News Beat
Best waterproof jackets for men and women, tested on rainy hikes and coastal walks
We all need at least one good waterproof jacket, whether for day-to-day wear or for hiking and other active pursuits.
They range from lightweight shells to insulated winter jackets, but all feature a waterproof material (often with a membrane such as Gore-Tex). “In practical terms, they’re fully waterproof,” says Ben Darby, an outdoor expert at Trekkit. “They let through water vapour from sweat, but stop rain droplets from getting through the fabric.”
Premium makers like Arc’teryx, Montane and The North Face sell waterproofs for upwards of £500. Decent affordable models from the likes of Superdry and Dare2b come in at around £100, while other labels including Tierra, Berghaus and Rab occupy the middle ground.
Models from all of these brands and more are reviewed in this guide, which features both the best men’s waterproof jackets and the best women’s waterproof jackets. It is checked and updated regularly.
The best waterproof jackets: At a glance
How to choose the best waterproof jacket
Every waterproof jacket should be made from waterproof material (for example, one with a Gore-Tex membrane). There are two key specs that tell you about its performance: hydrostatic head, which is a measure of how much of a soaking the material can take before water gets through, and moisture vapour transmission rate, which gives an indication of the jacket’s breathability. In both cases, the higher the rating, the better the performance.
In Darby’s opinion, most of these jackets are adequately waterproofed, so it’s better to focus on breathability. “This isn’t just about the specs; you should also pay attention to dedicated features like pit ventilation zips, mesh-lined pockets and two-way zips that can make a jacket more breathable,” he says.
It’s also a good idea to choose a jacket that suits your intended activities, whether that means fast hiking or running in a lightweight jacket, or staying comfortable during winter while wearing an insulated model.
