With new fabric technologies and cutting edge designs emerging all the time, suitable for everything from urban wear, running or cycling, backpacking and expedition use; the abundance of rainwear options can often seem intimidating and hard to make sense of.
We realise at Blacks that purchasing a jacket, whether you're a novice or an experienced walker, represents a significant investment and so the Jackets Buyers Guide is designed to give you all the key information you need to make a confident and knowledgeable choice. Ultimately you need to keep a few key things in mind when making a decision on a waterproof jacket; where are you going to use it (what climate), for what activity and what is your budget?
Keep out the cold and wet this winter with our great range of jackets by trusted brand names such as The North Face, Berghaus, Mountain Hardwear, Timberland, Puffa, O’Neill, and Technicals. Don’t forget your cleaning and reproofing products for essential maintenance and aftercare; helping you to get the most from your jacket.
The Nuptse Vest not only looks good and is super warm, but it is also incredibly versatile. I have worn mine for everything from trekking in the Swiss Alps, walking in Wensleydale, and as an extra layer going to the rugby on a chilly, autumn afternoon. The lightweight, luxury 700 down-fill provides great insulation for your core without restricting your arms, allowing you to move freely without weighing you down. The Nuptse Vest can even be stowed away into its own internal pocket making it a great space saving option for my rucksack! Learn more
The Evolution Tri-climate jacket is a great performance jacket which gives you 3 wearing options for one price! The waterproof and breathable outer-shell can be worn alone, or with the warm inner-fleece zipped in for colder, windier days. Alternatively you can just wear the fleece by itself for more casual use, like picking up the kids from school. The cut of the jacket gives a great feminine touch, and the hem drawcords allow you to adjust the fit to suit your body shape; making it really flattering to any figure! Learn more
The Berghaus RG1 jacket is fantastic value for money and has kept me dry in all weather; from heavy snow in Patagonia, to typical British rain in the Lake District. The RG1 jacket is lightweight, breathable, and can pack down quite small, making it easy to stuff in your bag on a day walk; leaving more space for other essentials. The RG1 jacket offers a smart casual look too, making it a good jacket to wear into work, to the football, or round town shopping if it’s raining. The RG1 jacket is a real all-rounder and doesn’t break the bank! Learn more