A guide to waterproof jackets

Timberland waterproof jackets

 

If you love being outdoors, you’re probably not the type to let a bit of rain – or a lot of rain – put you off. But staying dry is essential for your comfort, and in more extreme situations, it’s vital for life. Let’s have a look at why a waterproof jacket is so important, and find the best one for you.

Your clothing contains millions of tiny pockets of air, and they help retain your body heat by warming up and slowing down the loss of heat, like a blanket. If the air is replaced by water, however, that insulating property is gone, because water is about ten times more conductive to heat than air. Your body heat just escapes into the atmosphere, and cold air and wind from outside get in. Out in the wilderness, that’s not a good situation.

But water doesn’t always come from outside. If you’re exerting yourself, your sweat will soak your clothes pretty quickly, and if you’re wearing an impervious jacket, it has nowhere to go. You’ll get wetter and wetter, even in cold weather. That’s why having a good waterproof jacket is essential.

 

What's the best waterproof jacket?

The best type of waterproof jacket is one that lets in no rainwater or snow, but allows your sweat to escape. That way, your underlayers stay dry, and you minimise your risk of exposure if it’s particularly cold, or discomfort if it’s more temperate.

Timberland has a range of technically effective waterproof jackets for men and women, with plenty of styles to choose from. Some have their own insulation so you can wear fewer layers underneath, such as the Scar Ridge Parka. Others are lighter, like our windbreaker.

 

Are windbreakers waterproof?

A windbreaker isn’t inherently waterproof, and a waterproof jacket isn’t necessarily windproof. Many jackets protect you against both wind and rain, but don’t assume that one type of jacket must also be the other. Always look for a waterproof icon if you need your windbreaker to resist rain.

It’s easy to find out which of our jackets are both windproof and waterproof. Take a look at our Pullover Windbreaker and look under “Features”. You’ll see that it’s both waterproof and wind-resistant. You can safely wear it as an outer layer in all weathers. The Zipped Windbreaker however, is windproof and showerproof, but you’ll need to take an extra waterproof layer if you want to stay dry in very wet weather. 

 

Are trench coats waterproof?

Trench coats trace their history back to the WW1 trenches, where they provided a lighter alternative to winter greatcoats.  A proper trench coat is waterproof and, more recently, has become a style item.

If you’re looking for a waterproof trench coat, Timberland has its Mount Mitten 2-in-1 Trench Coat, which is both waterproof and breathable. This particular coat has an insulated inner vest that’s removable, so you can wear it all year round.

 

What is the best waterproof ladies jacket?

When you’re outdoors, you need a waterproof jacket that keeps you dry but also allows your sweat to escape. So when you’re searching for a ladies’ waterproof jacket, make sure it’s breathable as well as waterproof.

Timberland has some fantastic waterproof women’s jackets which, like all our range, blend performance with style. The Scar Ridge Parka for Women has a Thermo-Fibre down filling, that sits underneath an impenetrable waterproof outer with Dryvent™ to let your sweat escape. The Mount Rosebrook Jacket is a shorter coat, ideal for winter wherever you choose to spend it.

 

Are rubberised coats waterproof?

Rubber is a naturally flexible and water-repellent substance and would seem to be a natural choice for embedding into the fabric to make it waterproof. However, rubberised coats need good ventilation, as they can trap sweat, which can end up making you cold and uncomfortable.

There are plenty of alternatives to rubber, and if you like the look and feel of a rubberised coat but want it to be breathable, you can choose a synthetic material. The Doubletop Mountain 3-in-1 has a look similar to the stylish versions of rubberised coats and is fully waterproof with Dryvent™ technology to make sure you stay dry from inside and out. That particular coat has a handy inner gilet-style coat that can be detached, so you can wear inner, outer or both together for year-round comfort and dryness.