Why We Chose It: Waterproof, recycled materials, functional.

Northern English brand Craghoppers’ functional and affordable hiking apparel has been a mainstay on British trails for decades. Owned by Regatta, they’ve garnered a reputation for solid performance without emptying the wallet and are an official partner of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The North is well known for spells of inclement weather, especially across the fells of Lakeland and the high Pennine Moors. It should come as no surprise that a brand based in Manchester has a certain amount of expertise when it comes to waterproof clothing.

Craghoppers’ distinctive Anderson Cagoule is one of their leading waterproof jackets and boasts a higher hydrostatic head rating (15,000 mm) than their other hard shells. This means it can cope with a higher volume of water before seepage occurs which, when coupled with the fact there’s no full-length front zip, means the Anderson is a good jacket to be in when the weather turns.

Who Is The Craghoppers Waterproof Anderson Cagoule For?

This affordable and effective waterproof is suitable for anyone who plans to venture out in rainy conditions. The Anderson is probably best suited to country walkers, hikers or even wear around town. A more breathable shell, such as Craghopper’s similarly priced Lorton Jacket, is perhaps preferable for cyclists, fastpackers and other fast and light adventurers, while the lack of ventilation options on the Anderson only cement this viewpoint. A word on the Anderson’s classic and distinctive appearance too: it’s safe to say the striking colour-block design won’t be for everyone but it’s sure to win over some.

Materials and Construction

The Anderson’s face fabric is 100% polyester, around 110g of which is made from recycled material. It is highly water and wind proof, featuring Craghoppers’ proprietary dual-layer AquaDry membrane and plant-based EcoShield technologies, and relatively breathable too.

However, there are no side zips for ventilation and the fact that there’s no full-length zip on the front mean that it’s not as easy to tinker with airflow as with many waterproofs.

Features

Zips are one of the places where water is most likely to eventually breach a waterproof jacket’s defences. The Anderson is well equipped to deal with this, featuring a half-length zip at the front, rather than a full length. This makes the Anderson a classic over-the-head cagoule, which you may find charming or you may find it irritating that you have to remove it fully when sneaking an extra midlayer on or off.

“There’s loads to love about this ‘lifestyle-y’ jacket.”

Back to its waterproof credentials – the front zip is protected by a triple storm flap, a feature also present on its two large zippered side pockets. You also get a hidden security pocket for valuable items like car keys. The half zip fastens high at the bottom of the concealed hood, which can be fitted closely using drawcords.