We all know that the British summertime can throw some interesting shapes in the sky. As outdoor enthusiasts, it’s important to always be prepared for the worst, best, and everything in between when it comes to the elements. Whether you’re sporting, attending an event or simply walking and going about your day-to-day activities, we recommend that a high-quality raincoat is top of your essentials list.

Important for keeping you comfortable, dry, cool or warm, whatever the conditions, it can be a difficult task finding a jacket that ticks all of these boxes. That’s why we’ve checked out some of the best brands for coats that promise to keep you dry and happy, so you don’t have to rain check on summer!

Jon on the men’s Sprayway Nomad

For years a lightweight raincoat that keeps up with my lifestyle has surpassed me. Could this be the one that changes that? I think it could well be.

Just by placing a hand on the Sprayway Nomad jacket you can tell that it’s robust and good quality gear, and it just so happened that the first hand I placed on it was literally on the way out of the door on route to a surf rowing competition. Where better to test this latest bit of kit than in the European capital of rain (yes, I made that up), Wales. The conditions were pretty changeable, from light mizzle through to sideways rain, with dashes of beaming sunlight; all the while I was constantly stripping off, then layering up.

The first thing I noticed whilst the rain came batting down was the clever strengthened hood peak on this jacket, which kept me able to see the action while rowing (of which there was plenty), without getting a face full of cold wet Welsh precipitation. Having the hood firmly in place, helped by the draw-cord toggles, allowed me to keep an eye on the other heats (the competition!) while maintaining control of my stroke. The lightweight composition of the coat also meant that it was easy to stuff in my dry bag ready for the next day of racing.

I was also really impressed with the Sprayway’s resilience to the Welsh wind which offered little respite in either of the two welsh locations (Tenby and Porthcawl). Time after time I would get out of the boat, bent double with over-exertion, and this cracking little waterproof jacket would come and greet me with a big hug – instantly protecting me from the relentless wind and locking in some much-needed warmth.

All-in-all the Sprayway Nomad is a fantastic bit of kit that I will be ‘grabbing on the way out of the door’ for the rest of the British summer.

Rosita on the women’s Didriksons IDA Parka

For years I’ve struggled to find a raincoat with equal measures of style and practicality. Could this be the one that changes that? I think it could well be.

I think it’s fair to say that many rain coats substitute style in preference of practicality – often adopting the unsightly poncho design, with little detailing. Well I want something that does the job, and looks good.

Enter Didriksons. This Swedish company are renowned for creating jackets with oodles of style, while maintaining a superior reputation for creating 100% waterproof and windproof garms.

Unlike Jon and his extreme adventures, I need a jacket for everyday wear that will have my back if the weather gods are feeling mischievous. The Didriksons IDA parka is perfect for my lifestyle – mainly consisting of nipping from place to place and strolling with the pooch. Its lightweight and breathable design means that you’ll stay cool and comfortable when walking for miles, and 100% dry even in the most torrential ‘summer’ rain.

Perhaps more importantly, though, is that fact you’ll look good when out and about, or if making a dramatic entrance! The real beauty of this jacket is in the details. I particularly love the corduroy tailoring on the wristbands and on the waist, and the mixture of metal buttons to accompany the zip, with the wooden buttons on the pockets, gives the jacket a relaxed and playful feel.

I’m also a big fan of the subtle blue stitched branding, appearing on the chest and back, with an additional badge on the hood.  Rather than opting for loud and obnoxious branding, like so many brands do, Didriksons are effortless and quietly confident. Probably because they have every reason to be.