We pitted the best waterproof jackets for 2025 against the weather

In a very maritime climate, waterproof jackets are one of the most important bits of kit we carry, and making sure they’re right for us requires fit, fabric and features to work together. Obviously, their main job is to keep us dry, but that’s not just from the weather on the outside. We do need them to shed rain, snow and drizzle, and we also need them to breathe and let our sweat out so we’re not wet on the inside.

Main image: The Alpkit Balance | Credit: Alpkit

It’s a compromise, because a more breathable membrane is generally less waterproof and vice versa. And at the end of the day, the biggest flaw in jackets is all the holes for our heads and hands, so water will inevitably get in if it’s really wet!

Jackets are often designed for a specific activity and suit that well, but can still be used for others. Think about what you want to do and when, and then find one will do most, acknowledging that a winter mountaineering jacket and trail running jacket will look and behave quite differently.

A few features that are important to get right are pockets, fit, hood style, and cuffs. It’s possible to compromise in other ways, but making sure hoods and cuffs fit over layers and gloves, as well as having a good number of pockets in the right place makes life much easier.

Waterproof jackets are often one of the pricier things we buy, so making sure it has everything we want as well as may want if we take up new activities is a big ask! Given how life saving they can be though, it’s not usually a place to scrimp, as you’ll find yourself replacing cheap jackets again and again while one with a higher price tag will last. Winter jackets are often pricier, so if you know you’re not out in full on winter conditions, it may be possible to opt for a lighter, less expensive option.

The best waterproof jackets of 2025

This guide contains of the best hardshell jackets for 2025 according to our expert reviewers, Kirsty Pallas and Chris Townsend. Most of these are three-season hardshells but there are also options that will suit tough winter trips in snow too. The jackets have been chosen on the basis of their protection, breathability and durability, with weight, packability, features, fit sustainability and value influencing our decisions too.

Quick List
Best in Test for women: Alpkit Sigma – buy now from Alpkit
Best in Test for men: Montane Cetus Lite – buy now from Montane
Greener Choices: Tierra Vastra / Alpkit Sigma / Montane Cetus Lite
Best Value for women: Harrier Exmoor – buy now from Harrier
Best Value for men: Highlander Munro V2 – buy now from Highlander
Lightest for women: Patagonia M10 Storm – buy now from Cotswold Outdoor
Lightest for men: Montane Cetus Lite – buy now from Montane

Alpkit Sigma

Quick specs
Price: $220 / £169.99
Weight: 340g (size 10)
Materials: 100% recycled polyester with PFC free DWR coating
Hood: Wired peak, volume adjuster, elasticated sides
Front Closure: YKK Aquaguard zip with inner storm flap
Underarm/Side Zips: No
Pockets: 2 large hand pockets
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Elasticated with velcro
Sizes: 6 – 20
Men’s version: Yes
alpkit.com

The Sigma is a nice three season jacket from Alpkit, and highlights their commitment to sustainability by not only using 100% recycled materials, but making sure they can all be recycled again at the end of the jacket’s life. I really like the fit and feel of the jacket. It’s neat without being overly tight, and it has a flexible feel, in part due to not using a Gore-Tex membrane. It dealt with all rain I experienced without issue and, as with most modern fabrics, keeping it clean will help it to continue to do so. 

The price point and lighter weight mean it should work for a wide range of people and for a range of activities. I plan to use it climbing, walking, mountaineering and biking, all of which it will manage with ease. 

Read more: Kirsty’s full Alpkit Sigma review

Montane Cetus Lite

Quick specs
Price: $349 / £270
Weight: 335g (XL)
Materials: PFC – free recycled nylon, hydrophilic polyurethane membrane
Hood: front and rear adjustment, wired stiffened peak
Front Closure: YKK AquaGuard Zip, inner flap
Underarm/Side Zips: No
Pockets: 2 hand pockets
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: S – XXL
Women’s version: Yes
montane.com

The Montane Cetus Lite is made from the brand’s new Petrichor Technology, which has a hydrophilic membrane that not only claims to be ‘extremely breathable’ but also to breathe better the harder you work. Big Claims! How do they stack up? Pretty well, in fact.

I’ve worn the jacket in many hours of heavy rain in a wide range of temperatures and wind speeds and have stayed fairly dry inside. Not totally – there has been some condensation at times – but certainly drier than in many other waterproofs. In tests, Petrichor Technology has a Ret value of <5, which puts it in the ‘very good or extremely breathable’ category. I’d agree with ‘very good’. I don’t think any waterproof fabric suitable for the hills is ‘ extremely’ breathable.

