The best waterproof jackets 2024: shrug off the deluge with a top quality hard shell
We've tested the best waterproof jackets in the very worst weather, to help you find the perfect hard shell for your needs
1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best lightweight
4. Best for hike leaders
5. Best for alpinism
6. Best for winter mountaineering
7. Best for harsh conditions
8. Best for durability
9. Best insulated waterproof
10. Best for speed hiking
11. Best for portability
12. Best for the environment
13. Best value
14. Best two layer jacket
15. Best bombproof jacket
16. Comparison table
17. How we test
18. How to choose
The best waterproof jackets are an essential for outdoor enthusiasts battling the cold wet weather of winter and early spring. If you're facing freezing rain on your hike then it's reassuring to know you've got a high quality and protective outer shell to keep you dry.
Of course, fleeces and down jackets are your friend when it comes to retaining warmth, but their lack of waterproofing means they aren't suitable as an outer layer in a deluge. Having one of the best waterproof jackets is therefore essential for your backcountry adventures, so we've tested all these jackets extensively to ensure that they live up to their claims of being waterproof, breathable and wind resistant.
Generally, the fit of a waterproof jacket is pretty generous, allowing space for multiple mid layers, while their hoods afford enough room for a climbing helmet. Meanwhile, the best women’s waterproof jackets are designed to fit the female form.
We rate the Arc'teryx Beta Lightweight as the greatest waterproof jacket around today, but each and every product in our selection is there on merit, performing its task superbly in challenging conditions.
Meet the expert
You can trust Advnture
Author of Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering…, a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing stories involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises. En route he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. Follow Pat’s escapades on Strava here and instagram here.
The quick list
Here's our Quick List, starting with our top performers when it comes to quality waterproof jackets. For a more detailed look at these excellent hardshells, navigate further down this guide.
The best waterproof jacket overall
We’re confident in the performance of this versatile jacket, which marries high performance with light, breathable, soft material to give all-season protection, at an admittedly eye-watering price
The best lightweight waterproof jacket
This jacket kept us dry in a drizzle and a deluge. We were easily able to wear it over several layers and, though it might not be as breathable as some jackets intended for running, it’s hits the spot for hiking
The best waterproof jacket for hike leaders
A three-layer, professional-grade waterproof coat, this jacket is capable of keeping out the very worst weather. We loved the highly adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, double zipping, and numerous extra features
The best waterproof jacket for lightweight alpinism
Tested on K2, the world's deadliest mountain, the Helium AscentShell is a superb waterproof jacket with an excellent design. We're a fan of the adjustable hems and collars, and generous number of pockets
The best waterproof jacket for winter mountaineering
Part of Berghaus' performance Extrem range, the GTX Pro jacket is an uncompromising waterproof for mountaineering professionals and we found it to be hugely robust and high performing. Unsurprisingly, it's not cheap
The best waterproof jacket for harsh conditions
A stunning three-layer, ready for anything, outdoor jacket that's breathable enough for year-round hikers, climbers, scramblers and skiers. We found it offered excellent protection from the elements, including severe rain, snow and wind
Load the next 8 products ↴
The best waterproof jacket for durability
Rugged and practically indestructible, the Patagonia Men’s Triolet is a versatile hardshell that cuts out wind, rain and snow and gave us the ability to stride out in confidence, whatever the weather
The best insulated waterproof jacket
This is a seriously warm, reliably waterproof and windproof jacket with a great hood and absolutely loads of pockets. It's too chunky to be part of a layering system but we reckon it's perfect for when you know the weather's going to be bad all day
The best waterproof jacket for speed hiking
Inov-8’s hiking jacket debut is a success, with a quality, breathable and lightweight waterproof that’s fit for the fells and mountains. We found it perfect for hitting the trails in spring, summer and fall
The best waterproof jacket for portability
Completely waterproof and breathable, this is a rugged and reasonably packable rain shell with sturdy construction and a streamlined design. The sweat wicking liner meant we didn't miss the exclusion of pit zips on milder treks
The best waterproof jacket for the environment
This three-layer waterproof jacket from Patagonia is made from recycled fabrics, has a good price and stuffs into its own pocket for easy carrying. We liked the fold down and hood and pit zips - both helpful to avoid overheating in milder weather
The best value waterproof jacket
The Multi RAIN.RDY is an affordable, comfortable, stylish and versatile entry-level waterproof that comes in at a good price. We reckon it's got just enough technical performance to handle the occasional foray in the great outdoors
The best two layer waterproof jacket
We were really impressed by the breathability and levels of waterproofing - even the pockets are designed to keep the elements out. The level of protection is even more impressive when you consider the price tag
The best waterproof jackets we recommend in 2024
The best waterproof jacket overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
When it comes to weather extremes, you usually have to choose between light weight jacket and high performance but, on test, we discovered that in the Beta Lightweight, Arc’teryx have achieved a waterproof jacket that delivers both. Using the full protection of Gore-Tex in a light, breathable shell jacket, we were as comfortable wearing this at high altitude on a glacier trek as on a soggy, lowland hike.
