The best waterproof jackets – Reviewed

Our selection of the best waterproof jackets range from technical alpine shells and backcountry ski styles through to rugged mountain jackets and lightweight everyday rain-wear.

Waterproof and breathable, all these rain jackets will keep you comfortable in wet and windy weather. Whether you’re walking, climbing, running or cycling, a good waterproof jacket using the latest fabric such as Gore-Tex, The North Face HyVent or Rab eVent is an essential piece of kit to keep you out there longer.

The North Face Sangro Jacket

If you want an affordable day-to-day waterproof jacket that gives you reliable protection rather than unnecessary bells and whistles, The North Face Sangro Jacket is a great choice. The 2-layer DryVent fabric is waterproof and breathable, and the jacket is equipped with an adjustable hood hidden within the collar which can be rolled out quickly at the first sign of rain.

Fabric: The North Face DryVent
Price: 150.00 EUR | 100.00 GBP | 110.00 USD

Available from: Amazon

Rab Latok Alpine Jacket

The Rab Latok Alpine Jacket is Rab’s top of the range waterproof mountain jacket that uses a mix of mid-weight and heavy-weight 3 layer eVent fabric for optimum durability, weather protection and breathability. The hood is helmet compatible, so you can wear it skiing or climbing and benefit from unrestricted movement. With its stylish fit, this is a good all round mountain jacket that is equally at home around town as it is on the mountain.

Fabric: Rab 3 layer eVent®
Price: 300.00 EUR | 269.00 GBP | 299.99 USD

Available from: Amazon

Arc’teryx Alpha AR Gore-Tex Jacket

Fully featured for hardcore mountaineering, the Arc’teryx Alpha AR has articulated elbows, pit zips and a hemlock that stops the jacket from lifting out of the harness while climbing. Large crossover chest pockets are easily accessed even with gloves, and the hood is helmet compatible. Sizing is slim-fit and sleeves are generous in length. Not cheap, but lightweight, stylish and guaranteed to keep you dry.

Fabric: 3 layer GORE-TEX® Pro
Price: 580.00 EUR | 480.00 GBP | 575.00 USD

Available from: Amazon

Helly Hansen Seven J Waterproof Jacket

A fully functional and lightweight yet stylish jacket that uses Helly Hansen’s tried and tested Helly Tech construction to keep the wind and rain out. Great as a commuting jacket if you cycle to work, but equally at home in the mountains. A storm flap, YKK zips and adjustable cuffs add practicality at a keen price point.

Fabric: 2-Ply Helly Tech
Price: 117.00 EUR | 85.00 GBP | 100.00 USD

Available from: Amazon

Patagonia Torrentshell Waterproof Jacket

The Torrentshell jacket is a lightweight go-anywhere, do-anything all-weather mountain jacket. It offers full protection from wind and rain along with typical Patagonia attention to detail with microfleece-lined neck, cuff closures and a drawcord hem.

Fabric: Patagonia H2No®
Price: 139.90 EUR | 125.00 GBP | 165.00 USD

Available from: Amazon

Mountain Equipment Lhotse Jacket

Alpine fit with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves, the Mountain Equipment Lhotse is most at home in the high mountains. The 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric combined with the helmet compatible hood, adjustable cuffs and waist drawcords mean this jacket can withstand the fiercest of weather conditions.

Fabric: 3 Layer GORE-TEX® Pro
Price: 399.00 EUR | 329.99 GBP | 449.99 USD

Available from: Amazon

North Face Resolve Waterproof Jacket

The North Face Resolve is a no-nonsense, fully functional rain jacket. Elasticated cuffs and a velcro-sealed front zip cover do a good job of keeping out the rain, whilst inner mesh lining adds a reasonable level of breathability for a jacket at this price point.

Fabric: The North Face HyVent®
Price: 100.00 EUR | 90.00 GBP | 110.00 USD

Available from: Amazon