As one of the fundamental weapons in your hiking arsenal, having the best waterproof jacket for your adventures is key. Here, we present 17 jackets that we've tested thoroughly in the harsh backcountry.
Not only does the best waterproof jacket provide an effective shield against the rain, it'll also be highly breathable and wind resistant too. This makes it the ideal outer layer for hiking missions when cold or wet weather is on the cards. Get this right and you can pretty much hike in any conditions.
Our guide to the best waterproof jackets available in 2023 features optimum hard shells for really tough conditions, insulated waterproofs, stylish jackets we think are great for more casual wear, an interesting modular option, the finest eco-friendly shells and lightweight jackets that are perfect for fast-paced escapades. Whether you're heading out in your best hiking boots or looking to go fast with a pair of trail running shoes, there's a jacket here for you.
What all our selection have in common is quality. These are jackets that won't let you down. You may also want to check out our guide to the best women's waterproof jackets for shells that are designed with the female form in mind.
The best waterproof jackets
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The best waterproof jackets for harsh conditions
Helly Hansen’s Odin range offers top-of-the-category performance throughout, and while the Odin 1 might not be quite as high-specced as the Odin 9, it is lighter, cheaper, and will safely see the vast majority of us through any adventure we are ever likely to take on. It is constructed using the partly recycled Lifa Infinity material, topped with a hydrophobic PFC-free treatment, making it both fully waterproof and highly breathable. This jacket has been designed with input from international search and rescue teams, who know more than anyone else what works (and what doesn’t work) in the outdoors when conditions are against you. And this jacket is constructed to deal with nature at its gnarliest.
Other excellent features include an in-built Recco reflector (opens in new tab), which makes it easier for rescuers to find you if you’re caught by an avalanche or some other outdoor drama, and an emergency whistle built into the zip toggle on the outer chest pocket. The three-layer construction offers more warmth than many hard shells, but this jacket also has excellent venting – including zipped pit vents – that allows you to dump excess heat easily and quickly. There are two side pockets, and one chest pocket, all with zips, but no internal storage. The hem, hood and sleeves are all fully adjustable, and the helmet-compatible hood has a protective peak and a high zip with a chin guard (to avoid chafing and beard snagging).
Tested at the top of K2 (the world’s second highest, and statistically most dangerous, mountain) by OR ambassador and renowned alpinist Graham Zimmerman (opens in new tab), 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. It is a single-layer outer-layer hard shell, of course, so you will need to combine it with a warm midlayer if exploring in cold conditions.
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 (opens in new tab) face fabric means the garment is robust and dynamic - tough enough to take on multiple forays into the most challenging terrain. The underarm panels of the Helium AscentShell have been give particular attention, to facilitate stretch for mountain-climbing athletes, and the whole jacket has been designed to work well with climbing harnesses and helmets, with the arrangement of the pockets and the capacity of the hood.
Besides being helmet compatible, the hood features a peak and a high-reaching zip (with a chin guard to avoid rubbing or beard snagging) for extra face protection, and it is also fully adjustable. The hems and collars are also easily adjustable. Other features 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.
Designed in the Dolomites, this sensational jacket is perfect for wet-weather walking and other outdoor adventures, whether you’re hill hiking, trekking or even ski mountaineering. Made with a two-layer laminate construction, it features a very high performing Gore-Tex membrane and boasts a huge hydrostatic head rating of 28,000mm (making it mega waterproof – far more than most tents, for example). It’s also extremely breathable (with a tested rating of <6 m2Pa/W for the tech fabric fans out there) and very lightweight – tipping the scales at just 345g, so it’s easy to chuck into a backpack just in case. On the downside, there are no underarm pit vents, which can be handy when you want to dump excess heat quickly (if it had these, we would have given it a full 5 stars with bells on).
There are only two pockets on this design, too, but they have a large capacity and can easily take a sheet map along with other essential supplies, and both are protected by fully waterproof zips. The sleeves and shoulders are designed too give you plenty of stretch when you’re reaching for hand holds. The Puez GTX Paclite Jacket has an excellent insulated storm hood, with comprehensive face cover (along with a comfy chin guard) and a rear adjustment toggle. The hem is easily adjustable with a toggle, and the cuffs have large Velcro fastening flaps so you can secure them tightly around gloves. Unlike many Gore-Tex jackets, the Puez GTX Paclite doesn’t noisily rustle and crinkle when you’re wearing it. And, what’s more, the materials are 100% recycled.
A jacket built for demanding mountain adventures, the Exposure is ideal for technical climbing or backcountry skiing. The 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric is seriously protective, ensuring complete windproof and waterproof protection. The only negative is that the durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment of the face fabric is not PFC-free.