Read more: Chris’ full Montane Cetus Lite review

Patagonia M10 Storm

Quick specs
Price: $465 / £360
Weight: 279g (size small)
Materials: 100% recycled nylon H2No shell with DWR finish made without added PFAS
Hood: Stiffened peak with Recco strip, volume adjusters at back and sides
Front Closure: 2 way waterproof zip with internal storm flap
Underarm/Side Zips: No
Pockets: 2 napoleon pockets of different sizes
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: XS – XL
Men’s version: Yes
eu.patagonia.com

Patagonia’s new M10 range really is incredibly light – I didn’t believe there was anything in the box when the Patagonia M10 Storm jacket arrived! The range has been designed for use in Alpine climates, and you can feel that in the jacket as soon as you put it on. It has a barely there feel, with a bit of stretch in the fabric, making it a great option for climbing and mountaineering as it just moves with you. The waterproof membrane is Patagonia’s own H2NO and the jacket is a three-layer design.

My main concern with this jacket is the durability in the waterproofing in UK winter conditions, as generally a lighter weight garment will let water through quicker than a thicker one. Given that on around half my winter days out my jacket will wet out, I’ll be reaching for this one when there’s more Alpine like conditions with drier weather or lower freezing levels.

Read more: Kirsty’s full Patagonia M10 Storm review

Harrier Exmoor

Quick specs
Price: $122 / £94.99
Weight: 309g (size XS)
Materials: 100% polyester
Hood: Stiffened peak with volume adjusters at back and sides
Front Closure: Offset front zip with internal storm flap and studs
Underarm/Side Zips: Yes, small pit zips
Pockets: 2 hand pockets, 1 back pocket, 1 chest pocket
Hem: Drawcord adjustment with an inner elasticated skirt
Cuffs: Elasticated with thumb loops
Sizes: XS – XL
Men’s version: Yes
harrierrunfree.co.uk

The Harrier Exmoor is a trail running jacket and I’m about as far from a trail runner as it gets, so bear with me! I wasn’t sure whether this would work for me, but the Exmoor almost got the Best in Test. I’ve really enjoyed wearing it as it doesn’t feel like a waterproof at all. It’s soft, flexible and quiet. It’s a good fit, and I can still just about get a duvet jacket on underneath.

The only slight drawback is the waterproof rating. I understand that it’s a compromise for a running jacket, so for me this is a jacket for lighter summer rain and drizzle. There are a couple of other nifty features like being able to pack it away into its own back pocket, and it can also be used as a bumbag in itself.

Read more: Kirsty’s full Harrier Exmoor review

Tierra Vastra

Quick specs
Price: $465 / £360
Weight: 530g (L)
Materials: PFC – free 3 – layer ePE Gore – Tex polyester/polyethylene
Hood: front and rear adjustment, wired stiffened peak
Front Closure: YKK front zip, inner flap
Underarm/Side Zips: side
Pockets: 2 mid, 1 sleeve, 2 stretch inner
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: S – XXL
Women’s version: yes
tierra.com or trekitt.co.uk

The Tierra Vastra is made from the new ePe (expanded polyethylene) membrane from Gore-Tex which is fluorocarbon free – unlike the classic Gore-Tex membrane. This is a welcome development. It’s just as waterproof with a hydrostatic head of 28,000 and adequately breathable with a RET of <13. I find it just about impossible to distinguish between the two different Gore-Tex fabrics in use.

The Vastra does rustle a little but has a fairly soft feel. It is comfortable to wear. It is an excellent jacket and suitable for year-round use, though perhaps a little heavy for summer. The cost is quite high but it does have that Gore-Tex name.

