THE NORTH FACE VARIUS AT JACKET
Price £120
Tel 0845 100 1000
Web www.snowandrock.com
Colours (Men) Black. (Women) Black/green.
Comfort is the key with this pricey jacket. Its waterproof, breathable fabric is flexible and lined with a super-soft mesh, while the funnel neck is lined with velvety fleece. The cuffs' stretchy elastic and Velcro provide a fit that's snug but not restrictive. North Face has added zipped underarm vents (known as 'pit zips'). Two snug hand pockets are complemented by a vertical-zip pocket, but they're not big enough for an OS map. A double overlap across the zip prevents draughts, as do the drawcords around the hem and adjustable-detachable hood. The hood's stiffened peak will keep the rain from out of your eyes.
Verdict A comfy, all-purpose jacket for any time of year. You get lots of features for your money.
Rating: * * *

WYNNSTER PACKAWAY JACKET
Price £50
Tel 01372 377 713
Web www.wynnster.co.uk
Colours (M) Graphite, navy blue or ice grey. (W) Navy blue or ice grey.
This is more substantial than similar packable jackets, with a longer torso, a 'snow skirt' (longer at back with a drawstring to keep snow from going up the back if you fall), and a high cowl neck. Its shape makes it a real multi-purpose jacket, and Wynnster's own water-resistant fabric works well, while being pleasantly breathable. Features include an elasticated drawcord hem, roll-away hood with wired peak and half-elasticated cuffs. It packs into its own sack, which will please tidy-minded caravanners. There are five pockets, including side pockets large enough to hold an OS map. The three internal pockets are great for keeping your wallet and documents safe.
Verdict This is a great price for a good-looking, genuinely multi-purpose jacket.
Rating: * * * *

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR EPIC JACKET
Price £70
Tel 0845 100 1000
Web www.snowandrock.com
Colours Black/blue.
This no-frills 'shell' (a lightweight top layer) is ideal for packing in a small daypack or pocket. The tear-resistant exterior is breathable, lightweight and tough, with a silky lining fused directly onto the fabric. Because it offers no insulation it's primarily a summer waterproof, but it could be worn over a fleece in cool weather. The cut is that favoured by climbers, who don't want excess fabric getting in the way; it's trim around the waist and stomach, but allows movement around the shoulders. The rigid main zip sticks out at the stomach. There are zipped vents under the arms, two hand pockets and a small pocket on the left sleeve. Velcro wrist tabs keep the wind out, as does the elasticated hood – but don't expect fleecy comfort.
Verdict A simple, take-anywhere jacket. It's best suited to runners and climbers.
Rating: * * *

REGATTA ELYSIA WOMEN'S JACKET
Price £65
Tel 0161 749 1313
Web www.regatta.com
Colours Malachite/steam, rouge/steam, tulip/steel or skyline/steel.
This longer-length jacket has all the pockets, toggles and Velcro adjustments you could want, yet it's still affordable. The breathable Isotex 8000 coating on the ripstop fabric keeps rain at bay, as do the snorkel-shaped hood and Velcro-adjusting cuffs. There are drawstrings at the waist and hem, and the otherwise straight, roomy shape makes it ideal for wearing on top of thick layers. A zip-in fleece is available (£9.99). Walkers will appreciate the generous, easily accessible map pocket at the front of the jacket. There are also two internal pockets and two side pockets. A similar men's version, the Bastion, costs £75.
Verdict A really affordable, heavy-duty jacket with lots of practical features.
Rating: * * * * *

PETER STORM FLITE JACKET
Price £39.99
Tel 0800 389 5861
Web www.millets.co.uk
Colours (M) Navy/grey, navy/blue or black/royal blue. (W) Light blue, mid blue or light purple.
This lightweight, breathable waterproof folds away into its own pocket and packs in plenty of extras. The two main pockets have room for lots of small items, there's a map compartment inside the main zip, and a slim, accessible mobile-phone pocket is hidden inside. The jacket compares well with more expensive brands, boasting a full storm flap over the zip, taped seams, a drawcord round the hem and semi-elasticated cuffs with Velcro-style fastenings. It can be machine washed and re-proofed in the washer, too. Reflective piping is a sensible addition. The men's version has a roll-away hood, while the women's hood is integral.
Verdict Superb value in this practical, well-made jacket.
Rating: * * * * *

