Best waterproof jackets for men and women tested by experts: for hiking in comfort in 2024

There may be no such thing as bad weather, only bad kit. Finding the best waterproof jacket for you isn't necessarily related to how much you have to spend on it.

We've tested and reviewed rain jackets from all ends of the spectrum to help you unpick the difference between a £420 jacket and a £70 one, and work out which features will be most important to you when you're out in the elements. Looking for lighter options? Head to our roundup of the best lightweight waterproof jackets.

Jump to:

• What to look for in a waterproof jacket
• How we tested

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And if you're after other outdoor gear, check out our guides to the best waterproof trousers, best waterproof backpacks and best kids' waterproof trousers.

Edited 08/11/24 to add the TOG24 Denton 3-in-1 waterproof jacket and update product availability.

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Best waterproof jackets tried and tested by experts

Salewa Puez GTX Paclite Jacket

Best lightweight waterproof jacket

• Weight: 345g
• Fabric: Gore-Tex, 100% recycled polyester
• Waterproof rating: 28,000mm hydrostatic head
• Vents: None
• RRP: £200

Don't let this jacket's good looks deceive you: it performs excellently when the weather plays rough. It is highly waterproof, with rainproof pockets and welded seams. It's also highly breathable, which is good, as there are no under-arm vents. There are two enormous pockets, and the insulated peaked hood has one toggle on the back, providing good face protection when tightened. A great mid-range option. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella

Pros: Effective waterproofing, breathable, big pockets, close-fitting hood, stylish

Cons: No vents

Read our full review of the Salewa Puez GTX Paclite Jacket.

Rab Arc Eco Waterproof Jacket

• Weight: 375 to 428g
• Fabric: 100% recycled Pertex Shield Revolve
• Waterproof rating: 22,000mm hydrostatic head
• Vents: Under each arm
• RRP: £220

Made from 100% recycled fabric, this triple-layer waterproof jacket is brilliantly designed. With a hydrostatic head rating of 22,000mm, there is no water getting past its Pertex Shield Revolve material. It's breathable, and made from recycled polyester. The peaked hood is excellent, with three adjustment points for a perfect fit, and there are two generous pockets on the outside – but none on the inside. A very good mid-range choice. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella.

Pros: Waterproof, breathable, recycled materials, well-made, large exterior pockets

Cons: No interior pockets

Read our full review of the Rab Arc Eco Waterproof Jacket.

Quechua MH500 Waterproof jacket

Best budget jacket on test

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• Weight: 574g
• Fabric: Polyamide, polyester, polyurethane and elastane
• Waterproof rating: 22,000mm hydrostatic head
• Vents: Under each arm
• RRP: £79.99

Another three-layered jacket, the MH500 offers almost all the same features of the premium coats on the market, including impressive waterproofing and excellent breathability. It has a good amount of stretch to it so you can move freely. At 574g it's lighter than the Thrudark Raid, but like the Raid it won't pack down small because of the three layered fabric. The hand pockets are a little on the small side, but a fantastic jacket at an excellent price. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella.

Pros: Affordability, sleek looks, lightweight, lots of colour choices

Cons: Waterproof rating not as high as others on test

Read our full review of the Quechua MH500 Waterproof jacket.

Alpkit Sigma jacket

Buy for men from Alpkit (£169.99 £118.99)

Buy for women from Alpkit (£169.99 £118.99)

• Weight: 400g
• Fabric: 140gsm 50D, 100% recycled polyester ripstop
• Waterproof rating: 15,000mm hydrostatic head
• Vents: None
• RRP: £169.99

This simple but reliable jacket is the lightest of the three-layered jackets we tested, weighing just 400g. It's made entirely from recycled (and recyclable) single polymer material. It's waterproof enough for most situations, but not as stormproof as its pricier peers. The peaked hood is easy to adjust and the high collar offers excellent rain protection. The two hand pockets are just large enough to house an OS sheet map. A good all-season jacket. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella.

Pros: Competitive price, effective hood, recycled, three layer material

Cons: No vents, not suitable for extreme weather

Read our full review of the Alpkit Sigma jacket.

Sprayway Reaction Jacket

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• Weight: 640g
• Fabric: 100% recycled polyester outer, 100% polyamide lining, 100% polyester mesh / 2-layer Gore-Tex fabric with a 75D recycled polyester plain weave face
• Waterproof rating: not given
• Vents: None
• RRP: £180

If you're looking for something for country walks rather than hardcore hill hikes, the Sprayway Reaction jacket is a good option for you. It's reasonably priced and made from recycled materials, and being Gore-Tex, is windproof and waterproof. The peaked hood is very good, and it has three large exterior zipped pockets. At 640g, it's not the lightest, but it is warm – if you're prone to overheating, you'll miss having pit vents. But otherwise, it's an excellent mid-range choice. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella.

Pros: Competitive price, windproof, waterproof, good hood, big pockets

Cons: Relatively heavy, no vents

Read our full review of the Sprayway Reaction jacket.