Read more: Chris’ full Tierra Vastra review

Outdoor Research Foray

Quick specs
Price: $336 / £260
Weight: 475g (L)
Materials: bluesign® Approved PFAS-free AscentShell Dry 3L 100% Recycled Nylon 40D with Nikwax DWR
Hood: front and rear adjustment, stiffened peak
Front Closure: YKK AquaGuard Zip, inner flap
Underarm/Side Zips: full-length two-way side
Pockets: 2 hand pockets, 1 chest
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: XS – XXXL
Women’s version: Yes, the Aspire 3L Jacket
outdoorresearch.com

The latest version of the Foray jacket, new last year, is made from AscentShell Dry, which is exclusive to Outdoor Research and made by a complex electrospinning process. The fabric is soft, quiet, slightly stretchy and made from 100% recycled nylon with a Nikwax Direct.Dry DWR that’s also exclusive to Outdoor Research. Outdoor Research says it offers ‘superior breathability’. I’ve certainly found the breathability as good as most. The Foray 3L has an excellent feature that really enhances the comfort – zipped vents that stretch from the biceps to the hem. This allows far more ventilation than standard under arm zips and for dumping excess heat and moist air, venting always beats fabric breathability, so this makes a big difference to comfort. You can even open both sides and wear the jacket as a poncho.

The Foray 3L is comfortable to wear and excellent for three-season use. It’s good in winter weather too, although I’d prefer a stiffer hood peak then.

Read more: Chris’ full Outdoor Research Foray 3L review

Sprayway Corbitt

Quick specs
Price: $426 / £330
Weight: 450g (size 10)
Materials: 100% polyester recycled with Goretex 75D
Hood: Wired peak with volume adjusters at back and sides
Front Closure: 2 way zip with internal and external storm flap and stud
Underarm/Side Zips: No
Pockets: 2 large hand pockets, and 1 internal
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: 8 – 18
Men’s version: Yes
sprayway.com

Sprayway are back to designing great hill gear, and this Corbitt jacket is an example of that. It’s a sleek and simple design, but hits the key points to make it a good all-rounder for typically British weather. The Gore-Tex membrane feels tough but combined with a well cut fit, it doesn’t feel too crinkly or stiff. I really like the hood and cuffs on this jacket, they’re well designed for use and ease of use too.

I’m impressed with the Corbitt and it really does feel like Sprayway have stepped up their gear to properly deal with all mountain weather. It’s a jacket I will use through winter, especially on those particularly manky days when it feels like you’re not sure why you’re even going out!

Read more: Kirsty’s full Spraway Corbitt review

Salewa Ortles 3L GTX

Quick specs
Price: $470 / £365
Weight: 500g (L)
Materials: Gore-Tex 2L Paclite Plus/ recycled polyester, Gore-Tex 3L recycled polyester
Hood: rear adjustment, zipped gusset for helmet compatibility, stiffened peak
Front Closure: YKK waterproof zip, inner flap
Underarm/Side Zips: zipped with flap on the back of the upper arms
Pockets: 2 mid hand, 2 stretch inner
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: XS – XXL
Women’s version: yes
salewa.com

Unusually, the Ortles jacket is made from two different Gore-Tex fabrics, a durable 3-layer one on the front and upper arms and Paclite on the back, hood, and lower arms for reduced weight and increased packability. The fabrics are quite noisy and a little stiffer than on the other jackets reviewed in this test.

The jacket has a hydrostatic head of 28,000mm and a RET of <9. The last means breathability should be good and it is. I have to work quite hard to produce much condensation inside. When overheating does occur, there are zipped vents on the back of the upper arms. These aren’t as effective as underarm zips but are easier to use as they don’t run under pack shoulder straps.

The Ortles is the most expensive jacket tested. It’s mid-range in weight and suitable for year-round use.

Read more: Chris’ full Salewa Ortles 3L GTX review

Highlander Munro V2

Quick specs
Price: $232 / £180
Weight: 580g (L)
Materials: 3 – layer PROT3X PFC Free polyester
Hood: front and rear adjustment, wired stiffened peak
Front Closure: YKK waterproof zip, inner flap
Underarm/Side Zips: two-way YKK zips
Pockets: two harness/hipbelt compatible, 1 inner
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: cuffs
Sizes: S – 2XL
Women’s version: no
highlander-outdoor.com

The Highlander Munro V2 Mountain Jacket is a fully specified jacket suitable for year-round use at a low cost, making it superb value for money. The hydrostatic head rating of 20,000mm (the height of a column of water that can stand on the fabric before it leaks) compares well with that of many far more expensive jackets. In heavy rain it has proved fully waterproof. Breathability however is on the low side at 15,000 MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate). Top end jackets are usually at least 20,000. In practice I have found condensation appearing inside a bit sooner than with the other jackets tested but it’s not been a problem. A main reason for this is that the Munro has long underarm zips so damp air can be easily expelled. This is an excellent feature, especially given the price.

