack for storing away the jacket when not needed.
Other features include a fully adjustable hood with a wired peak (s you can mould it to suit), along with cuffs and a drawcord hem that are adjustable.
Typical weight is around the 400g mark. Like all Sprayway products, it comes with a lifetime guarantee covering manufacturing (this does not extend to normal wear and tear).
Key features Men’s (sizes S-XXL) and Women’s (8-18) versions available, 100% recycled 75D plain weave polyester outer, ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane, YKK main zip with external storm guard
Expect to pay £210
Star Player 2
Snugpak Torrent WGTE jacket
Built to battle everything nature has to throw at it – that’s the message from Snugpak when it comes its Torrent waterproof jacket.
It’s packed with features, including YKK weatherproof zips, underarm ventilation zips, and a chest pocket.
It also has a fully adjustable hood (elastic and drawcord) that can be zipped off for stowing elsewhere if not needed. Snugpak’s own Softie insulation is used here. The cuffs are also adjustable (hook-and-loop).
Sizes are XS to XXL and there’s a choice of Black or Forest Green colours.
In case you’re wondering, WGTE stands for We Go To Extremes.
Key features 100% nylon outer and inner fabrics, 100% polyester insulation, brushed polyester-lined neck warmer
Expect to pay £204
Star Player 3
Keela Pinnacle Jacket
A long-term favourite from Keela, the Pinnacle jacket was originally designed for mountain use and relies on a three-layer hard shell to make it waterproof, windproof and breathable.
Other features range from a fully adjustable hood with chin guard to zipped ventilation under the arms to water-resistant front zip.
The cuffs are adjustable, there’s also a hem cinch cord, and you get a total of four pockets – one for each hand, two more upper level (designed to carry maps).
Keela gear is made in Scotland, where the company also has its own “Clothing Hospital” for warranty repair work.
Key features Women’s sizes 8-12/men’s XS-3XL, choice of colours
Expect to pay £194.95
Star Player 4
Berghaus Deluge Pro 3.0 Waterproof Jacket
A fully waterproof coat that really does do the business. We tried the Women’s 3.0 variant (weighing just 430g for a size 12) in Dark Brown/Dark Red, which uses a recycled Hydroshell fabric with fully taped seams.
It also comes with two zipped pockets, single point adjustment hood, half elasticated cuffs and a single hem adjustment which, combined with the fact that this coat is unlined, makes for optimal freedom of movement.
It can be machine washed (30degC) and can also be packed down to a really small size for stuffing into a daysack or similar when not needed.
Key features Men’s (sizes XS-3XL) and Women’s (6-20) versions available, polyester fabric with polyurethane membrane, choice of four colours, free repair service
Expect to pay £120
Star Player 5
Craghoppers Dynamic Pro II Waterproof Jacket
Part-made from recycled plastic bottles, for a fabric that’s waterproof, windproof and breathable, as well as allowing a bit of stretch. There’s also a mesh lining.
Craghoppers says the Dynamic Pro II waterproof jacket is designed for moderate to heavy downpours.
Zips on each side also open for extra ventilation as needed, while the two hand pockets come with long waterproof zips.
Key features Men’s sizes S-XL, grown-on (i.e. integrated) hood with cord adjustment, side ventilation zips, hand pockets, internal map pocket. guaranteed for life warranty
Expect to pay £112
Star Player 6
Páramo Unisex Poncho
If you find waterproof jackets a bit too restrictive, or you simply get too hot in them (especially if you still ned a waterproof layer in hotter climes), you might prefer a poncho like this.
Available in S and L sizes, the theme here is great water shedding with maximum ventilation. It’s a generous length, too, so much so you could wear the Poncho over a backpack. After use, it packs away into one of its pockets.
It uses sister company Nikwax’s Windproof fabric and a Pump Liner across the hood and shoulder area works to shed water.
Páramo recently topped the list of ethical outdoor clothing companies in a survey by Ethical Consumer.
Key features Nikwax Windproof fabric, sides and cuffs with colour-coded poppers, elasticated hood,
Expect to pay £100
Over to you…
Got any advice on waterproof jackets that you’d like to pass on to other holiday caravan owners who like walking? Please feel free to add a comment below.
I have been searching for a three quarter length waterproof. Any advice please?
Phil Grice
Hi Phil, you mnight be best searching for a Parka style waterprrof jacket. Regatta have this one on offer at the moment: https://www.regatta.com/mens-tavaris-waterproof-parka-jacket-cathay-spice