Your top layer is there to protect you from wind and rain but it also needs to be breathable, easily stowed and look good!
Waterproofing
The higher the jacket’s ‘hydrostatic head’ the more water resistant it will be. This info should be on the garment’s swing tag and will be written as ‘mm H2O’ – 20,000mm H2O is a good figure to look for.
Breathability
Look for the jacket’s ‘Moisture Vapour Permeability’ rating (measured by how much steam its fabric lets through a square metre in 24hrs. Look for about 20,000/m2/24hrs.
Seams
These are potential weak points. Laser cut and glued seams are best as the process doesn't involve putting holes into the fabric. They also keep weight down. Taped seams are even better.
Packability
An easily packed waterproof is a versatile one, as you're more likely to take it on more occasions. One that packs down to a small size is obviously more easily stowed – especially in smaller summer day packs and travel luggage. Small pack size usually means lighter too. The most versatile pack into their own pockets.
Craghoppers Pro Lite Softshell | £65
The feature list of Craghoppers' Pro Lite Softshell almost beggars belief at this price; Aquadry waterproof membrane, stretch material, light weight, insulating and packable. A closer look at the waterproofing reveals a hydrostatic head rating of only 3000mm and the seams aren't taped. But even without that claim, this is a warm, versatile,comfy, windproof softshell with plenty of useful pockets, that packs down well too.
VERDICT With excellent packability (it fits in its own pocket) this a high performing, great value active travel option.
Outdoor Research Foray | £190
The Foray uses GoreTex Paclite two-layer technology for weather proofing and longevity, boasts an impressive feature set and comes in a great range of understated colour options.
The downside to Paclite is that it's a bit noisy and isn't as breathable as other GoreTex. The Foray negates the latter with ingenious underarm zips all the way to the jacket hem. It is also very light, and packs into its own pocket.
VERDICT A simple, all-round waterproof made special by ingenious venting, excellent packability and a decent price.
Arc'teryx Beta AR | £430
Although highly technical with GoreTex Pro fabric, a helmet-compatible drop-hood and nylon face fabric to ensure longevity, the Beta AR has travel-friendly styling and a muted selection of colours.
Despite the durable nylon the Beta AR is very light and packable, and modest looks aside is unashamedly high-performance. It might cut it in the cafe but the Beta AR naturally excels on the hill. Or on a rainy beach, a snowy mountain, or a windy valley. We've hiked with it in the UK and around the Med, and even taken it ski touring with great results.
VERDICT The price is high, but the Beta AR can be your jacket for everything – as long as you don't need to dress for dinner.
Berghaus Fastpacking | £190
At 250g the Fastpacking is certainly light but the Hydroshell Elite 2.5 layer fabric still feels tough enough. It’s also fully waterproof and feels breathable on the move, especially when you vent through the pockets. The jacket packs into its own pocket, and although the resulting package isn’t as minuscule as Berghaus’ ultralight models, it’s still much smaller than most jackets of this performance. Add a perfect length, an excellent hood and vented pockets and this is the perfect all-round travel and backpacking jacket.
VERDICT A jacket that balances weight and packability with quality, performance and durability. Great value too!
Finisterre Litus | £150
A technical waterproof cunningly disguised as a casual jacket, the Litus is made from lightweight and breathable Pertex Eco Shield fabric. It's rated with a 10,000mm hydrostatic head and fully taped seams but its technical credentials fall down slightly with only 7000g (per 24hr).
This shouldn't count too heavily against the Litus, as it isn't designed for running up mountains. That much is clear from the style of the jacket, and in the context of an active/travel crossover piece, that is where its strength lies.
VERDICT A perfect active/travel balance for those who want to take just one jacket on their travels. Exceptional value.
McNair PlasmaDry Corduroy Workshirt | £255
With a PlasmaDry technology fluorocarbon-free water- and stain-repellent fabric, McNair's Workshirt is much more than just a shirt. Stylish, comfortable, tough, British designed and made, the Workshirt has lovely little travel touches like passport-sized pockets and an inconspicuous sleeve for securely hanging your sunglasses. It isn't 'water-proof' but you could make a cup with the fabric and it will hold liquid.
VERDICT It's expensive but can be made-to-measure, uses cutting edge green tech, and will last you a lifetime. Superb!
Fjallraven Skogso | £185
Fjallraven's Skogso jacket is constructed from a lightweight version of their popular G1000 fabric – G1000 Lite (with the burlier original fabric used on the shoulders) – and has extra ventilation. As with all Fjallraven's G1000 clothing, it doesn't claim to be waterproof, but add Greenland Wax and high levels of water resistance can be achieved – which lends some 'customisability' to the Skogso for a variety of travel scenarios. In warm weather the back vents are highly effective (without a pack) and the lighter fabric is fine for warmer, non-Scandinavian destinations.
The real travel benefit of G1000 over a membraned waterproof is the softness of the fabric. It never feels restrictive, noisy or out of place, and Fjallraven's inimitable Scandi-heritage-style fits the souk and bar as well as it does the wilderness.
There are loads of zippered pockets, the hood is unobtrusive but combined with the high chin protection, is effective, and the longer back suits both casual in town and practical on the hill.
VERDICT Fjallraven gear in general is expensive but always worth it – the Skogso jacket, at a relatively modest £185, seems like a steal.
