Certain times of the year and even specific locations mean that any walk, hike or climb can be met with wet weather and terrain conditions so to make the most of your experience having functional outer layer that stays comfortable, allows for natural movement and fits well while giving respite from rainfall can make all the difference. Here at Webtogs Gear Guru we have looked at our Top 5 Waterproof Jackets for 2016 that not only work hard at keeping the rain at bay, but have a range of features and styles you may not consider when looking for a rain coat that suits you better overall.
Montane Minimus Jacket
The Montane Minimus Waterproof Jacket is true to its name by being fully waterproof at 20,000mm so firmly keeps moisture out yet weighs just under 200g grams so perfect for moving at a fast pace or when you want less bulk overall. Pertex Shield + fabric is used for the outer as in addition to being waterproof it is durable for heard wear and features an MVTR rating of 25,000 so is breathable as well. The Montane Minimus Jacket has a roll away hood so is easy to store and pull out when required and features a wired peak which directs rain away from the face while leaving field of view unobstructed. This Montane Jacket also packs down really small when not in use to roughly the size of an orange so take up little load space in our bag.
North Face Resolve Jacket
Perfect for wet weather or when the snow starts to fall in the winter, the North Face Resolve Jacket is a reliable outer layer for the outdoors. The outer fabric is a lightweight seam-sealed Nylon Ripstop with TNF HyVent technology so is abrasion resistant and hard wearing, plus fully waterproof and can shrug off light snow with ease. The lining is a mesh knit fabric which helps with the overall breathability of this North Face coat so works well at keeping dry inside and out by transporting moisture away from the body. The front zip has a Velcro closure and one of the hand pockets doubles as a stash pocket so packs down very small as well. For a custom, snug fit and better comfort the North Face Resolve Jacket’s hood is adjustable and the hem has a cinch cord, plus the collar has a brushed lining for a soft feel against the skin.
Marmot Precip Nanopro Jacket
Third in our Top 5 for 2016, the Marmot Precip Nanopro Waterproof Jacket is seam taped throughout and has NanoPro Nylon Ripstop as a fabric so is extremely tough, stops rain droplets and is highly breathable and moisture shedding. One key feature on this Marmot Men’s Jacket are the PitZips which are ideal for when you work up a sweat, they can simply be opened for extra ventilation and rapid cooling. Like most waterproof jackets the Marmot Precip Nanopro Jacket has adjustable features which includes an elastic draw cord at the hem to help prevent spindrift entry and a hood that can be rolled into the collar when not required, plus the pack pockets enable the entire garment to be compactly put away with ease.
Mountain Equipment Pumori Jacket
If you are serious about climbing then the Mountain Equipment Pumori Waterproof Jacket is a great option. This rain shell jacket has a three layer Drilite fabrics construction which sees 40 Denier face fabric with 70D reinforced weaves so is not only waterproof, breathable, tough and abrasion resistant but combined with their articulated, pre-shaped sleeves means it has a near full range of motion making it ideal for being active in the outdoors. The Mountain HC Hood is fully adjustable along with the cuffs and dual tether hem, so is easy to have a comfortable fit with this mountain shell. On this Mountain Equipment Pumori Jacket the front, three pocket and underarm pit vent zips are all YKK WR or Aquaguard in the case of the foremost so also work well at keeping the elements at bay.
Rab Spark Jacket
The Rab Spark Jacket is a premier waterproof outer layer, ideal for climbing or caving as it has handy features such as a helmet compatible hood for freedom of movement and a Pertex Shield Plus fabric that stretches well while remaining tough and remains both water proof and breathable throughout. At 260 grams this Alpine climbing shell is light as well and packs down to a small size for ease of carry, plus this Rab Spark Jacket also has zip mesh pockets which besides offering secure storage for smaller items, double as vents for rapid cooling when you work up a sweat.
Each of these Top 5 Waterproof Jackets we have chosen for 2016 at Gear Guru will ensure waterproof protection, comfort and reliable performance however you choose to be active in the outdoors.