Technically speaking, this is a hardshell jacket, offering full wind and water protection in what the brand calls an environmental shelter, but the fabric is as light, breathable and pliable as your favorite softshell, making this jacket extremely versatile. You’ll be hard-pushed to find a better performing jacket for all seasons and many outdoor activities, but this one comes at a high price.
Read our full Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket review
The best lightweight waterproof jacket
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Montane’s Spirit offers reliable rain and wind protection in a classic cut that’s more technical than meets the eye. A 2.5 layer construction using Gore-Tex PacLite makes for an extremely lightweight jacket that you’ll have no problem packing away for any hike or camping trip. The sturdy construction is only a few grams heavier than their ultralight Phase Lite jacket, and the Spirit comes in a similar classic cut but at a better price.
This jacket kept us dry in a drizzle and a deluge. It’s cut so that we were easily able to wear it over several layers and, though it might not be as breathable as some jackets intended for running, it’s certainly adequate for hiking. Other than the lack of recycled materials used in construction, we really can’t find anything to gripe about.
This is a superb, lightweight waterproof jacket ideally suited for hiking that delivers high performance in a simple, classic package
Read our full Montane Spirit Waterproof jacket review
The best waterproof jacket for hike leaders
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Part of Helly’s Tech Professional range, the Odin 9 Worlds 2.0 Outdoor Shell Jacket boasts Helly Hansen’s top score for “extreme waterproofness” (it has a hydrostactic head of over 20000 mmH2O), and is also considered “Extremely Breathable”, with a breathability rating of over 20000g/m²/24. It also has large underarm vents with two zips on each side, which allowed us to quickly dump all that excess heat and then maintain a nice amount of airflow without letting in any rain in.
Designed and constructed for extended use in the harshest landscapes and most extreme conditions, the top-of-the-range, three-layer Helly Tech Pro Odin 9 Worlds 2.0 Outdoor Shell Jacket has your back no matter what the weather gods throw at you. You pay a premium price for this jacket, but it provides premium protection in return, and should last for many mountain missions.
Read our full Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 2.0 Outdoor Shell Jacket review
The best waterproof jacket for lightweight alpinism
4. Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Tested at the top of K2 (the world’s second highest, and statistically most dangerous, mountain) by OR ambassador and renowned alpinist Graham Zimmerman, the Helium AscentShell has been put through its paces in the most extreme conditions, so you can feel pretty confident taking it on any adventure, no matter how ambitious your plans might be.
The jacket employs two technologies to offer reliable waterproofing and breathability in a featherlight but durable package: the AscentShell tech supplies the protection against the elements, while the Pertex diamond-fuse face fabric means the garment is robust and dynamic - we found it tough enough to take on multiple forays into the most challenging terrain.
We found the hems and collars to be easily adjustable, as well as the helmet compatible hood. Other features we value include an internal and an external chest pocket (both with zips, and the internal pocket has a portal for a headphone wire), two large external pockets (zipped), and two internal ‘shove-it’ mesh pouches.
The best waterproof jacket for winter mountaineering
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Pro Jacket is a serious waterproof jacket designed for mountaineering professionals. One of the key pieces of Berghaus' revamped Extrem range, we found it to be hugely robust and high performing, though it has a price point to match.
The jacket oozes premium quality, featuring Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged, making it hugely hard-wearing. The same is true for the strategically placed Gore-Tex Pro Stretch panels, which provide durability and freedom of movement in the areas you need it most. On test, we found it hugely protective, while it didn't inhibit our movements. We liked the many zippered storage pockets, including a neat little insulated interior pocket for electronic devices. The fit is generous, with space beneath for mid layers and a helmet compatible hood.
All in all, it's a hugely accomplished jacket for serious mountain adventurers. There’s a lot to love about the protection and practicality offered by the Pro Jacket. No doubt, it’s overkill for summer hiking and, unless you have mountaineering or winter walking aspirations, it’s difficult to justify the cost. However, if you do enjoy technical adventures in challenging conditions, this jacket is almost flawless.
