Keela Pinnacle Jacket
Price £99.95
Tel 01592 771241
Website Click Here
Material Three-layer laminate with a tough nylon inner and outer fabric and a breathable coating.
Features Wired, peaked hood with volume adjuster. Double stormflap with ‘gutter’ and Velcro tab closure over two-way main zip. Under-armpit zip ventilation. Map pocket under stormflap. Two chest pockets. Velcro adjustable cuffs. Scooped hem with shockcord and single-handed operation cordlocks.
This three-layer laminate may not breathe as efficiently as lighter materials, but the difference isn’t noticeable, and it is warmer. The Pinnacle has three extra useful features: under-armpit zips, a fixed hood which sits and fits better than a foldaway one, and a ‘gutter’ on the stormflap for rain protection. Verdict This value-for-money multi-activity jacket may be resilient, but the cut is a little bit short.

Berghaus Arkle Jacket
Price £100
Tel 0191 516 5700
Website Click Here
Material Breathable waterproof polyester. Mesh and nylon lining.
Features Adjustable zip under a double stormflap. External zipped chest pocket. Velcro/elastic adjustable cuffs. Map pocket under stormflap. Roll-away hood with stiffened visor and volume adjuster. Two zipped hand-warming pockets. Shockcord waist and hem drawcords.
The comfortable, mid-weight Arkle has all the basic features required of a waterproof jacket. It’s thigh-length, giving extra protection, but the double zip can be opened at the bottom end to aid leg movement when sitting down. The cords at the waist and hem can be adjusted with one hand. The hood comfortably resides in the collar, and when in use, it can be adjusted to draw excess fabric away from the face. It has chest and side pockets, so you can choose where to put your map. Verdict A conservative-looking classic rambler’s jacket that is both smart enough for work and durable enough to take with you on tour.

Regatta Heidi Jacket
Price £88
Tel 0161 749 1313
Website Click Here
Material Isotex-coated Taslan. Grid fleece/nylon lining.
Features Modulator Intelligent Insulation System. Detachable full-wrap hood with size adjuster. Multiple pockets including mobile phone, security and map pockets. Armpit zips. Velcro/elastic cuffs.
According to the manufacturer, the Regatta’s lining absorbs water vapour until it seeps over the fabric. The vapour turns to liquid, generates heat, adds to the jacket’s insulation and keeps you warm. Quite hard to prove in practice, but this jacket is very smart and cosy. It is only spoiled by the ridiculous number of pockets. What are they all supposed to be for? Anyone who uses them all will be unable to walk. Verdict A warm, snug, stylish jacket which is ideal for walking in cold weather and camping.

Lowe Trail Pro Jacket
Price £100
Tel 01539 740840
Website Click Here
Material Triple Point Micra. Mesh lining.
Features Full-length zip under a double stormflap with ‘gutter’ and Velcro tab closure. Velcro/elastic adjustable cuffs. Map pocket under storm flap. Rollaway hood with stiffened visor and volume adjuster. Brushed chin-guard. Seamless shoulders. Two zipped hand-warming pockets. One handed operation shockcord at hood and hem. Drawcord at waist.
For a long time, Triple Point material has been a good alternative to Gore-Tex in terms of breathability. But the extremely durable fabric is only one of the jacket’s several attractive features. If you wish, you can even attach a fleece to your lining with a special zip. The foldaway hood is particularly good and the seamless shoulders prevent any water from getting in. Verdict A superb jacket with a fine pedigree, ideal for use on British hills.

Vaude Escape Jacket
Price £75
Tel 01665 510660
Website Click Here
Material Ceplex 5000 coated Ripstop polyester. Mesh/nylon lining.
Features Double stormflap with ‘gutter’ and Velcro tab closure over two-way main zip. Velcro/elastic adjustable cuffs with thumb loops. Rollaway hood with stiffened visor and volume adjuster. Fleece-lined collar and two zipped hand-warming pockets. Armpit ventilation zips. Scooped rear hem, reflective strip, stows into rear pocket. Elastic waist cord and hem drawcords.
Like the Pinnacle (opposite), the Escape is designed for wear during sport. It is more comfortable to wear than the Pinnacle, and golfers, say, will appreciate how easy it is to move while wearing. The hood is quite basic and while the Escape lacks a map pocket, it does have a pocket at the rear; the jacket folds into this and can be carried on the elastic belt provided. The thumb loops are also helpful for cyclists who want to hold their sleeves down. Verdict A lightweight and functional multi-activity jacket at a sharp price.

Sprayway Firefly Jacket
Price £60
Tel 0800 605050
Website Click Here
Material Hydro/dry-coated Taslan nylon. Mesh-lined.
Features Taffeta lined arms. Velcro map pocket. Roll-away hood. Two zipped hand-warming pockets. Single stormflap with chin guard over main zip. Shockcord. Drawcord at waist and hem. Velcro adjustable cuffs. Scooped hem.
Unfortunately, the single stormflap will not protect the main zip against prolonged heavy rain. Therefore the jacket should be restricted to short spells outdoors, and not be taken out in storms. Nevertheless, the light fabric and excellent design of this jacket does not restrict movement, which makes the Firefly ideal for sporting activities such as cycling and golf. As a bonus, it packs away to a small size when not in use. Verdict A good-looking, lightweight, multi-activity jacket, best suited for the summer.

Craghoppers Tanala Jacket
Price £50
Tel 0845 11 333 99
Website www.craghoppers.com
Material Aquadry-coated nylon with mesh lining.
Features Roll-away or detachable hood. Double stormflap with Velcro tab closure over two-way main zip. Two zipped hand-warming pockets. Concealed map pocket. Adjustable shockcord at the waist and hem. Velcro/elastic cuffs. Carry bag.
The manufacturers of this jacket have combined style and practicality to produce this highly desirable ladies’ waterproof jacket. The Tanala has all the features needed in a good waterproof and it’s highly visible as well – quite an important quality in a travel jacket. They’ve managed to keep the price down, too. The detachable map pocket, which is available on Craghoppers and its sister brand Regatta (see page 51) is most comfy if fixed by the waist. Verdict This super travel jacket will be as useful on a hillside trail as it is in a motorway service station or out and about on the road.

Wynnster Pendle Jacket
Price £50
Tel 01372 377713
Email Click here to email
Material Aquastop polyester. Mesh and nylon lining.
Features Interactive zip under a double stormflap with ‘gutter’ and Velcro tab closure. Internal zipped pocket. Velcro/elastic adjustable cuffs. Map pocket under a stormflap. Roll-away hood with a stiffened visor and size adjuster. Two zipped hand-warming pockets. Single-handed operation shockcord waist and hem drawcords.
The Pendle will appeal to traditionalists in search of a reliable product. It has all the features you need in a good walking jacket, as well as being very comfortable with a generous fit. This style of waterproof has been loved by the British for decades and is sure to remain popular with the rambling community. Some, however, may find the colours and ultra-soft finish a shade too conservative. Verdict A real bargain – this classic British walker’s jacket is ideal both for rambling and wearing into town.