As you’d expect from the hefty price tag, it’s well equipped when it comes to features too. Single-pull Cohaesive cord-lock technology cinches the voluminous hood in tight. A laminated brim adds a little stiffness to deflect wind and rain away from the face. The bottom of the jacket has a pronounced drop tail and adjustable hem drawcords – again fitted with Cohaesive cord locks. Wide cuffs with chunky Velcro tabs fit over bulky winter gloves but provide a good weatherproof seal from the elements. You also get underarm vents, fitted with water-resistant laminated two-way zips, and two zippered hand pockets, again with water-resistant zips and chunky pull tabs, plus two oversized Napoleon-style zippered chest pockets. Inside the jacket, a stretch mesh dump pocket is a good place to temporarily stash gloves, and a small zipped security pocket provides safe storage for keys or electronic devices.
Despite its array of features and robust fabric, this jacket tips the scales at 1 lb 1oz, or 470g (in a men’s medium). That’s impressively light for a winter-grade waterproof shell. Indeed, it’s nearly half the weight of other jackets we’ve tested that are designed for similar conditions.
Read our full Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Pro review
Rather than the industry standard of shell and membrane, Paramo uses a DWR finish on the outer surface and Nikwax Analogy fabrics to draw water as well as vapour away from the skin and through the outer layer (most membranes only allow vapour, rather than condensed water to escape). It’s a warmer solution, best suited to chilly days and requiring a lighter baselayer than other waterproof shell jackets. The substantial wired hood rolls away when not in use, and two lengthy front zips open to provide good ventilation and access to an inner pocket. The fit is generous, delivering first class freedom of movement, while the longer tail extends the waterproof protection. The smock design is unusual and the styling won’t appeal to all, but it does allow for a huge, practical chest pocket – just be careful what you stow in it if you’re a regular Instagrammer as it can lead to an unflattering side profile.
Thrudark is an outdoor brand set up by two former British Special Forces operatives, with years of field and combat experience between them. It’s serious kit with a military design influence, and the Raid jacket is the brand’s flagship waterproof shell – designed for sustained use in arduous conditions, including technical mountaineering in snowy and icy terrain.
The immediate impression of this jacket is that it is exceptionally well-built. It’s crafted in Italy, and in military speak, this is Gucci kit. Let’s be clear though: this is no ‘fast and light’ rain shell – it’s a big and burly jacket designed for the harshest environments. It’s windproof, waterproof and highly breathable, while the oversized hood is designed to be compatible with a climbing helmet, and has a stiffened peak to deflect wind, rain and other precipitation.
As the serious price point suggests, Thrudark are positioning themselves to trade punches with Arc’teryx and the other heavy hitters of the outdoor gear world. This jacket looks and feels just as well-made as anything from those brands, and it’s even supplied with a waterproof roll-top dry bag to store it in – a nice touch. At this level, it’s all about going the extra mile to create a high-performance product that feels genuinely special, and here, Thrudark delivers.
Read our full ThruDark SF Raid waterproof jacket review
The Allgrön 2.0 is a technical three-layer shell with excellent sustainability credentials, designed for year-round mountain pursuits. It looks great, performs well and offers plenty of practical features. Build quality is solid, while the overall fit is fairly trim – ideal for lean, rangy climber types.
Flexibility and overall freedom of movement are excellent, helped by the slight stretch in the eco-friendly waterproof-breathable fabric. The Allgrön 2.0 also feels reassuringly protective, yet the fabric possesses a softer handle that makes it noticeably quieter and more supple than Gore-Tex Pro, whilst still being completely windproof. It has huge two-way pit zips and mesh-lined pockets for ventilation, plus a two-way main zip with double storm flaps. The shaped hood can accommodate a climbing helmet, but has rear volume adjustment and double face drawcords to cinch in it tightly if the weather closes in.
The unusual cuff adjustment features elasticated drawcords rather than flimsy Velcro tabs, which promise improved long-term durability, though it’s a feature that you’ll probably either love or hate. Admittedly, this isn’t the lightest shell out there, but then it’s designed to be burly enough to wear all winter – it even has a RECCO reflector for avalanche safety. If you’re out and about in really demanding conditions year-round, this is definitely a jacket worth considering.
Read our full Klättermusen Allgrön 2.0 review
An ultra hard-wearing hardshell, the Patagonia Triolet is a good-looking yet functional jacket that can hold off the very worst of the weather, giving you the ability to stride out in confidence.
