There’s no two ways about it: if you’re adventuring anywhere but the most arid climates, you need a waterproof jacket. Waterproof jackets are an essential year-round piece of kit that protect you against the worst of the elements and a good one can easily be rolled up and packed away in your backpack when the weather is on your side.
As waterproof jackets have become more technical, they’ve grown more expensive and when you’re buying a new one, you want to make sure you buy right the first time. It needs to be robust enough to hold off whatever nature hurls your way, but the most technical hardshells can be far too much for more casual adventures and milder climates.
