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
- Breathability rating: 30,000g/m2/24hrs
- Main fabric is 100% recycled polyester
- Guaranteed for life
Craghoppers Vanth Jacket – Women’s
- Waterproof 20,000mm
- Breathability rating: 30,000g/m2/24hrs
- Main fabric is 100% recycled polyester
- Guaranteed for life
Craghoppers Ossus Jacket – Men’s
- Waterproof 20,000mm
- Breathability rating: 30,000g/m2/24hrs
- Main fabric is 100% recycled polyester
- Guaranteed for life
Craghoppers Ossus Jacket – Women’s
- Waterproof 20,000mm
- Breathability rating: 30,000g/m2/24hrs
- Main fabric is 100% recycled polyester
- Guaranteed for life
Craghoppers Ascent II Trousers
- Waterproof to 20,000mm
- Breathability rating: 30,000g/m2/24hrs
- Main fabric is 100% recycled polyester
- Guaranteed for life
- 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.
- You can substitute these products for loose fitting long sleeve tops or long lightweight trousers – but avoid cotton, jeans and tracksuit bottoms.
- Depending on the weather and when and where your expedition is, think about what you should bring. It’s unlikely you’ll need a winter hat for summer expeditions.
- 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.
