Craghoppers Corran Gore-Tex Jacket

A relatively affordable Gore-Tex jacket, with a little extra length than is currently fashionable.

I bought this Gore-Tex shell about a year ago and have carried it every second day, in the intervening period. I was reluctant to pay £200 for a new jacket and waited for this one to be available in a sale. I chose a slightly over-sized garment to leave room for layering and to add a little extra length to an already relaxed cut.

I really dislike wearing over trousers, except when absolutely necessary, and have always preferred longer rain proofs, except when climbing or cycling. This one extends a little way down my thighs, which I like. The shell has a suspended mesh liner, which helps the efficient transfer of heat and moisture (as, I believe, does the generous sizing).

Zips are very good quality, with cord pulls added to aid frozen fingers.  The zips are compatible, both with a fleece jacket (Berghaus) and my down vest (Lowe Alpine), which is a welcome, cross-manufacturer bonus. 

The hood is adjustable for volume, as well as fit, with a small peak. I would have preferred a wired hood. The jacket has a waist adjustment cord, to retain heat, if required. I would have welcomed a further adjuster at the hem.  Cuffs have Velcro tabs, for a loose or tighter wind seal, and there is a Velcro tabbed storm flap, protecting the main zip.

There are two zipped pockets, with cosy brushed lining at below waist level and a smaller internal pocket at chest height. I am able to access the pockets when wearing a lumber pack or backpack with a waist belt. More technical climbing jackets have pockets positioned at rib height but tend to be short and tighter fitting. I did not require those functions in an everyday walking jacket and was happy to forgo them for a roomier cut and longer length. A second internal pocket or higher hand warmer pockets would have been nice, though (and no, you can't always have everything you want, from one jacket!).

The jacket works. It's waterproof, it breathes when weather conditions allow and it's quiet, which aids the observation of wildlife. There are no signs of abrasion and no rips, or tears—even though I am not averse to bushwhacking, impromptu shelter building, sitting on rocks, etc. The jacket washes easily at low machine temperatures with minimal detergent.  

Most excursions have been coastal or forest walks, with a few mountain days. Temperatures have ranged between maybe 14 and 85 degrees. The jacket doesn't have the bullet proof feel of the early Gore-Tex jackets, but still inspires confidence, with a little more comfort and functionality than some of those suits of armour. It can be adjusted for maximum airflow on warm, wet days, or cinched up for maximum protection in a blizzard.

Background

One year. I used to baby expensive jackets, but this one has been thrown around my car and stuffed into various packs, without mercy. I like it and I'd buy another if this one was mislaid, mistreated, or mis-appropriated;-)

I may give it another star...if I'm still wearing it in 2024.