The best waterproof jackets 2025: brave the elements with these top-rated hard and softshells

Collage of the best waterproof jackets
(Image credit: Future)

Waterproofing technology is constantly evolving and today's best waterproof jackets can keep you dry and comfortable in the most extreme conditions. They're one of the most fundamental pieces of your outdoor gear and are constructed of myriad innovations to keep you adventuring for longer, whether you're out in rain-drenched, windswept highlands or tropical climes.

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, so we've tested all these jackets extensively in a range of environments to ensure that they live up to their claims of being waterproof, breathable and wind resistant.

Where available we've included ratings for waterproofing and breathability, to help you make the best choice for your needs.

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 jackets we recommend in 2025

You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.

The best waterproof jacket overall

Arc'teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket

Julia testing the Beta Lightweight Jacket in Scotland's Arrochar Alps (Image credit: Future)
The best waterproof jacket overall

Specifications

Sizes: Men’s: XS-XXL; Women’s: XXS-XXL
Weight: 330g / 11.6oz (women’s S)
Colors: Solace / Fika / Sky Groover / Black / Forage / Jungle maze / Serene / Wicker sapphire / Phenom
Compatibility: Hiking, mountaineering, winter sports

Reasons to buy

+
Top-rated weather protection
+
Lightweight and packs away small
+
Excellent breathability
+
Designed for comfort

Reasons to avoid

-
Costly

When preparing to battle challenging weather conditions, you usually have to pick between saving weight and high performance in your waterproof jacket. The less a waterproof weighs, the more difficult it is to have confidence in it standing up to the extreme conditions your backcountry expedition might throw at you.

That said, the Beta Lightweight jacket from Arc'teryx excels in managing to offer bombproof weather protection while still feeling light and comfortable. Of course, there has to be one reason to make you stop and think before buying, and with this jacket it's the price tag, which is among the highest in this guide.

Combining Gore-Tex in a breathable shell jacket, it's really an outer layer that will take you anywhere. We put it to test on rainy Scottish Munros, on an Alpine glacier trek and even city bike rides, and it excelled in every environment.

On paper, the Arc'teryx Beta Lightweight is a hardshell jacket, giving full protection against wind and water. In real life though, the pliable fabric is light and breathable, making it feel like a softshell that gives as you move, making it versatile and easy to reach and bend in. 

For versatility, it's difficult to find a more reliable jacket that will handle all seasons and so many outdoor activities. You'll just have to save for a little longer before you buy.

Read our full Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket review

The best lightweight waterproof jacket

Montane Spirit waterproof jacket

This streamlined waterproof jacket checks all the boxes for us, from sturdy shelter to lightweight packability (Image credit: Future)
The best lightweight waterproof jacket

Specifications

Sizes: Men’s: S-XXL; Women’s: XS-XXL
Weight: 330g / 11.6oz (women’s small)
Colors: Black / Eucalyptus / Saffron red / Saskatoon Berry / Oak green / Flame orange / Electric blue
Compatibility: Hiking

Reasons to buy

+
Reliable rain and wind protection
+
Impressively light and packable
+
Streamlined fit
+
Plenty of adjustability

Reasons to avoid

-
You may want more pockets
-
Lack of recycled materials in construction

Robust protection offered by the Montane’s Spirit waterproof jacket's 2.5 layer construction uses Gore-Tex PacLite, making it lightweight and highly packable too. It weighs in at 330 grams for a women's small, meaning it's just a tiny bit heavier than the Montane ultralight Phase Lite jacket. It costs less, and still gives you a solid range of technical features.

The comfortable cut meant that our tester could layer up underneath the jacket, and she was able to adjust hem, hood and cuffs, keeping her dry in Scottish drizzle and even a deluge while she tested. The stiffened peak, as well as the taped seams and waterproof membrane, helped fend off the rain.

If you want to hike at pace, or trail run, this might not be the jacket for you as breathability isn't as good as the ultralight version, but it excels at offering all-weather protection on hikes. It would have been nice to see the jacket's eco credentials boosted with the use of recycled materials, but that's our only gripe.

