Regatta Birchdale II Waterproof Jacket - Black

The jacket is highly waterproof, featuring Isotex 15000 polyester stretch fabric with fully taped seams and a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. This provides excellent protection against heavy rain and wet conditions.

Yes, the jacket is cool machine washable. To protect the waterproof and breathable membrane, it is crucial to use a technical cleaner like Regatta Isotex cleaner or pure soap, rather than conventional detergents or fabric softeners. Always check the care label for full instructions.

The Birchdale II is an excellent waterproof and breathable outer shell. While it offers protection from wind and rain, it does not provide significant inherent insulation. For very cold weather, we recommend layering it over appropriate insulating mid-layers for warmth.

The jacket features a chest pocket with a hi-tech water-repellent zip and two zipped lower pockets. These offer good protection for your essentials from light rain and splashes, though no fabric pocket is truly 100% submersible waterproof.

Isotex 15000 refers to Regatta's proprietary fabric technology, indicating a hydrostatic head rating of 15,000mm (waterproofing) and a breathability rating of 15,000g/m²/24hrs (Moisture Vapour Permeability). This means it's highly waterproof and remarkably breathable for active use.

The combination of polyester stretch fabric and articulated sleeves is designed to enhance your range of movement and provide unrestricted mobility. This is particularly beneficial during activities like hiking, climbing, or any movement where flexibility is key, preventing the jacket from pulling or bunching.

The jacket comes with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish that will degrade over time. If water stops beading on the surface, clean the jacket as recommended and then apply a reproofing product specifically designed for technical waterproof clothing to restore its water-repellent properties.

The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish may need reactivating or reapplying. Wash the jacket using a technical cleaner for waterproof garments, then apply a spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment according to its instructions. Heat activation (e.g., cool tumble dry, if label permits) can sometimes reactivate existing DWR.

This could be due to a build-up of dirt, sweat, and body oils on the inner membrane, reducing breathability. Wash the jacket thoroughly as per care instructions using Regatta Isotex cleaner or pure soap. Ensure your internal layers are also breathable and wicking to avoid trapping moisture.

Regularly clean the zipper teeth of any dirt or debris. Apply a silicone-based zipper lubricant designed for outdoor gear to ensure smooth operation. Avoid forcing the zipper. Check for any fabric snags and gently free them.

Inspect the cord locks for any debris or damage. Ensure the shock cords are properly threaded through the adjusters. If a cord lock is broken, Info needed: contact customer support for replacement options.

Washing the jacket with a specialized technical cleaner will help remove odors. Ensure the jacket is thoroughly dry before storing to prevent mildew. Avoid leaving damp clothing balled up.