The Munro Jacket is comfortable and I’ve been happy wearing it in storms. It may be inexpensive but it doesn’t feel like a budget garment. It is quite heavy, the heaviest jacket tested, and maybe overkill for summer backpacking, but at the same time it’s adequate for winter mountain use.

Read more: Chris’ full Highlander Munro V2 review

Berghaus Ridge Seeker

Quick specs
Price: $452 / £350
Weight: 440g (size 10)
Materials: Goretex 3L 100% polyester with ePE membrane
Hood: Wired peak with volume adjusters at back and sides
Front Closure: 2 way waterproof zip with internal storm flap
Underarm/Side Zips: 2 way pit zips
Pockets: 2 hand pockets, 1 external chest and 1 internal chest
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: 8 – 20
Men’s version: Yes
berghaus.com

This jacket from Berghaus is about as classic a jacket you can get. The Gore-Tex 3L fabric feels tough and durable, meaning the Berghaus Ridge Seeker feels ready to take a bit of a battering in winter. There’s a good selection of pockets with the hand pockets just big enough to fit a map, and both the internal and external chest pockets a good option for a phone. The hand pockets do sit lower than I’d like, and so get in the way of a rucksack or harness waist belt, which limits what I put in them.

Overall, it’s a solid jacket, with good features that are almost ideal but just need a little tweak to make it a great jacket.

Read more: Kirsty’s full Berghaus Ridge Seeker review

How we tested

Chris tested his jackets on day walks and multi day trips in the Scottish Highlands from spring 2024 through to early 2025. He is short and mostly wears a size large. Conditions included heavy rain, soaking drizzle, blizzards, and ferocious winds.

Kirsty tested these jackets through Autumn and early winter in Scotland while hillwalking, biking and mountaineering in a mix of rain, snow and even some sunshine. Kirsty is a short size 8-10 and was aiming to get several layers under each jacket.

All weights are taken from the reviewer’s own scales. Most of the jackets tested are three-season hardshells but there are also options that will suit tough winter trips in snow too. The jackets have been chosen on the basis of their protection, breathability and durability, with weight, packability, features, fit sustainability and value influencing our decisions too. These reviews were first published in the April 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.

How to choose the best waterproof jacket for you

Finding the right waterproof jacket can greatly enhance your comfort and performance in adverse weather conditions. It’s also absolutely crucial from a safety perspective. First and foremost, the main things to assess when choosing a rain jacket are the levels of waterproofness and breathability as these determine its ability to keep you dry while allowing moisture to escape. Additionally, consider the hardshell jacket’s durability, weight, and packability to match your intended activities and environment. If you like to move fast and light, for instance, then a lightweight 2.5-layer shell that’s light on features will be best for you. Conversely, if you’re into your winter mountaineering then you’ll want a more durable shell – 3-layer perhaps – with pockets and lots of adjustment.

Pay attention to features like hood design: is there adjustment so that it will hold in high winds? And pocket placement: will they be accessible when you’re wearing a baclpack with a hipbelt? You’ll also want to take into account the jacket’s fit and sizing to ensure optimal comfort and freedom of movement – many of our full individual jacket reviews will specify whether a jacket is true to size or not. If we don’t specify in the review, please feel free to get in touch with us directly to ask.

Finally there’s the sustainability side of things. If you’re conscious of the environmental impact of products, check whether any recycled materials are present and also whether the materials can go on to be recycled when the jacket comes to the end of its life. Some jackets these days still come with PFCs. These are water resistant chemicals that often escape through our washing machines and into the world’s water supplies where they stay for a very long time. Studies have found these in the world’s deepest oceans and even on the summit of Everest!

Fabric

The fabric determines how ‘breathable’ a garment will be. All waterproof fabrics are fully waterproof regardless of cost. Thicker fabrics give better protection in winter weather.

Construction

Waterproof fabrics are made up of layers of material. The most durable construction is three-layer in which the waterproof layer is sandwiched between the face fabric and an inner layer.

Hood

Hoods should be easily adjusted and move with your head. A wired or stiffened peak is useful in wind driven rain and snow. Helmet-compatible hoods should have volume adjusters so they can be reduced in size without affecting your vision for non-helmet wear.

Front Closure

Water-resistant zips are now standard. These are not fully waterproof in driving rain and should have an inner flap to repel any rain that gets through.

Ventilation

Underarm/side zips can be awkward to use but do allow good ventilation. They can often be used when the front zip has to be closed due to rain or snow. Zips that curve under the armpits are effective but the most difficult to adjust. Side zips that run from the armpit down the jacket are much easier to use.

