The Best Waterproof Jackets for 2025

The unpredictable British weather makes a reliable waterproof jacket essential, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. With your jacket, wellies, and umbrella, you'll be set. This guide features waterproof jacket recommendations for both men and women, helping you stay dry and comfortable in any weather.

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A quick guide to buying a waterproof jacket

Storm flaps, breathable membrane, hydrostatic head…what does it all mean? Here’s a super simple guide to help you understand the basics to inform your buying decisions.

Waterproofing – Any jacket you buy that says it’s waterproof shouldn’t let water in. So, if you’re a walker, cyclist, or expect to be outside in prolonged rainy conditions, make sure you’re investing in something that isn’t just showerproof.

Taped seams – Any waterproof jacket should have taped seams (internal lining covering the stitch lines). If it doesn’t, there’s a fair chance water will get in eventually.

Storm flaps – These are additional flaps of fabric covering any zips as an extra layer of protection.

Hydrostatic Head—If you’re a camper, you’ll know what the Hydrostatic Head (HH) test is. Essentially, fabric is pulled tight and tested to see how many millimetres of water it can withstand before it soaks through. You’ll sometimes see this rating against a waterproof jacket.

Warmth—Do you need a jacket that’ll see you through specific seasons, or are you the type to layer up underneath? Consider this factor when choosing.

Breathable membrane—While you desperately want to keep the rain out, you’ll also want to ensure a good level of breathability to let sweat evaporate. Look out for features like breathable membranes, pit zips, and mesh pocket linings.

Fit – You’ll want your jacket loose enough to allow you to stretch and move but not too loose to gape at the neck and sleeves. Adjustable cuffs, cords to adjust the fit, and wired peaks on hoods are all handy for getting the perfect fit. You’ll also want your jacket to cover your entire waistband to stop water from getting in above your trousers.

Five of the best waterproof jackets for women

1. Rab Women's Arc Eco Waterproof Jacket

 

£235.00, www.gooutdoors.co.uk
Key features: 100% recycled material, breathable

This jacket by Rab is proof that sustainable outerwear doesn’t need to compromise on quality.

For waterproofing, three layers of recycled Pertex® Revolve fabric and a HH of 20,000 are there to protect you from the worst downpours. Breathability has made it into this jacket’s key features for a good reason. Pit zips, a drawcord hem and adjustable cuffs allow you to increase ventilation well.

The hood on this jacket offers a good-sized peak and a drawstring on the back to ensure a good fit. We also love that this jacket has a fleece-lined chin guard for comfort when it’s fully zipped.

2. Keela Women’s Storm Jacket

 

£109.95, keelaoutdoors.com
Key features: highly packable, helmet-compatible hood

This could be a great choice if you’re looking for a versatile waterproof jacket for multiple outdoor pursuits.

This lightweight hardshell jacket packs a punch when it comes to outdoor sporting while providing a flattering and practical fit. Pocket fiend? This jacket has you covered with two zip hip pockets, a zippered chest pocket and a small, zipped pocket on the back which is ideal for bikers.

Reflective piping helps you to stay visible and the neck comes up nice and high when fully zipped to prevent the worst downpours getting in.

3. Montane Women's Spirit Waterproof Jacket

£210, montane.com
Key features: GORE-TEX PACLITE®, highly packable

Don’t be fooled by how lightweight this jacket is. This offers strong wind and rain protection.

This is the ideal jacket for walking enthusiasts to stuff into a pack, ready for any turbulent weather. The GORE-TEX jacket is fully taped, so able to protect you in heavy showers. The adjustable hood, internal storm flap on the front zip, and drawstring at the hem offer extra waterproof capability.

Coming in 4 colours, the super soft feeling waterproof is a stylish and highly functional offering from Montane.

4.Fjallraven Women's Vardag Hydratic Anorak

£275, www.snowandrock.com
Key features: 50% recycled materials, everyday wear

This stylish addition to any wardrobe is as suitable for a weekend walking adventure as the commute to work.

The 2.5 layers of recycled polyester on this jacket protect well from wind and rain, and the side zippers not only assist in putting on and taking off, but they can also offer additional ventilation. Two zippered pockets offer storage; if you need to pack the jacket away, it’ll fit into its top-loading pocket.

5. The North Face Women's Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT™ Jacket

£225, www.thenorthface.co.uk
Key features: streamlined look, breathability

Designed for hiking, this versatile, high-performance jacket will keep you dry in the most extreme conditions.

This iconic jacket has sealed seams to keep the water out while the breathable membrane still allows air to circulate to keep you dry. FlashDry™ fabric inside wicks moisture away from your skin, so you’re guaranteed a comfortable hiking trip, even in warm weather. Adjust your hood, cuffs, and hem to get the perfect fit and keep the wind and rain out.

Five of the best waterproof jackets for men

1. Berghaus Men's Paclite 2.0 Jacket

 

£180, www.berghaus.com
Key features: lightweight, extremely packable

This Berghaus jacket offers complete waterproof protection. Its GORE-TEX PACLITE® fabric makes it lightweight and easy to pack away. It also comes in plus sizes, ranging from XS to 3XL.

The classic design has an adjustable hood, cuffs, and two pockets for storing essentials. With four colours, you can pick your favourite and add this to your walking set-up with no regrets.

2. Columbia Men’s Horizons Pine™ 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket

£235, www. columbiasportswear.co.uk
Key features: multi-layer design, versatility

Customise this jacket for any season to not only keep you dry but to beat the winter chill too.

This jacket's outer shell is completely waterproof, with sealed seams, adjustable cuffs, and a removable hood. When the weather is not only wet but cold, you can zip in the fleece, which makes this a versatile choice for year-round use.

Dual entry hand pockets are a nice bonus, as are the zippered chest pockets, which are always useful.

3. Men's Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 Shell Jacket

£440, www.hellyhansen.com
Key features: extremely weatherproof, built for professional mountaineers

This award-winning hardshell jacket has been recently upgraded from its previous model with a lighter design for an even more exceptional performance. Built with HELLY TECH® Professional 3-layer, waterproof/breathable and windproof system, this jacket provides maximum protection from the elements.

This jacket has a host of great details that help in rough weather, including a helmet—and backpack-compatible design, ventilation zippers, and an adjustable hem. 

4. Patagonia Men's Torrentshell 3L Jacket

£180, www.patagonia.com
Key features: Adjustable hood, breathable, waterproof.

Made from 100% recycled material, this unpretentious coat is both breathable and waterproof. Its adjustable hood has a laminated visor that rolls down and stows with a simplified cord and hook design. 

5. Jack Wolfskin Romberg Three-In-One Jacket

£280, www.jack-wolfskin.co.uk
Key features: layered, waterproof and windproof.

We’ve tested this waterproof jacket at the Club, and what stood out was that it’s essentially three jackets in one. It boasts a waterproof outer layer and a windproof mid-layer. It’s also breathable and has a robust TEXAPORE CORE.

If that’s not enough, it also has a detachable hood and a chest pocket for additional storage. The jacket's fleece-lined neck provides comfort while protecting you from the elements. When it comes to waterproof jackets, it’s the full package.

6. The North Face Men’s Quest Insulated Jacket

£160, www.thenorthface.co.uk
Key Features: insulation, breathability

If you don't want to layer up under your jacket or want something for winter use, this is a high-spec option from The North Face.

Synthetic insulation maintains airflow and compresses easily, so you can still pack this into your backpack when it’s not needed. The adjustable hem, high neck with chin guard and adjustable hood are all brilliant at keeping the rain out and the heat in when you need it most.

For more inspiration and recommendations on equipment, visit our advice hub.