Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: Doonabel on March 04, 2018

Title: Waterproof Jacket
Post by: Doonabel on March 04, 2018

Hi,

I am looking for a waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket for women.  Something that is lightweight but also durable.  I have been advised to go with North Face, even though i know these can be expensive, i was wondering are they really worth the  money?  Are there any other brands out there that would be just as good but not as expensive, and what brands should i avoid? 

i would appreciate some advice,thanks. 

Title: Re: Waterproof Jacket
Post by: torp on March 04, 2018

Noticed Go Outdoors have an offer on at the mo for the hi gear jackets for 35 quid(half price?) waterproof jkt with removable fleece. ;D

Title: Re: Waterproof Jacket
Post by: specimanYak on March 04, 2018

I've been using the Columbia Sierra Falls jacket for a few years and it hasn't let me down yet. Keeps out the wind and rain and the pit-zips make it easy to keep cool when hiking some of the harder trails. They're reasonably priced as well, here's a link to the site:

https://www.columbiasportswear.co.uk/womens-waterproof-jacket-softshell

Title: Re: Waterproof Jacket
Post by: whoRya on March 04, 2018

I've not looked at jackets much recently but North Face like others always had a big range of jackets with a price range from £80-£250.  So it can be difficult to compare purely on brand alone.  Might be better to look at a price range first, then see who falls with that.

I tend to change the sorting on web sites from the standard (best selling etc.) and go with price, either descending or ascending.  With descending for instance I might start at the top and work down through the items ruling out features that I don't think necessary until I get to a point where I feel there is a necessary trade-off between price and functionality.  Similarly working in ascending you can rule out things that don't tick the box until you get to that point of knowing you are getting into the stuff you really want.  Then you are off to the reviews and  pricing comparisons.

A relatively inexpensive jacket that always seemed to be well regarded was the Marmot Precip.  Thorough review here:
Marmot Precip review (https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/clothing-womens/rain-jacket-womens/marmot-precip-womens)

I'm not a fan of combined fleece/hard shells, preferring to under-layer with a separate fleece.  I would warm up easily when active and I find that anything that helps quickly remove or add layers is a help.

A useful feature is deep chest pockets rather than lower hand warming pockets.  I find them more useful since their use is not restricted by your rucksack waist belt.  Though being a bloke I've no idea where they put the pockets on a ladies jacket!

Happy hunting.

Title: Re: Waterproof Jacket
Post by: Doonabel on March 05, 2018

Thanks everyone, certainly something to think about. Better start making a comparison list. Appreciate the advice 😉