Craghoppers Atlas women’s waterproof jacket review: a no-fuss, low-cost choice for new or casual hikers

A simple, effective and smart, the Craghoppers Atlas is an affordable waterproof for women – as Goldilocks would say, this is just right

Craghoppers Atlas
(Image: © Craghoppers)

Advnture Verdict

Our top pick if you’re shopping on a budget, The Craghoppers Atlas ticks all the boxes for waterproofing for more casual rainy forays, all at an affordable price.

Pros

  • +

    Waterproof

  • +

    Affordable

  • +

    Good hood

Cons

  • -

    Not lightweight

  • -

    Slim-fitting

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Craghoppers Atlas: first impressions

If you’re a new or casual hiker, the Craghoppers Atlas could be your savior. There’s a massive array of waterproofs of all shapes and sizes available to buy out there, but the Atlas offers an alternative to the headache of comparing techie features: if you’re after a fuss-free waterproof for occasional country walks, this is a sensible choice.

Reflective detailing will help keep you safe and seen on night hikes and cycles, and the Atlas fits nicely under backpack straps. The Atlas is part of Craghoppers’ Duke of Edinburgh Award collection, and fits the brief of a first waterproof for tackling multi-day hikes in drizzle very well (see also: what to wear hiking). But be warned: this jacket is one of the heavier ones we tested for our Best women’s waterproof jackets buying guide, so curvy women will definitely need to order a size up to get a roomy enough fit.

Specifications

RRP: £85 (UK)
• Waterproofing: AquaDry membrane
• Weight: 440g / 15.5oz
• Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL /XXL
• Colors: Blue Navy /Dark Rio Red
• Compatibility: Ideal for drizzly country rambles away from high mountain ground

Craghoppers Atlas: on the trails

Despite its very reasonable price point, this no fuss, simple and streamlined coat has most things required by more casual walkers, without emptying your bank account.

It has a hydrostatic head waterproof rating of 8,000mm, and repels rain effectively (see also: How to stay dry when hiking). It has three pockets, including one designed to fit an Ordnance Survey map snugly in, and one internal pocket suitable for keeping your phone safe and dry. Plus the hood fits well and stays put even in wind, and sits nicely over a beanie.

Sian Lewis

An award-winning travel and outdoors journalist, presenter and blogger, Sian regularly writes for The Independent, Evening Standard, BBC Countryfile, Coast, Outdoor Enthusiast and Sunday Times Travel. Life as a hiking, camping, wild-swimming adventure-writer has taken her around the world, exploring Bolivian jungles, kayaking in Greenland, diving with turtles in Australia, climbing mountains in Africa and, in Thailand, learning the hard way that peeing on a jellyfish sting doesn’t help. Her blog, thegirloutdoors.co.uk, champions accessible adventures.