Preparing for Autumn - The Ultimate Guide to Snugpak Insulated & Waterproof Jackets

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but Summer is almost over, and Autumn is fast approaching. And yes, it’s a beautiful time of year, full of colour and cosiness, but it also brings cooler temperatures and, you guessed it…rain. 

But fear not. At Snugpak, we’re not afraid of a bit of rain; in fact, we thrive in it! Why are we so confident? Well, because we’ll be snug as a bug in a rug (and possibly a little smug) in our Snugpack jackets, of course! 

Snugpak has a proud reputation for creating durable, high-performance outdoor and tactical clothing, with many of our jackets featuring the same advanced insulation found in our award-winning sleeping bags. 

In this guide, we’ll break down our best waterproof and insulated jackets so that you can find the perfect companion for any Autumn adventure. 

Insulation & Fabrics

Before we dive in, it’s worth briefly explaining the insulation and fabrics we use in many of our insulated and waterproof jackets, and why we think they’re so amazing. 

Softie® & Softie® Premier Insulation

Our patented Softie® insulation is lightweight, compressible, and retains warmth even when wet. It has fine, soft fibres that trap warm air without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. We then use this insulation to create warm, packable, comfortable jackets that are perfect for all kinds of weather. 

Learn more about our insulation.

Performance Fabrics

We use two main fabrics for the outer layer of our jackets: 

• Paratex Micro: A tough, lightweight fabric that’s windproof, water-repellant, and hard-wearing, while still being soft to the touch. 

• Paratex Light: Another lightweight, windproof, water-repellant fabric that also has excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties. 

Insulated Jackets

We have an extensive range of women's and men’s insulated jackets, including:

The Softie® Jacket (SJ) Series

The SJ series comprises four jacket types: SJ3, SJ6, SJ9, and SJ12, all featuring increasing levels of insulation and comfortable temperature ratings, from 0°C to -15°C. Our SJ range is all made in the UK, one of our most popular ranges of insulated jackets. 

Built with Softie® insulation and Paratex Micro and Paratex Light fabrics, our Softie® jackets are designed to keep you protected from the elements without restricting your movement. Key features include an elasticated drawcord-adjustable neck and hem, elasticated cuffs, and a handy stuff sack for ease. 

Available in Black, Olive, and Multicam, SJ jackets are windproof, breathable, and water-repellent. While not fully waterproof, they still offer excellent water resistance, making them a versatile everyday jacket. 

• SJ3: A great entry-level jacket with a 0°C comfort rating, tailored fit, and roll-away hood for unexpected showers. It weighs just 580g and can be packed down to 26cm x 16cm. 

• SJ6: An ideal autumn jacket with a -5°C comfort rating and a high-neck design. It weighs 760g, packs down to 31cm x 18cm, and delivers reliable warmth without the bulk. 

• SJ9: Suitable for use throughout winter, the SJ9 comes with a permanent insulated hood and a -10°C comfort rating. At 1.01kg, it’s slightly heavier but still compresses neatly to just 36cm x 20cm. 

• SJ12: The warmest jacket in the range, designed with an extended body, permanent hood, and an impressive -15°C comfort rating. Weighing 1.26kg and packing down to 36cm x 20cm, it’s built for the cold. 

Other Insulated Jackets

Spearhead WGTE

The Spearhead WGTE is a technical, midweight insulated jacket designed for colder, wetter days. It has a temperature comfort rating of -10°C, weighs 940g and packs down to 33cm x 18cm. Standout features include a fold-out chin guard to protect the chin and neck, as well as a handy arm pocket for storing essentials. Available in Olive and Camo. 

Tomahawk WGTE

Built for the cold, the Tomahawk has you covered for Autumn and throughout the cold of Winter. Featuring an insulated hood, a scooped back, and a brushed polyester-lined neck warmer, it offers a 15°C comfort rating, weighs 1.19kg, and packs down to 36cm x 20cm. Available in Olive and Camo. 

