You’ll be able to take on whatever the environment throws at you with a high-quality waterproof hiking jacket.
Patagonia Houdini Jacket (Photo: Patagonia)
The best waterproof hiking jackets are designed to withstand the harshest hiking conditions – rainy downpours, steep inclines and bracing winds. They need to be hard-wearing but flexible, waterproof but breathable, and ideally ultra-packable and lightweight. Premium jackets will be made from highly technical materials such as Gore-Tex and boast fancy features, like draw-chord hems and zippered hand-warming pockets too. With this in mind, we’ve picked out 10 of the best waterproof hiking jackets on the market. To compile this list, we’ve taken into account weather-proofing, breathability, packability, durability and price, as well as bonus features, such as large pockets, adjustable hoods and recyclable materials.
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
This eco-friendly brand is hardly short of high-tech jackets, but the Houdini is a best-seller – and also one of the cheapest jackets in the range. Made from 100% recycled nylon, this take-it-anywhere jacket offers weather-resistant protection for high-output endeavours. At just 102g it’s the lightest jacket on our list and can roll up small to fit in your back pocket or belt loop. While it’s not waterproof, the DWR finish is water-repellent, which makes it an excellent option for autumnal and spring hikes in milder climates. From $109.
Rab Men’s/Women’s Downpour Eco Waterproof Jacket
This seriously impressive waterproof jacket is made from 100% recycled materials and is designed to be recycled at the end of its lifetime too. The 2.5-layer Pertex® Revolve fabric with a fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment offers excellent protection against heavy rain, as well as advanced moisture-wicking breathability. Both the men’s and women’s jacket feature zippered handwarmer pockets big enough to fit a map, a two-way adjustable hood for reliable visibility and adjustable hems and cuffs. At just 280g, it’s light and packable too. From $110.
Black Diamond StormLine Stretch
This stretchy 2.5-layer constructed jacket can really hold its own against wind and rain. The waterproof BD.dry™ coating will shield you from drizzle and storms, while the adjustable hem and cuffs will protect against blustery winds. DWR-sealed pit zip vents, zippered hand pockets and a waterproof zipper reduce condensation while keeping you toasty too. The shell also stows into the right-hand pocket and handily clips onto a harness or bag when the sun comes out. The men’s version is available in nine colours, while the women’s version is available in ten. From $170.
Buy at Blackdiamondequiptment.com
Haglöfs Grym Evo Jacket
Haglofs Grym Evo Jacket (Photo: Amazon)
This tough three-layer shell jacket is hard-wearing and highly protective. Made from Haglöfs’ PROOFTM ECO technology, which uses recycled materials, and coated DWR (a more eco-friendly alternative to PFC), the jacket offers outstanding weatherproofing. Ultrasonically welded seams provided extra protection and comfort too. The hood is three-way adjustable and features a reinforced peak for a more accurate and snug fit in strong winds, pit zips reduce excess heat and there are two storm hand pockets with snap buttons. From $220.
The North Face Dryzzle Futurlight
The North Face Dryzzle Futurlight (Photo: The North Face)
This best-selling jacket is made from seam-sealed FUTURELIGHT™ fabric, which uses nano-spinning technology for breathable and waterproof results. The shell jacket allows air to circulate but keeps water away for a dry and comfortable hike. Available for both men and women, the jacket features a fully adjustable hood, hook and loop cuffs, as well as an adjustable cinch to lock in body heat and maximize water protection. Plus, it’s stylish, fitted and available in a variety of colours. From $230.
Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Jacket
This Swedish-born brand specialises in sustainable outdoor clothing and equipment that is timeless, functional and durable. The High Coast Hydractic Jacket is one of the brand’s best-selling jackets, thanks to its light and packable 2.5 construction. Made from 100% recycled nylon and PFC-free waterproof laminate, the jacket offers excellent protection from rain and wind, while remaining breathable and flexible for harder hikes. Both the men’s and women’s jackets feature ventilation zippers at the sides, an adjustable hood with reflective details and hand pockets with zippers to keep valuables safe. From $250.
Finisterre Storm Bird Jacket
Billed as the big sister of the brand’s best-selling Rainbird Jacket, this 3L waterproof jacket is an excellent option for colder hikes. It might be a shell jacket but with three layers it’s thick enough to offer a good degree of warmth. The jacket also boasts a 15k breathability rating, two-way waterproof zips and fully taped seams for a waterproof wet-weather hike. Handy toggles help keep the wind out and you can draw the two-way zip up over your mouth too. The inside is lined with 100% recycled brushed polyester for a silkier feel on the skin. From $275.
Arc’teryx Beta Jacket
Arc’teryx Beta Jacket (Photo: Arc’teryx)
Arc’teryx high-tech fabrics are amongst the best. The Vancouver-born brand is an expert in cold-weather and outdoors apparel, so you can trust them for big terrain backpacking and hefty hikes. This versatile jacket only weighs 360g and offers unrestricted movement for all wet-weather activities too. Made with GORE-TEX fabric with GORE C-KNIT™ backer technology, the jacket is quiet, soft and breathable. Like most shell jackets, you’ll need to pair this with an insulated jacket for mountainside hikes, though the jacket can hold its own on hikes in milder temperatures. From $400.
Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Outdoor Shell Jacket
This hard shell jacket offers maximum protection in unpredictable weather, which makes it the perfect hiking companion. The latest edition is made with LIFA INFINITY™ technology, a microporous membrane that is both waterproof and breathable to keep rainwater out and allow sweat to escape. The three-layer construction is made from chemical-free fabrics that are hardwearing enough to keep you protected on backcountry hikes too. Added details include large pockets, a backpack-compatible design, pit zips for ventilation and a waist draw for added warmth. It also features a RECCO® transponder, a lightweight reflector that makes you searchable to rescuers. From $450.
Helly Hansen Odin 9 World Infinity Shell Jacket
Helly Hansen Odin 9 World Infinity Shell Jacket (Photo: Helly Hanson)
The Odin 9 World Infinity Shell Jacket is a favourite with experts. Made with trailblazing LIFA ® INFINITY PRO™ technology without any chemicals, the jacket is fully waterproof and offers exceptional breathability. There are two-way zips and pit zips for ventilation, an adjustable hood for both men and women and a hardshell for maximum protection and mobility. Little wonder why it won the UK Outdoor Industry Awards in 2021. Durable, water-repellant and versatile, it’s the perfect jacket for heavy-duty hikes. From $600.