Waterproof Jackets

Choosing a Waterproof Jacket

A rain coat is a hiking jacket essential. From the humble waterproof poncho through to the feature-packed mountain jackets they all have one common goal, keeping you dry. The difference in jacket depends on what you need it for, a poncho is fine for a festival, but wouldn’t be suitable for the mountains. Yet you likely don’t need a high-end waterproof just to walk your dog. Shop for your needs.

Features to look for

Many of the waterproof jackets at decathlon are packed full of useful features to look out for. All waterproofs come with a hood, some will have a roll-away hood that you can store when not in use, others will have more technical adjustable hoods that cater more to hillwalkers. Plenty of pockets in useful locations are also a consideration, and being able to synch in the hem of your rain jacket with a drawcord.

Can you Wash a Waterproof Jacket?

Have you ever washed a waterproof and it doesn’t keep the rain out anymore? You may have washed it incorrectly, or not reproofed the jacket after. Avoid using standard detergents to wash your jacket as they strip the waterproof coating, always use products such as Nikwax waterproofing to ensure the performance of your jacket.

When to Reproof your Waterproof Coat

Rain drops should bead off your coat with ease, if rain is starting to sit on your jacket and ‘wet out’ the material (imagine if you went out in the rain in your t-shirt) if rain starts to soak the material, then it’s likely your jacket needs to be reproofed.