When it comes to outdoor adventures, having the right gear can make all the difference. And if you've ever been caught in a sudden downpour or faced gusty winds on a mountain hike, you know the importance of a reliable waterproof jacket.
Whether scaling peaks or walking the dog on a rainy evening, a high-quality shell layer can be your best ally against the elements, providing essential protection and ensuring your comfort.
Each jacket featured in this guide is not only waterproof but also breathable, offering the perfect balance of protection and comfort. We've considered factors like hydrostatic head (HH) rating (see also: what's hydrostatic head (HH) rating) and breathability (what's breathability?) to ensure that these jackets can withstand the most demanding conditions while keeping you dry and comfortable.
T3's favourite waterproof jacket right now is Mountain Equipment's Makalu Jacket, made with Gore-Tex's ePE technology. It's a superb coat that protects you from rain and wind. Check out the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket for something lighter, the perfect outer layer for dog walking and light hikes. For running, we'd recommend Patagonia's updated Storm Racer.
Best overall
The Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket is a highly reliable, durable, and environmentally-conscious choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Its innovative Gore-Tex ePE membrane ensures excellent protection against wind and rain, while maintaining breathability. Ideal for mountaineering or any adventure requiring a top-tier waterproof shell.
Best lightweight
The Arc'teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket excels in versatility and performance, offering exceptional weather protection, breathability, and comfort in a minimalist design. It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable, lightweight shell for various activities.
Best for running
The Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket delivers reliable weather protection in a lightweight, packable form, making it great for runners and hikers. While the double-zip system adds versatility, some users might find it less intuitive, and the jacket's durability could be a concern for more demanding use. Overall, it's a strong performer with a few trade-offs.
Best for walking
The Columbia Ampli-Dry Waterproof Jacket is a solid choice for outdoor activities, offering dependable waterproofing and breathability at an accessible price. It’s lightweight and versatile, but the fit might be a bit snug for some users, and it lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end models.
Best windproof
The Rab Namche Gore-Tex Jacket excels in providing robust weather protection. Its durable Gore-Tex construction makes it ideal for challenging conditions. Its premium build comes at a higher price, and the weight might be noticeable for those seeking ultra-light options. However, it's well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritise performance and reliability.
Best for heavy rain
Albeit stiffer than most lightweight shells, The North Face Stolemberg 3L DryVent Jacket offers reliable waterproof protection and breathability, making it suitable for outdoor activities in variable conditions. Its durable construction and practical features, like the adjustable hood, are highlights.
Best waterproof jackets to buy right now
Why you can trust T3
Best overall
Specifications
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We had the opportunity to test the Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket in the challenging terrain of the Scottish Highlands. Designed for mountaineering and trekking, the Makalu Jacket features the innovative Gore-Tex ePE membrane, which provides durable waterproofing and breathability.
With its Alpine Fit and ample storage pockets, it proved to be well-equipped for harsh conditions. Despite its slightly heavier weight, we found the jacket's protection and versatility to be exceptional. Throughout our adventures, the Makalu Jacket demonstrated its performance in wind and rain, impressing us with its environmental sustainability and Fair Wear certification.
We highly recommend the Makalu Jacket for its quality construction, environmental consciousness, and reasonable price point. It is an excellent choice for environmentally conscious mountaineers, hikers, and walkers alike.
Read our full Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket review.
Also consider: The 66°North Snaefell Jacket is versatile, waterproof, windproof, and breathable, ideal for various outdoor activities. Made from sustainable Polartec Power Shield Pro, it offers excellent protection and comfort with a soft fabric and practical features, though it's slightly heavier.
Best lightweight
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The Arc'teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket, designed for mountainous conditions, offers exceptional performance and innovation. Featuring a lightweight Gore-Tex ePE construction, it balances breathability and waterproofing, ideal for various outdoor pursuits.
Its 40D 3L GORE-TEX protection with FC0 DWR treatment repels external moisture while allowing internal moisture to escape, supported by Gore C-Knit technology for flexibility and durability. Weighing only 380 grams (men's medium), it includes a helmet-compatible StormHood for optimal peripheral vision and rain protection.
Despite its lightweight design, the jacket maintains superb construction quality with glove-friendly Velcro cuff adjusters and an embedded RECCO reflector for emergency situations. During testing, the Beta Lightweight Jacket demonstrated excellent heat management and flexibility, suitable for daily tasks and light outdoor activities.
While its waterproofing performs well in light rain, it may not be as durable in heavy downpours, requiring additional waterproofing treatment for extended use in harsh conditions. Despite this, its soft fabric, superb hood construction, and premium materials make it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a lightweight and versatile jacket.
Read our full Arc'teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket review.
Best for running
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The Patagonia Storm Racer jacket is the featherweight champion of trail running gear, weighing in at a mere 204g – lighter than a pair of fluffy socks!
This PFC-free waterproof shell has pockets big enough to hide a smartphone or stash the jacket itself (because who needs bulk?) – it's like the Mary Poppins bag of outdoor gear.