Read our full Berghaus MTN Guide GTX Pro jacket review
The best waterproof jacket for harsh conditions
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Shadow Canyon by Artilect is a super stylish PFA-free shell jacket made from top-quality components (incorporating some recycled materials). We found it offered excellent protection from the elements, including severe rain, snow and wind. A three-layer jacket, it has a tough but dynamic 40D two-way stretch nylon ripstop exterior face fabric, a 20D 100% recycled jersey backer, and the Bluesign- and Oeko-Tex- approved ‘High and Dry’ membrane in the middle boasts breathability and waterproofing ratings that are right at the upper end of the scale.
There’s a large zipped pocket on each side of the coat, both large enough to take a sheet map, plus there is a zipped chest pocket on the left breast, ideal for stashing things that you need to keep close to hand and easily accessible.
There's the large vents that extend from the underarms right down each flank. The helmet-compatible hood, which can be easily adjusted and tightened around the top of your head and upper face with a toggle at the back, features a stiffened peak to complete this all-element-ready Artilect suit of armor.
Read our full Artilect Shadow Canyon Jacket review
The best waterproof jacket for durability
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
An ultra hard-wearing hardshell, we think the Patagonia Triolet is a good-looking yet functional jacket that can hold off the very worst of the weather – and it gave us the ability to stride out in confidence.
This confidence comes at a premium, however. Not only is the Triolet pricey, but it’s heavy too – weighing in almost as much as some ultralightweight tents. In size small, the jacket tips the scales at 19.4oz (550g), which puts it way outside the realm of ultralight or lightweight. But, if you encounter bad weather high up in the mountains, this jacket is worth its weight in gold (which according to today’s market rate, is around $30,000…).
The jacket comes with two generous hand warmer pockets, two large chest pockets (with watertight zips) and a large inner stash pouch, which we found was ideal for carrying gloves, maps or anything else we wanted to keep out of the weather. Moreover, it comes with two huge pit zips that allowed us to dump heat while keeping dry. It also features a built-in RECCO reflector in the neck.
Read our full Patagonia Triolet Alpine Mountaineering Hardshell review
The best insulated waterproof jacket
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Waverley Thermic is a wonderfully warm waterproof jacket that we found does the job of a midlayer and an outer shell simultaneously for those times when conditions are both chilly and damp. It’s not part of a layering system or the kind of jacket you want to be hauling around in a backpack while hiking – we found it was far too much of a chunky monkey for that – but when feisty weather has set in for the entire day and you’re going to be out in cold, wet and windy conditions, it’s got your back.
The fill is made up of ThermoAir+ fibres, which are designed to trap body heat in, and on test in sub-zero conditions we found this to be an extremely warm coat – on a par with some of the best puffer jackets, but with the added benefit of being fully weatherproof.
With a hydrostatic head rating of 15,000mm, the level of waterproof protection it offers is exceptional for such a warm jacket. The storage is great too – there are 11 pockets spread around this coast, with several secure zipped options on the interior for safely stashing wallet, credit card, money and so on.
Read our full Craghoppers Waverley Thermic Jacket review
The best waterproof jacket for speed hiking
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
An excellent hiking jacket that has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of those who like to go fast and light in the hills. Durable, relatively lightweight and impressively breathable, we found it perfect for hitting the trails in spring, summer and fall, though it’s suitability for winter remains to be seen. All in all, a great hiking jacket that gets a tick for its recycled materials too.
Its 3-layer waterproof fabric results in a respectable hydrostatic head rating of 15,000mm. We discovered this was more than enough protection for hiking in the mountains in spring, summer and fall. Where the Venturelite truly excels is in the breathability stakes, where it boasts an impressive 40,000g moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), higher than most of the best waterproof jackets.
What inov-8 are aiming for here is a jacket that remains comfortable when you’re pushing hard uphill. It’s a jacket that allows moisture given off by your exertions to escape.
Read our full inov-8 Venturelite Jacket review
The best waterproof jacket for portability
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
For its OutDry Extreme Mesh Waterproof Hooded Shell Jacket, Columbia has put the waterproof membrane on the outside, which means a lighter and more watertight shell jacket. This waterproof jacket boasts taped seams as well as adjustable cuffs and hem and we found it truly did keep the wet weather out when we were trudging through a deluge. The liner isn’t the softest fabric, but it is sweat wicking and breathable, meaning we didn’t miss the exclusion of pit zips on milder treks.
