Raincoats, anoraks, smocks, cagoules, macs, waterproof jackets… whatever moniker you want to give them, should be an absolutely intrinsic part of everyone’s wardrobe, especially if you’re living somewhere where it’s more than a bit partial to lashing it down, like us.
Due to our Manchester-weather-induced reliance on raincoats, we’ve grown extremely fond of them, but don’t be fooled, our love is not solely driven by functional necessity…
We believe that a waterproof jacket has the ability to invoke a tapestry of feelings like no other garment…
Whether it be the pride of hearing raindrops smacking atop a fully adjustable hood or the smugness associated with emerging from a storm bone-dry whilst your friend has spent the last half an hour wrestling with a disobedient umbrella, wearing a solid waterproof just feels so good.
Now, if you thought just because we’ve started a new year there’s not going to be much more rain to deal with, we almost feel sorry for your complete and utter naivety, but we can assure you there’s going to be plenty more sky water to deal with in the coming months.
For this reason, we thought it fit to compile a list of fine jackets for foul weather from our friends over at EQVVS…
Please note that all these jackets vary in degrees of waterproof-ness, so if you go out in a category 5 hurricane and spring a leak, please don’t come for us – you have been warned.
and Wander – Pertex Wind Jacket
If you’re into stuff that is windproof, water repellent and looks really really nice, this and Wander jacket is most definitely for you. Kitted out in Pertex Quantum Air, not only are you prepared for rising moisture levels, but also rising wind speeds. As per usual the Japanese outdoor aficionados have applied their famed reflective detailing to this jacket, and as per usual, we’re big into it.
Barbour – Angler Jacket
This Barbour jacket was inspired by fishermen, and what’s one thing fishermen know more about than anything? Horrible weather. And catching fish, obviously. We’re not that well-versed in angling, but we are pretty well-versed in horrible weather and this coat looks more than ample to carry you through some nasty conditions.
Columbia – Inner Limits III Jacket
Columbia has been producing nice coats for like seventy years now, so you know you’re in good hands whenever you end up purchasing from them. We’re a big fan of the colour blocking on this one and reckon it wouldn’t look out of place on some sweaty Northerner in the Hacienda, prior to its transformation into affordable living, that is.
Barbour – Hooded Domus Waterproof Jacket
This jacket perfectly balances modern functionality with countryside steez – not an easy task. It achieves this by its sleek exterior being beautifully balanced with that classic tartan lining. If you’ve got Ben Nevis at 15:00 and herding sheep at 18:00, this one’s for you.
Norse Projects – 3L Waterproof Jacket
The techiest jacket on this list, but don’t be scared, Norse Projects have added a fun off-centre-zip to make it a bit less intimidating. All jokes aside this is a very serious jacket, instanced by its 3-layer construction and fully taped seams. No matter where you’re going in this, you’re going there dry.
Aquascutum – Shell Active Mid Parka
Aquascutum? Yeah, you probably haven’t heard that name for a while on here, and that is quite literally for no good reason. We sort of lost contact, but just like old friends, we’re reunited now and everything feels the same as it once was. The Shell Active Mid Parka is a fantastic representation of everything we love about the brand – tasteful styling, nice colours, technical pedigree and of course a good helping of that classic club check.
