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The best waterproof jackets for 2021 are here and we have picked our favourites in 3 different price ranges – budget, mid-range and top of the range. Whether you need a jacket that will keep you dry no matter what the weather throws at you or just want something lightweight to throw on over your clothes when it starts drizzling, this is the place for all your waterproof jacket needs.
The best waterproof jackets are those that will keep you dry and comfortable no matter what the weather is. There are so many options on the market, but some of them might not have all the features you need or want. This blog post reviews three jackets in each price range to help you find one with the right features for your needs.
Features to look for when choosing a waterproof jacket
Here are the features that you should check out for when you go shopping for a waterproof jacket. For more details, why not check out my Waterproof Jacket Buyers Guide.
Fabric – what is your jacket made of?
You want to check out the fabric that your jacket is made of. Is the outer layer waterproof, and is the inner layer going to keep you warm, whilst also being able to wick away moisture when the temperature gets higher?
How waterproof – does it show you the hydrostatic head level?
Does your potential purchase show the level of waterproof-ness? Waterproof jackets must have a hydrostatic head level of at least 1,500 mm – the higher the number the better.
Armpit zips
Whilst discussing moisture – does your jacket have armpit zips? These are designed to let you get some air to prevent excess sweating. Only the very best jackets have these incorporated into their design.
Hood
How snug is the hood on the jacket? Can you pull it tighter, and if so, is that by toggles at the front of back of the hood?
Zip
Is the zip protected by a storm flap or is it open to the elements? Most will have a storm flap that covers the zip, which is probably the biggest potential weak point.
Length
How long is the jacket that you are considering? Does it finish at your hips, or is it longer and will cover your bottom and the tops of your thighs?
Sleeve Cuffs
Are the sleeve cuffs adjustable? If not, and they are wide, then draughts can easily whip down your arms. Maybe they are elasticated to solve this issue. Ideally they will have a velcro strap so you can cinch them in when cold but open them up when hot to let some draughts in.
Pockets
How many pockets does your future jacket have? Are they just at the front of the jacket, or are there internal pockets too? Are they big enough for all you need to take with you?
Fit
What is the fit of your jacket like? It may be athletic and as such quite snug, or you may prefer one that is looser and thus able to layer up underneath.
Seams
Are the seams taped over? If not, the stitching makes the jacket probably not waterproof completely.
Best Budget Waterproof Jackets
Craghoppers Caldbeck Ladies Waterproof Jacket
The Caldbeck is a stylish, colourful and waterproof Craghoppers women’s jacket. A versatile, lightweight year-round trench raincoat for all types of activities. Extra-tough outer fabric with waterproof and breathable performance treated to repel water and wind while still maintaining flexibility.
With 6 pockets there’s plenty of room to store your keys, purse, binoculars etc in the top loading pockets, whilst keeping your hands warm in the side access pockets. The chest pocket is perfect for your mobile phone – easy access when you need to check it. Inside there’s a large chest pocket – big enough to hold an OS map.
Being a trench coat the Caldbeck is slightly longer and so keeps your bottom warmer. It’s got enough room in it to wear a couple of layers underneath, but it’s not so baggy that looks too large without them.
Craghoppers Aquadry membrane is waterproof yet breathable. The majority of the inside is mesh-lined which helps with moisture expulsion, although below the hips there’s a polyester lining to help keep the tops of your legs and bottom warm.
The only real downside is that the hood is quite snug, although that is better in high winds rather than being baggy and blowing down.
Features of the Craghoppers Caldbeck Ladies Waterproof Jacket
- Fused Narrow Stormflap With Narrow Inner Zip Guard
- Waterproof 10,000 mm
- Breathable 25,000G/M2/24Hrs
- Craghoppers Aquadry membrane
- Colours – Baton Rouge (see above), Charcoal, Stormy Sea
- Sizes 8-20
- Fastening: Zipper
- Trench Coat
- 6 Pockets – double entry side pockets x 2 (top loading and side entry), chest pocket x 1, inner pocket x 1
- Weight – 540g
- 85g of recycled material used in manufacturing
Craghoppers Lorton Men’s Waterproof Jacket
The Lorton Jacket is made for men with woven fabric, 100% waterproofing and a PU coating. The adjustable waist lets it move freely without sacrificing protection from the elements.
