Didriksons is a brand with lots of heritage. It can trace its roots back to 1913 when it was founded in Sweden, with this firm focusing on producing hard-wearing garments for fishermen needing the best possible equipment. Fast-forward to 2026, and the Dario jacket is one of Didriksons’ core models, designed in the classic shell form that’ll help it to fend off the very worst of the elements.

With a completely waterproof design and a classically Scandinavian, understated design, the Dario could be a jacket for all occasions – but particularly very wet ones. 

But the thing is, the Dario jacket falls within an area of the market that has a whole load of options. So what can it do to stand out? We’ve been finding out here in the UK.

Sphere Score

For

• Classic fit
• Good range of colourways
• Strong waterproofing levels

Against

• Elasticated wrists don’t offer much adjustment 
• Hood can’t be stowed away
• Lamination means areas can feel a bit stiff 

Tech specs 

• Price: £110
• 100% polyamide 
• Shell design 
• Regular fit
• Fixed hood with two-way adjustment  
• Front and inner pockets 

What does the Didriksons Dario jacket have to offer?

The Dario jacket follows your classic shell jacket design. It’s in a regular, straight fit and doesn’t have any real insulation – but this is, first and foremost, a jacket designed to be worn as an outer layer for maximum protection from water. Speaking of which, we’ve got a synthetic polyamid called EctoLactam helped by a laminate to provide 15,000mm water column protection. Combined with taped seams, you’re looking at a jacket which is designed to keep the outside out and the inside warm. The whole jacket is still breathable, too. 

Up top, you’ve got a fixed hood which can be adjusted either with velcro or elasticated drawstrings to help tailor its size. It can’t be stowed away, however, and will remain on the collar of the jacket at all times. The wrists are elasticated to keep that wind out and provide a secure fit, particularly over gloves. 

The front zip comes up high to cover your chin and keep draughts out and there are chunky zip pulls that are designed to be operated with gloves if needed. Lamination for the zips will ensure that they’re able to deal with really terrible conditions. 

There are two outer pockets for storage, too, and an additional inner pocket which we reckon would be your best place for key valuables. As is the case with other products within Didriksons’ line-up, the Dario has an understated design overall, and there are six colourways to choose from, including the scandi-looking ‘Dark Moss’ that we’ve got here. You’ll also find a reflective Didriksons’ name on the chest and there’s a cool-looking logo at the back, which, again, is reflective. 

In terms of sizing, the Dario is available in sizes small to XXX Large. It’s worth noting that while the Dario in these images is for men, Didriksons offers a female version in the Varja jacket. Though the choice is yours.

Wearing – what is the Didriksons Dario jacket like?

The straight, regular cut of the Didriksons jacket means that it should provide a good fit for all types of people, regardless of shape. The zips have a robust feeling to them, too, and though the extra lamination on either side of the zipper makes them feel a little stiff, we’re sure that this would ease up over time. It also gives you some extra reassurance that the jacket will, indeed, keep the weather out in this area. 

There’s little cause for concern when it comes to weatherproofing elsewhere, too. While it might be sunny and bright in our photos, we’ve worn the Dario through some proper downpours and it kept everything out. It’s a breathable material, too, so you remain comfortable even when it’s hammering down. The short cut of the jacket means that you don’t feel like you’ve got too much excess material hanging down and while the arms are relatively slim, they don’t restrict your movement whatsoever. It would be nice to have velcro or popper adjusters at the wrists, though, as simply having elastication doesn’t give you the same level of adjustability. 

The hood is easier to adjust, mind you, and it’s spacious overall, too. It can’t be rolled up or stowed away, mind you, but that’s pretty regular for a jacket of this type. On either side, you’ve got spacious, easy-to-access pockets and it’s nice to have an internal one for extra protection. An extra one on the chest might be handy for things such as keys or small items, though. 

The straight cut design means that the Dario jacket has enough space underneath for layering, and at 5’11 we found that the medium worked perfectly. That said, you may want to size up if you’re planning on heading somewhere chilly, but we’re quite fond of having a jacket that is relatively cropped. 

We’re big fans of the Dario jacket’s understated nature, too, and while rivals within the market might opt for gaudy or flashy looks, Dirdikson’s approach is classically Scandinavian – thought out but subtle and restrained. It certainly channels some of the spirit of this brand’s origins on the shores of Sweden. It’s also nice to see graphics and logos that aren’t too overboard. 

To finish

The Didriksons Dario feels like the kind of jacket that you can trust. With its understated design, it feels quietly assured, like it can tackle the very worst conditions and yet still not make too much of a fuss. A great range of colours means that there should be a design for everyone, and the same goes for this jacket’s straight, fairly regular fit. You have to bear the Dario’s price in mind, too, as at £110 it undercuts the bulk of the competition while still offering high-end features, such as a weatherproof laminated design.

While it might be nice to be able to stow away the hood, the Dario is the kind of jacket that you’d be glad to see on a stinking wet day, and it’s one we’d recommend keeping in your equipment roster the next time you’re planning on a big adventure.