Overall it's a sturdy, reliable waterproof jacket that delivers on hikes at altitude with a well-made hood that will help keep out driving rain.

Read our full Montane Spirit Waterproof jacket review

The best waterproof jacket for hike leaders

Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 2.0 Outdoor Shell Jacket

A three-layer, professional-grade waterproof coat, the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 2.0 Outdoor Shell Jacket is capable of keeping out the very worst weather (Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
The best waterproof jacket for hike leaders

Specifications

Sizes: Men’s: S-2XL; Women’s: XS–XL
Weight: Men’s: 610g / 1lb 6oz; Women’s: 525g / 1lb 3oz
Waterproof rating: HH 20,000mm
Breathability rating: >20000g/m²/day
Colors: Malachite / Cloudberry / Deep Fjord / Red / Black; Women’s: Black / Jade / Blue Fog / Red / Triple Espresso
Compatibility: Trekking, backpacking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snow sports

Reasons to buy

+
High-level waterproofing
+
Excellent breathability rating
+
Technical hood
+
Roomy pockets

Reasons to avoid

-
Slim fit limits layering
-
Could be lighter weight
-
Higher list price

With a super-high hydrostactic head of over 20,000 mmH2O, the Odin 9 Worlds 2.0 Outdoor Shell Jacket is included in the Helly Hansen's Tech Professional range and rated top by the company for its “extreme waterproofness”.

It is designed for real use in potentially extreme conditions by serious outdoor professionals, such as rescue workers and guides, in the most challenging conditions. It more than steps up to the task, it's three-layer construction made from top-of-the-range fabrics giving you ultimate protection from whatever the weather gods throw at you.

It has a breathability rating of over 20,000g/m²/24 and underarm vents, meaning you can keep cool and moving in the heaviest of downpours.

You will have to part with a significant amount of cash for this jacket, but if you're planning serious backcountry adventures, you'll head out safe in the knowledge you're braced for all conditions.

Read our full Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 2.0 Outdoor Shell Jacket review

The best waterproof jacket for professionals

Berghaus MTN Guide GTX Pro jacket

The GTX Pro jacket is an uncompromising waterproof for mountaineers (Image credit: Alex Foxfield)
The best waterproof jacket for professionals

Specifications

Sizes: Men's: XS-2XL; Women's: UK 8-18
Weight: Men's: 653g / 1.44lb; Women's: 585g / 1.29lb
Colors: Men's and women's: Goji Berry / Jet Black; Men only; Pinstripe & Jet Black
Compatibility: Winter mountaineering and alpinism

Reasons to buy

+
Premium-quality technical features
+
Five pockets with zips; one insulated
+
Relaxed fit for layering underneath
+
Over 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics

Reasons to avoid

-
Fabric not as breathable as standard Gore-Tex Pro
-
Too heavy to move in at quick pace

When it comes to serious mountain missions, the Pro Jacket from Berghaus' revamped Extrem range steps up to the challenge. It is a hugely hardwearing and high-performing outer layer that will take the professional across snowy ridges and gullies. It's technical prowess is reflected in its list price.

The mountaineering jacket uses Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged, which is what makes it so durable. Built in are Gore-Tex Pro Stretch panels, giving you freedom of movement in the areas you need it most. 

While it's not the lightest or most breathable of fabrics, this jacket is for serious mountain conditions offering protection while not inhibiting movement.

Well-planned components, such as the interior insulated pocket for electronics and a helmet-compatible hood with three points of adjustment, meant this jacket came high on our tester's list of most-wanted. The fact that fastenings were easy to manipulate while wearing thick gloves was a boon.

There is much to love about the GTX Pro jacket. It's protection and insulation make it too much for summer wear and casual use, so it's for serious adventurers only. However, if you are considering taking on a more extreme outdoor challenge soon, this is the jacket to invest in.

