The season is here, and there's nothing worse than a jacket that lets you down halfway through a peg on a wet November morning. If you're heading out for driven days, rough shooting or long waits at the flight pond, your waterproof jacket needs to work as hard as you do. Here's what actually matters when choosing one.
Waterproofing That Lasts a Full Day
A jacket might look the part in the shop, but the real test comes after three hours standing in steady rain. Look for a genuinely waterproof membrane rather than just a showerproof coating, and check the seams are taped, not simply stitched. Cheaper finishes can let water in exactly where you need protection most: the shoulders and cuffs.
Freedom to Mount and Swing
Nothing ruins a shot like a jacket that fights you at the moment you mount the gun. Stretch panels across the shoulders and back give you the movement you need without bunching or restricting your swing, whatever the weather throws at you.
Storage That Works in the Field
A day on the peg means cartridges, gloves, a flask and often more. Jackets built for shooting should offer proper storage that's quick to access without fumbling, even with cold hands.
What to Check Before You Buy:
- Taped seams and a genuine waterproof rating, not just a water-resistant finish
- Stretch or articulated panels at the shoulders for unrestricted mounting and swinging
- Secure, easy-access cartridge and accessory pockets
- A quiet outer fabric that won't rustle or spook birds on a still morning
- Length and cut that suit standing for long periods, particularly around the collar and cuffs
Ready for the Season Ahead?
A reliable waterproof jacket is one of the few pieces of kit that can make or break a shoot day. Choosing well now means fewer compromises when the weather turns, and more days spent focused on the shooting itself rather than how wet you are. Explore our waterproof shooting jackets collection to find the right fit for the season ahead.