Our expert team's selection of the greatest waterproof jackets they've tested, including options from Mountain Equipment, Rab, Arc'teryx, and more.
by 143 
A Strong waterproof jacket or rain jacket is vital for any outdoor journey and it’s often necessary to have one in your backpack for safety reasons – even if the weather looks nice. Do you know which jacket is perfect for you? Consider the primary seasons and types of excursions you’ll need it for first. Furthermore, for journeys outside of the winter season, a three-season best waterproof jackets will provide the most versatility.
As a result, you will be protected from rain during the Months of spring, summer, and autumn, when temperatures should be higher and the weather milder than during the winter. Importantly, the ideal three-season jacket will be able to withstand downpours and severe winds, as well as have a plethora of useful features. After all, trekkers should expect to encounter quite severe weather at any time of year, especially if they are high in the mountains.
According to our expert experts, this roundup comprises 11 of the top best hard shell jackets for 2023. Predominantly, these are the three best hard shell jackets, but there are also choices for snowy winter excursions. The jackets were chosen for their protection, breathability, and durability, with weight, packability, features, fit, sustainability, and value also playing a role.
Chris Townsend, Fiona Russell, David Lintern, Will Renwick, and Peter Macfarlane tried on these jackets. They were all utilized from spring to Autumn and some cases, winter. Furthermore, they were evaluated for their capacity to provide wind and rain protection while also allowing for breathability, especially in mild temperatures. Most of our testers are hikers, and many of the products have been carried on multi-day journeys and long-distance trails over multiple mountain ranges and nations.
low weight
breathability
packability
expensive
No cuff adjustment
250g
Pertex Quantum
Hooded jacket
Montane calls the Phase Nano its lightest and most breathable Gore-Tex jacket. additionally, the 250g jacket has three-layer waterproof protection, a full-length water-resistant front zip, a three-point adjustable hood, and curved cuffs. It is a Great bit of Kit remarked Peter Macfarlane, who was on the terrific Outdoors Awards committee that chose this rain jacket as the finest.
It packs to nothing for just-in-case days, has Great Gore-Tex fabric, good-sized pockets, and perfect articulation with no hem movement. It uses lightweight Gore-Tex Active, a three-layer waterproof Fabric with outstanding breathability. However, designed for trail running, it’s three-way adjustable hood, spacious hand warmer pockets, and rain flap make it a decent summer hiking jacket, Although, the 13D fabric may be too thin for a heavy pack. Both men and women can now use Nano.
lightweight
hood adjustment
recycled fabrics
underarm zips
Waterproof
hood peak not very stiff
Secure hand pockets
Regular fit
“You’ve got everything you’d want from a good, reliable wet weather shell,” commented Great Outdoors Awards 2023 jury member Will Renwick. He tested the Patagonia Granite Crest on a wet Lake District camping trip. Furthermore, Granite Crest features recovered fishing net fabric and is PFC-free to reduce ocean plastic pollution. This cloth is soft, silent, and somewhat stretchy, indicating quality. In our tests, it was a superb three-season alternative for day hiking and backpacking. Additionally, it has a big helmet-compatible hood that can be adjusted for protection and visibility, external front drawcords that can be tightened with the jacket fully zipped, and a reinforced peak that lacks structure and can distort in the wind.
low weight
breathability
expensive
front hood adjustment
330g (L)
Our top men’s jacket, the Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell, was lightweight, comfortable, and robust. We liked the AscentShell fabric and Pertex Diamond Fuse fibers. This makes a Lightweight, abrasion-resistant material. Outdoor research uses electro-spinning to link hundreds of tiny fibers into a web with holes large enough to release moisture vapor but small enough to block liquid moisture. Impressive Feature, When correctly adjusted, the hood offers superior protection despite its less smooth texture. The jacket features internal and external chest pockets spacious enough for a medium-sized smartphone. Although a hip belt may obstruct the handwarmer pockets, they remain usable. There’s plenty of space; Chris found the Large size comfortable even over thickly insulated garments.
lightweight
hood, pockets
nvironmentally friendly fabrics
Expensive
1 lb. | 455g (L)
This jacket is suitable for stormy weather due to its waterproof fabric. Being 100% PFC and built from recycled materials, it’s eco-friendly. The jacket has a protective hood and spacious pockets, is comfortable because the fabric isn’t stiff or noisy like other heavy-duty ones, and breathes well, with very little moisture inside during our tests. The broad cuffs and zipped side vents helped ventilate the sleeves. Over a light mid-layer and base layer, the fit is loose, allowing for more movement and a thicker insulation layer in winter.
lightweight
hood adjustment
breathability
cost, underarm zips
mosquito net
no chest pockets
a hood peak is not very stiff
Gore-Tex
Waterproof & windproof
Adjustable hood
The Swedish Alpine Mountain Rescue Association uses Tierra wet weather gear. This Back-Up jacket incorporates Gore-Tex Paclite. Its 28,000mm hydrostatic head, good breathability, lightweight, and packability make it a Great trekking jacket. Tierra Back-Up hoods fit well and include external front drawcords and cord locks for simple adjustment. Since it is not helmet-compatible, the hood doesn’t have much material to cinch down. Its peak is tiny and flexible. The pockets are big. Unfortunately, a backpack with a hip belt cuts them off. There are no inner or breast pockets. An extra feature for summer is a filling sack that doubles as a midge net!
We explored many Best waterproof jackets for Scotland’s outdoor adventures, from the best hard shell jackets to the best mountain climbing jackets. Breathability, durability, and versatility were crucial when assessing these jackets. The Montane Phase Nano is the Best waterproof jacket for Scotland’s unpredictable weather due to its lightweight and breathability. Another strong contender for the finest best waterproof work jacket is the Patagonia Granite Crest, with its eco-friendly and versatile design.
Innovative fabric technology and comfort make the Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell a top selection for men. The Helly Hansen Odin 1 World Infinity Shell provides superior storm protection with eco-friendly materials. Trekkers should consider the Tierra Back Up, with its high hydrostatic head rating and unusual features like the midge net. With their strengths, these coats represent the pinnacle of outdoor gear design and functionality.