Read our full Berghaus MTN Guide GTX Pro jacket review

The best waterproof jacket for harsh conditions

Tierra Västra Jacket: in the Pennines

A stunning three-layer, ready for anything outdoor jacket, for year-round hikers, climbers, scramblers and skiers   (Image credit: Alex Foxfield)
The best waterproof jacket for harsh conditions

Specifications

Sizes: Men's: XS-XXXL
Weight: Men's: 500g / 17.6oz
Colors: Men’s: Lichen Yellow, Black / Women’s: Infinity Blue, Black
Compatibility: Hiking, winter walking, skiing, mountaineering

Reasons to buy

+
Visually striking
+
3-layer breathable Gore-Tex waterproofing
+
Multiple pockets

Reasons to avoid

-
Not many color options
-
Fairly heavy
-
Pricey compared to other jackets we tested

The Tierra Västra Jacket is a super stylish Gore-Tex shell jacket made from top-quality components and coming with some useful features. We found it offered excellent protection from the elements, including severe rain, snow and wind, and is therefore a great pick if you're faced with challenging conditions. You don't need to worry about getting wet or sweaty in this jacket as it scores breathability and waterproofing ratings that are right at the upper end of the scale.

There are two large zipped hand pockets that will each fit a sheet map, plus front zippered pockets that are placed high enough so as to not get covered by a harness. There are multiple points of adjustment for when the conditions start to get a little colder too, allowing you to keep warm while still maintaining that breathability. The hood is helmet-compatible and can also be easily adjusted.

It's also easy enough to dump heat quickly, thanks to the large pit zips. This is important, as aside from this feature, there aren't a lot of ways to stay cool thanks to the 500g weight, and its general bulky nature. If you're looking for a summer hiking jacket, look elsewhere, but the Tierra Västra Jacket is perfect for some wintry, harsh mountaineering.  

Read our full Tierra Västra Jacket review

The best waterproof jacket for durability

Patagonia Men’s Triolet Alpine Mountaineering Hardshell

The Triolet kept our reviewer warm and dry while getting a bearing in a snowstorm at -4°F (-20°C) (Image credit: Craig Taylor)
The best waterproof jacket for durability

Specifications

Sizes: XS-XL
Weight (men's): 19.4oz / 550g
Colors: Men’s: Plume gray / Black / Classic navy / Cabin gold / Wax red; Women’s: Fresh teal / Rosehip / Current blue / Black
Compatibility: Hiking, mountaineering and alpine pursuits

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely waterproof
+
Stylish design
+
Solid eco credentials
+
RECCO Reflector

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavier than others on test
-
Bigger price tag than others in this guide
-
Hood needs regular adjustment

Technical and stylish, first impressions of the Patagonia Triolet are good – it looks and feels like a jacket that can hold off extreme weather and filled our tester with confidence from the off. However, how did it stand up on the mountain?

For the hefty price you get a triple-layer Gore-Tex workhorse that won't be bothered by a heavy backpack filled with gear. However, the durability means it's pretty heavy, tipping the scales at 550g / 19.4oz just in a size small, which is as much as some ultralight tents. It will keep out snow though, and is marketed by Patagonia as a hardshell for the snowsport lover as well as Alpine mountaineer.

The jacket has two generous hand warmer pockets, two large chest pockets (with waterproof zips) and a large inner stash pouch, which we found ideal for carrying gloves, maps or anything else we wanted to keep out of the weather. It also comes with two huge underarm vents that allowed us to dump heat while keeping dry and features a built-in RECCO reflector in the neck.

Read our full Patagonia Triolet Alpine Mountaineering Hardshell review

The best insulated waterproof jacket

Columbia Mount Si Down Waterproof Parka

(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
The best insulated waterproof jacket

Specifications

Gender specification: Unisex
Sizes: XS-XXL
Filling: 650 fill duck down
Colors: Khaki / Beige / Black
Compatibility: A super-warm parka ideal for the coldest temperatures

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent insulation
+
Extremely comfortable
+
Fill is RDS-certified

Reasons to avoid

-
Potentially too warm for challenging ascents
-
Limited breathability
-
Unzippable pockets

The Columbia Mount Si Down Waterproof Parka is a very warm waterproof jacket with a design that gives you plenty of length while allowing you room to manouvre. It's perfect for when the conditions are chilly and damp, but it's not part of a layering system or the kind of jacket you can tuck into your backpack when the sun comes out.  it doesn't have the breathability of some, 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 650 fill power of RDS (Responsible Down Standard) -certified duck down, alongside Columbia’s Omni-Heat lining, which employs gold-hued metallic dots to reflect body heat. We found this to be an extremely warm coat when testing – on a par with some of the best puffer jackets, but with the added benefit of being fully weatherproof.

