FootJoy HydroTour Waterproof Jacket Review

FootJoy HydroTour Waterproof Jacket Key Features

• Additional rain protection from a DrySeal Technology Collar
• Storm-proven waterproof & breathable 3-layer fabric
• Added breathability thanks to Under Arm Zip Venting

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As winter draws in, a good set of waterproofs can make or break your round of golf. With that in mind, FootJoy has released its new HydroTour jacket, designed to provide and facilitate premium performance. 

Available in four colours and packed full of tech to keep you warm and comfortable, the HydroTour is FootJoy's new premium waterproof jacket offering for the final months of 2024.

Waterproof jackets are designed to look good, feel good and most importantly keep you warm and dry, so when I headed out for 18 holes at Bearwood Lakes earlier this month and it decided to absolutely pour down for the duration of the round, it was the perfect time to put the jacket through its paces. 

Let's get into it.

First things first let's talk looks. The HydroTour comes in four different colours, all staying relatively safe within the blue, grey and black space. 

The jacket itself offers up a relatively simple design, the block black body and black arms are only broken up by the white zippers that run down the centre of the body and the pockets. 

FootJoy branding on the collar and back are the only other small splashes of colour to be seen.

It's hard to argue with a plain black jacket, and it will likely be the most popular option among golfers this year, however I would perhaps like to see a bit more going on, be it a white panel on one of the arms or a perhaps some contrast piping on the shoulders. 

There is some textured dotted detailing on the arms and the side, but you would only really notice it if you were looking very closely. 

The fit is very comfortable, and thanks to the elasticated cuffs, you can also taper them to suit your preference.

FootJoy has also worked hard to limit the amount of fabric that bulges out in front of you when you bend over to take a swing which is a consideration that makes a big difference when addressing the ball. 

The vast majority of premium waterproof jackets that are sold these days can genuinely promise that water won't get in, so it's down to the small details which now separate the best from the rest. 

Two small details that FootJoy has introduced that really stand out are the zipable air vents under the arms and the DrySeal Technology Collar. 

The under arm vents are an excellent addition that allow increased airflow when it's wet but also warm. When I played Bearwood Lakes, it was just that. The rain was pouring down but it was still decidedly muggy and warm. The vents allowed me to get some fresh air into the jacket without the worry of getting wet, which is an excellent small detail that makes a big difference. 

The DrySeal collar is another additional feature that really should only come into use if you get stuck in a tropical storm. What it does is separate your neck from the collar with a second layer of material, creating a channel for water to run out of small eyelets on the back of the collar.

Not only does this channel provide extra protection to the back of your neck, but the material between your neck and the external layer is also very soft and can be tightened to create a seal at the back of the jacket to prevent any rain dripping down the back. 

Another detail on this jacket that I absolutely love is the fleece lined pockets. When its cold there's nothing better than having a bit of fleece lining for added protection, and when putting your hands in and out, it's also a very smooth fabric that allows that motion to be completed very easily. 

So how does it fair in the rain? Well, I walked 18 holes in torrential rain, and when I got back in the clubhouse my midlayers were as dry as a bone. 

The jacket also comes with a three year waterproof warranty, so if any issue were to arise you can rest assured FootJoy has your back. 

Verdict

FootJoy is a brand made for golfers by golfers, so it should come as no surprise that its weather-wear is absolutely first class. 

This jacket and the small details that separate it from the rest are what will make your round in the rain more enjoyable, and I have to tip my hat to the designers for the obvious amount of thought that has gone into every design decision. 

If you're a golfer that likes to play in the wind and rain, this jacket will prove to be an indispensable on course companion for you.