Cuffs

Cuffs that can be opened wide are good for ventilation in the arms. Elasticised and narrow cuffs can lead to sweaty wrists.

Pockets

Whilst not essential pockets that are accessible when wearing a rucksack hipbelt are useful for items like compass, phone, snacks, map, hat and gloves.

DWR

The durable water repellency treatment (DWR) makes water bead and run off fabrics. In time this degrades and needs to be restored with a wash-in or spray-on product. The DWR does not affect the waterproofness of a garment but does reduce the breathability when it wears off gets dirty so you get more condensation inside. The DWR treatment used for many decades is being phased out as it contains environmentally damaging PFCs. Unfortunately, PFC-free DWRs do not last as long so garments need washing and reproofing more often.

Fit

For the most efficient breathability, the best waterproof jackets should fit fairly closely. At the same time, they shouldn’t be so tight that they restrict movement. And a rain jacket should fit comfortably over all the layers you might need to wear underneath it. Size labels should be taken as a guide only – they’re not consistent between makes.

Waterpoofing, breathability, adjustment, fit, features, sustainability and of course price. There’s a lot to consider, but by carefully weighing these up you can make a well-informed choice and invest in a waterproof shell that could serve you well and for a long, long time.

Measuring waterproofness and breathability

If you want to know how to stay dry when hiking in the rain, it’s important to consider a rain jacket’s waterproofness and breathability. If the weather is wet and warm, the fabric needs to have the capacity to let the moisture created by sweat to escape, otherwise you will end up damp inside the rain jacket. These days there are excellent waterproof and breathable membranes (which are also windproof). Most jackets also have a durable waterproof repellency (DWR) treatment added to the outer layer of fabric.

The waterproofness of a rain jacket is measured by determining the height of a column of water that the fabric can withstand before it starts to leak through. The resulting figure is known as the hydrostatic head (HH) and this is expressed in millimetres – the higher the number, the more waterproof the jacket is considered to be.

The breathability of waterproof garments is determined by the “Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate” (MVTR). This test measures the amount of water vapor that can pass through the jacket’s fabric over a given period of time. The unit of measurement used is typically grams per square meter per 24 hours (g/m²/24h). The higher the MVTR rating, the more breathable the jacket is considered to be. 

Finally, colour choice may seem less important but a brighter shade will allow you to be more easily seen should you get into difficulty. Black, dark blues and greens blend in rather than stand out. Also, very light shades will show the dirt quickly.

Waterproof fabrics and their ratings

• Hydroshell (Berghaus) – HH: 15,000 mm | MVTR: 20,000 g/m²/24h (official)
• Dermizax EV – HH: 25,000 mm | MVTR: 20,000 g/m²/24h (official)
• Unbranded (Alpkit Balance) – HH: 20,000 mm | MVTR: 20,000 g/m²/24h (official)
• Polartec Power Shield – HH: 20,000 mm | MVTR: 20,000 g/m²/24h (official)
• Futurelight (The North Face) – HH: Unknown | MVTR: 75,000 g/m²/24h (official)
• Pertex Shield – HH: 20,000 mm | MVTR: 20,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• H2No (Patagonia) – HH: 10,000mm to 20,000 mm | MVTR: 12,000 – 15,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• Omni-Tech (Columbia) – HH: 10,000 mm | MVTR: 10,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• eVent – HH: 30,000 | MVTR: 15,000 to 25,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• Gore-tex – HH: 28,000 mm | MVTR: 17,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• Gore-tec Paclite – HH: 28,000 mm | MVTR:15,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)
• Gore-tex Pro – HH 28,000 mm | MVTR: 25,000 g/m²/24h (estimated)

How to look after your waterproof jacket

Looking after waterproof jackets can be trickier than a normal piece of clothing; they require a certain amount of upkeep if they are to continue to keep you dry and perform well for a long time. Dirty rain jackets don’t let body moisture through very well, so you get damp from condensation building up inside the rain jacket as you sweat quicker. The Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment on the outside of hardshell jackets that causes rain to bead and run off rather than soak in can also wear off and need replacing over time. This also leads to condensation as the garment is then less breathable.

There are two main elements to waterproof jacket care: washing, and restoring the jacket’s DWR treatment. Our guide on how to look after your waterproof jacket will further help you to understand common problems with hardshells, rain jackets and how to manage them.