This confidence comes at a premium, however. At $399 (£350), 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 for carrying gloves, maps or anything else you want to keep out of the weather. It also features a dual adjustment hem cord that can be pulled tight from inside the pockets themselves, as well as a fully adjustable helmet-compatible hood with a built-in brim to keep the rain off your face. Moreover, it also comes with two huge pit zips that let you dump heat while keeping dry, and features a built-in RECCO reflector in the neck.
Read our full Patagonia Men’s Triolet Alpine Mountaineering Hardshell review
The best insulated waterproof jackets for cold and wet walking
The Waverly Thermic is a wonderfully warm waterproof jacket that does the job of a midlayer and an outershell simultaneously for those times when conditions are both chilly and damp but you have planed a hike, need to walk the dog or find yourself standing on the sidelines of a sporting event. It’s not part of a layering system or the kind of jacket you want to be hauling around in a backpack while hiking – it’s 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. The borg-lined hood is particularly cozy on cold mornings and chilly star-spangled evenings. Hood, hem and sleeves are all adjustable, so you can get them nice and tight and keep the breeze out.
With a hydrostatic head rating of 15,000mm, the level of waterproof protection it offers is exceptional for such a warm jacket, and it also boasts great breathability according to the official rating (although, on test, we found it did get pretty toasty when tackling ascents). The storage is exceptional – 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. There is also dedicated mobile phone pocket and a pouch that is deliberately designed to accommodate an Ordinance Survey sheet map. Coming into spring, there are some very good deals (opens in new tab) to be found on this jacket, which is made to last and will see you through many shivery seasons to come.
The best waterproof jackets for hiking and city wear
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, it’s 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. This is 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. After all, there’s no point keeping rain out if your drenched in sweat on the inside. Underarm pit vents are also included for increased ventilation, though these are permanently open, which raises questions about the jacket's suitability for technical winter and alpine adventures.
Read our full inov-8 Venturelite Jacket review
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 truly does keep the wet weather out when you’re trudging through a deluge. The liner isn’t the softest fabric, but it is sweat wicking and breathable, meaning you don’t miss the 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 to keep the rain out of your eyes when it’s lashing down. The high collar keeps the rain from going down your front when it's zipped up, while an abrasion-resistant chin guard keeps it from rubbing. The low cut means it keeps your bum mostly dry if you want to perch 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 modular waterproof jackets
You essentially get three garments for the price of one with this modular wild-weather jacket, impressively made almost entirely from recycled materials. The coat is comprised of a quilted padded inner jacket, and a waterproof outer shell. The two garments can be worn completely separately, one without the other, or collectively as one integrated jacket. When you do choose to combine them they zip together to form one coat, with additional attachment poppers at the cuffs and on the back of neck, to which is handy when you reach your destination and want to keep your kit organized and easy to find.
The modular design effectively comprises two parts of the layering system, the mid and outer layers, and so long as you pop on a good base layer, the Journey jacket has you covered. The filling in the padded inner is comprised of microfibers, a synthetic alternative to down, and the lining fabrics are reasonably breathable. The outer layer has a decent storm hood, which can be pulled in around your face, and the hem and sleeves are also adjustable. With a hydrostatic head rating of 2,000, this shell layer is not as stormproof as many of the jackets here, but it can still cope with most downpours, and the inner is also water resistant.
There are two chest pockets with Velcro closures on the outer, as well as a pair of zipped hand pockets – all generously proportioned. There are no inner pockets, however, probably due to the modular design of the jacket. There are warmer midlayers out there, and more waterproof shells, but as a modular design this coat offers a lot of versatility. Full price it isn’t cheap, but the Journey jacket can be found heavily discounted as we move into the shoulder seasons, and it’s well made so it should see you through many more cold months in year to come.
The best eco-friendly waterproof jackets
The only difficult decision in choosing the Torrentshell as a waterproof jacket is picking a colour – there are 10 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 next to your 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. And when it’s sunny, the whole jacket stuffs 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 lightweight waterproof jackets
An evolution of the Montane Pac Plus jacket, the new Pac Plus XT jacket is lightweight and packable, but also comes with plenty of mountain-ready features. It’s aimed at hikers who want to move fast in the mountains, and for summer wear. Gore-Tex Paclite Plus fabric offers high levels of waterproofing and breathability, while a 40-denier nylon face (which is completely recycled), provides good durability.
Further mountain features include fully taped seams, a helmet-compatible hood with stiffened peak, two-way pit zips and two map-sized mesh-lined pockets. In addition, there is a two-way YKK Aquaguard front zip with an internal storm flap. Adjustable cuffs and hem, plus articulated arms allow for good freedom of movement.