The faux fur can also be removed if you prefer, and there are multiple pockets. The Mount Si Down is an excellent choice for the extreme cold, and will have no problem protecting you from the lowest of temperatures.

Read our full Columbia Mount Si Down Waterproof Parka review

The best waterproof jacket for speed hiking

inov-8 VentureLite Jacket

Inov-8’s hiking jacket debut is a success, with a quality, lightweight waterproof that’s fit for the fells and mountains (Image credit: Alex Foxfield)
The best waterproof jacket for speed hiking

Specifications

Sizes: XS-XL
Weight : 450g / 15.9oz (men's)
Colors: Green / Black / Orange
Compatibility: Fast hiking and hill bagging

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight and packs away nicely
+
More breathable than other waterproof jackets
+
Good waterproofing
+
Recycled fabric content

Reasons to avoid

-
Pit vents can't be fastened
-
Most pockets not zippered

This is a high quality jacket directly aimed at hikers who like their adventures fast and light. We think it's a perfect three-season jacket, although we think you'll need to do some serious layering up if you want to wear it in the winter too.

It's lightweight, despite being constructed from a 3-layer waterproof fabric, and has a respectable hydrostatic head rating of 15,000mm. We like the fact that it incorporates recycled materials, which is something we'd like to see as standard.

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. Our tester said jackets like this made uncomfortable sweaty ascents a "distant memory".

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 breathability

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket

(Image credit: Future)
The best waterproof jacket for breathability

Specifications

Sizes: S-XXL Men’s, XS-XL Women’s
Weight : 13.1oz / 368g (women’s small)
Colors: Ultra blue, Terrazzo, Crushed grape, Jade, Black, Malachite, Concrete, Deep fjord, Patrol orange
Compatibility: Hiking and ski touring

Reasons to buy

+
Pit zips are welcome
+
Hood is peaked and adjustable
+
PFC-free DWR present, as well as recycled content

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the lightest
-
Limited number of pockets
-
Expensive

With its neat fit and adjustable peaked hood, this Helly Hansen jacket offers style as well as some serious weather protection. Most of all, the Verglas Infinity Shell offers excellent breathability, allowing you to keep the jacket fully zipped in huge downpours while maintaining a lovely temperature. Because of this, the Verglas Infinity Shell is a must for those that are looking for something able to handle high exertion excursions in extreme weather. 

The jacket also comes with some useful features. Two-way pocket zippers are welcome, allowing access to your gear when wearing a backpack.The cuffs are adjustable alongside the hood, and the PFC-free DWR and recycled content make it quite eco-friendly. 

The drawback, as with many on this list, is the price, alongside a heaviness that may not be ideal depending on your preference. If you are looking to keep yourself cool while fully protected though, the Verglas Infinity Shell has you covered.

Read our full Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket review

The best waterproof jacket for comfort

The North Face Summit Torre Egger Futurelight jacket

(Image credit: Craig Taylor)
The best waterproof jacket for comfort

Specifications

Sizes: S - XXL
Weight : 19.7oz / 560g (men's)
Colors: TNF Blue / TNF Red / Cave Blue / Summit Gold / Citrine Yellow
Compatibility: Mountaineering, general hiking

Reasons to buy

+
Can be worn casually
+
Hood can be adjusted
+
Large internal pockets

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy material
-
Pricey

With it's excellent manoeuvrability and exceptional comfort levels, The North Face Summit Torre Egger Futurelight Jacket is a great pick for casual hikers or those more serious about mountaineering. While the material is on the heavy side, the jacket features The North Face's Futurelight fabric, which, according to The North Face, delivers, “breakthrough breathability”, “innovative waterproofness” and “exceptional comfort”.

