Best waterproof jackets 2023 for wet-weather walks and multi-day adventures

The best waterproof jackets and coats to keep you dry, whatever the weather

Best waterproof jacket 2023: Quick links

The North Face launch their latest Summit Series Trail Running collection

(Image credit: The North Face/Mathis Dumas)

00. Top 3↴
01. Best overall: Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket
02. Best for hiking: Arc'teryx Beta Jacket
03. Best for women: Adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY Jacket
04. Best for walking: Artilect M-Intersect Doubleweave Jacket
05. Best for heavy rain: Klattermusen Syr Levitend Parka
06. Best for cycling: Chrome Storm Salute Commute
07. Best premium: Jack Wolfskin Tapeless 2.0 Jkt
08. Best for mountains: Berghaus MTN Guide Hyper Alpha
09. Best for running: Montane Spine Jacket
10. Best for insulation: Paramo Velez
11. Best packable: Montane Pac Plus XT
12. Best budget: Jack Wolfskin Eagle Peak Jacket

The best waterproof jacket you can be an essential buy 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, including Klattermusen, The North Face, Adidas Terrex and more. The picks you'll find here are all waterproof (see also: what's hydrostatic head (HH) rating) yet breathable (see also: what's breathability), protective, and packable enough to be easily stowed in a hiking backpack and whipped out when a rain shower begins.

Matt Kollat T3
Matt Kollat

Some might get sad that the rainy season is upon us, but not you, dear reader, who knows full well that some moisture extracted from the clouds isn't an excuse not to go outside! With the below waterproof jackets, you can stay dry no matter the weather. And thanks to the best Black Friday deals appearing soon enough, you should be able to bag a premium coat for much less – it's time to shop (sensibly).

The Top 3

Best waterproof jackets to buy right now

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best overall

Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket review

(Image credit: Wandering Workshops/Emma McHale)
Best waterproof jacket overall

Specifications

Type: shell
Waterproofing (HH): minimum of 28,000 mm
Breathability: less than 13 on the RET scale
Pockets: 3 external, 1 internal, all zipped
Pit zips: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Bluesign-approved laminate
+
Lighter and more resilient than traditional GORE-TEX
+
Fair Wear approved
+
Plenty of storage options, incl. internal zipped chest pocket
+
Fully windproof

Reasons to avoid

-
There could be more clearing under the armpits

There is very little, if anything, to criticise about the Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket. It's a superb waterproof shell that will keep you protected from the elements in the mountains, where this jacket belongs. It can be used anywhere else, too, especially if you need a reliable, durable, waterproof shell for walking or cycling.

The innovative Gore-Tex ePE membrane does what it says in the box and provides ample protection from wind and rain without sacrificing breathability. The jacket has plenty of storage space and is adjustable to the nth degree to ensure the perfect fit in any environment.

It isn't cheap, but the Makalu Jacket is far from super expensive and provides tons of benefits for its wearer. An excellent choice for the environmentally-conscious mountaineer/hiker/walker!

Read our full Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket review.

Best for hiking

Woman wearing Arc'teryx Beta jacket on a mountainside, in the rainT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Future)
Best waterproof jacket for hiking

Specifications

Type: shell
Waterproofing: N30p 3L Gore-Tex fabric with Gore C-knit backer technology
Breathability: No information available
Pockets: 2 external, 1 internal
Pit zips: No

Reasons to buy

+
Impeccable build quality
+
Light and packable
+
Breathable and flexible

Reasons to avoid

-
Hood isn't helmet-compatible

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.

Read our full Arc'teryx Beta Jacket review.

Best for women

Adidas Terrex Multi RAIN.RDY 2.5-Layer Rain Jacket review

(Image credit: Sophie Higgs)
Best waterproof jacket for women

Specifications

Type: shell
Waterproofing: RAIN.RDY technology
Breathability: No information available
Pockets: 4 external zipped pockets
Pit zips: No

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight, packable design
+
Allows for a full range of motion
+
Stylish looks
+
Made from recycled materials

Reasons to avoid

-
It's hard to quantify how waterproof the RAIN.RDY technology is

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.

Best for walking

Artilect M-Intersect Doubleweave Jacket review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best waterproof jacket for walking

Specifications

Type: Shell
Waterproofing: Empel DWR
Breathability: N/A
Pockets: One external zipped chest pocket, two zipped hand pockets
Pit zip: No

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely comfortable
+
Doesn't feel like wearing a water-resistant jacket at all
+
Three zipped pockets are accessible without unzipping the jacket
+
Jacket can be connected to your Lifekey account via smart YKK Touchlink Zipper

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as packable and light as other lightweight waterproof jackets
-
Can't withstand heavy downpours

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.