Just beware: using it for longer in moderate or heavy rain might result in some water seeping through the seams. You might want to consider bringing an umbrella hat for backup!
However, for light showers and high-intensity activities, it's your trusty sidekick, keeping you dry and cosy without weighing you down. The jacket's breathability is adequate, though condensation may occur during extended use.
Overall, it is an ideal choice for high-intensity outdoor activities, providing excellent protection and comfort in a lightweight package.
Read our full Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket 2024 review.
Best for walking
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An excellent shell jacket available for a brilliantly budget-orientated price, the Ampli-Dry coat from Columbia is lightweight, reliably wind- and waterproof, comfortably breathable and boasts some fantastic features for the all-weather year-round day walker.
The pockets are massive, the hood is good, the pit vents are sensational for effective on-trail temperature control and the Omni-Tech material used is quiet and very easy to fold up and pack, as well as providing proper protection from the elements. Unless you’re regularly bagging high peaks in apocalyptic conditions, this jacket is all the shell protection you’re really likely to need, and it’s accessible and available in a range of good-looking colours.
Read our full Columbia Ampli-Dry Waterproof Jacket review.
Best windproof
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Crafted with the latest iteration of Gore-Tex fabric, the Rab Namche provides exceptional storm-proofing and breathability, ensuring comfort during extended periods of activity such as hiking, orienteering, and dog walking.
The jacket underwent rigorous testing, including exposure to wet and windy conditions during various outdoor excursions. During a brisk leaflet-dropping run in the late winter rain, the Namche's wired hood with a stiffened peak proved invaluable in maintaining visibility and shielding against the elements.
Additionally, a two-hour-long dog walk through farm fields and woodland showcased the jacket's durability as it resisted snagging on bramble branches.
The jacket's smooth yet robust material easily shed water and exhibited minimal water marking upon drying. Weighing just 437g, the Namche offers remarkable lightness and compressibility, making it ideal for backpacking and everyday use.
With features like a high collar, spacious exterior pockets, and long pit zips for ventilation, the Rab Namche is a standout choice for those seeking reliable protection and comfort in the great outdoors.
Read our full Rab Namche Gore-Tex Jacket review.
Best for heavy rain
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The North Face Stolemberg 3L DryVent Jacket isn't the perfect waterproof jacket for all occasions. It's a bit stiff and heavy, and the Stolemberg 3L DryVent Jacket isn't the most breathable garment, either.
However, it's a superb outer shell for mountaineering and other outdoor activities where you need the best protection against the elements. This jacket will keep you bone dry, thanks to the 3-layer DryVent construction, the large hood and the adjustable cuff and hem.
Highly recommended for those who need the best protection from the elements and need a reliable outer shell when hiking up mountains or trekking coastal paths in December with the wind blowing into your face horizontally.
Read our full The North Face Stolemberg 3L DryVent Jacket review.
Best packable
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The secret to comfort, dryness, and warmth in winter's wilds is the layering system, starting with a reliable waterproof shell. Montane's Phase Lite Waterproof Jacket is a standout option, excelling in lightweight, packable design without sacrificing weatherproofing.
The Gore-Tex Active material ensures breathability while shielding from rain and snow, crucial for alpine pursuits. Despite weight savings, it features adjustable elements like the storm hood, sleeves, and hem, enhancing versatility for various activities. The jacket's compactness allows easy stowing in packs for on-demand use, a boon for ultrarunners and gram-conscious adventurers.
While its performance in low-humidity environments is exceptional, users in moist conditions may find ventilation lacking due to the absence of pit zips. Durability concerns and internal dampness under high exertion in wetter environments are considerations, but for mountain activities where rapid movement is key, the Phase Lite's lightweight construction and protective features make it a reliable choice.
Read our full Montane Phase Lite Waterproof Jacket review.
Best full-length
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The Klattermusen Syr Levitend Parka stands out as an oversized, waterproof jacket crafted from lightweight Levitend fabric in a Cutan construction. This unique material ensures breathability while offering complete waterproofing with fully taped seams, making it ideal for outdoor adventures in wet conditions.
Its design includes a longer front for added protection against the elements, complemented by a shorter back for enhanced mobility. The jacket features a 3D-adjustable hood and adjustable sleeve hems for customisable fit and coverage. Its slanted two-way zipper adds versatility, allowing wearers to adjust ventilation and freedom of movement as needed.
Moreover, the generously sized pockets provide ample storage space and keep hands dry during inclement weather. Despite its oversized silhouette, the Syr Levitend Parka remains remarkably lightweight, ensuring comfort during extended wear.
While some users may find the oversized pockets unnecessary, the jacket's overall versatility, functionality, and stylish design make it a standout choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable performance in adverse conditions.
Read our full Klattermusen Syr Unisex Levitend Hooded Parka review.
Best premium
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The Jack Wolfskin Tapeless 2.0 Jacket represents a significant departure from traditional waterproof garments by eliminating the need for seam tape. This departure is rooted in the brand's commitment to enhancing comfort, sustainability, and durability.