Sleeka Elite WGTE

This is a classic Snugpak design, upgraded with reinforced patches on the shoulders, elbows, and cuffs. Lightweight, quick-drying, and easily compressible, it has a comfort rating of -5°C, weighs 740g and packs to 26cm x 18cm. Available in Olive. 

Arrowhead WGTE

Based on the popular Sleeka Elite, this military jacket is warm, breathable, windproof and lightweight. It features a technical fit and a Softie®-insulated detachable hood. It weighs 820g, has a pack size of 29cm x 17cm and is available in Black, Olive, and Camo with a -5°C comfort rating. 

Verglas 6 WGTE

Lightweight and versatile, the Verglas 6 comes with a roll-away hood, a handy feature for unpredictable autumn downpours. Made in the UK with Softie® Premier insulation, it has a comfort rating of -5°C, weighs 730g, and packs to 34cm x 18cm. Available in Black and Navy/Grey.

Glacier 9 WGTE

When the weather gets serious, the Glacier 9 is the perfect choice. With Softie® Premier insulation and a -10°C comfort rating, it’s designed for cold, wet, and harsh conditions. It weighs 920g, packs to 37cm x 19cm, and includes a stuff sack for added convenience. Available in Black and Navy/Grey. 

Waterproof & Specialised Gear

For those unexpected moments when autumn drizzle turns biblical, we’ve got you covered with our quality waterproof jackets and waterproof ponchos. 

The Torrent Series

The Torrent Series is the ultimate all-weather jacket, built to battle whatever nature has to throw at it. The Torrent is fully waterproof with taped seams, a detachable hood, and handy pockets, like a deep hidden chest pocket and underarm ventilation zips to regulate temperature. 

• Torrent WGTE: Weighs 950g, has a temperature comfort rating of -5°C, is 100% waterproof and super breathable. Available in Black and Forest Green. 

• Torrent Extreme WGTE: The Torrent’s hardier sibling, the Torrent Extreme, features 50% more insulation, extending the comfort rating to -12°C, while remaining impressively lightweight at 1.22kg. Available in Forest Green.

See the Torrent in action in this fantastic review by wildlife filmmaker and explorer, Simon McCabe.

Specialised Tactical Clothing

Cyclone WGTE

The Cyclone is a versatile, stretchy, soft-shell jacket, perfect as a lightweight outer layer or mid-layer. While it is made from 100% waterproof fabric, note that the seams are not taped, as is typical for this type of soft shell. 

A standout feature is that it’s made from recycled REPREVE® materials, containing 33% recycled polyester. Weighing just 650g, it’s lightweight, sustainable, and hardy. 

Enhanced Patrol Poncho WGTE

Our waterproof poncho provides a 100% waterproof cover for you and your backpack. It weighs just 410g and is large enough to be used as an emergency bivvy if necessary. Available in Black or Olive, it can be combined with our insulated poncho liner for extra warmth. 

Tactical Softie® Smock WGTE

The Tactical Softie® Smock is an insulated smock with side vents for rapid access to holsters or belt equipment. It has a temperature comfort rating of -5, weighs just 760g, and has a pack size of 29cm x 17cm. Fully lined with TS1 fleece material, it’s both breathable and incredibly cosy. Available in Black, Olive and Camo. 

Choosing Your Perfect Jacket

When it comes to crunch time, it’s essential to make sure you’ve considered everything you need out of a new jacket. If you’re looking for something to throw on for milder autumn days or light showers, a lightweight Softie jacket offers a balance of warmth and convenience. But, if you’re heading off-grid and the weather forecast is all doom and gloom, something more heavy-duty like our fully waterproof rain jacket from the Torrent series is likely your best defence. 

By weighing up factors like temperature rating, weight, pack size, and design features, you can be confident you’re making the right choice. A new Snugpak jacket is an investment, and one that will serve you well for years to come, regardless of how far you push it through its paces. So, don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits; head out with confidence and a Snugpack jacket proudly on your back.