Are you thinking of buying a packable Waterproof Jacket? If so, what this first! A rain jacket is probably the second most important piece of hiking gear after hiking boots. A gore-tex jacket will keep you dry and comfortable as the membrane is waterproof and breathable.

There are some additional features that I've learned are really important. Packable waterproof jackets must be light and compact. The smaller they are the more likely you are of carrying the rain jackets with you whereever you go on your hike.

My new Tierra Back Up Gen 3 jacket is sold as The World's Best Packable Shell Jacket. So far it hasn't disappointed. I've learned that you need additional ventilation in rain jackets to assist the gore-tex membrane do it's job. Pit-zips are now a must for me and essential in any waterproof jackets.

Goretex Rain Jacket:
https://www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/tierra-mens-back-up-jacket-forest-night__48376

Hiking Jeans:
https://www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/trousers-shorts/duer-mens-no-sweat-pant-slim-army-green__45902

Osprey Atmos 50 LT:
From Osprey Direct: https://tidd.ly/3xZqS9O

Follow me Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/backpacking_uk/

What they say:

The world's best (we like to think) packable shell jacket in Gore-Tex® Paclite. Waterproof, windproof and light, it takes up very little space in your pack—a perfect backup in case of rapid weather changes.

Lightweight, waterproof and extremely packable, the Back Up Jacket features reliable Gore-Tex® technology to provide full waterproof protection, with superior freedom of movement and breathability for intense mountain activity.

What is the Back Up Jacket?

Lightweight, waterproof and flexible, this shell jacket is perfect for a variety of fast and light activities or those where you require maximum freedom of movement, such as fastpacking, fast hiking, scrambling and tackling steep ascents. As the name would suggest, it's also the perfect back up jacket for unpredictable conditions, being highly packable to stuff away into a daypack and forget about until the heavens open.

What is it made of?

The Back Up Jacket comprises Gore-Tex® Paclite made of 100% polyester with an ePTFE membrane. Gore-Tex® Paclite is lightweight and offers optimum packability and breathability. You can easily tuck it into a backpack or kit bag without wasting too much space inside or adding excessive grams to your load. The ePTFE membrane adds extra durability, thermal resistance and has a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Overall, the material is exceptionally robust and can easily withstand bumps and scrapes from regular mountain use.

The material is coated with PFCec-free DWR (durable water repellent) for extra reinforcement against wet weather. The PFCec-free DWR also earns this jacket some environmental credentials, as it doesn't use any toxic chemicals that can harm the planet.

What are its features?

The front of the Back Up is fastened with a full-length, two-way zip and an external snap-button placket which is super convenient for intense activities... Why? Because it allows you to ventilate the jacket without entirely undoing the front. Simply unzip halfway from the bottom and leave the top fastened. This will provide extra airflow around the jacket while keeping you sheltered from the elements on top. Alternatively, you could keep the whole zip undone and just keep the buttons done up.

If you'd rather not use the front entry, there are designated ventilation zips at each side to improve temperature regulation. You could even use all three if you're really working up a sweat!

The hood is fully adjustable and has a unique brim construction, with a peak at the top designed to shield your face from the rain. It's combined with a mesh storage bag that doubles up as a mozzie net to keep mosquitos and no-see-ums at bay in humid climates or, of course, in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

Two large hand pockets are perfect for storing essentials like a GPS device, compass or energy gels to keep you fuelled throughout your adventure.

Velcro adjustments on the cuffs allow you to adapt the fit around your layering system and chunky gloves or mitts, while the cord adjustment at the hem makes it easy to cinch the bottom of the jacket to keep the heat in and the weather out.

Features:

Full-length two-way front zip
PFC-Free zippers
External placket with 3 safety snap buttons
Two large hand pockets
Side ventilation
Fully adjustable hood with unique brim construction, combined with mesh storage bag it keeps the mosquitos out
Velcro adjustments at sleeve end
Cord adjustment at hem

Weight: 345g

Materials: Shell: 50 denier Gore-Tex Product with Paclite® Product Technology - 100% Polyester, Membrane 100% ePTFE, PFCec Free DWR, Bluesign Fabric, Oeko-Tex Certified Fabric

If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK

Thanks, Andy.

#hiking #hikinguk #hikinggear