Men's Cairn 3-Layer Waterproof Jacket

• Waterproof, windproof and breathable
• 3-layer Aquaflex technology
• Active Fit
• Fixed helmet-compatible hood with peak and volume adjustment
• Chin guard
• Two-way centre-front zip with inner storm flap
• Water-resistant zips
• Zipped chest pocket with reflective detail
• Internal chest pocket
• Two lower zipped pockets
• Articulated sleeves for freedom of movement
• Adjustable cuff tabs
• Adjustable shock-cord hem

Aquaflex

Aquaflex is a moderately lightweight 3-layer waterproof fabric which is also breathable.

THE INDEPENDENT - "THERE'S NOTHING WE DON'T LIKE ABOUT THIS JACKET".

There’s nothing we don’t like about this jacket, a great all-rounder that uses Keela’s Aquaflex technology to do battle with rain. It is also highly windproof, and offers decent breathability if you’re taking on more challenging trails. This was one of the best jackets on test for easy wear under a backpack or with a climbing harness, and it also sports a great helmet-compatible hood and a chest pocket for easy access – climbers, trekkers and mountaineers will appreciate how easy it is to wear with all their gear.  

Out&About Live – “This jacket is designed for adventures.”

This jacket is designed for adventures, but adventures don’t have to be conquering mountains or trekking into uncharted forests.

For most of us, an adventure entails a brisk Sunday afternoon hike followed by a pint and a bite to eat at a cosy pub. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Of course, even on these mild adventures, we still need to stay dry and comfortable and that’s why we’d recommend something like the Cairn.

Keela make clothing that is used by the military and emergency services so you know it’s going to be good quality. Not only is the Cairn water and windproof and extremely lightweight, it features Keela’s Aquaflex fabric, which uses three-layer technology to provide breathability and durability.

Other features include plenty of pockets, articulated sleeves and adjustable cuffs and a two-way zip with inner storm flap.

And if you really want to go proper adventuring it also features harness compatible pockets and a helmet compatible hood.

Ramblers.org.uk – “An excellent mountaineering-spec jacket offering a great set of features and protection for the price”

A technical, mountaineering-inspired jacket with an articulated cut and protective, helmet-compatible hood. The durable, 3-layer polyamide fabric uses Keela’s own Aquaflex waterproof membrane. A good range of features includes lots of zipped pockets, roll away hood, two-way zip, reflective details, and adjustable hem and cuffs.

Public Safety Tools – “BEST FOR: Everything from upland day walks to a multiday hikes.”

If you are looking for a rain jacket that folds into a pouch, stop here then. This fluorescent beauty (available in less flashy hues) is the handiwork of Scottish brand Keela. Keela know a thing or two about staying dry, and it shows in this versatile, first-class jacket.

You get a lot of bang for your buck. The 3-layer Aquaflex fabric is thin and lithe, and it kept me dry whenever the skies opened, ‘breathing’ well on the go as well.

The main, two-way zip is water repellent, as are those for the three roomy outer pockets, complemented by a fourth inside (annoyingly a little too small for chunkier smartphones).

The hood is helmet compatible and so rather large – prone to catch the wind. Happily it’s also fully adjustable, but I had to pull all three shockcords quite tight for a snug fit.

The wired peak helps keep vision clear too. The collar comes up fairly high, which was welcome in wind and driving rain, and the long, articulated sleeves gave my arms excellent freedom of movement.

The Cairn is also very light and packs down small into its hood. My only qualms are the thin tabs on the zips, which proved slightly fiddly to grasp with wet gloves on.

Live for the Outdoors - "As a best value waterproof jacket, it's heard to beat: light, packable, protective and far cheaper than many big Gore-Tex shells."

Described as a “versatile multi-sport mountain jacket for hillwalking, ski touring and winter climbing”, it offers plenty of technical features despite weighing less than 350g. It also seems very reasonably priced, particularly for a three-layer jacket.

Let’s start with the hood, which can make or break a waterproof jacket. We liked the Cairn's very much. It’s large enough to fit over a climbing helmet but has three-way adjustment to ensure it can be cinched in tightly. It stays put even in strong winds, but cutaway sides ensure a good field of vision. It moves well with the head too.

The face drawcords are also designed to sit inside the jacket, so the loose ends don’t flail around in windy weather. A stiff wired peak deflects rain away from the face and a tab with a press stub means you can roll away the hood if required.

The main zip has a two-way zipper that zips right up to the nose. It’s a water-resistant reverse-coil design and is fitted with a chin guard and an inner storm flap too.

Sleeves feature contoured, partly elasticated cuffs to cover the back of the hands. There are Velcro-adjustable cuff tabs too, though they’re quite narrow and don’t provide the most secure closure. The hem has dual drawcord adjustment to prevent draughts whipping up your back. The jacket is not fitted with pit zips for ventilation though.