Best Hiking Jackets
What is the best hiking jacket?
To answer this, it depends what conditions you’re hiking in. If you’re in cold but dry conditions, then a down jacket will work well. However, if you’re going to be in wet, windy conditions you’ll want a jacket with a waterproof shell.
Are down jackets worth it?
Down jackets are 100% Worth it. If you’ve never experienced the warmth of a duck/goose down jacket, then you’re missing out. Compared to a synthetic-filled jacket, down has much better insulation properties. This is also why people opt for down-filled sleeping bags.
What is the best waterproof jacket for hiking?
In our testing of some of the top hiking boots for men, we have leant towards the following hiking shoes:
- Rab Men’s Latok GTX Jacket – Made with 70D GORE-TEX® Pro and featuring their aquaguard zip technology, it doesn’t get more waterproof than this jacket by Rab. If you’re going to be in heavy rain, this is the waterproof jacket you’d want to have.
- Rab Men’s Kangri GTX Jacket – Once again made using 70D GORE-TEX Classic, the Kangri GTX Waterproof Jacket from Rab is a heavy hitter, and will protect you in heavy downpours.
Check out our recent article on the The Best Waterproof Jacket Under £100 for some fantastic budget friendly waterproof jacket options.
Are down jackets good for hiking?
Absolutely, down filled jackets are superior in terms of insulation and heat retention, perfect for trail walking. In our testing of some of the best down jackets uk, we have leant towards the following walking jackets:
- Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket – With a rating of 750FP (fill power), this down jacket by Rab is a heavy hitter despite being super lightweight and robust at the same time. Perfect for wild camping.
- Whilst it isn’t 100% waterproof, the reason the microlight alpine down jacket by Rab is so good is that it uses Pertex Quantum, which is a durable fabric that sheds light rain and snow and helps to block the wind. It’s one of the warmest jackets you’ll ever wear.
Check out our recent article on The Best Stylish Waterproof Jackets for Women for some great examples of jackets that are not only waterproof, but look cool!
What is the best material for a rain jacket?
Ideally, for a rain jacket you’ll want to be using a product that has a waterproof membrane. Typically Gore-Tex is used in these products, and GoreTex Pro is a slightly newer, more robust version that is often used by a lot of Rab Jackets to provide maximum protection.
Are Kathmandu jackets worth it?
Absolutely, Kathmandu produce some of the best down jackets on the market, alongside the other big brands. Their Epiq Women’s 550 Fill Hooded Down Jacket is a fantastic example of this, for just £100 you get a jacket with a 550 Fill Power Down, which will keep you super warm.
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FAQ
What is the best lightweight waterproof jacket?
The Rab Microlight is one of the lightest jackets we have tested personally, however this is strictly a water-resistant down jacket, not fully waterproof.
In terms of a 100% Waterproof Jacket, most brands that sell jackets with waterproof shells will be fundamentally lightweight, you just need to try before you buy.
Which fill down is the warmest?
Generally the higher the lofting / fill power correlates with how warm a down jacket will be. For example, a 850 Fill Power Jacket will generally be much warmer than a 500 fill power jacket.
What is the highest quality goose down?
It is generally considered that 100% Hungarian Goose Down is the highest quality goose down. This is due to the quality and density of their feathers / down.
What brand of jacket is the warmest?
Typically there is no one-brand that is warmer than the rest. Brands that offer down-filled jackets will typically be warmer than brands that offer synthetic filled jackets or just waterproof shells.