Patagonia Granite Crest waterproof jacket

Best eco friendly jacket

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• Weight: 400g
• Fabric: H2No Performance Standard NetPlus (100% postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop)
• Waterproof rating: 20,000mm hydrostatic head
• Vents: Under arms
• RRP: £270

This handsome high-performance three-layer jacket is waterproof, breathable and features a PFC-free DWR finish. Its environmental credentials are impeccable – it's made from rescued fishing nets, spun into nylon ripstop. There are side pockets (positioned to be above the waistband of a backpack) and a chest pocket with waterproof zip, which you can stuff the entire jacket into when you're not wearing it. The hood is of good quality, and has three adjustable points for a weathertight fit. Highly recommended. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella.

Pros: Made from recycled fishing nets, good hood

Cons: Small underarm vents

Read our full review of the Patagonia Granite Crest waterproof jacket.

Berghaus Glissade/Cornice Interactive Jacket

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• Weight: Women’s 650g / Men’s 787g
• Fabric: 2-layer Gore-Tex
• Waterproof rating: not given
• Vents: None
• RRP: £240

Wondering why there are two names for this jacket? The women's version is known as the Glissade, while the men's is the Cornice. It's a large warm, waterproof jacket that can be worn alone or as part of an interactive layering system, with Berghaus fleeces zipping directly into the jacket to provide an extra layer of warmth in very cold conditions. There are no vents, so if you overheat easily it may not be for you, but its breathability is good. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella.

Pros: Longer length suits wet or cold days, reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing

Cons: Relatively heavy, no vents, bulkier than some when stored in your pack

Read our full review of the Berghaus Glissade/Cornice Interactive Jacket.

Montane Spirit Jacket

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• Weight: 320–365g
• Fabric: 100% Polyester, 75 Denier Gore-Tex Paclite
• Waterproof rating: 28,000mm hydrostatic head
• Vents: None
• RRP: £190

Lightweight and packable, the Spirit is a reliable companion in all weathers. Montane says it's rated as highly waterproof in their lab tests, yet weighs less than 400g. It has a reliable Gore-Tex membrane, fully taped seams and an internal storm flap behind the full-zip fastening, meaning absolutely no rain is getting in. It packs down brilliantly for those in-between days, has a stiff peaked hood and high face cover – although the pull cords are located inside the jacket and can be fiddly to locate. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella.

Pros: Packable, lightweight, waterproof, big pockets

Cons: Hood adjustment is fiddly, no vents

Read our full review of the Montane Spirit Waterproof jacket.

Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Trail Jacket

• Weight: 374 g (men’s medium)
• Waterproofing: 10,000 mm (water column)
• Breathability: 10000 g/m²/24h
• Vents: Two large, zippered ventilation openings in the sides
• RRP: £275

With its recycled polyester construction and choice of tasteful, earthy colours, this shell jacket from Fjällräven is another great option. It’s not 100% waterproof, but it gives good protection in light rain showers, so we’d recommend it for spring and summer walks. Unlike lots of other waterproof jackets, this one doesn’t contain any harmful PFC chemicals – another big plus point.

The soft, stretchy fabric and roomy fit are useful design features if you want to wear a few underlayers, and offer good freedom of movement. The hood is spacious enough to fit a helmet underneath, but becomes a little baggy if you go without. Reviewed by Daniel Graham.

Pros: Breathable, no PFCs, durable, big pockets, tasteful colours

Cons: Leaks in heavy rain, excess hood material

Read our full review of Fjällräven’s High Coast Hydratic Trail Jacket.

If you're looking to wrap up warm on a blustery beach, head to our review of the best changing robes.

How we tested

Our experts put these waterproof jackets through a series of real-world tests to assess their performance across several critical factors. We evaluated their durability, design, and fit, as well as their waterproof capabilities. In addition, we considered their sustainability, aesthetics, and overall value for money.

What to look for in a waterproof jacket

Breathability

The best jackets are those that not only repel rain and wind, but which allow your body to breath – via vents and smart, 'breathable' fabrics – preventing the build up of moisture on the inside.

Look for a good hood, with adjustment points, and pockets that can hold everything from scrumped conkers to OS maps.

Comfort

Comfort is crucial too. It’s great to have a waterproof that's both light and compact when folded, so you can pop it in a backpack on those will-it-won’t-it unpredictable days, when rain is an ever-present rumour on the horizon.

Sustainability

The biggest area of innovation in jackets over the last few years has been in the development of recycled fabrics and eco-conscious design – an important consideration for any new purchase.

Cost

Genuinely waterproof jackets can be a costly investment, but we've covered a range of budgets in our roundup.

Many rain jacket makers use waterproof membranes by the market-leading brand Gore-Tex, but other similar membranes are available in various forms. Some are at the premium end, so will look after you on mountaintops and on the edge of the poles. But do you really need that level of protection? If you’re mostly walking in the woods and on countryside trails, cheaper options are usually adequate.