As discussed in previous reviews I operate a five item approach to layering for most of the year: baselayer, 100 weight fleece, waterproof shell, synthetic insulated jacket and windproof. These five layers can be worn independantly or together (so the sizing needs to be considered) to cope with most weather conditions. The garment that I wear most – but I’ve rarely seen on the hills – is the windproof shell. Just a simple single layer of breathable weather-resistant (not waterproof) fabric like Pertex, it’s lightweight, packable and thanks to a renewable DWR treatment can shrug off light showers and wind…

The title ‘Winter Waterproofs’ is a little misleading; perhaps ‘Mountain Waterproofs’ or ‘Hardcore Hardshells’ would be more appropriate? In this review, and the companion women’s winter waterproofs review from Helen, we seek to distinguish between the lightweight, ‘just in case’ waterproof jackets of summer and something more substantial that can cope with the worst Scottish mountain weather. No waterproof-breathable (WPB) hardshell jacket is fully waterproof to the extent of a plastic bag or pane of glass – like a tent flysheet they will leak under enough water pressure (hence the hydrostatic head rating). However, in real-life situations a WPB jacket…

This review is really a companion piece to my previous Trousers for Winter review, and much of the characteristics that make softshell an ideal material for winter trousers is relevant to jackets. Modern softshell jackets generally consist of a windproof, water-resistant outer and a fleece or brushed inner lining. There are endless combinations of fabric weights and construction, with the thinnest comparable in warmth to a 100 weight microfleece under a simple Pertex windshirt. This combination is nice and breathable compared to a waterproof hardshell jacket, but relies on the durable water repellent coating on the outer face to keep…