An adjustable hood cinches tight around your head to keep it in place during high winds, and the unobtrusive peak works really well. The low cut meant our bums stayed mostly dry whenever we perched on a wet rock or bench. Two hand pockets are big enough to easily stash a map or guidebook, and their stretchy mesh inner panels means the whole thing can pack inside either one making this a solid choice – if not the most stylish – for wet weather adventures, even when you’re trying to cut down on weight and bulk.
Read our full Columbia OutDry Extreme Mesh Waterproof Hooded Shell Jacket review
The best waterproof jacket for the environment
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The only difficult decision in choosing the Torrentshell as a waterproof jacket is picking a color – there are ten available for men and nine for women. The outer shell is made from a tough, recycled nylon, with a membrane to let sweat escape, while a ‘knitted’ tricot liner provides a soft layer that we thought was lovely on our skin – with comfort levels enhanced even further at the neck by a micro-fleece lining to snuggle into when the heavens open.
Velcro cuffs and a hem drawcord provide a seal against sideways rain, as do the internal and external storm flaps on either side of the front zip, while the hood adjusts for a close, face-hugging fit. When the weather is more benign the hood folds and hooks down, and pit zips help you let off steam, which we found very useful. And when it’s sunny, we were able to stuff the whole jacket into its own handpocket for easy carrying. It’s constructed from recycled materials, and to top it all, it’s fair-trade certified.
Read our full Patagonia Torrentshell waterproof jacket review
The best value waterproof jacket
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Intended as an entry-level affordable waterproof for general use, we found that this fairly versatile jacket was also decent enough for day hikes and weekend walks. Impressively made with 100% recycled materials, it’s a two-layer jacket with a polyester plain weave face fabric bonded to Adidas’s own PU-based waterproof-breathable membrane, with a taffeta and mesh inner drop liner.
This mightn’t be the most technically advanced construction around, but it’s comfortable. We found the outer fabric to be soft, supple and quiet, with none of the rustle and swish you get from stiffer waterproof shells. In terms of features, you get a one-way, reverse coil main zip backed with an internal storm flap and finished with a soft microfibre chin guard. There are dual one-handed hem drawcords, Velcro cuff tabs, twin zipped hand pockets and a rollaway hood. The zippers all have chunky pull-tabs.
All in all, this is a straightforward general-use jacket that offers a good balance of comfort, versatility and style – with just enough technical performance to front up to the occasional foray in the great outdoors.
Read our full adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY waterproof jacket review
The best two layer jacket
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
This lightweight but extremely weatherproof outer jacket from Salewa is every bit as stylish as you’d expect from the Italian mountain specialists. Made with Gore-Tex Paclite, it has highly impressive figures when it comes to breathability and levels of waterproofing, and even the pockets are designed to keep the elements out. The level of protection offered is even more impressive when you consider the price tag, which is very reasonable for a technical piece of alpine trail and peak-ready apparel such as this. And it’s made with 100% recycled polyester, with a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish, so the environmental creds are excellent too.
This is a 2-layer jacket, so it isn’t quite as warm as 3-layer shell, but the trade off is that it’s very light and easy to stash in a backpack or daypack, ready for when you need to deploy it in wet or windy weather. The fit is quite snug (Euro style), and there isn’t a massive amount of room for wearing a bulky mid layer beneath this jacket, so if you’re intending to use it at higher altitudes and/or in colder climes when you might need a puffer layer, you may need to consider going up a size.
Read our full Salewa Puez Paclite GTX review
The best bombproof jacket
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Specifically designed for Nordic hiking in the most challenging conditions, when the rain and sleet is coming in sideways, Haglöfs LIM ZT Trek GTX PRO Jacket is a serious piece of wild weather kit, with an equally serious price tag attached. Made with a combination of Gore-Tex materials to supply performance and comfort, it is highly water and windproof, while remaining really breathable, and if you do work up a proper sweat while battling the elements, the jacket has enormous double-zipped vents beneath the arms, so you can quickly dump excess heat and keep them open without letting a load of weather in.
Our crash test dummy took this jacket out in the worst conditions he has ever trekked in – four days of near-continuous horizontal Highland rain in Scotland – and it kept him dry throughout. It boasts one of the best hoods we have ever had the pleasure of trialling too, with an excellent stiff peak and multiple adjustment points.
