Walks And Walking – Top 5 Walking Jackets
Now that we are well in to Spring with the Summer just around the corner it’s time to stow away those heavy duty walking jackets for lighter wind and waterproof walking jackets and walking clothes. I tend to wear a shower proof soft shell walking jacket at this time of year and always pack a light waterproof walking jacket in my rucksack to cope with the very interchangeable weather in the UK. Whilst researching this article I wasn’t able to find the exact walking jackets that I own so I chose the nearest possible match currently available from the leading outdoor retailers listed next to each jacket that you can also find in the Walks And Walking Shop.
Here are my Top 5 Walking Jackets:
1. The North Face Men’s Apparition Anorak
Walks And Walking - Top 5 Walking Jackets - The North Face Apparition Anorak
This is my most reliable walking jacket that I wear most often and is smart enough to wear to work and rugged enough to wear on mountain and coastal walking routes. I have had my version of this jacket for over 3 years and it is in perfect condition. This type of walking jacket is an investment so I have looked after it and washed it with waterproofing solutions each year. It is completely windproof and is generous enough to be able to fit several layers underneath whilst also given me a great deal of flexibility. It is a perfect all-rounder and I’m sure it will still last me for a good few years yet.
Technical information:
The North Face Men’s Apparition Anorak in GORE-TEX ® Active Shell is a Summit Series™ mountain shell for demanding alpine aspirations. Gore-Tex® Active Shell construction combines a lighter, thinner GORE-TEX membrane with fine denier performance textiles to deliver the ultimate 3-layer waterproof and breathable construction for active mountain athletes. Generous map friendly twin alpine pockets. Pit zips aid moisture and heat management. Hunker down in the adjustable hood when the weather rebels. Comfortable moulded cuff tabs. Effective, uncomplicated and with Summit Series™ pedigree, The North Face Men’s Apparition Anorak is a trustworthy choice for an alpine waterproof jacket.
Product Features:
30d 62% Nylon 38% Polyester Ripstop Gore 3L Actie Shell
Pit-Zips
Two alpine pockets
Adjustable hood
Moulded cuff tabs
Retails for about £225.00
Available from Cotswold Outdoor
2. The North Face Mens Apex Elixir Jacket
Walks And Walking - Top 5 Walking Jackets - The North Face Apex Elixir Jacket
This is a staple of my walking clothes wardrobe and another The North face jacket that I have owned for over 3 years. Due to the stretchy fabric it has a few pulls in the material but has still retained its shape and hasn’t faded much after being washed quite frequently and being waterproofed several times. The Apex is superb at managing occasional bad weather and showers as well as being completely windproof. This is without doubt my favourite jacket and because it isn’t Gore-Tex it is perfect for warm weather as well as blustery weather. It works well as part of layers underneath a winter jacket for when it is really cold but I wouldn’t rely on this jacket to keep me warm.
Technical information:
A soft shell with plenty of stretch. The Elixir combines extraordinary mobility with a sport fit to produce a jacket that won’t cramp your style, whether you’re exploring new scrambles in your favourite hills or reaching for the next move on your latest bouldering problem.
Product Features:
Apex Aerobic fabric
Durable Water Resistant finish
Windproof
Two large hand pockets
Reflective logo
Brushed collar lining
Elasticated cuffs
Hem cinch cord
Retails for about £100.00
Available from Cotswold Outdoor
3. Bear Grylls by Craghoppers Packaway Jacket
Walks And Walking - Top 5 Walking Jackets - Bear Grylls by Craghoppers Packaway Jacket
Although I really like this Bear Grylls walking jacket it does mainly live in my rucksack. I keep it as my safety jacket because it is bright red so if I ever got lost or if I am out walking across moors and valleys then at least I would be easily seen. It folds up really small so fits in to any of my rucksacks and is fully waterproof. Even though I have had my version of this jacket for a few years now it is still as good as new so it is definetly built to last.
Technical information:
Waterproof protection without weight – it’s a delicate balance. Bear’s new Packaway Jacket manages it brilliantly, delivering reliable AquaDry Membrane performance in a super-light, packable format that’s designed to defeat the heaviest downpour.
Product Features:
100% polyester with AquaDry 2.5 layer laminate construction and water-repellent finish
Weight: 450g
Fully waterproof
Brushed chin guard
Fixed grown-on hood with Velcro tab adjusters
Half-zip outer and inner stormflap with stud fastening
Large Bear Grylls branding to sleeve
2 zipped outer pocket – stows into right pocket
Self-fabric Velcro cuff adjusters
Length 29″
Inner drawcord system on hem
Lifetime guarantee
Retails for about £100.00
Available from Bear Grylls Store
4. ARC’TERYX Beta FL GTX Active Jacket
Walks And Walking - Top 5 Walking Jackets - ARCTERYX Beta FL GTX Active Jacket
I haven’t got this walking jacket but if I had the money it is definately something I would invest in due to it looking extremely awesome and really well designed.
Technical Information:
For fast and light alpine ascents or any mountain pursuit where breathability is paramount, the Beta FL is a pinnacle design in the new GORE-TEX® Active Shell.
Product Features:
GORE-TEX® Active Shell delivers extreme breathability and durable waterproofing
Athletic, anatomical hip length fit
Minimal ergonomic 3-dimensional (e3D) cut reduces weight and bulk
Low-profile fully adjustable Storm Hood
Reinforced hip and shoulders for durability when carrying a heavy pack
New ultra-light WaterTight Vislon front zip
Reflective hits
Weight: 338g (M)
Retails for about £360.00
Available from Ellis Brigham
5. Regatta Toronto
Walks And Walking - Top 5 Walking Jackets - Regatta Toronto Walking Jacket
If you want something really cheap that offers good value and all round performance then Regatta offer some amazing bargains.
Technical Information:
Keep warm and comfortable with the breathable and waterproof Toronto. The garment’s insulation system, made of advanced synthetic fibres, captures air, keeping you cosy even in crisp, cold weather.
Product Features:
Waterproof and breathable Isotex 5000 polyester pongee fabric
Taped seams
Thermo-Guard insulation
Fleece lining to upper body
Concealed hood with adjuster
2 lower zipped pockets and 1 chest pocket with hi-tech water repellent zip
Inner security and map pocket
Adjustable shockcord hem
Retails for about £18.00
Available from Regatta Clearance Outlet Store
You can find all of these retailers in the Walks And Walking Shop
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