If you only invest in one piece of outdoor clothing, make it a waterproof jacket. Waterproof outer layers (also sometimes known as hardshells) are a lifesaver in the great outdoors regardless of whether you’re hitting a remote trail or just taking the dog for a walk in the park. They’ll keep you warm, dry, and allow you to stay out in the elements for as long as you like.
Our top seven jackets for men and women are all comfortable, great quality and reliably waterproof. We’ve included some technically tough jackets designed for long days in the mountains, some cheap and cheerful options that’ll still keep the rain out, and two smarter jackets ideal for everyday use.
How to buy the right waterproof jacket for you
How do I get the right fit?
Think about how and where you’ll be wearing your new jacket. If you want to wrap up for casual use in the winter months, pick a roomier design that allows lots of layers beneath it – at the very least you’ll want to be able to wear a midlayer and a baselayer without it feeling too snug. For fast-paced hiking or cycling a lightweight, form-fitting jacket will serve you best. Try on jackets in person and check that they feel comfortable and flexible, and that they don’t ride up when you move your arms. The sleeves, waist and neck should sit snugly, so they won’t let in cold air or water. Make sure the hood fits well around your head and can be drawn in tight if needed. If you’re picking a jacket for mountaineering or cycling, make sure it’s helmet-compatible. Waterproof jackets are usually designed for a male or female fit but women who don’t mind a boxier fit will often find men’s jackets a good choice as well.
What key features should I look out for?
The two key features of a good hardshell are waterproofing and breathability. Like with hiking boots, jackets use a waterproofing agent to repel liquids, either own-brand technology or a recognisable name like Gore-Tex (when in doubt, a jacket with Gore-Tex is always a reliable choice). You may see the level of waterproofing of a jacket (the technical term for which is hydrostatic head) labelled in millimetres – as a guide, up to 1,500mm is only water resistant (so don’t bother), 1,500mm-5,000mm is waterproof and good for most wet conditions, 10,000mm and above is highly waterproof and best for mountain conditions (these work well for snowsports, too). For tackling heavy rain you’ll need a jacket with taped seams – this prevents water from seeping through the stitching.
Next up, breathability. The cheapest waterproof jackets and packable macs on the market are best avoided for anything more strenuous than a festival or a gentle walk, as they don’t usually offer any level of breathability – this means that even if they do stop the rain from getting in, you’ll be damp with sweat from the inside. If you’ll be working up a sweat it’s best to choose a highly breathable hardshell so you don’t overheat. Underarm ventilation zips (or pit zips) are really useful for regulating your body temperature too.
Other features are largely up to personal preference, but a stiff peak to the hood is good for wet weather walking. Pockets are useful, too, but check their zips are sealed or protected, or you’ll find that the contents will get wet.
How do I care for my waterproof jacket?
Once you own your perfect jacket, you’ll need to make sure you look after it. If it begins to lose its ability to repel water, your best bet is to clean it with a specialised cleaning products such as Nikwax’s Tech Wash. The tell-tale warning sign is that water will no longer bead on the surface and instead the outer fabric will become saturated, an effect known as wetting out. Be cautious of using standard detergents, however, as they can impede the performance of some waterproof fabrics.
Some waterproof jackets, such as those which use Gore-Tex’s range of waterproof fabrics, can be restored to their former glory by popping them in the tumble dryer on low heat for 20-30 minutes. This process can potentially reactivate the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) outer coating, but this won’t work forever – after a while you’ll need to use a spray-on or wash-in waterproofing treatment such as Nikwax’s TX-Direct to get it back to its former waterproof self. Whatever you do, always check the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and reproofing advice before proceeding.
The best waterproof jackets to buy
1. The North Face Point Five jacket for men and women: The best waterproof jacket for mountain use
Price:£160
A hardcore three-layer, GORE-TEX treated waterproofing system makes the Point Five impervious to the heaviest storms. Named after one of Scotland’s gnarliest ice climbs, this slick jacket is designed with active explorers in mind – it has a helmet-compatible hood, harness-compatible pockets and good pit zips. It’s waterproof enough to deal with torrential rain and driving snow and brilliant at wicking away sweat, making it an excellent choice for tackling its namesake climb or for scrambling and hiking on other icy mountainsides. We found the Point Five faultless on test, but long-term reviewers have reported that the zip is liable to break.
