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Along with comfortable boots, keeping dry and comfortable in all weathers is a key part of enjoying your time in the outdoors. Having an outer layer that repels water, wind, sleet & snow is a must for heading into the hills all year. There are a wide variety of models of waterproof jackets, but at Taunton Leisure when we say waterproof we mean waterproof, guaranteed to keep the water out and continue to do so. Of course fabrics, features and price have a key bearing on performance and below is a few ideas of what to look for when deciding.

Firstly decide what your use of the garment will be. It's likely that the jacket will cope with a range of activities but for example buying a longer length heavier jacket for walking throughout the year may not be a good idea if perhaps you would like to cycle to work regularly as well. Talking to customers it's clear that one jacket may not do everything required and having a lightweight more packable jacket for summer months, ideal for holidays & 'just in case' and then a longer more substantial one for rougher days and seasons has become the norm.

Features & what to look for

Style: Longer jackets give greater protection when walking but are not suitable for cycling, or climbing as the extra length can be restrictive. A shorter style can save weight and for mountain use allows the wearer to use a harness and move easily. Many styles have a longer back length compared with the front. Sometimes referred to as a  'dropped tail' it helps to keep the lower back protected when cycling, climbing, scambling etc. Talk to our staff about your intended use and we can point out some ones to try.

Hood: It's amazing how many customers don't try the hood when buying, face it when it's pouring, windy and generally unpleasant you want a hood that fits well, maintains vision and keeps the rain out. Look for a hood that adjusts, usually with drawcords & cord lock, both around the face & at the back for volume (called volume adjuster) - allowing you to move your head and the hood moving with you. A stiffened peak, sometimes wired, helps with windy conditions and can keep the rain from blowing it's way in. Hoods can fold in the collar, roll up & secure, detach completely or stay fixed and it's worth checking that you have enough room for either a warm hat or a helmet if you intend to use them. Check that any drawcord adjustments are 'captured in' which means cord are not left loose when tightened, otherwise on a windy day they can blow about and get very annoying. - And catch you in the eye!

Storm flap: This is often the mark of a higher quality jacket, and is the extra flap(s) that cover the front zip to keep out driving rain and wind. What's called a 'double storm flap' refers to two layers that fold over for even better performance they can also have a stitched back 'rain gutter' that affords extra protection. Secured by Velcro or press-studs.

Zips: Fidely initially a 'two - way zip' on the main front zipper, allows you to unzip from the bottom for increased ventilation and access to pockets etc. Many jackets feature water repellent or splashguard zips that give good performance without the use of external storm flap covers & can save weight. All designs are fully tested so you can be sure that the type of zipper on your choice will give the best protection. Many jackets feature extra 'interactive zips' that allow zipping in of insulation layers, fleece jackets etc. It's best to ask what's compatible when choosing, and try the combinations on, because although their is some cross over between models, different brands can vary the zip style & length.

Pockets: You need to assess what your pocket requirements are. Lower 'handwarmer' pockets are great for comfort but accessing them when wearing a large rucsac waist belt or climbing harness could be difficult. That's why the pockets on some styles appear higher up than perhaps you would expect. Lot's of jackets feature a 'map pocket' - large enough for a standard folded OS map they are usually under the storm flap to give greater protection from the weather. Also useful for wallets, keys, phones etc. The exterior pockets on waterproof jackets are not usually guaranteed waterproof, because it's difficult to keep the water out when you may be opening them up etc! Pocket linings do vary, from light breathable mesh to fully sealed fabric constructions. Internal pockets vary from large bottle or goggle pockets for mountain use to zipped security pockets.

Seams & taping: All the waterproof jackets that we stock are seam sealed to prevent water ingress, of course the quality varies based on the technology, fabric & complexity of design. All Gore-Tex jackets are hot tape sealed using only Gore seam tape and many manufacturers are using very thin skinny tapes to save weight and increase flexibility and performance of the jacket.

Drawcords & cuffs: Designed to make small adjustments that can help to keep you comfortable. Cuffs are easily sealed from the weather by tightening or left more open to increase ventilation. Drawcords are usually made of elastic bungy cord that gives many years of use and gives a little when wearing. Depending on the jacket adjustments can be found at the waist, bottom hem & hoods allowing for fit & ventilation adjustments when wearing.

Ventilation: Adjustments of the drawcords / cuffs & zippers can help with ventilation but even with the latest breathable fabrics, head down striding up that hill you need to let some hot air out, without stopping to remove layers. More active styles for mountain use often feature extra openings for ventilation. 'Pit zips', 'core vents'; ventilation pockets all help by allowing air through to the main body core. It's more comfortable than having to open up the main zip and easily adjusted on the move. They are not required by everyone but if you feel the heat when walking then ask our staff for a jacket that offers extra ventilation options.
Waterproof trousers - We stock a wide variety of waterproof over trousers, everything from a lightweight pair that will spend most of the time in the bottom of the pack (hopefully) to something for day long use high in the mountains. Again assess you needs, if you are a fair weather walker and budget light packable pair will do, but if you spend time outdoors in all weathers it's worth investing a bit more in a tougher more comfortable pair that will give years of service. All feature some sort of opening at the bottom to help putting them on over boots, the length and ease of this is worth trailing in store - not on the hill in the rain! Some feature a very long zip that runs most if not all of the way up the leg. Great for putting on over boots, crampons, skis etc but also doubling up as extra ventilation to the legs when you can't stop to take them off or in mixed weather. Models stocked in men's women's, junior and also look out for a choice of leg lengths to get the best fit.