Investing in the best waterproof jacket you can find is essential if you spend lots of time outdoors. Wearing layers is one thing, but that last shell layer is the garment that will protect you from the rain and the wind – something that will certainly save your day and could even save your life in some situations.
For this guide, we've reviewed a range of options from a number of brands. The picks you'll find here are all waterproof yet breathable, protective, and packable enough to be easily stowed in a backpack and whipped out when a rain shower begins. Need some more buying advice? Head to the bottom of this article for tips on what to look for. If not, read on for our pick of the best waterproof jackets.
Best waterproof jackets to buy right now
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Just how capable and versatile the Klattermusen Syr Unisex Levitend Hooded Parka is might surprise some. At first sight, you might think the longline, oversized waterproof jacket is nothing more than a gimmick. 'Is this for hiking or parading around on Paris Fashion Week?' you might add.
In reality, all features of the Syr Levitend Parka serve a purpose. It's long to keep all your body dry, no matter how hard it rains. It's oversized, so you can throw it over multiple layers of garments without feeling restricted. It has a large, adjustable hood so you can pull it over helmets or large hats (or large heads).
The Syr Levitend Parka has a moisture vapour permeability of over 20,000 g/m²/24h and a hydrostatic head of over 20,000 mm, making it an incredibly capable outdoor garment. And all that without sacrificing style. Absolutely fantastic – no wonder we rated it so highly in our review linked below.
Read our full Klattermusen Syr Unisex Levitend Hooded Parka review
The Arc'teryx Beta Jacket is the best waterproof jacket around right now for our money. Pleasingly light and packable, it's beautifully constructed with lots of attention to detail – just check out the precisely bonded and finished seams. It's made of three-layer Gore-Tex fabric with Gore C-knit backer technology, which is a bit of a mouthful, but all you need to know is that it'll keep the wind and rain out while still being breathable.
Its hood features a slightly stiffened peak, ripstop lining and a single adjustment loop, although note there's no room for a helmet underneath it. And while its inside pocket is useful in town, it's a lot less handy when you're up on the hills. Generally, though, this is an outstanding all-rounder, and while it's not exactly cheap, it is the most reasonably priced from this premium brand. If you need something more technical, you'll find plenty of other choices in the Arc'teryx Beta range (including the Beta AR jacket, which has a hood that is helmet-compatible).
Read our full Arc'teryx Beta Jacket review
The Adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY 2.5-Layer Rain Jacket was launched alongside the Terrex WMN Mid R.RDY Hiking Shoe as part of a new collection aimed at, designed and tested by women. This rain jacket delivers style and quality and should be a wardrobe staple for any woman who likes to spend time outdoors.
During testing, we loved the jacket's breathability and flexibility, not to mention the four zipped pockets. It's also highly packable and can be stuffed in one of its pockets (although we struggled with it). Works great both around town and in nature, the Adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY 2.5-Layer Rain Jacket gives you the peace of mind that even if the heavens open, you will still be dry, and the hood won't blow off with a sudden gust of wind.
Read our full Adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY 2.5-Layer Rain Jacket review.
Artilect's M-Intersect Doubleweave Jacket is an incredible piece of outdoor gear. It's flexible, offers moisture protection and some surprisingly high-tech features for an outer shell. Most importantly, it provides all-day comfort, which is not a bad quality for a jacket you might wear for longer periods when hiking.
Bear in mind the Empel DWR offers some water-repellency, but it's not fully waterproof. Artilect says the jacket is ideal for extreme conditions, and although we didn't test it in the mountains, we can confirm the M-Intersect Doubleweave Jacket can keep you dry in the rain and sheltered in the wind.
Look no further than the Artilect M-Intersect Doubleweave Jacket if you're after a comfortable, water-resistant coat that feels right at home on the trail. The fact that Artilect is less well-known than The North Face, Arc'teryx or Jack Wolfskin makes it ideal for those trailblazers who prefer to be at the forefront of innovation.
Read our full Artilect M-Intersect Doubleweave Jacket
The Chrome Industries Storm Salute Commute is a versatile rain shell for cyclists that works both on and off the bike. This 2.5-layer fully taped rain shell works on and off the bike, mainly because it doesn't look like a hardcore cycling jacket – no one will think you're a MAMIL wearing the Storm Salute Commute.
The two-way zipper allows you to open the jacket to suit your body position, whether you're cycling or walking. However, it's not waterproof enough to protect you from heavy rainfall, and it also dries slowly, but the multiple zipped pockets, reflective details and rider-optimised fit are all nice touches.
Read our full Chrome Industries Storm Salute Commute Jacket review
The Rohan Momentum lightweight waterproof jacket isn't one for wearing all day; it's a compact jacket that stows nicely in its own Packpocket, designed to be taken everywhere and pulled out when the weather takes a turn for the worst. Its 2.5 Layer Barricade Standard technology is claimed to be 10 times as waterproof as the British standard for waterproofing, and it definitely does the job, keeping you dry while also keeping out the wind and remaining breathable.
It's a good-looking jacket with a minimalist appearance, and while it'll look a little crumpled when you pull it out, it'll smooth down a bit after a few minutes of wear. Essentially this is a high-end pack-a-mac, and it does the job brilliantly, with a great fit and a good degree of adjustment, and it should last you several years.
