How do I pick the right waterproof clothing?
Waterproofs are an important part of your expedition and keep out rain, wind and cold. Good waterproofs are lightweight and breathable, so you stay free of moisture inside your jacket.
Choose a jacket with a front zip for easy removal. You can wear waterproof trousers over your normal walking clothes – choose a pair with wide legs to slip on over your walking boots.
All Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recommended waterproof jackets are durable, windproof, breathable and offer UV protection.
They have hoods to beat the rain, zips for easy removal, and reflective tags for safety. The trousers have a stretchy waist and open at the ankle.
Craghoppers Vanth Jacket – Men’s
- Waterproof 20,000mm
- Breathable 30,000g/m2/24hrs
- O/S map pocket
- Adjustable hem
- 3 pockets
- Reflective detail
Craghoppers Vanth Jacket – Women’s
- Waterproof 20,000mm
- Breathable 30,000g/m2/24hrs
- O/S map pocket
- Adjustable hem
- 3 pockets
- Reflective detail
Craghoppers Ossus Jacket – Men’s
- Waterproof 20,000mm
- Breathable 30,000g/m2/24hrs
- O/S map pocket
- Adjustable hem
- 3 pockets
- Reflective detail
Craghoppers Ossus Jacket – Women’s
- Waterproof 20,000mm
- Breathable 30,000g/m2/24hrs
- O/S map pocket
- Adjustable hem
- 3 pockets
- Reflective detail
Craghoppers Ascent Overtrousers
- Two zipped pockets
- Adjustable ankles
- Lightweight and packs away small
- Avoid ‘3 in 1’ jackets so you can manage your temperature with different layers.
- Always choose ‘waterproof’ over ‘water resistant’ for better protection against the elements.
- Choose a bright colour for your jacket to help you stand out.
- Take a set of gaiters to keep the water out of the top of your boots.
- Dry anything before it goes into your rucksack if you can – this will help save weight.
- Don’t wash your waterproofs with normal washing powders – they’ll get damaged and you’ll have to buy more. Use a specialist waterproofing solution such as Nikwax.
- Think ‘multi-use’ when buying your jacket so that you get the most out of it. Choose a jacket that you’d wear for other outdoor activities or everyday use.
- A good proofer will help you get the most out of your waterproofs.
- Borrow or buy second-hand gaiters to keep your ankles and feet extra dry.
- Use your DofE Card to save at least 10% on expedition kit at our recommended retailers.
Waterproofing and weather protection poster:
Know how to look after your kit, and yourself, in hot, cold, wet or windy weather.