REGATTA STORMBREAK JACKET
Price £9.99
Tel 0161 749 1313
Web www.regatta.com
Colours Navy, olive green or red.
Regatta's budget jacket is great for the occasional walker or for keeping as a spare. It doesn't claim to be hi-tech, but it does keep the rain out. However, its polyester fabric isn't breathable, so you can end up feeling sweaty if you exert yourself. To combat this, there are two eyelets under each arm and a ventilation flap across your shoulderblades, which help somewhat. The two front pockets are large enough to hold an OS map, sandwiches and odds and ends. A drawcord on the hood and around the hem keep out draughts, as do the elasticated cuffs, although these can be a little too tight.
Verdict An old-style waterproof that's ideal as a stand-in. It's not breathable, which makes it unsuitable for hiking.
Rating: * * *

ROHAN RAINSHADOW JACKET
Price £120
Tel 0870 601 2244
Web www.rohan.co.uk
Colours (M) Titanium, air force blue, peat or black. (W) Black, grey sky or lilac mist.
Soft to the touch and comfortable, the Rainshadow is a hybrid between a lightweight, packable jacket and a general waterproof. It's pricey, but there are lots of features to please serious walkers, including a large map pocket and four side pockets. A chest-high compartment keeps your mobile phone secure – its zip is hidden behind the storm flap – and easily accessible. The jacket packs into its own pocket and features a fold-away, adjustable hood. Concealed Velcro straps for adjusting the cuffs exclude draughts without that crumpled drawstring look. Storm flaps on both sides of the zip keep you really snug, as does the drawstring hem. It's also stylish, so you won't be marked as a hiker when you pop into town.
Verdict A packable, all-purpose waterproof that's well-made and soft. Expensive, but well worth it.
Rating: * * * * *

HELLY HANSEN PACKABLE JACKET
Price £70
Tel 0115 960 8797
Web www.hellyhansen.com
Colours (M) Steel, black or olive night. (W) Turquoise or steel.
The lightweight fabric packs down to fit into your pocket or handbag. It is soft to the touch and guaranteed to be waterproof in all conditions. A fabric mesh keeps the waterproof layer away from your skin, so you can wear the jacket comfortably in summer. There's a large storage pocket on the chest, so your rucksack straps won't get in the way when you need to get at the map, and the two side pockets have mesh linings so you can warm your hands against your body. A wedge-lock lets you adjust the collar and permanent hood with one hand, and a fleecy chin guard over the zip protects you from chafing or getting caught on the zip. The cuffs have elastic and Velcro fastenings.
Verdict A portable, lightweight jacket that offers good protection from summer downpours.
Rating: * * * * *

COTTON TRADERS WOMEN'S 3-IN-1 JACKET
Price £49.99
Tel 0870 333 3441
Web www.cottontraders.co.uk
Colours Grey, light blue, navy, heather or green.
It's difficult to see why wearing a 3-in-1 garment (the shell and fleece can each be worn on its own, or they can be zipped together) is any better than using a separate fleece and jacket. The zip attachments add to the bulk, and the waterproofing lets it down slightly. In our test, water sank into the fabric, settling close to the skin. The outer shell is spacious and comfortable, with semi-elasticated Velcro cuffs, a high fleece-lined collar and a detachable soft hood. It has two side pockets, but no map pocket. A double storm flap covers the main zip. Cotton Traders also markets the men's version, which is called Performance 3-in-1, and costs £59.99. It has most of the same features as the women's model plus zipped underarm vents.
Verdict This jacket is fairly inexpensive. It is better suited to dog walks in the drizzle than to serious hiking.
Rating: * *