Read our full Rohan Momentum lightweight waterproof jacket review
The Berghaus MTN Guide Hyper Alpha jacket is a pretty unique jacket. Sitting somewhere between a mid-layer and an outer shell, it offers breathable, wind- and waterproof protection for adventurous escapades on peaks, crags and exposed moors, but it’s also insulated. Bringing together two high-performance fabrics - Hydroshell Elite and Polartec Alpha - it is, basically, a one-product alternative to the layering system most of us go for when venturing out into the elements, and as such it is going to delight some people, and perhaps horrify others.
Read our full Berghaus MTN Guide Hyper Alpha jacket review
Looking for an eco-friendly option? Check out the Finisterre's Stormbird. Sitting at the top of the Finisterre waterproof jacket range, the Stormbird is made from 100% recycled nylon with a planet-friendly FC-free DWR finish no slouch when it comes to performance: it boasts a 20k hydrostatic head rating, plus two-way waterproof zips and taped seams to ensure you stay completely dry, even in the wettest conditions.
The triple-layered fabric is flexible, not crinkly, and impressively breathable – you won't end up in a sweaty mess as you try and complete that hike in the rain. There's an internal chest pocket for valuables, and two large hand pockets, placed high up so as to remain accessible if you've got a backpack waist strap fastened. If we had to nit-pick, we found the zips a little clunky to open and close, but it's a very minor complaint on what is an otherwise outstanding waterproof jacket.
Read our full Finisterre Stormbird review
The Montane Spine jacket is the best waterproof jacket for trail runners – which makes sense because its name comes from a series of notoriously brutal ultra-races. Made from 13 Denier GORE-TEX Active shell, the priority here is size and weight – and it is indeed extremely light and very packable. But that's not all it has going for it. Fittings are minimal to avoid unnecessary additional weight, you've still got two zippered hand pockets and a hood with elasticated hem, and you've got a full-length front zip with an aqua guard to keep the water out.
While this is an excellent option for ultra-runners, and the extreme packability might make it appealing for more general outdoor adventuring too, be aware that this isn't the most robust waterproof around, so you'll need to be careful to avoid scuffs and snags.
Read our full Montane Spine jacket review
If you're willing to go for something slightly heavier and bulkier, the Paramo Velez is the comfiest waterproof jacket we've ever tried. The fabric – Nikwax Analogy – is slippery and rustle-free yet still effectively waterproof, and there's a soft mesh lining that ups the comfort factor further. It's warmer than your average shell, but you can let the air in through the upper arm vents or the pockets (the latter, thanks to an occasionally confusing double-or-triple zip system). There are design touches that'll appeal to outdoorsy types, including reflective flashes for visibility and glove-friendly zip pulls.
Read our full Paramo Velez review
Falling somewhere between a standard waterproof and a high-end technical mountain shell, the Montane Pac Plus XT is a lightweight jacket that delivers plenty of protection from the wind and the rain. It's made of Gore-Tex Paclite Plus, a 100% recycled two-ply successor to the original Paclite fabric that's tough and packable. However, its breathability isn't all that; you'll appreciate the pit zips if you're on the move all day.
With a pair of large hand pockets plus a zip chest pocket, there's plenty of room to stash your odds and ends, and its three-way adjustable hood is a delight, with a rear shock cord running around the crown of your head to help you get a really snug fit, plus a peak with an old-school wire for stiffness and packability, and there's even a 'beard guard' strip down the top of the front zip for added comfort.
Read our full Montane Pac Plus XT waterproof jacket review
The Jack Wolfskin Eagle Peak Jacket is a surprisingly impressive waterproof jacket, combining strong performance against the elements with a smart and stylish design. Standouts are the concealed adjusters and excellent hood, as well as the sporty alpine-style cut, which is nice and comfortable. It's not the most lightweight option on our list, and the Texapore isn’t quite as breathable as some more expensive options. But overall, it's still a strong recommendation.
Read our full Jack Wolfskin Eagle Peak Jacket review
How to choose the best waterproof jacket for you
First up is to determine whether a jacket is fully waterproof or just water repellent. The best waterproof jackets keep you completely dry – think a mountain peak in driving rain – while water-repellent jackets guard against light showers of the kind that quickly come and go. When choosing the best waterproof jacket for you, let that distinction dominate your choice.
What are you going to be using your waterproof jacket for most regularly? Are we talking multi-day hikes in summer where something lightweight – and which packs down small – would make your life easier? Or are you going to be using it mainly for walking the dog on rainy days? In which case, go for something bulkier and lined for extra warmth.
Either way, waterproof jackets with eco-friendly credentials are now all the rage among the top brands. This welcome trend centres on garments that don't use PFCs (PerFluorinated Compounds), toxic chemicals that saturate our environment. They've traditionally been used to make weatherproof clothing because of their water and dirt-repellent characteristics. The top brands now actively eschew PFCs in favour of new eco-friendly fabrics and make a big noise about them.
As well as guarding against water, these new fabrics are generally breathable to limit how clammy and sweaty you get while being active. Some are quick-drying, which is useful when you're out walking in showers.
However, with many of these options, you'll still need to layer up to stay warm in cold conditions, so you'll also want to pick up one of the best fleece jackets and one of the best base layers. That way, you can keep yourself warm when the temperature dips and strip off when it warms up.
The colour you choose may not seem important, but brightly coloured options are a wise choice if you plan to hike up mountains. That will keep you visible as well as dry as you proudly march up a mountain or go for a long hike while wrapped in the waterproof jacket of your dreams.
