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A good waterproof jacket is essential for hiking in Ireland, thanks to our weather. Here are our ten favourite waterproof jackets to keep you dry!
Sunshine is a rare occurrence on this island of ours, so a good waterproof jacket is a necessity. When looking for a decent waterproof be sure to look for the following features. The jacket’s material is the most important thing, you’ll have to find a balance between weatherproofing and breathability. Gore-Tex (GTX) and Pertex have become increasingly common and score high on both counts. Polartec and durable water repellent (DWR) are also very effective at keeping the elements at bay but in the case of the latter, they aren’t always very breathable. Strong seams are important as they are an obvious weak point in certain jackets, especially in heavy rain. Finally, a good hood is key for warmth and dryness, as most of your body heat is lost through your head. Remember that if you’re going to be climbing the hood will need to be compatible with your helmet. These are eleven of our favourite waterproof jackets.
Columbia utilises its own Outdry Extreme technology to keep the rain out. The water-repellent membrane is extremely effective while also allowing wicking and breathability. This jacket also features underarm vents to keep the temperature down. The sealed seams are quite a statement and ensure that there’s no way in for water. This is a jacket that offers excellent value for money.
Available from: Great Outdoors
Rab is known for creating gear made for the mountains. If you’re looking for a waterproof that’s going to withstand an Irish winter in the hills, then you’ll need something more high end. The Rab Kangri GTX Jacket will stand up in alpine adventures on the continent and the Macgillycuddy Reeks in the dead of winter.
Made from hardwearing 70D GORE-TEX®, flexible and fitted with a large 2-way pit zips for controlling ventilation. The hem and hood of the jacket can be quickly adjusted with one hand, sheltering your face and body from wind and rain. And for a touch of luxury, there’s a soft chin guard and a fleece-lined collar.
Another cracking unisex offering from Craghoppers! We absolutely love this colour-block cagoule. Made from a waterproof rip-stop membrane it will last you forever (or for several years at least!). It comes with everything you need for the outdoors including a concealed hood, half-zip fastening and zipped pockets. Approximately 110g of recycled material went into making this product.
Available from: Craghoppers
If you’re dropping this much cash on a jacket, then you don’t want to be pulling it out of the closet for a few days a year. Mountain Equipment’s Manaslu Jacket is a brilliant piece for all-round performance and absolute protection in all weather. It’s a mountaineering jacket, so it will survive and keep you dry out in the backcountry.
A great value product from a reliable brand. The North Face Quest Jacket will protect you from the wind and rain. This shell is made from lightweight, two-layer DryVent™ with taped seams and a water repellent finish. It’s decked out with a fitted, adjustable hood, a cinch-cord hem and elasticated cuffs to keep bad weather out. You can’t go wrong with it really.
Men’s waterproof jackets: 10 of the best
Another more high-end option from Mountain Equipment is their Makalu jacket. It strikes the balance of waterproof protection, durability and weight for year-round use. The hood is fully adjustable, it has two large pockets, plus a chest pocket and the GORE-TEX® is made from 100% recycled polyester.
Available from: The Outdoor Shop
Price: From €158
Perfectly named for the occasion, Rab’s Downpour Plus 2.0 is a versatile waterproof shell for hill walks, weekend scrambles and mountain treks. If sustainability is something that ticks an extra box for you, then it’s worth knowing that the jacket is made from recycled 2.5L Pertex Shield® fabric.
The helmet-compatible hood is easily adjusted and can stand up to strong winds The large zipped A-line pockets are raised to keep clear of your pack straps or harness. It also is super lightweight so can easily be packed away when the sun comes out.
Price: From €85
Salewa is a brand born in the mountains. We are big fans of their Powertex jacket. It’s a waterproof and breathable shell jacket made for bad-days in the mountains. It’s simple, stylish and performs perfectly in unpredictable mountain conditions.
Helly Hansen is a brand associated with the sea, so you’re pretty much guaranteed that they’ll have nailed waterproofing jackets! The Seven J is a popular and versatile option with full water and wind protection and one of the cheaper options out there.
Described as a ‘versatile workhorse,’ the Oklahoma prides itself on providing all-weather protection and mobility. Water-repellent zip fastenings to the centre, two-way pit zip and a fully adjustable mountain hood deliver comfort in changeable conditions. It’s hard to find a cheaper waterproof that will survive in the Irish hills.
Fashionable, cheap and waterproof, who says you can’t have it all? Columbia’s Splash A Little II Columbia jacket is fully seam-sealed, has adjustable hood cuffs for a secure fit, and an interior security pocket to keep your essentials safe and dry.
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By Outsider
Great collection! For hiking in island there have a need of these quality waterproof and breathable jackets. I can choose best piece. Thanks a lot for sharing.
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