Choosing the right jacket can feel overwhelming. Walk into any outdoor store or browse any online retailer, and you'll be confronted with hundreds of options spanning wildly different price points, materials, and intended uses. Whether you're looking for your first quality jacket or simply want to understand what makes one jacket worth $100 and another worth $700, this guide will give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
In Australia, our diverse climate demands versatility from our outerwear. You might need protection from Melbourne's notorious four-seasons-in-one-day weather, Sydney's coastal winds, or the genuine cold of Tasmania's highlands. Understanding the basics of jacket selection will serve you well regardless of where you live or what activities you enjoy.
Understanding Different Jacket Types
Before diving into specific features, it's essential to understand the major categories of jackets and what each does best. Most jackets fall into one of these primary categories, though many modern designs blur the lines between them.
Insulated Jackets
Insulated jackets are designed primarily to keep you warm. They contain either down feathers or synthetic insulation materials that trap body heat. Puffer jackets are the most recognisable example, with their distinctive quilted appearance created by baffles that contain the insulation. These jackets excel in cold, dry conditions but traditionally struggle when wet—particularly down-insulated options.
Shell Jackets
Shell jackets provide protection from wind and rain without built-in insulation. They're designed to be worn over other layers, serving as your outer barrier against the elements. Hardshell jackets offer maximum waterproof protection using membranes like GORE-TEX, while softshell jackets prioritise breathability and stretch for active pursuits, offering only water resistance rather than full waterproofing.
Casual and Fashion Jackets
Leather jackets, denim jackets, and various fashion-forward designs prioritise style over technical performance. While they certainly provide some warmth and wind protection, their primary purpose is aesthetic. These jackets often work best for everyday urban wear rather than serious outdoor activities.
Consider owning at least two jackets: one technical jacket for outdoor activities and adverse weather, and one casual jacket for everyday wear. This approach covers most situations without requiring a single jacket to do everything.
Key Features to Consider
Once you've identified the type of jacket you need, several key features will help narrow your options and determine value for money.
Waterproofing and Water Resistance
Understanding the difference between waterproof and water-resistant is crucial. Water-resistant jackets can handle light rain and brief exposure to moisture, but will eventually soak through in sustained rainfall. Truly waterproof jackets use membranes or coatings that prevent water penetration even in heavy, prolonged rain.
Waterproof ratings are measured in millimetres, indicating how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before leaking. For most Australian conditions, a rating of 10,000mm provides adequate protection, while serious outdoor enthusiasts might prefer 20,000mm or higher.
Breathability
A jacket's breathability determines how effectively it allows moisture vapour (sweat) to escape from inside. This is measured in grams per square metre per 24 hours (g/m²/24h). Higher numbers mean better breathability. Active users should prioritise this feature, as a non-breathable waterproof jacket will leave you soaked in your own sweat during exertion.
Insulation Type and Weight
For insulated jackets, the type and amount of insulation directly affects warmth, weight, and packability. Down insulation offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio but loses insulating properties when wet. Synthetic insulation performs better in damp conditions and dries faster, but is typically bulkier and heavier for equivalent warmth.
The best jacket isn't necessarily the most expensive or feature-rich—it's the one that matches your specific needs. A $150 softshell might serve you better than a $500 hardshell if breathability matters more than waterproofing for your activities.
Getting the Right Fit
Even the best jacket performs poorly if it doesn't fit correctly. Here's how to assess fit across different jacket styles.
Length and Coverage
Consider what you'll wear the jacket for. Active pursuits often benefit from shorter cuts that don't restrict leg movement, while urban commuting might warrant longer jackets that provide better coverage when sitting or bending.
Sleeve Length
Sleeves should extend to your wrist bones when your arms are at your sides, with a bit extra to accommodate movement without exposing your wrists. Many technical jackets feature articulated sleeves designed to move with your body.
Layering Allowance
If you plan to layer underneath your jacket, ensure you try it on with appropriate mid-layers. A jacket that fits perfectly over just a t-shirt might feel restrictive when you add a fleece or down mid-layer.
- Shell jackets: Should accommodate your heaviest intended mid-layer
- Insulated jackets: Usually worn over a base layer or light mid-layer only
- Casual jackets: Fit is largely personal preference and style-dependent
Material Quality and Construction
The longevity and performance of your jacket depends heavily on material quality and construction standards. Here are the key indicators of a well-made jacket.
Seam Construction
On waterproof jackets, look for fully taped seams—where waterproof tape covers all stitching holes to prevent water ingress. Critically taped seams cover only high-exposure areas and represent a cost-saving measure that compromises full waterproofness.
Zipper Quality
YKK zippers are the industry standard for quality. Waterproof jackets should feature water-resistant zippers or storm flaps covering the main zipper. Check that zippers operate smoothly and don't snag on surrounding fabric.
Fabric Durability
Denier (D) measures fabric thickness and correlates with durability. Higher denier fabrics resist abrasion and tears better but add weight. A 20D fabric is ultralight but delicate, while 70D offers excellent durability for most uses.
Always check the warranty. Quality outdoor brands often offer lifetime warranties against manufacturing defects, reflecting confidence in their construction. A strong warranty can make a higher price point more palatable.
Budget Considerations
Jacket prices range from under $50 to over $1000. Generally, you get what you pay for, but diminishing returns apply at higher price points. A $300 jacket might offer significantly better performance than a $100 jacket, but a $600 jacket might only marginally improve upon the $300 option.
For beginners, we recommend starting in the mid-range ($150-$300) for technical jackets. This price point typically offers good performance, reasonable durability, and features that match most users' needs without over-engineering for extreme conditions you may never encounter.
Consider cost-per-wear when evaluating price. A quality jacket worn regularly for five years represents better value than a cheap jacket replaced every year, even if the upfront cost is higher.
Making Your Decision
With this knowledge in hand, approach your jacket purchase methodically. Define your primary use case, establish a realistic budget, and prioritise features accordingly. Try jackets on whenever possible, paying attention to fit with your intended layers. Read reviews from users with similar needs, and don't hesitate to ask questions—whether to retail staff or online communities.
Remember that the perfect jacket for someone else might not be perfect for you. Your climate, activities, body type, and personal preferences all influence what works best. Use this guide as a framework, but trust your own judgment when making the final decision.