What Waterproof Jacket Is Best For Me?

Not sure what Waterproof jacket to get? With the wetter and colder months on their way we asked the FurtherFaster Team what their favourite rain jackets are for their adventures in nz.

water proof jackets nz

 The Adventurers 

Jo – Snow Sports and Winter Hiking

My fave jacket would have to be the Alpine Spirit Jacket by Montane.  
It’s lightweight and tough. Made from GORE-TEX, it is perfect for when it blows up a storm. The obvious bright colour keeps me nice and visible when I’m out in the hills. I love the versatility of this jacket, I take it hiking, use it for snowboarding and have tested it in some freezing conditions! Overall, it’s a fantastic shell which I love as part of my winter layering system.

tramping jacket nz

  

Becky – Mountain Biking and Tramping

I’m torn, when I’m out on the mountain bike the Meteor Jacket is my pick. Perfect for keeping me dry and the armpit zips help cool me down on the hot climbs. It’s a brilliant wind breaker on the descents and it’s durable enough to take the hits when I crash. No holes yet!

becky biking in a water proof jacket

 

Bob – Back country Mountaineering Missions

My kind of adventure is a long way away from shelter, big missions in the mountains where the weather can be wicked and my gear needs to be tough and uncompromising. The Alpine Shift Jacket is perfect for this, it’s superbly light but still is made from a resilient and strong fabric. The hood is perfect for the mountains, it works well with my helmet and cinches brilliantly to more fully protect me from the elements.

 mens water proof jackets

 

Julz – Ski Touring and Back Country Adventures

If you’re looking for another alpine style, that’s tough, the Alpine Pro Jacket is the one for you. It’s a tough GORE-TEX pro fabric with arm pit zips for ventilation and high pockets so they can still be accessed when you’re wearing a harness. Perfect for snow sports, mountaineering and tramping.

mountaineering jackets nz

 

Jahna – Fast and Light Hiking and Climbing

I love nipping out into the mountains whenever I get the chance. Sometimes it’ll be snowing, sometimes it’ll be raining and sometimes the weather is perfect, so I want something tough enough to wear with my pack but light and small enough that it is easy to stuff away when the weather behaves. So, the Gore-Tex Pac Plus is my favourite jacket. It keeps me perfectly dry when I skateboard to work too!

 Jahna pac plus gore-tex jacket

This is one jacket that really can do it all. The Montane PacPlus Gore-Tex Jacket.

It is tougher than the minimus range (but slightly heavier) and super breathable... at a 28,000 hydrostatic head it can cope with big days up hill and some trail running too. 

The Runners, Multi Sporters & Adventure Racers!

Most of our running and adventure racing athletes gave me the same answer, they all adore the jackets in the Minimus range. Here are some pictures of them adventuring putting it to use.  We have a mens and womans range of the minimus jackets. They include stretch versions and smocks which use less zips, which mean even lighter weight!

 

 

Odie – Rogaining, Adventure Racing and Coast to Coast

 “The Minimus is Lightweight and breathable while being waterproof provides enough protection to keep you warm and dry while not overheating or excessively sweating. Super easy to get on while running in the wind without losing a minute!”

die running in a water proof jacket canterbury

 

Mandy – Multi sporter and Tri-Athlete

“The womens Minimus Stretch Jacket is great in the rain and as a wind protector. The slight stretch makes it easier to move in so I’m not restricted when running. It’s lightweight too, which is great for when the weather clears and I need to carry it. Also a big fan of the full zip, which makes it really easy to get on and off fast while racing.”

mandy and dog rain coats nz

 

Jen –  Ultra Runner and Compulsory Gear Addict

“The Minimus is bloody awesome and got me through some rough weather, including snow, rain and wind!”

winter trail running nz

 

Dane – Climber and Runner

The Minimus Stetch Ultra Jacket, “It’s very light and extremely comfortable, amazing in windy conditions. The wildest place I’ve been with it is the top of Goat Pass in a storm!”

trail running jackets nz

  

Want an even lighter weight jacket?!?!

If you’re looking for another lightweight running jacket that will meet the requirements of compulsory kit, there’s the brand spanking new Podium Pull On smock that is a spectacular 115 grams. Perfect as an emergency shell that weighs less than lunch!

 podium pull on water proof jacket

 

Deciding on which waterproof jackets to get in NZ can be tough. We all love being outside, and staying dry is important to help us go further and faster. This guide from Christchurch best outdoor store, Further Faster will help you decide what waterproof jacket will be best for racing, running, hiking, tramping, snow sports, mountaineering and back country adventures.