Read our full Montane Pac Plus XT waterproof jacket review
Cumbria’s lakes don’t fill themselves, and you’re more likely to need a waterproof than sunscreen in Snowdonia, which is where the Rab Downpour Alpine enters the fray, ready to deliver all day weather protection in the most challenging conditions. Unusually and impressively for a jacket at this price, it uses a proprietary rather than own-brand fabric to square up to downpours. Made from 2.5-layer Pertex Shield, the Rab Downpour Alpine features a membrane bonded to the face fabric, with a coating on the inside. It’s less durable than a three-layer jacket, but it allows for freer movement and a smaller pack size when not in use. Two large chest pockets sit well above rucksack belts and easily swallow an Ordnance Survey map, while pit zips bring a breath of fresh air to sweaty armpits. The fleece-lined chin guard is a thoughtful touch for days when you’re grimacing into a climatic onslaught, and the malleable-peaked hood cinches to create a close, snug fit around your head.
This new American-made anorak offers hardshell-levels of waterproofing performance with a vastly reduced weight penalty, thanks to the three-layer Pertex construction. It has pockets all over the place, from the sleeves to a large pouch across the gut, which is useful for stashing a paper map in. The side pocket angles backwards – which means you can carry the contents without it flapping around too much while you’re moving – and this also functions as a stow pouch to make the jacket extra packable.
The waterproofing is reliable, but there isn’t much in the way of venting, with just a half-length front zip. That said, we found it to be pretty breathable. The hood can be adjusted via one toggle at the back, and can be tightened to some extent, but with the emphasis being on making the jacket as light as possible, there is no peak or structure to the hood to help keep the elements out when things get really wild. It can also be tightened at the waist. The Yuba is a fantastic looking piece of apparel (at least until you put the hood up), well styled and available in a range of nice colorways).
Read our full Beyond Clothing Yuba Ultralight K6 Rain Anorak
Intended as an entry-level affordable waterproof for general use, this fairly versatile jacket is 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. The outer fabric is 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
| Waterproof jacket | Price | Weight | Style | Best use |
| Helly Hansen Odin 1 World Infinity Jacket | $500 (US)/ £400 (UK) | Men's: 440g / 15.5oz; women’s: 400g / 14oz | High performance, technical shell | 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 | High performance, technical shell | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, winter and alpine mountaineering |
| Salewa Puez GTX Paclite Jacket | £200 (UK) | 345g / 12oz | Lightweight, high performance, technical shell | Hiking, trekking, skiing, mountaineering |
| Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 GTX Pro | $650 (US) / £555 (UK) | 470g / 16.5oz | High performance, technical shell with Gore-Tex | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, winter and alpine mountaineering |
| Paramo Velez Adventure Smock | £245 (UK) | 720g / 1lb 9oz | High performance shell | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, winter and alpine mountaineering |
| Thrudark SF Raid | $700 (US) / £545 (UK) | 780g / 28oz | High performance, technical shell | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, winter and alpine mountaineering |
| Klättermusen Allgrön 2.0 | $600 (US) / £372 (UK) | 624g / 22oz | High performance, technical shell | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, winter and alpine mountaineering |
| Patagonia Men's Triolet Alpine Mountaineering Hardshell | $399 (US) / £350 (UK) | 19.4oz / 550g | High performance, technical shell | Hiking, mountaineering and alpine pursuits |
| Craghoppers Waverley Thermic Jacket | £160 (UK) | – | Waterproof jacket with hollowfibre insulation | 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 | Lightweight waterproof shell | Fast hiking and hill bagging |
| Columbia OutDry Extreme Mesh Waterproof Hooded Shell Jacket | $250 (US) / £225 (UK) | 11oz / 313g | High performance shell | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking |
| Mountain Warehouse Journey Men’s Recycled 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket | £219.99 (UK) | – | Modular 3-in-1 waterproof jacket | A very protective and cozy jacket on cold and rainy days |
| Patagonia Torrentshell | $150 (US) / £150 (UK) | 394g / 14oz | Lightweight waterproof shell | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, skiing |
| Montane Pac Plus XT jacket | $320 (US)/ £250 (UK) | Men's 375g / 13oz; women’s: 330g / 11.5oz | Lightweight waterproof shell | Speed hiking, fastpacking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, skiiing |
| Rab Downpour Alpine | £160 (UK) | 400g / 14oz | Standard waterproof shell | Hiking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, skiing |
| Beyond Clothing Yuba Ultralight K6 Rain Anorak | $285 (US) | 227g / 8oz | Lightweight waterproof shell | Speed hiking, fastpacking, backpacking, hut-to-hut trekking, skiiing |
| Adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY waterproof jacket | $120 (US) / £100 (UK) | Men’s XS-2XL; Women’s XS-XL | Standard waterproof shell | 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.
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.