Best for heavy rain

Klattermusen Syr Unisex Levitend Hooded Parka reviewT3 Awards 2023 Logo

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best waterproof jacket for heavy rain

Specifications

Type: shell
Waterproofing (HH): over 20,000 mm
Breathability: over 20,000 g/m²/24h
Pockets: 2 external
Pit zips: No

Reasons to buy

+
Over 20,000 g/m²/24h Moisture Vapor Permeability (MVP)
+
Oversized design and bellow at back to allow for use with daypacks under jacket
+
Slanted hand pockets with storm flap
+
Lightweight and packable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not everyone will be on board with the oversized, longline design

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.

Best for cycling

Chrome Industries Storm Salute Commute Jacket review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best waterproof jacket for cycling

Specifications

Type: Shell
Waterproofing: 2.5-layer fully taped rain shell
Breathability: N/A
Pockets: 2 external, 1 internal
Pit zips: No

Reasons to buy

+
Fully seam-taped rain shell
+
Stylish yet subtle design
+
Zipped internal and external pockets
+
Drawcord-adjustable hem and hood

Reasons to avoid

-
Not suitable for heavy downpours
-
Dries slowly

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.

Best premium

Jack Wolfskin Tapeless 2.0 Jkt reviewT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best premium waterproof jacket

Specifications

Type: Shell
Waterproofing: 10,000mm water column
Breathability: 6,000 MVTR value
Pockets: 2 external
Pit zips: No

Reasons to buy

+
Sustainable credentials
+
Provides significant weather protection
+
Raised pockets are easier to access while wearing backpacks
+
Comfortable and durable design

Reasons to avoid

-
Only available in men's version
-
Gets dirty pretty easily
-
Despite excellent waterproofing and breathability, it feels more stylish than functional

The Jack Wolfskin Tapeless 2.0 Jkt falls short of being the ultimate sustainable waterproof jacket in only a few areas. We appreciate that Jack Wolfskin found a way to combine an environmentally conscious design approach with comfort and durability – it's remarkable how protected you feel in the jacket.

That said, it feels the company is sitting on the fence a little bit about the purpose of the Tapeless 2.0 Jkt. Is it a fashion piece or a highly functional garment? Some features suggest the former, while the weather-ready construction the latter. Maybe it's a bit of both.

Not everyone will be able to justify the price of the Jack Wolfskin Tapeless 2.0 Jkt, but that's not the idea anyway. If you can't decide between getting a hardcore waterproof shell you can use on the trail or one that can be used as a daily jacket, this might be an excellent option for you.

Read our Jack Wolfskin Tapeless 2.0 Jkt review.

Best for mountain walking

Berghaus MTN Guide Hyper Alpha jacket

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best waterproof jacket for mountain walking

Specifications

Type: Packable shell
Waterproofing: Hydroshell Elite ultra-lightweight waterproof protection
Breathability: No information available
Pockets: 2 external sternum pockets
Pit zip?: No

Reasons to buy

+
Very lightweight and warm
+
Strong breathability game
+
Very packable

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite niche applications

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.

best for trail running

Montane Spine JacketT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best waterproof jacket for trail running

Specifications

Type: Shell
Waterproofing: 13 Denier GORE-TEX Active shell technology
Breathability: No informatio available
Pockets: Two mesh-lined external hand pockets
Pit zip?: No

Reasons to buy

+
Astonishingly breathable
+
Super lightweight and packable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most robust

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.

Best for insulation

Woman wearing Paramo Velez waterproof jacket, with harbour in the backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Future)
Best waterproof jacket for warmth

Specifications

Type: Mesh lined jacket
Waterproofing: Nikwax Analogy Waterproof system
Breathability: Not stated
Pockets: Two dual phase chest pockets
Pit zips: Yes (upper inside arm)

Reasons to buy

+
Ultra-comfy slippery fabric
+
Good ventilation options
+
Not noisy to wear

Reasons to avoid

-
There are lighter options
-
Doesn't pack down that small

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.

Best packable

Montane Pac Plus XT Waterproof JacketT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best packable waterproof jacket

Specifications

Type: Shell
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Paclite Plus
Breathability: Not stated
Pockets: Two external, one internal
Pit zips: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Super-packable
+
Lightweight
+
Tough and protective

Reasons to avoid

-
Short on breathability

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.

Best budget

Jack Wolfskin Eagle Peak JacketT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best budget waterproof jacket

Specifications

Type: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000 mm/Texapore O2+ Dobby
Breathability: 15,000 g/m²/24h
Pockets: Two hand pockets, inner pocket, secret pocket
Pit zips: No

Reasons to buy

+
Super comfy cut
+
Stylish looks
+
Excellent hood

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as breathable as some

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.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.

With contributions from