Very few things are completely perfect, though, and our frustration with this jacket is with the pockets, or lack thereof. There are two on the outside, positioned roughly where you would normally have hand pockets, but with horizontally positioned openings. They’re not especially large, and one failed during testing – as in the backing came away, and anything placed inside would fall through and onto the ground. On the upside – and this might be Haglöfs thinking – the enormous side vents enable you to easily access the pockets in the fleece or puffer you’re wearing as a midlayer beneath the LIM ZT Trek.
Read our full Haglöfs LIM ZT Trek GTX PRO jacket review
The best waterproof jackets comparison table
Waterproof jacket | Price | Weight | Best use |
Arc'teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket | $500 (US) / £450 (UK) | 11.6 oz/ 330 g (women’s small) | Hiking, mountaineering, winter sports |
Montane Spirit Jacket | $259 (US) / £190 (UK) | 330g / 11.6oz (women’s small) | Hiking |
Helly Hansen Odin 1 World Infinity Jacket | $500 (US)/ £400 (UK) | Men's: 440g / 15.5oz; women’s: 400g / 14oz | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, winter and alpine mountaineering |
Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell | $399 (US)/ £399 (UK) | men’s: 326g / 11.5oz; women’s: 298g/10.5oz | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, winter and alpine mountaineering |
Berghaus MTN Guide GTX Pro Jacket | £500 (UK) / €550 (EU) | XS to 2XL (men’s) UK 8 to 18 (women’s) | Winter mountaineering and alpinism |
Artilect Shadow Canyon Jacket | $570 (US) / £450 (UK) | 510g / 1lb 2oz | Backpacking, hiking, trekking, climbing, snow sports and travel |
Patagonia Men's Triolet Alpine Mountaineering Hardshell | $399 (US) / £350 (UK) | 19.4oz / 550g | Hiking, mountaineering and alpine pursuits |
Craghoppers Waverley Thermic Jacket | £160 (UK) | – | Ideal for low intensity adventures such as hiking on cold, wet days |
inov-8 Venturelite Jacket | $300 (US) / £230 (UK) / $270 (EU) | 450g / 15.9 oz | Fast hiking and hill bagging |
Columbia OutDry Extreme Mesh Waterproof Hooded Shell Jacket | $250 (US) / £225 (UK) | 11oz / 313g | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking |
Patagonia Torrentshell | $150 (US) / £150 (UK) | 394g / 14oz | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, skiing |
Adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY waterproof jacket | $120 (US) / £100 (UK) | Men’s XS-2XL; Women’s XS-XL | Suitable for everyday wear, from town to trail – but more entry level in terms of technicality. Not for use on high, exposed hill and mountaintops in extreme conditions |
How we test waterproof jackets
Our reviewers test waterproof jackets and shell layers during wet and wild weather in a range of environments, from hills and peaks to coastal paths and woodlands, on day hikes and longer treks. Features (including waterproofing, breathability, ventilation, materials, style, pockets, hoods, snow skirt, weight and overall comfort) are tested against claims made by the brand, and we assess factors such as value for money, durability, functionality and environmental impact.
Meet the testers
Writer, editor and enthusiast of anything involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing adventure stories. En route he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. He’s authored walking guides to Devon and Dorset, and once wrote a whole book about Toilets for Lonely Planet.
Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Adventure.com. She is an author, mountain enthusiast and yoga teacher who loves heading uphill on foot, ski, bike and belay. She recently returned to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland after 20 years living in the USA, 11 of which were spent in the rocky mountains of Vail, Colorado where she owned a boutique yoga studio and explored the west's famous peaks and rivers.
Alex is a freelance writer and qualified Mountain Leader with an insatiable passion for the mountains. A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. Through his hiking, mountaineering, climbing and trail running adventures, Alex aims to inspire others to get outdoors. He is currently President of the London Mountaineering Club, training to become a Winter Mountain Leader, looking to finally finish bagging all the Wainwright fells of the Lake District and hoping to scale more Alpine 4000ers when circumstances allow.
An outdoors writer and editor, Matt Jones has been testing kit in the field for nearly a decade. Having worked for both the Ramblers and the Scouts, he knows one or two things about walking and camping, and loves all things adventure, particularly long-distance backpacking, wild camping and climbing mountains – especially in Wales. He’s based in Snowdonia and last year thru-hiked the Cambrian Way, which runs for 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy, with a total ascent of 73,700 feet – that’s nearly 2½ times the height of Everest.
