Top 5 Waterproof jackets 2023 - Expert Review

Summary

In this video, Tom from Cotswold Outdoor showcases his top five waterproof jackets for the season, highlighting their features and suitability for various outdoor activities. He reviews jackets from brands like Mountain Equipment, RAB, Patagonia, and Arc'teryx, discussing their durability, breathability, and specific design elements like A-frame pockets and helmet-compatible hoods. Tom's personal recommendations include the Patagonia Tres Lay for all-round use and the Mountain Equipment Lhotse for high mountain expeditions.

Takeaways

• 🧥 The Mountain Equipment Makalu is a top choice for its three-layer laminated Gore-Tex, offering durability and classic mountain features.
• 💧 The Makalu jacket features a drop back for rain runoff, chunky gauge zips for easy access, and A-frame pockets that clear hip belts for comfort.
• 🧤 The Patagonia Trespass jacket is a popular, fully-featured mountain jacket with a straight cut for layering and versatile use.
• 🏔️ The Rab Kangri jacket, similar to the Makalu in materials and features, offers a protective and durable option for mountain activities.
• 🗺️ The Trespass jacket includes a dump pocket for gloves and maps, and pit zips for ventilation, enhancing its functionality for all-day wear.
• 🌞 The Berghaus Beta LT is a lightweight option with a thinner face fabric, making it more packable and suitable for climbing.
• 🌈 The Mountain Equipment Lochsy jacket, made from Gore-Tex Pro, is highly breathable and durable, with a minimum 40 denier face fabric.
• 🎿 For high mountain missions, the Lochsy jacket is recommended for its toughness and full-featured design, including a super helmet-compatible hood.
• 🌟 The presenter's personal favorites include the Beta LT for lightweight climbing, the Trespass for all-round activities, and the Lochsy for high mountain use.
• ❄️ The presenter is planning to use the Lochsy jacket for upcoming winter climbing in Scotland, highlighting its suitability for cold conditions.

Q & A

What are the top five waterproof jackets mentioned in the transcript?

The top five waterproof jackets mentioned are the Mountain Equipment Makalu, the RAB Kangri, the Patagonia Trespass, the Berghaus Baffle and the Mountain Equipment Lhotse.

What material is commonly used in the jackets discussed in the transcript?

Most of the jackets mentioned in the transcript are made from Gore-Tex, with some variations like Gore-Tex Pro and Gore-Tex Performance.

What are some features of the Mountain Equipment Makalu jacket?

The Mountain Equipment Makalu jacket features a three-layer laminated Gore-Tex, heavy denier face fabrics, a drop back, chunky gauge zips, A-frame pockets positioned higher, and a helmet-compatible wired and stiffened hood.

How does the RAB Kangri jacket compare to the Makalu in terms of features and price?

The RAB Kangri jacket is made from the same Gore-Tex Performance material as the Makalu and shares similar features like offset cuffs, a boxy cut, and a chunky gauge zip. However, it is slightly more expensive and does not have a third Napoleon pocket.

What makes the Patagonia Trespass jacket stand out according to the transcript?

The Patagonia Trespass jacket is highlighted for its fully featured mountain jacket design, straight cut for layering, hand warmer pockets, short Napoleon pockets, and a dump pocket. It is also praised for its durability and versatility.

What is the main difference between the Berghaus Baffle LT and the other jackets mentioned?

The Berghaus Baffle LT is the lightweight version of the Berghaus Baffle range, featuring a lighter, thinner face fabric for better packability and a softer handle, making it more versatile but potentially less durable than the others.

What is unique about the Mountain Equipment Lhotse jacket's construction?

The Mountain Equipment Lhotse jacket is made from Gore-Tex Pro, which means all layers are laminated together, making it highly breathable and durable. It also features a minimum 40 denier face fabric bonded to the outside for added toughness.

What are the advantages of the A-frame pockets on the jackets discussed?

The A-frame pockets are positioned higher to clear rucksack or harness hip belts, allowing easy access to items even when wearing a backpack or climbing harness.

How do the jackets cater to different types of outdoor activities?

The jackets cater to a range of outdoor activities from hill walking to climbing, with features like helmet compatibility, pit zips for ventilation, and durable materials for protection in various conditions.

What is the significance of the 'drop back' feature on the jackets?

The 'drop back' feature ensures that the jacket's back is longer than the front, which helps to prevent rain from running down the back and into the trousers when not wearing waterproof pants.

Why might someone choose the Berghaus Baffle LT over the other jackets for climbing?

The Berghaus Baffle LT might be chosen for climbing due to its lightweight and packable nature, making it ideal for multi-pitch climbing where carrying a larger jacket might be a burden.