British weather is nothing if not unpredictable. Sun and blue skies can soon turn into a torrential downpour, and there's no worse time to discover this than when out on a hike.
With that in mind, we've rounded up the best jackets to make sure you're prepared in all circumstances.
Click here our for round up of the top jackets for men.
1. The North Face FuseForm Dot Matrix Insulated: £110, The North Face
This is one of the warmest and lightest jackets around. Its insulation is compressible so you don’t feel as though you’re carrying much weight. It’s waterproof and breathable with armpit zip vents. A fully adjustable hood and drop-tail hem give good protection.
2. Rohan Women’s Atlas: £147, Rohan
This new version of the jacket shares many of the same great features as the men’s, but has modified panels, a different lining and larger pockets. The waterproof and breathable fabric has a longer cut, too, making it great for walking in the countryside.
3. Keela Ladies’ Storm: £84.95, Keela
The hood on this seriously lightweight, waterpoof jacket fits over helmets making it suitable for use on a bicycle, and there’s a range of zipped pockets to keep items safe. The fit has a scooped back for added water protection. The reflective trim is a great touch.
4. Regatta Semita: £100, Regatta
Part of a new range, this jacket is designed to appeal more to hillwalkers than Regatta’s usual family market. It therefore uses a stronger Isotex fabric, offering better waterproofing. The zips and seams are quality, while the single pull cord in the hood offers instant weather protection.
5. Sherpa Mera: £63, Sherpa
Named after a peak in Nepal’s Sagarmatha zone, Sherpa’s Mera is a technical softshell, at home in mixed conditions – such as you’d find here in the UK. It’s light and soft without that annoying rustling sound some fabrics have. The breathable fabric wicks well and is resistant to water and wind, while the fit is generous and adjustable.
6. Craghoppers Madigan II Long: £100, Craghoppers
This is basically a lengthier version of Craghoppers’ classic Madigan jacket. It features an impressive eight pockets, a zip off hood and stormflaps with Velcro to provide warmth and protection against the wind. It’s waterproof, too.
7. Bergans of Norway Letto: £250, Nordic Life
Made from three-layer Dermizax fabric, this is probably the best windproof jacket in the list. The foldable hood packs away completely and the long underarm zip vents are most welcome. It goes up to size XL, too.
8. Sprayway Era: £160, Blacks
The two-layer Gore-Tex fabric here provides the necessary protection from the elements while remaining lightweight. With an adjustable hood, hem and cuffs, it’ll suit most sizes and preferences. The map pocket under the double storm guard is a great touch.
9. Schöffel Kensington Down: £299.95, Schöffel
A truly exquisite jacket. Its ethically sourced down and leather trim, the fleece-lined pockets and the merino wool around the hood all make sure you stay toasty. No Gore-Tex here, but it is water repellent.
10. Berghaus Skye 3-in-1 Hydroshell: £200, Berghaus
A three-in-one, this combines a waterproof jacket with a fleece that is very warm and comfy – the two can be worn separately if needed, too. The fastenings are well thought out and there are four pockets.
Verdict
The Storm from Keela is a great choice, being lightweight and waterproof – at a great price – and narrowly misses out on our top spot. But for our money, the Best Buy at the moment has to be the FuseForm Dot Matrix Insulated Jacket from The North Face. Warm, light, waterproof and at a fantastic price, it’s a steal.
IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing
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