Up and Under Centre Jacket Adult

The Up and Under Centre Jacket is a key product in our outdoor and waterproof clothing range which is used by outdoor education centres, schools and other organisations, throughout the UK 

The Up and Under centre waterproofs, come in two variants. There is the waterproof centre cag and also the waterproof centre jacket. These are not generic designs that are sourced from a 3rd party supplier or factory. They are the brainchild of the founder of Up and Under; Norman Carter. He designed and developed the cag over 40 years ago. So it is well tried and tested. For the last 10 years it has been tweeked and enhanced by our contract manager James Trigg; along with the input of many influential heads of outdoor centres. In 2023, by popular demand, we reworked and revived the new and improved Centre Jacket. We do not change these items year on year. It is not necessary, but every so often we have and will evolve them. This is done purely to make them better, or more versatile. Again this is always done in consultation with outdoor education experts. The Up and Under Waterproofs are made overseas, but they are made in a factory we choose to work with.  

Despite all this, the Up and Under Centre waterproof range still have the same key design features. 

Quality - We make it, we do not want to be associated with inferior quality, so we have stuck to our proven formula. We ask centre staff what they feel is important and try to incorporate it into a design that works. Please note, that as these are produced overseas, we have minimum production runs. Therefore we have to evaluate every bit of feedback very carefully, as what works at centre A may not work at centre B.

Simplicity - Having been shown many Outdoor Centre Waterproofs over the years, which have been supplied by the competition we often find the conversation runs along the lines "it was great until the .... failed". Here at Up and Under, we have designed our centre jacket  without using components that will naturally fail earlier than you'd like. Things like the zip have been tested and subjected to as much hard life as we can give it. Drawcords add both expense and a point of weakness. They will both be often be of a lower standard from manufacturers that are trying to hit a key price point. We do not prepared compromise! So we have chosen a from opening design with a zip that works! The hood works whether you wear a helmet or not. We have achieved this by adding a volume adjustment without the need for a drawstring. Some kids find it funny to stretch drawcords and let go with the person wearing the jacket getting hit in the face, whilst others chew toggles and cords. So, after many hours of shaping, reshaping and sizing the hood, we have what we feel to be the best hood available that avoids these pitfalls, yet offers a snug and secure fit. The large pockets on each side secure without the need for a zip. On the left hand pocket it displays a large colour coded patch relating to size. This ensures that it can be quickly and easily selected from storeroom racks. The internal hanging tab is positioned so as to not form a point of weakness around the shoulder and neck area (a common cause of jacket failure) and is similarly colour coded and has the size printed on it for ease of recognition when it is hanging up.

Durability - In today’s market we do get to see a great range of very light weight and exceptionally advanced fabrics. However, to give the best level of durability we have opted to produce our centre waterproof range from a 420 Denier PU coated Nylon.  It's worth noting that in comparison even the most rugged of mountaineering waterproofs only go upto 80 Denier and only the very best use nylon, most opting to go for less durable and less expensive polyester. All of our seams are heat taped.

Performance - Whilst many brands are making things lighter, more compact and focussed on breathability, we have opted to work with PU coated Nylon which has a 420D rating. The reality is, for many outdoor adventure people who are using our centre waterproofs, they will not have a proper layering system to get internal moisture as far as their waterproof. So for us the performance relates to how well the product lasts, the vital simplicity of keeping the wearer dry and protected for the long term and the ease of care of the garment.

Value for Money - These are the best outdoor centre waterproof tops available, and they hit a keen price point. As they are so tough and durable, they will not be failing any time soon. This means that they won’t be taking any trips to landfill. Whilst we do not offer a repair service, as the design is simple, they are easy to self maintain.

Versatility - The Centre Jacket works both with and without a helmet underneath its hood, and is suitable for general wear, outdoor classrooms, hill walking, rock climbing, gorge walking, open canoeing, caving and much more.

What size Up and Under Centre Jacket do I need?

Meet Jacob! He is the son of James; our Contract Manager. In the photo Jacob is wearing an Up and Under Centre Jacket in size Extra Small. Jacob is 12.5 years old, he is 168cm tall. In feet and inches he is 5'5" tall.  

Email [email protected] for professional user discounts.