ON makes big claims for the Storm jacket, including “a waterproof jacket that’s ready for anything” with an ability to “defy the elements”. Certainly, it has decent weatherproofing credentials – a three-layer waterproof/breathable membrane, fully sealed seams and Aquaguard zips. However, the fabric is lightweight compared to the other winter waterproofs within our guide to the best waterproof jackets.
Price: £400 | Weight: 383g | Materials: 100% recycled polyester 3-layer membrane | Hood: stiffened fabric peak, 2 volume adjusters | Front closure: Aquaguard zip | Underarm/side zips: 1-way zips | Pockets: 3 | Hem: drawcord and adjuster | Cuffs: Velcro | Sizes: XS-XL | Men’s version: yes
Further plus points include the use of recycled polyester for the main membrane, PFAS-free DWR, a two-way chunky water-repellent front zip, and pit zips. The jacket fits well and has good arm length plus a drop rear hem. It offers good freedom of movement.
It performed well in the rain until I faced sustained winter mountain conditions that included high winds and torrential rain. In this situation, the DWR began to fail and the fabric started to wet out and. My face wasn’t adequately protected by the hood or peak and nor is there a soft fabric chin guard. In windy but dry weather, I found the jacket to be fairly windproof, but not robustly so.
However, it scores very well on breathability. The one-way pit zips help with temperature control, but once opened I could not zip them up again without help from a friend. There are a few other thoughtful details, such as large and expandable chest pockets that can be used when wearing a rucksack, plus an internal zipped pocket. There is a sleeve loop for carrying a phone.
Colour choice is limited with cream or black for females and only black for men. Additionally, the fabric is quite noisy. Overall, the Storm jacket appears more suited to running or fast-hiking activities and I would choose it for the shoulder seasons, between winter and summer or summer and winter, rather than for a full-blown winter outing. It’s also expensive.
How we tested the ON Storm Jacket
Fiona normally wears a size Small or UK10. She tested the ON Storm women’s jacket on a range of hill and mountain hikes, mostly in the Scottish Highlands and in a variety of conditions from cold and windy to very wet. She used her home digital scales to weigh the jackets.
