The days are now getting longer and with that comes the opportunity to take leisurely walks when you come home after a days work. With the unpredictable weather we have been having in the UK a waterproof jacket is an essential item of clothing. But with so many styles and technologies now available how do you go about choosing a waterproof jacket. There is a jacket for almost every occasion, whether it is simple casual wear around town or for camping and walking trips in the harshest of conditions. A good quality waterproof jacket is a really worthwhile investment whatever your plans.

Regatta offer a wide range of jackets for serious outdoor activity and great easy wear outdoor clothing for those just looking for an everyday waterproof jacket. The label, tags and website descriptions will provide details on the various jacket features but with all this information how do you decide which option best suits your needs?

Choosing the Right Jacket

Before you buy a new jacket it is worth thinking carefully about your precise needs. Jackets can be expensive, and if you are taking a gentle walk now and again in the countryside, you may not need a top of the range technically advanced jacket, designed for extreme weather. For low key walking you can maybe consider a jacket that does not have expensive materials such breathable fabric but that is good enough to provide wind, and rain protection. If you are planning aerobic activity, extensive hiking or carrying heavy loads, having a fabric that is also breathable will become a more important consideration.

Waterproof Treated/Layered Fabric technology

The biggest development in outdoor jackets is the fabric technology that ensures you stay warm and dry.

A waterproof/breathable material is made by laminating or coating a thin membrane on the underside of a nylon or polyester face fabric. Gore-Tex and Hydrafort are examples of breathable material. The outer layer of the fabric may appear to get wet, but rain will not penetrate the micropores of the membrane, thus keeping your clothing layers under the jacket dry and providing protection against extreme conditions of wind and rain.

At the same time this  breathable layer will allow excessive heat and body moisture to escape so preventing overheating and chilling.

Isotex is a range of advanced fabric which is both waterproof and breathable.  Isotex 5000 is designed  to keep you dry and comfortable in the outdoors in most everyday conditions. Isotex 10000 XPT (X-treme Performance Technology ) is 30% more breathable than standard Isotex fabrics and is highly permeable to body water vapour allowing perspiration to escape effectively to keep you dry and comfortable.

For even greater weatherproofing you may want to consider  jackets with outer fabric treatments such as Atl Durable Water Repellent (DWR). These treatments coat the fabric and help rain water run off the outside of the jacket.

Additional Waterproof Jacket Features to consider

• Hardwearing materials
• Look for snag-free factory-sealed seams as this is were leakage will develop first.
• Vents and underarm zippers allow you to achieve greater venting of perspiration
• Detachable Hood - some hoods can be detached and adjusted to fit snugly. Make sure that you can get a hat on underneath for cold weather.
• Storm flaps - This is the piece of fabric that covers the main Zip. You can get single or double versions and it’s usually held in place by Velcro or press studs.
• Pockets with flap covering the zip to ensure water doesn’t get in. Walkers might want to look for a central chest pocket to store a map for when out and about. Enough pockets in the places you want them and closings to keep things waterproof.
• A Draw cord will help to keep you snug and warm and can be found at the hem, waist and around the hood, ideally it should have a toggle to lock and a tanka to be drawn single-handed.

Regatta is one of Europe’s leading names in outdoor clothing with over 80 years experience in making high quality waterproofs. Regatta make a fantastic range of affordable waterproof jackets in a variety of sizes S to XXL in a unisex range and choice of colours.

Options include:

Regatta Benthos Waterproof Jacket

The Regatta Benthos Waterproof Jacket is both Waterproof and breathable. The jacket has taped seams and velcro adjustable cuffs with moulded cuff tab.

The two chest pockets provide plenty of storage and have hi-tech water repellent zips with Atl durable water repellent treatment.

The unisex Benthos Waterproof Jacket is available in colours include Pepper & Seal Grey and Black & Seal Grey and priced at £45.97 including VAT down from RRP of £79.99.

Regatta Panacea Waterproof Jacket - Saffron and Seal Grey

The unisex Regatta Panacea Waterproof Jacket has breathable Isotex 8000 coated pyramid polyamide fabric treated with ATL durable water repellent.

The multipurpose jacket comes with an adjustable and detachable hood and has plenty of pockets for storage.

The Saffron and Seal Grey Panacea Waterproof Jacket is priced a £36.77 including VAT, reduced from an RRP of £69.99.

Regatta Ultra 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket with Fleece Inner

If you require a jacket to be both waterproof and provide warmth then the Regatta Ultra 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket with it’s windproof breathable Isotex 5000 coated polyester fabric and inner fleece is ideal.

The inner 200 series anti-pill Symmetry fleece comes with an adjustable shockcord hem.

The unisex jacket is available in three colour choices laser Blue and Black, and Red Flame and Black and priced at £69.99 including VAT reduced from an RRP of £99.99.

Regatta Helga 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket with Fleece Inner

If you are looking for a waterproof and breathable ladies jacket, the Regatta Helga 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket offers the same benefits as the Ultra 3 in 1.

The ladies waterproof jacket is available in a variety of warm colours, Crayon and Seville, Tang and Dark Tang and Dahlia and Prune and priced at £40.85 including VAT.

Available in sizes 10-22 with the inner fleece layer has 2 lower pockets ideal for storing your mobile phone and keys.

Regatta Florence Ladies Waterproof Jacket

Another popular ladies waterproof jacket is the Regatta Florence made of Hydrafort polyamide mini structure fabric.

The Canyon dark pink jacket has a fleece lined body and fake fur inner collar for added style.

The inner security pocket is ideal for storing you house or car keys. Available in sizes 10-22 with a fantastic price of £29.62 including VAT.

We hope this information will help when choosing a waterproof jacket.

If you are still not sure then call The Outdoor Store in Weymouth, or visit our online store, and we would be happy to discuss ideas and help choose a jacket which would best suit your needs.