Dry as a dry thing (Regatta Packaway II Womens Waterproof Jacket)

Member Name: juicy_lucy

Product:	Regatta Packaway II Womens Waterproof Jacket
Date:	08/10/09 (88 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Keeps me dry

Disadvantages: None

Regatta Packaway II Womens Waterproof Jacket

When the summer holidays started and i knew I would be out and about, it was imperative that i finally bought myself some kind of light weight waterproof jacket. I don't know a lot about these things but knew that I wanted something which would keep me reasonably dry and would fit nice and neatly in the boot of the car. In my experience, if I just throw a coat into the boot, it ends up filthy so i wanted something in its own little bag, whcih I could then lose!!

WHAT DOES IT PROMISE?

So, I have a new outdoor jacket, waht will it do for me?

The jacket makes a number of promises:
* Isolite 5000 fabric forms a barrier against water droplets, so I won't be saturated
* Permeable to water vapour and so lets perspiration escape
* Windproof
* Isotex coated polyamide which is a fully waterproof and breathable fabric which is heat taped.

So, there we have it, a coat which should allow me to stay dry

THE JACKET

The Jacket is a lightweight Jacket which is easily carried when packed into the mesh stuff sack provided. I have the blue jacket which is light blue in colour. It has elasticated cuffs presumably to stop the water getting onto my wrists but thankfully the bottom isn't elasticated or I would feel all trussed up and keep pulling at it. The hood is concealed at the neckline and opens with a velcro fastening but I keep it out all the time because with this British summer (as all) i never know when rain will strike, the neckline fastens with a drawstring toggle again i think to stop the rain dripping down my neck. There are also 2 front pockets and a velcroed stormflap over the front zip to syop that wind chill. In fact once its on and I'm pulled tightly into it there seems no way for the rain to get to me unless it starts rising and comes from the hem!

The drawstring bag is as expected, a bag in the same colour as the coat and is mesh so i can put the coat into the bag when it's wet and it won't go mouldy. I don't however do this because then it's wet when i next put it on.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The jacket is widely available and is apparently a best seller. Costing around the £20 mark, it's good value for a jacket i can slip on over my clothes at any time.

VERDICT

Given That most of the summer holidays so far has been a complete wash out, but with a young child to entertain, we have spent a lot of it in the elements. The jacket has proved to be invaluable. It is fairly smart although not going out smart and keeps me dry even when it's pouring (and we have had a lot of that here in the North). It's easy to wash, because it just goes in the washing machine and because I keep it in the car when not in use I am ready for all weathers when i step outside.

A good addition to any wardrobe if you want to stay dry!

Thanks for reading

Daniela x

Summary: waterproof coat