The jacket fully delivers on these promises, offering protection from the elements with its three-layers while feeling more like a softshell-style jacket. There are intuitive design choices here too, with a cut that allows a surprising amount of freedom when moving, zips that work well with gloves, wrist cuffs, internal dump pockets and a hood that caters for a helmet better than most. 

The main drawback here is the price, with the Torre Egger coming in at the top end of the price spectrum for hardshells in this class. If you have the money though, you can't do much better for comfort. 

Read our full The North Face Summit Torre Egger Futurelight Jacket review

The best waterproof jacket on a budget

Columbia Ampli-Dry Waterproof Shell Walking Jacket

(Image credit: Future)
The best waterproof jacket on a budget

Specifications

Sizes: XS - XXL
Weight : 10.9oz / 310g
Colors: Nocturnal, Black
Compatibility: Hiking

Reasons to buy

+
Stretchy material
+
Handy underarm vents
+
Hood can be adjusted

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks breathability
-
Missing inner pockets
-
Limited colorways

This offering from Columbia will serve you well if you're looking for a general, high quality waterproof that doesn't break the bank. It fends off most weather conditions extremely well, while feeling lightweight and easy to move around in thanks to its stretchy material.

The hood is excellent too, with a snug, secure fit without blocking vision, while not blowing down in the wind or letting too much rain in. The key factor here is the price,  far cheaper than other offerings on this list while bringing a level of quality exceeding what your may find in other jackets at this price point. 

Breathability is where the Columbia Ampli-Dry falls down however, with moisture buildup on the linings when in certain situations, despite the excellent underarm vents. If you're looking for something more able to withstand harsher conditions, this one isn't for you. But as a cheap and solid all-rounder? The Ampli-Dry definitely fits the bill.

Read our full Columbia Ampli-Dry Waterproof Shell Walking Jacket review

The best waterproof jacket for portability

Columbia OutDry Extreme Mesh Waterproof Hooded Shell Jacket

This is a rugged and reasonably packable rain shell with a streamlined design (Image credit: Future)
The best waterproof jacket for portability

Specifications

Sizes: S-XXL (XS in women's)
Weight Men's: 313g / 11oz (men's)
Colors: Red hibiscus / Black
Compatibility: Hiking, backpacking, camping

Reasons to buy

+
Watertight and breathable
+
Adjustable hood pulls in tight
+
Roomy pockets
+
Packs away small

Reasons to avoid

-
Zip isn't completely smooth running
-
Fabric finish isn't luxe

Columbia has made a slightly unusual design decision with its OutDry Extreme Mesh Waterproof Hooded Shell jacket, putting it waterproof membrane on the outside, which makes for a lighter and more watertight shell, and a shiny finish that won't be to everyone's tastes.

It has taped seams and adjustable cuffs and hem, which we found really did keep the rain out when we encountered a deluge during our test. The liner might not be the softest we've encountered but it does a great job of wicking sweat and is highly breathable, meaning that, at least on milder treks, the lack of underarm vents wasn't an issue.

The adjustable hood pulls in tight nicely around your head to keep it firmly in place during high winds. The low cut keeps you dry when sitting on wet rocks. 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 strong 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 eco credentials

Patagonia Torrentshell

This three-layer waterproof jacket is made from recycled fabrics and stuffs into its own pocket for easy carrying (Image credit: Jonathan Manning)
The best waterproof jacket for eco credentials

Specifications

Size : XS-XXL
Weight : 394g/14oz
Colors: Roots red / Supply green / Mango / Andes blue / Forge grey / Fire / Industrial green / Classic navy / Coriander brown / Black

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Great colour choice
+
Eco-friendly credentials
+
Close hood fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Pockets could be blocked by rucksack hip belts

The huge range of colors to choose from will be your only difficult decision when it comes to the Torrentshell, which scored very highly when we tested, and has ten options for men and nine for women.

It has a sweat wicking membrane and a knitted tricot liner that felt lovely next to the skin. The neck also has a micro-fleece lining to make life cosier when the heavens open. When it does rain, the outer shell, which is made from a tough, recycled nylon, will protect you from the deluge.

