The Best 3-in-1 Jacket Buying Guide

With the unpredictable British weather, you need a waterproof jacket that can protect you from the lashing wind and rain one minute, and keep you nice and cool the next. Something versatile for every season, whatever activity you’re taking part in.

A 3-in-1 jacket could be just the answer. It’s versatile enough to wear in spring, summer, autumn and winter. It provides you with comfort, warmth and protection from most elements and it is adaptable enough to suit your surroundings.

What is a 3-in-1 jacket?

A 3-in-1 jacket, also known as an ‘interactive’ or ‘IA’ jacket, consists of a waterproof outer shell and a detachable inner fleece – making it the ideal choice for an all-year-round jacket that can tackle changeable weather conditions head on. With a 3-in-1 jacket, you can…

Wear the waterproof outer layer

The outer layer of a 3-in-1 jacket should be made from a waterproof, breathable synthetic material. It should also have been treated with a water repellent finish, which will allow rain or water to roll off the surface. The outer layer can be worn on its own in mild or wet weather when you just need some quick protection against the elements.

Wear the insulating inner layer

The inner jacket is the insulating layer. This is made up of a warm material such as fleece or a synthetic, polyester filling. This layer can be worn alone when you just want to stay warm.

Wear them both together

A good 3-in-1 jacket can provide you with all the protection you’ll ever need from the elements. However, when the weather gets particularly bad you can wear both the fleece AND the outer layer together for ultimate protection. The inner layer and outer shell are usually zipped together, however, they are sometimes attached using buttons or hooks.

And then it all comes together in one lovely package, like this…

Key features of a 3-in-1 jacket

Waterproof

As you’d expect, the most important thing about the outer layer of a 3-in-1 jacket is that it should always offer waterproof protection. This is achieved through either a waterproof coating or membrane. Membranes are more durable and breathable, whereas coatings are cheaper but will lose effectiveness much quicker.

The type of waterproofing depends on the brand you buy. GORE-TEX® and eVent® are used widely, but some manufacturers use their own type – IsoTex (Regatta), Texapore (Jack Wolfskin), AQ2 (Bergahus).

Top Tip: Over time, the waterproof repellent on your jacket will start to wear off and become less effective. Therefore, it’s important that you reproof it to ensure you stay dry.

Check out our tips on waterproofing your equipment, and see our full range of Grangers waterproofing products.

Breathable

It’s also important that your skin is allowed to breathe while also staying waterproof. If your clothing isn’t breathable then you’re going to sweat a lot more. Breathability is largely down to the fabric used, and it’s all very clever – the best waterproof membranes having microscopic pores small enough to prevent rain from getting in but large enough to allow moisture to escape.

Insulating

Insulation is achieved through the inner layer of a 3-in-1 jacket. More often than not, the inner layer is a fleece, but it can also be a softshell jacket. Softshells aren’t generally as warm as fleeces, but they do offer their own water and wind resistance. They’re lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for wearing on their own when out and about.

Other features to look out for:

Multiple pockets and zips

Multiple internal and external pockets give you somewhere to stash your belongings when you’re out and about in the great outdoors. Waterproof zips are also a useful feature for preventing any water from entering pocket areas.

Taped seams

For a jacket to be 100% waterproof it should have taped seams. Taped seams are heat-sealed seams that prevent water coming through the stitching. It is particularly important that you choose a jacket with taped seams if you will be in heavy, prolonged rain.

Hood

A decent hood, preferably detachable, should completely cover your head and ears to protect you from the elements. A peaked hood is particularly good for directing rain away from your face.