Constructed with Texapore Core Fuse Stretch Ripstop fabric, the jacket offers exceptional waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection. During rigorous testing in wet conditions, the Tapeless 2.0 Jacket proved to be highly effective, providing reliable protection against the elements. However, some minor issues were noted, such as adjustments needed to the cuffs and potential staining problems due to the jacket's light colour.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Tapeless 2.0 Jacket strikes a balance between fashion and functionality. Its versatile design makes it suitable for both outdoor activities and everyday wear. While its higher price point may deter some buyers, those seeking a versatile and high-performance jacket may find it worth the investment. Overall, the Tapeless 2.0 Jacket offers a compelling option for individuals looking for a durable, sustainable, and stylish outerwear solution.
Read our Jack Wolfskin Tapeless 2.0 Jkt review.
Best for mountain walking
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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 parka
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The Fjallraven Nuuk Lite stands out as a versatile, weatherproof winter jacket that defies expectations of "light" outerwear. Despite its lightweight construction, it offers impressive warmth and durability, not to mention its 10,000 mm hydrostatic head rating, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear in milder winter conditions. With thoughtful features like an adjustable hood, cuffs, and ample pocket storage, it strikes a balance between functionality and style.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the Nuuk Lite incorporates recycled materials and environmentally friendly design elements. Its use of 100% recycled polyamide and polyester demonstrates Fjallraven's commitment to reducing environmental impact without compromising on quality.
Overall, the Fjallraven Nuuk Lite is a standout option for individuals seeking a lightweight yet reliable winter jacket. Its superior insulation, waterproofing, and thoughtful design make it a practical and eco-conscious choice for those looking to stay warm and dry without sacrificing comfort or style.
Read our full Fjallraven Nuuk Lite Parka review.
Best budget
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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.
How we test the best waterproof jackets
Testing waterproof jackets involves a series of rigorous steps to ensure they meet high standards.
We evaluate the jacket's fit and comfort by wearing it during various outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Next, we test its waterproof capabilities by exposing it to heavy rain or simulating rain with a hose, checking for any leaks or seepage. We also assess breathability by wearing the jacket during high-intensity activities to see if it manages moisture and prevents overheating.
To further test durability, we rub the jacket's fabric against rough surfaces and inspect for signs of wear and tear. We also examine the functionality of features like zippers, hoods, and pockets. Lastly, we note how easy it is to pack and carry.
FAQ
What is the highest level of waterproof jacket?
The highest level of waterproof jacket typically refers to those with the highest waterproof rating. These jackets are often rated as "waterproof" or "waterproof and breathable" and are designed to withstand heavy rain and snow for extended periods while still allowing moisture from sweat to escape.
They usually have fully taped seams, waterproof zippers, and durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings to ensure maximum protection against moisture. Some popular waterproof ratings include Gore-Tex ePE and Columbia's OutDry Extreme. These jackets are ideal for extreme weather conditions and outdoor activities like mountaineering, skiing, and hiking in harsh environments.
Is 5000 mm waterproof good?
A waterproof rating of 5000 mm is generally considered to be adequate for light to moderate rain showers and everyday outdoor activities. It means that the fabric can withstand the pressure of a 5000 mm column of water before water begins to penetrate through the material.
While 5000 mm is suitable for casual use and activities like hiking, camping, and walking in light rain, it may not provide sufficient protection in heavy or prolonged rainfall or extreme weather conditions.
For activities in more challenging environments or prolonged exposure to rain, a higher waterproof rating, such as 10,000 mm or higher, may be preferable.
Additionally, factors like seam sealing, fabric breathability, and the quality of the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating also influence the overall water resistance and performance of a garment.
Is a water-repellent jacket better than a waterproof jacket?
The comparison between water-repellent and waterproof jackets depends on the specific needs and intended use.
Water-repellent jackets are treated with a DWR (Durable Water-Repellent) coating, which causes water to bead up and roll off the surface of the fabric. While water-repellent jackets offer some protection against light rain and moisture, they are not fully waterproof and will eventually allow water to penetrate the fabric under prolonged exposure or heavy rainfall.
Conversely, waterproof jackets are designed to prevent water from penetrating the fabric, typically using waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex. These jackets provide a higher level of protection against rain, snow, and moisture, making them suitable for more extreme weather conditions and outdoor activities where staying dry is essential.
In summary, water-repellent jackets are suitable for light rain and everyday use, offering some water resistance but not complete protection, while waterproof jackets provide a higher level of protection against moisture and are better suited for activities where staying dry is crucial, such as hiking, camping, skiing, and mountaineering.
Can you waterproof a non waterproof jacket?
Yes, it is possible to waterproof a non-waterproof jacket using various waterproofing products such as sprays, wash-in treatments, or waterproofing waxes. These products create a protective layer on the fabric, repelling water and preventing it from soaking through.
However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments may vary depending on the material of the jacket and the quality of the waterproofing product used. Reapplication may be necessary over time, especially after washing the jacket.
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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.
- Pat KinsellaFreelance outdoor writer