Key specs – Waterproofing: 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro; Main material: Nylon ripstop; Hood: Fully-adjustable, helmet compatible; Weight: 444g (Medium)
2. Patagonia Torrentshell hardshell for men and women: The best waterproof jacket for active travellers
Price:£55
Lightweight and easy packable – the whole thing stuffs into its own pocket and can fit into the water bottle pocket of a backpack – the Torrent is our best bet for globetrotters. We liked the generous pit-zips and the outer material, which feels really durable. The Torrent is flattering on, too, and available in attractive colours. Plus, Patagonia’s ethical credentials are some of the best in the business, and their manufacturing process has a minimal environmental impact. Our only negative element was the hood, which feels a bit too boxy and roomy. Still, we reckon at its current reduced price the Torrent offers the best bang for your buck for on test.
Key specs – Waterproofing: 2.5-layer H2No Performance Standard (20,000mm); Main material: Nylon ripstop; Hood: Two-way adjustable; Weight: 343g (Medium)
3. Seasalt Seafolly long jacket for women: The most fashionable waterproof jacket for style-conscious explorers
Price:£120
You’ll spot Seasalt’s cheerful yellow Seafolly jacket everywhere on rainy days, probably because it combines technical waterproofing abilities with lovely retro looks, inspired by traditional fishermen’s macs. The striped hood and wooden toggles may make it look pretty but the oilskin-like outer material is fully waterproof and breathable. The soft cotton lining makes the Seafolly feel cosier and heavier to wear than other jackets on test, making it a good choice for colder months and windy conditions. The Seafolly is available in a range of cheerful colours and three lengths - we like this longer hip length as it offers more protection.
Key specs – Waterproofing: Treated organic cotton (5,000mm); Main material: Organic cotton; Weight: N/A
4. Karrimor 3 in 1 jacket for men and women: The best waterproof jacket under £50
Price:£44
Costing less than £50 already makes this a massive bargain for a good waterproof jacket, but Karrimor’s popular 3 in 1 model throws in a fleece as well, designed to be worn either separately or zipped into the jacket to make a warmer waterproof suitable for winter. Features include three roomy pockets, easy to adjust cuffs and a hood that packs away when the sun comes out. The fleece isn’t an afterthought, either – it’s a well-cut standalone piece useful for layering. If you don’t need a jacket for extreme adventures and you don’t already own a fleece this a no-brainer for the price.
Key specs – Waterproofing: Weathertite (5,000mm); Main material: Nylon and polyester; Weight: N/A
5. Finisterre Mistral jacket for men: The best jacket for seafarers
Price:£185
Souped-up with the highest waterproofing ability of all our jackets on test, the Mistral jacket means business. Finisterre’s designs are inspired by the blustery Cornish coast – perhaps that’s why they’ve created such a high-performing jacket, ideal for sailing, cold weather kayaking, canoeing and other aquatic adventures. It’s packed with nice touches including a foldaway hood with a wire peak, taped seams, handwarmer pockets and a boxy fit that works well as part of a layering system. It ticks our eco box too – the outer shell is crafted using recycled polyester. Available in a bright yellow or a more subtle black.
Key specs – Waterproofing: 2-layer (20,000mm); Main material: Recycled polyester ripstop; Weight: N/A
6. Target Dry Lighthouse Islander jacket for men: The best for country walks and commuting
Price:£95
The Islander squeezes in at under £100 but manages to look as smart as country jackets twice the price. It combines great waterproofing with luxurious looking brass and leather design features and comes in navy or khaki – it’s smart enough to wear to the office but reliable out on country rambles, too. The soft cotton inner lining is cosy and comfortable and the outer is fully waterproof, with taped seams. A great jacket for everyday use. Word to the wise: Target Dry also make excellent packable Mac-In-A-Sac jackets for just £12.95 which are a good budget option for festivals or brief showers.
Buy the Target Dry Lighthouse Islander jacket now
Key specs – Waterproofing: Cotton-blend with Teflon coating (5,000mm); Main material: Cotton, chambray lining; Weight: N/A
7. Jack Wolfskin Colorado Flex jacket for women: The best for active outdoor use
Price:£140
A great choice for sport and active travel, Jack Wolfskin’s Colorado Flex feels, as the name suggests, extremely comfortable and flexible to wear. We like the well-designed, detachable hood, roomy pockets, underarm ventilation zips and the flattering cut. You won’t overheat on summer hikes but you can zip in Jack Wolfskin’s fleeces and midlayers too, to create a warm winter jacket that will double up as a snowsports jacket. The most versatile and waterproof jacket for women on our list, and worth the spend.
Buy the Colorado Flex from Jack Wolfskin
Key specs – Waterproofing: 2-layer Texapore (10,000mm); Main material: Polyamide; Hood: Detachable; Weight: 650g (Medium)