Waterproof jacket recommendations

NotAGolf

NotAGolf

NotAGolf

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This British summer has reminded me that I need a new jacket.

I've had a Jack Wolfskin 3-in-1 jacket for years now and it has served me well, but it's a bit past it now. I was quite happy with the 3-in-1 setup as it served me in the winter and I could take the inner fleece out when it rained in the summer. I never used the fleece alone though.

A quick google shows that the range of 3-in-1 jackets is quite a lot smaller than 'regular' jackets though, so I was wondering off I'd be better of just buying a jacket and one or two separate underlayers instead? I live in the South of England, so it doesn't really get that cold, so I'd value waterproof-ness and flexibility over a thick parka.

I'm not sure of the terminology of the jacket I'm after. Websites seem to have a lot of categories: Softshell, hardshell, waterproof, windproof, insulated, ski, climbing, etc. What's the difference? Surely there's overlap across a lot of these categories?!

My budget is sub £300 for the jacket and any layers to go with it. Any suggestions on brands to look for/avoid, or decent shops I should look at? There's a Cotswold Outdoor and Blacks close by, and a Snow + Rock, Millets and Trespass not too far away.
 
First question, is it going to be a daily jacket or a walking/hiking jacket ?

2ndly , best to get a separate fleece and separate jacket be use you get a better fit, so better wicking and/or waterproofness

Best advice I can give , get down to cotswold outdoor and speak to them, they are experienced, not just sales people

They managed to find me a hard shell that fitted perfectly, and I mean perfectly, fit was like a glove, and the quality is amazing

I have a mountain equipment gore tex one
 
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I have three going in price from £30 - £100 and £200 (Trespass Adidas and North Face) with the last two being used the most. With these being mostly shopping or doing days out at the seaside, with adidas being perfect for warmer weather and the North Face for slightly colder and heavier rain. South of England is where I mostly use mine.
 
I also have a mountain equipment goretex one.

Definitely get a shell. Then you can wear in summer with no mid layer. Or in winter with midlayer.

Mine was 150-200. Can't remember exactly
 
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I recommend this one for summer as its a soft shell but still highly water resistant etc

www.mountain-equipment.co.uk

Echo Hooded Jacket | Mountain Equipment

With the benefit of an integrated Mountain Hood for additional weather protection the stretch double weave EXOLITE 125 fabric of the Echo affords total mobility and unhindered breathability for long days in the mountains whilst repelling wind and moisture.
www.mountain-equipment.co.uk www.mountain-equipment.co.uk
 
soft-shells are windproof and at best shower proof but mainly for dry cold conditions. The material is softer and more beathable and on general comes with more insulation so doesn't work well in summer (and is not great in the wet UK winters). They work best for skiing. A hardshell is your standard goretex waterproof jacket. A high end one will be very waterproof, very windy proof, very strong, light and expensive.

Just to echo the above, always go for a shell with separate insulation layers
 
ShiWarrior said:
I recommend this one for summer as its a soft shell but still highly water resistant etc

www.mountain-equipment.co.uk

Echo Hooded Jacket | Mountain Equipment

With the benefit of an integrated Mountain Hood for additional weather protection the stretch double weave EXOLITE 125 fabric of the Echo affords total mobility and unhindered breathability for long days in the mountains whilst repelling wind and moisture.
www.mountain-equipment.co.uk www.mountain-equipment.co.uk
Click to expand...

Was just about to say that's a soft shell.
I guess depends I don't use case.
 
The echo I use in the warmer climates when there's potentially rain. Its amazing, I re washed a month ago and got caught in some rain, and it beaded really well and kept the rain off, and it packs down to next to nothing

Look at reviews on it it really is that good
 
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Hard-shell = waterproof. Assuming it's a decent quality one. Cheap waterproofs will just leak or be like wearing a bin bag so you end up wet from sweat rather than rain.

Soft-shell = water resistant. The fabric will have a DWR that will make water bead off if it's just a shower, but consistent rain will soak through, and you'll be wet.

I just stick to Mountain Equipment these days, one of the few manufacturers that makes kit to perform a function, rather than hit a price point.
 
iamdjdz said:
Yeah Berghaus Cornice goretex jacket would do you well. Can get compatible fleeces to zip inside.
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but there is precisely zero reason why you would ever want to zip a fleece inside,just have the fleece separate . Better yet, dump the cheap fleece and get some quality down for insulation
 
D.P. said:
soft-shells are windproof and at best shower proof but mainly for dry cold conditions.
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mid_gen said:
Hard-shell = waterproof. Assuming it's a decent quality one. Cheap waterproofs will just leak or be like wearing a bin bag so you end up wet from sweat rather than rain.

Soft-shell = water resistant. The fabric will have a DWR that will make water bead off if it's just a shower, but consistent rain will soak through, and you'll be wet.
Click to expand...

I have an OMM Kamleika softshell jacket and it's highly waterproof and breathable... not sure where the water resistant only comes from.

https://theomm.com/product/kamleika-jacket-2/?v=79cba1185463

HYDROSTATIC HEAD 20,000mm
BREATHABILITY 20,000g/m2
 
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Richie said:
I have an OMM Kamleika softshell jacket and it's highly waterproof and breathable... not sure where the water resistant only comes from.

https://theomm.com/product/kamleika-jacket-2/?v=79cba1185463

HYDROSTATIC HEAD 20,000mm
BREATHABILITY 20,000g/m2
Click to expand...
You've got a lightweight mountain shell, not a soft-shell. All marketing terms at the end of the day, but there is a distinction. It's good at what it's designed for, but 'highly waterproof' is a relative term.
 
D.P. said:
but there is precisely zero reason why you would ever want to zip a fleece inside,just have the fleece separate . Better yet, dump the cheap fleece and get some quality down for insulation
Click to expand...
It's interesting you say this - that's exactly what I do (albeit with a medium quality down jacket) and use the jacket as a shell. It's just the OP talked about 3-in-1 which the Cornice can act as..
 
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