While we’ve been extremely lucky to have a sunshine-filled summer, our crispy, yellow fields and hosepipe bans are a testament to how much we need a good old British downpour. But with a rather humid, drizzly start to September and forecasters predicting a wet, stormy autumn, we may be about to get a torrent of them. Be careful what we wish for...
Happily, though, one of our favourite sustainability-minded activewear brands, BAM, has just launched a brilliantly functional, self-proclaimed ‘any-weather mac’ that, as the name suggests, will see us through every type of weather.
As well as being a chic answer to rainy days, it has some really unique features, including an in-built harness to help you carry it hands-free when the rain stops, the sun comes out, and you don’t need your jacket anymore.
To see if it really lived up to its claims, my GHI colleague and I decided to give it a road test on a sweaty, end-of-summer day that was punctuated by sudden rain showers. Here’s what we thought and what makes this mac so special.
The BAM Any Weather Mac at a glance
Pros
- Has a 10,000mm waterproof and 5,500g breathability rating, so it will keep you dry and comfortable on wet and warm days
- Adjustable waist tie for a flattering fit
- Three stylish colours to choose from
- First certified recyclable waterproof coat (via the Circular Textiles Foundation)
Cons
- It's expensive for a rain mac, at £225
What makes this mac special?
It has a harness so you can carry it hands-free when it’s dry
We know all too well the unpredictability of British weather, and how you often need to plan for three different seasons in just one dog walk. Well, BAM has managed to create a raincoat that takes all this into account. Underneath the lightweight but durable waterproof layer, you’ll find an in-built harness.
Before you get any ideas, it’s designed to allow you to carry the coat hands-free when it’s dry – you simply sling it over your shoulders and wear it almost like a backpack. So, you can retire the old tie-it-round-the-waist tactic. Smart.
It’s actually waterproof
The mac’s 10,000mm waterproof rating means that the fabric can withstand the pressure of 10 metres of rain before letting anything through, making it a reliable autumn coat that will protect you from sudden showers.
It won’t make you sweaty either, as it also has a 5500g breathability rating. In layman’s terms, this tells you the exact amount of water vapour that can pass through the fabric in a day. In short, it’s very breathable. And – even better for humid early-autumn days – it’s still extremely lightweight.
It’s trend- and landfill-proof
The premise behind BAM (an abbreviation of bamboo, which much of the brand’s clothing is made of) is to create clothing with the least environmental impact possible. This mac is made from a polyester with 95% recycled content and is designed to be worn year after year, downpour after downpour.
We also love BAM’s Post-Wear Project, a partnership with The Salvation Army that gives shoppers an easy way to recycle their BAM pieces. Simply generate a free-returns label, drop it at a local collection point and your clothes are sent to be resold, recycled or reused in manufacturing.
Our verdict on the BAM Any Weather Mac Raincoat
“This is a great lightweight coat that I can grab when there’s an unexpected downpour,” says Sarah Finley, the GHI’s Wellness Editor. ‘It looks really stylish, with cuff tabs and a waist tie and a choice of three colours.
I love that the hood stays put and there are multiple fastenings to make sure no water gets in. When I was all zipped up, I barely felt the rain, as it just slid off the jacket. It may be pricey, but it’s an investment and bound to last me for years.
“I like that there’s also the option to remove the harness – for days when it’s forecast to rain solidly.”
“I’m picky about my raincoats, as I’m a firm believer that they’re still a part of the outfit, even if you’re just throwing them on for rainy commutes,” says Lifestyle writer Maddie Evans. “Sometimes, that does mean I’m a bit more fashion over function. I have a Burberry trench that epitomises that approach – it’s not made for downpours. But I don’t have to compromise with this extremely waterproof, yet still stylish mac. It has a hood, is extremely waterproof, and looks good. The big three!
“I also love the harness innovation. I’ve never worn a coat with one before, but it proved extremely handy on multi-seasonal walks. The mac is quick to dry when the rain stops, too.”
Yes, there’s no avoiding the fact that it's quite the investment at £225, but with our autumns set to get warmer and wetter, you can expect a great cost-per-wear with this durable, all-weather mac. Which is maths we can get on board with.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
