Craghoppers Woodridge Cagoule

A wind or rain jacket that will keep you dry in the toughest downpours. A large hood and no zippers keep the weather out.

The Craghoppers Woodridge Cagoule is perfect for travel and a variety of outdoor activities. Basically, a cagoule is a lightweight type of anorak. That description fits this jacket perfectly.

Constructed of a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) fabric comprised of a treated cotton outer layer laminated with a Polyamide inner layer, resulting in a breathable waterproof jacket. A large helmet compatible drawstring hood provides plenty of coverage during the heaviest downpours. Zippered side vents allow for an easier entry when donning the jacket while also increasing breathability when unzipped. A chest zipper offers additional ventilation.

The jacket features a variety of pockets. Two hand warmer pockets are joined by a shoulder pocket that is perfect for an RFID ski pass. A large chest pocket with a velcro closure hides a money/credit card pocket and a mesh pocket perfect for holding a cell phone or glasses.

My testing of the Woodridge Cagoule started in the fall when because of an extremely dry early winter it was used mostly as a wind jacket while hiking and skiing. A medium size fit my 5'9" frame quite nicely. I have always felt anorak styled coats are a little hard to get into and out of, but the side vent zippers made that task a bit easier than normal. Once the coat is on it protected me from the top of my head to the bottom of my butt.

When the rains came in March they came with a vengeance. During pouring rain that coverage was greatly appreciated. The exterior of the coat has a nice feel to it and the waterproof outer did a great job of not wetting out, water just balled up and ran off. Movement with the jacket on was very good, no binding at all.

My only gripe is that getting out of the Woodridge Cagoule when it is wet is certainly harder than unzipping a standard zippered jacket. You really want to shake off as much water as possible before taking it off. The Woodridge is holding up well with no signs of any loss of waterproofing.

The jacket is offered in sizes from small to 2XL and comes in Blue and Red.

Cost is $100 for a Red Cagoule and the Blue is on sale for $70.