Waterproof Jacket Buying Guide

Winter Jackets, Waterproof Coats - whatever you call them the Waterproof is one of the most important bits of kit for any outdoor enthusiast who wishes to brave the elements. This guide will take you through the ideal kind of Jacket for a few common disciplines. So if you're heavily into your outdoor activity or just looking for a jacket to keep you warm and dry this winter then GO Outdoors offer you the advice you need before you buy.

Activities and Usage

Lowland Walking / Rambling - Lightweight Waterproof Jackets

Ideal for the casual walker or wearer or for anyone that doesn't expect to wear the jacket all day. These jackets are best for hiking, summer trips or people packing with weight in mind and may experience a bit of rain. These jackets are also ideal for runners who don't mind running in the rain or take part in mountain marathons and fell races.

Hill Walking / Trekking - Mid weight Waterproof Jackets

These jackets are designed to function well in mountain weather to offer the highest level of weather protection for dedicated hill walkers. These jackets are made from tough fabrics and with a more technical design for the best possible performance on the mountains.

Mountaineering / Snowsports

These jackets are the highest level of waterproof protection. The jackets are best suited for people who take part in rock climbing, ice climbing, summer and winter mountaineering and the vast array of snowsports. The jackets are intended to be suitable for steep slopes and the cold wet winter weather conditions of the northern parts of Scotland.

Waterproof Jacket Features

Hood - As you lose over 30% of your body heat through your head it is important to keep it protected and warm. Your hood can be fixed or detachable and as you probably need to see where you are going when you GO Outdoors, you have to make sure that when it is done up, it doesn’t impair your vision in any way. You may also want to fit a helmet/hat under your hood, so keep an eye out for compatibility of your jackets hood for your chosen activity.

Zips - Zips are the most important closure method in all jackets. They allow you to get your jacket on quickly when the conditions worsen, or take it off when the sun appears. Some jackets have 'Zip-in Compatibility' for complete comfort and protection.

Zip-in-Compatibility - this means you can zip a specific fleece mid-layer into the jacket using inner zips. This gives you a complete layering system to protect you from cold and wet conditions.

Pit Zips and Core Vents - Zips and vents allow your body to cool down without taking off a layer. Pit zips offer fresh air for those underarms that can get sweaty if carrying a rucksack for a long period of time. Core vents, such as front zips and ventilation flaps, allow your body heat to dissipate therefore increasing ventilation and keeping you cool.

Length - Jacket length is very important to those who want to perch on a rock, patch of grass to eat their lunch while on a hike, climb or run. The length is usually measured from the base of the collar to the hem.

Long Waterproof Jackets - with drop tails aren’t just good for sitting down without getting your posterior wet, they are ideal for bikers and give great protection for walkers from the wind and rain; making sure that there isn’t a gap between your over-trousers and your jacket. These will have a shorter front due to the material usage and fit and may restrict your movement compared to shorter waterproofs.

Mid Length Waterproof Jackets - are the most common on the market, giving protection to your waist region and the top of your legs when walking.

Short Waterproof Jackets - will be more lightweight and usually pack down to a smaller size. These have been designed for use with a harness for a greater freedom of movements but gaps can be made when bending over.

Pockets - Most pockets on waterproof jackets should have storm flaps to protect the opening of the pocket from water. In newly designed jackets most of the pockets (including chest pockets) may have a mesh lining to increase ventilation, if open, through the jacket. Chest pockets can range in size and most offer space for an OS map or at least a mobile phone or snack to eat while walking. Mountaineering jackets usually only have chest pockets due to the harness reducing access to waist pockets.


Hopefully this guide will be of help to get you around some quite tricky technical terms when it comes to buying a good quality Waterproof Jacket. For a full range of Jackets and Coats for any weather condition from GO Outdoors, check below.

Men's Jackets: Click Here
Women's Jackets: Click Here
Kids Jackets: Click Here


That's all for now...

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

It's that time of year again,

Yes our barely visible British Summer has finally given up and decided to turn to Autumn which means that Winter is just around the corner. It's that time of year when Men and Women all over the country, no - the world are looking into their Wardrobe to find that last years Winter Coat just won't do.....

...Well correction, It's mostly women that think that, and most Men are told by their wives, girlfriends or mothers that their Winter coat won't suffice. You find all last years Jacket is good for is a good rummage through the pockets to see what's left; a few coins? maybe something of more worth but more than likely just some fossilised chocolate bar you really wish you hadn't found.

So what do you really need this Winter? You could try a high street shop and join the rest of them shivering at the bus stop but hey, they look the part right? No you need something a little more...substantial. Especially if you enjoy spending more than five minutes outside. The 'outdoor' crowd have had it right for a while now. There are huge range of winter jackets available from those Outdoor shops to choose from and the prices aren't expensive at all.

The big choice really is between 'Down' (Feather insulated) Jackets and 'Synthetic' (plastic fibre insulated) Jackets and both come with a range of pros and cons.

Synthetic Jackets tend to be for the more active person, they aren't quite as warm and allow more 'room to breathe' for the body. So if you're out and about this Winter running, hiking, mountain climbing then maybe a synthetic jacket is the answer especially in areas with large amounts of rainfall.

Down Jackets, although heavier are ideal for keeping warm. Although not entirely waterproof they are resistant to light showers. An ideal material for the cold winter months coming up. These coats keep the warmth locked in so they aren't great for physical activities but if you're shivering out on the football terraces every weekend then maybe a Down Jacket will help you through the freezing months.

Before heading on out though, you should be aware that if you choose to head toward a Down Insulated Jacket then you get what you pay for. There are different grades of 'fill power' which represents the quality of the down insulation. The higher the fill power? The warmer, lighter and more compressible the insulation. Check out below for a bit of information on these 'Fill Power' grades so you know exactly what you're looking for.



If you ask most sales people they will generally be able to help you out.

So this Christmas season when it comes to a Coat or Jacket, why not leave the 'fashion' to the Christmas parties and spend the rest of your Winter warm and dry especially while there are some great deals out there.

That's All from me for now,

Brandon