7 Of The Best Winter Jackets

Heading out on the hills  on late season camping trips this autumn and winter?

Or just taking your dog out for early morning walks?

Either way, it will certainly pay to have the right jacket to keep you warm and dry. We've selected some of the best winter jackets out there this year.

FOR LIGHT HIKING
COLUMBIA POWDER LITE HOODED HYBRID
£100
columbiasportswear.co.uk
Don’t be fooled by the thinness of jackets like this. It’s a deliberate lightweight fabric that, admittedly, is aimed at milder winter walking use. Nevertheless, it features Thermarator insulation under a water-resistant shell. And, to allow ease of movement, there are side panel inserts with 10% elastane.There’s an attached hood, plus zipped hand pockets that are also backed by internal pockets. Cuffs are elasticated (slightly) and there’s a drawcord adjustable hem. Women’s sizes XS to XL are available in four colours; men’s are two colour choices, in sizes 1X to 6X.
Key features Omni-Heat thermal reflective, drawcord hem, zipped hand pockets, scuba-style hood

FOR A NEW GENERATION
REGATTA BIRCHDALE
£100
regatta.com
When it announced the Birchdale, Regatta said it represented a “new generation full stretch waterproof and breathable Isotex 10000 jacket”. Isotex is Regatta’s own windproof/waterproof/breathable100% polyester fabric – with 10,000mm hydrostatic head – that really is stretchy, with the usual DWR (durable water-repellent) finish and taped seams, and articulated sleeves for greater range of movement. Features abound. There’s a technical hood with adjusters, front and inner zips. All external pockets – two hand, one chest – are zipped, plus there’s an internal map holder. Sizes are S all the way up to XXXXXL for men, 8-26 for women. There’s a decent choice of colours, too – with some at considerably less than the £100 benchmark price quoted here).
Key features Isotex 10,000 material, articulated sleeves, adjustable cuffs and shockcord hem

FOR MIXING AND MATCHING
BERGHAUS FELLMASTER IA
£165
berghaus.com
The “IA” here stands for InterActive, a whole range of jackets and mid-layers (ie fleeces) that can be combined to suit your precise needs. Berghaus reckons some 756 combinations area available in total, men’s and women’s. But, you could certainly start with this Fellmaster jacket. Men’s and women’s versions are available, using long-proven Gore-Tex technology to keep things waterproof, windproof  and breathable. Sizes are S to XXL. Typical weight is 721g for an L.
Key features Gore-Tex lining, mesh inner, articulated sleeves, fixed hood with adjuster, adjustable cuffs, three zipped pockets, inner map pocket, drawcord hem, product lifetime guarantee

FOR ALL THE UPS AND DOWNS
KEELA STRATUS
£175
keela.co.uk
Primarily a mountain jacket designed for year-round use, this features Keela’s latest Aquatec fabric and System Dual Protection lining – the latter a double membrane that is particularly adept at dealing with the build-up of condensation -  for a great combination of breathability, wickability  and protection from all weathers. The Stratus has loads of pockets (hip, chest, forearm, map, mobile phone and more) plus a single pen loop.
Key features Aquatec fabric, attached rollaway hood with peak and shockcord adjuster, two chest pockets, two hip pockets, forearm pocket, articulated sleeves, 3m reflective highlights, shockcord adjustable hem, underarm ventilation with double storm strap

FOR LIGHTWEIGHT INSULATION
PATAGONIA NANO PUFF
£180
patagonia.com
Very warm, very lightweight. The insulation is PrimaLoft’s high performance, heat-trapping Gold Eco (55% post-consumer recycled content), which also claims to maintain 98% warmth even when wet, while the offset quilting pattern stabilises the insulation. It all packs away neatly, too. The inner pocket also doubles as a stuffsack, (25cm x 16cm x 10cm approx). The main zip has a storm flap and chin protector, while the hem drawcord can be operated by one hand, again helping to keep in any warmth as necessary.
Key features 100% recycled polyester shell and lining, 60g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, elasticated cuffs, zipped hand pockets, drawcord hem

FOR TRUE WINTER PERFORMANCE
SNUGPAK SOFTIE SJ12
£180
snugpak.com 
Comfortable down to -15degC, capable of coping at -20degC, this has the highest insulation of Snugpak’s SJ jackets. It’s a unisex design and has Snugpak’s Softie insulation between the Paratex Micro outer and Paratex Light inner. The high neck and extra long back enhance the comfort and insulation performance, too. Indeed, the main body and back are notably longer than other SJ jackets. There are adjustments at the neck and waist. Weight is 1,260g, sizes are XS to XXL, in a choice of five colours.
Key features Paratex Micro outer, quilted hood, YKK zips, concealed pockets, elasticated cuffs with thumb loops, two-way main zip, stuff sack, made in the UK

FOR TOP PERFORMANCE
PARAMO CASCADA
£230
paramo-clothing.com
Breathable and directional – that’s just part of the concept here. The Cascada uses Nikwax Analogy fabric, which acts to draw away any unwanted moisture, be it condensation, perspiration or rain. Also, the shoulder and sleeve articulated construction really does allow excellent arm movement, as well as providing extra padding where you might be carrying a backpack, while the neat roll-away hood is wired to allow optimal vision. Meanwhile, the scooped tail maximises protection at the back. Also, the design of the cuff adjusters is such that, when you wish, you can roll up the sleeves. A firm favourite, this, in the Camping offices – based on many years of use.
Key features Nikwax Analogy technology, double storm straps, drip skirt, ethical manufacturing process