Growing up just south of the glorious Brecon Beacons National Park, Craig spent his childhood walking uphill. As he got older, the hills got bigger, and his passion for spending quality time in the great outdoors only grew - falling in love with wild camping, long-distance hiking, bikepacking and fastpacking. Having recently returned to the UK after almost a decade in Germany, he now focuses on regular micro-adventures in nearby Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, as well as frequent trips to the Alps and beyond.
After spending a decade as editor of Country Walking, the UK’s biggest-selling walking magazine, Jonathan moved to edit Outdoor Fitness magazine, adding adrenaline to his adventures and expeditions. He has hiked stages or completed all of the UK's national trails, but was once overtaken by three Smurfs, a cross-dressing Little Bo Peep, and a pair of Teletubbies on an ascent of Snowdon. (Turns out they were soldiers on a fundraising mission.)
How to choose a waterproof jacket
Regardless of their RRP or reputation, the best waterproof jackets have to be right for you personally, whether you hike in country parks, rugged moorland or up on the high flanks of unforgiving mountains. It's all part of knowing how to stay dry while hiking.
To help you find the perfect fit for you body type and needs, we've put together a list of factors to consider when buying:
1. Fabric
Gear manufacturers deploy different technologies to make the best waterproof jackets, er, waterproof. The first layer is durable water repellency (DWR), which makes rain drops bead on the surface of the jacket. Walkers who take care of their kit can restore the DWR finish by washing a jacket with a specialist cleaning product, such as Nikwax, and then tumble-drying it. The second line of defence is the shell or barrier fabric, which gives the best rain jackets their structure, anti-abrasion protection, and determines whether it’s supple or stiff, silent or noisy.
2. Membrane
Attached to the outer shell is a membrane, the scientific bit of the design, which stops water soaking through but lets sweat evaporate out as vapour – to deliver so-called breathability. Gore-Tex is the best-known membrane, but many gear manufacturers have developed their own technologies along similar lines – most recently TNF with Futurelight. The membrane is typically protected by an inner mesh. Different types of membrane provide varying degrees of waterproofing, which is usually denoted by their hydrostatic head.
Our guide to breathable waterproof fabrics explains the differences between the various options.
3. Ventilation
In-store swing tags may promise that the best waterproof jackets are both waterproof and breathable, but the truth is that you’ll still feel sweaty climbing a hill in damp conditions with a backpack. If you've got your layering right, with a base layer and a mid layer (such as a fleece jacket), there will be times when your waterproof on top of all this is just too much, even when it's raining. Strategically designed vents and (arm) pit zips that facilitate a flow of air through the best rain jackets and can reduce condensation and leave you feeling less sweaty.
4. Hood
For maximum protection the hood needs to cover the whole of your head, ideally with enough space to accommodate a your best hiking hat underneath in winter. Climbers and mountaineers need to check the hood can swallow a helmet, too. The hoods of the best waterproof jackets move with your head (for unobstructed vision when crossing a road), so a cinch or ties are useful to secure a snug fit. Make sure any ties tuck away unless you fancy being whipped in the face when it’s windy. Finally, a stiff, wired hood will keep its shape in a gale.
5. Zips and seams
Sneaky old H2O seems determined to infiltrate any waterproof jacket, so it’s vital that all seams are taped and that zips are either stormproof or covered by a storm flap. If you plan to walk in winter, make sure you can operate the zips while wearing hiking gloves.
6. Fit
Leave enough space under your jacket for wearing a base layer and mid layer (check out our quick guide to mid layers) , such as a down jacket, for walking in colder conditions. Jacket length is a matter of taste – longer jackets naturally offer greater protection – and adjustable cuffs and hem will keep you warm and watertight or let you spill heat by loosening them.
7. Weight
For much of the year a waterproof jacket is an insurance policy – carried in a backpack in case of rain. Like the best one-person tents, the best rain jackets that are light and fold up small are easier to carry, but will typically offer less protection and be less durable. If you’re going to rely on one jacket for year round walking it’s far better to choose a robust jacket for the worst of winter and carry a few extra grams in summer, than depend on a featherweight jacket when December’s rain is blowing horizontally.
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Author of Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering…, a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing stories involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises. En route he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. He’s authored walking guides to Devon and Dorset, and once wrote a whole book about Toilets for Lonely Planet. Follow Pat’s escapades on Strava here and Instagram here.
- Jonathan Manning
- Alex Foxfield
- Fiona RussellOutdoor writer