FootJoy HydroLite Women's Jacket Review
The Hydrolite Jacket from FootJoy is exactly what the name suggests it should be. It boasts a three-year waterproof guarantee and is extremely lightweight. The Fig color is especially sophisticated and add to that the cinched waist design, this jacket almost has the ability to be customized to every figure. It can add an hourglass silhouette if you want it or remain subtly straight-cut depending on how much you tighten the inner elastic. This ability to fit the wearer means this jacket will suit most body types. A very clever and thoughtful feminine touch from FootJoy.
The cuffs have a Velcro tab so the sleeve can be adjusted to securely eliminate the chance of any rainwater creeping in. This makes this jacket handy for other activities such as sailing and horse riding. The breathability of what feels like an impenetrable waterproof fabric is impressive, placing it among the best golf waterproofs for ladies. Not once has this jacket felt sweaty and it’s been tested in steamy Summer showers as well as in the depths of winter. That said, if you're wearing it just on top of a polo against your forearms it can have a somewhat sticky feel.
A DWR coating has been applied to the outer layer of this and all other waterproof FootJoy garments, to bead water away. It’s always tough to know just how waterproof a waterproof jacket actually is.
Here's a fun fact if you've ever wondered: The tech guys test the waterproof performance of a garment by putting a cylinder with inner dimensions of 1” x 1” over the fabric, they then fill it with water to a height (measured in mm) and mark the number it hits before it begins to leak through. A jacket has to have a rating of a minimum of 5000mm (tube is filled to 5metres) to be rainproof, and this one has handled a column of water that is 20,000mm (that’s 20m!) so trust me - it’s good to go in a torrential downpour.
This jacket folds down to the tiniest bundle and will fit in a pretty small pocket, which makes it even more versatile and adds to the value. When unfurled it isn’t crumpled and looks set to wear down a catwalk if you so wished, something the best women's golf clothes offer in abundance.
In summary, this jacket is lightweight, playable waterproof jacket that will definitely keep you dry. Because it is so waterproof it feels like it should be a bit sticky to wear in showers on warmer days but in reality, it manages moisture and body temperature really well. If you want something even more breathable but no less waterproof, you could opt for the FootJoy Hydroknit Women’s Jacket.