When faced with the joy that is sideways rain, the velcro cuffs and hem drawcord, internal and external storm flaps and adjustable hood do a lot of heavy lifting to keep the water out.

Should you be lucky enough for conditions to dry out, the hood folds and hooks down, and pit zips help regulate your temperature, which we found very useful. And when it’s sunny, we were able to stuff the whole jacket into its own hand pocket for easy carrying. It’s made from recycled materials and is fair-trade certified.

Read our full Patagonia Torrentshell waterproof jacket review

The best two layer jacket

Salewa Puez Paclite GTX waterproof jacket

The level of protection offered impressive when you consider the very reasonable price tag (Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
The best two layer jacket

Specifications

Sizes: Men's: S-XXL; Women's: XS-XL
Weight (Men's Large): 373g / 13.2oz
Materials: 2-layer Gore-Tex, 100% recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR finish
Waterproofing rating: HH 28,0000mm
Breathability rating: RET <6 m2Pa/W
Colors: Men’s: Black / Blue electric / Golden brown / Dark olive / Autumnal orange / Yellow gold; Women’s: Beige oatmeal / Black / Golden brown / Pink mauvemood / Pink zephyr / Red syrah
Compatibility: Alpine trekking, mountaineering, backpacking, hiking, climbing, snow sports

Reasons to buy

+
Very lightweight
+
Highly waterproof and breathable
+
Comfortable fit
+
Plenty of technical features

Reasons to avoid

-
Fabric doesn't give
-
You might want more pockets
-
US version uses Pertex with a lower HH rating than Gore-Tex

This stylish lightweight but extremely weatherproof outer jacket from Salewa is made with Gore-Tex Paclite and it shows. 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 eco 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 or down jacket, you may need to consider going up a size.

Read our full Salewa Puez Paclite GTX review

The best waterproof jacket for versatility

Jack Wolfskin Moonrise 3-in-1 waterproof jacket

The Jack Wolfskin Moonrise 3-in-1 jacket comes with a fleece mid layer that you can easily zip in and out, depending on the conditions (Image credit: Future)
The best waterproof jacket for versatility

Specifications

Gender specification: Women's only
Sizes: XS-XXL
Weight: 750g / 26.5oz (size S)
Waterproof rating: HH 10,000mm
Breathability rating: 6,000g/m2/24hrs
Materials: PFC-free Texapore Core outer shell, with a Polartec 200 inner jacket
Colors: Night blue, Black, New magenta
Compatibility: Lower level hikes and hill-walking

Reasons to buy

+
Outer hand pockets have zips
+
You can clean in the washing machine
+
No PFCs used
+
Some recycled materials

Reasons to avoid

-
Uninspiring design
-
Hood is on the small side
-
Women's version only - for the men's equivalent see the Taubenberg 3-in-1 jacket

This is a versatile jacket made up of two pieces that zip apart - an outer shell and an inner fleece. The shell has a decent level of waterproofing (HH 10,000mm) that will see you right in fairly hefty downpours but may not be suitable for the very worst conditions. Instead, this is a jacket for cold, but not freezing, days, lower level hikes and hill-walking. The outer is reasonably breathable (6,000g/m2/24hrs) and during our test both waterproofing and breathability performed well during an absolute deluge, despite a lack of underarm vents.

It has two large hand pockets that are zippable, making an easy place to store valuables, and a high quality YKK front opening zip, with a nicely made zip garage to stop long hair or skin getting caught in it. Adjustable velcro cuffs help to keep the rain out, but we would have liked to see some kind of tightening system on the hood as well. There's no chest pocket, but this isn't a jacket for intrepid explorers. It's a mid-level jacket designed for mid-level conditions and it does that task well.

The inner is made from recycled Polartec 200 fleece and is super soft against the skin. It also has two hand pockets, but these don't zip up, which felt like an oversight to our tester. The inner and outer zip together at the front, with loops and poppers at the neck and cuffs and these were simple to use, whether putting the two parts together or separating them. For the men's equivalent see the Jack Wolfskin Taubenberg 3-in-1 jacket

Read our full Jack Wolfskin Moonrise 3-in-1 jacket review