The Lorton jacket will keep you dry in wet conditions, but also protects against wind and insects; perfect for long days outside or hikes through dense forests. With its lightweight design and sleek exterior, this versatile rainwear will protect you from any weather condition that may arise throughout your day – be it drizzle or downfall!
The Craghoppers Lorton is the male equivalent of the Craghoppers Caldbeck. It boasts the same 6 pockets – 2 front double pockets with top loading and side entrances; external chest pocket and internal map pocket.
Longer length trench coat to help keep bottom and top of thighs warm, with adjustable waist toggles. A good jacket for wet and windy walks.
Features of the Craghoppers Lorton Men’s Waterproof Jacket
- Stud Fastening Stormflap With Inner Zip Guard
- Waterproof 10,000 mm
- Breathable 25,000G/M2/24Hrs
- Machine Wash
- Colours – Black Pepper, Dark Navy, Dark Agave & Black Pepper, Deep Blue & Navy, Pomp Red & Black Pepper
- Sizes – Small to XXL
- Fastening : Zipper
- Trench Coat
- 6 Pockets – double entry side pockets x 2 (top loading and side entry), chest pocket x 1, inner pocket x 1
- Weight – 690g
- Bluesign-Approved Aquadry Membrane Recycled Polyester Stretch With Polyester Stretch Mesh & Recycled Polyester Taffeta Lining
Best Mid Range Waterproof Jackets
Sprayway Hain Men’s Waterproof Jacket
The Sprayway Hain is a waterproof breathable shell designed for the colder seasons. It has an anti-fungal coating and is wind proof with fully taped seams to keep you dry in any weather! Made of lightweight polyester interlocked fabric, the Hain has a relaxed fit that compliments your movement.
The Hain is one of the most comfortable waterproof jackets available, with the HydroDry fabric less stiff than most jacket fabrics. This also helps towards the ease of movement – ideal when you are clambering over rocks or stiles. But this doesn’t affect the ability to keep rain out – the Hain is great at doing that.
Longer in length so it covers your bottom, along with adjustable cuffs, hem and waist, it’s perfectly snug in the cold of a British windy day. But to help with overheating when the temperature creeps up, there’s a mesh fabric inside at the back and under the arms to help with breathability.
It does fall down slightly on the fact that it has only 3 pockets – 2 side pockets to keep essentials (and your hands) in, along with an internal chest pocket. So if you wanted to carry an OS map, you’d have to store in your rucksack unless you have trousers with a map pocket.
A great jacket for out in the countryside.
Features of the Sprayway Hain Men’s Waterproof Jacket
- Fabric – 2-Layer hydro Dry 150D polyester Oxford fabric, offers superior strength and durability
- Lining – mesh and Taffeta combination lining for all day comfort
- Colours – Yukon & Blazer, Thunder & Black, Racing Red & Blazer
- Sizes – Small to XXL
- Fastening: Zipper
- Weight – 605g
- Long Sleeve
- Hood – grown on, fully adjustable hill hood with a wired peak and roll away tab feature
- Zips – 2-way centre front zip with double storm guard
Columbia Omni-Tech Ampli-Dry Ladies Waterproof Jacket
Designed with a high level of breathability and simplicity in mind, Columbia’s Women’s Omni-Tech Ampli-Dry Jacket is ultra lightweight for ultimate packability. It gives you a luxury feel to the outer shell with it’s smooth and tactile finish.
If you are looking for a jacket that will keep you dry, and feels as good as it looks, then the Columbia Omni-Tech Ampli-Dry jacket is the perfect waterproof for ladies. But don’t fear boys, you don’t miss out, as there’s a men’s version too.
This jacket is lightweight and built for comfort – not only is the outer surface one of the most tactile on the market in the mid-range level, but small touches such as a super soft fabric that lines the top at the inside to protect your chin show the level of design that goes into this.
It’s generous cut allows for plenty of layering underneath for the coldest of days – if you tend to stay at home at this time then you may want to try a size below your normal. However, the hood does not have a stiff peak, which is a real shame, so if it’s pelting down with raining you are likely to get a wet face.
This is a great all-rounder jacket but maybe not for extremes.
Features of the Columbia Omni-Tech Ampli-Dry Ladies Waterproof Jacket
- Omni-Tech waterproof, breathable, fully seam sealed
- Attached, adjustable hood
- Drawstring adjustable hem
- Bonded hood brim
- Material: 100% nylon
- Colours – Bright Red, Faux Pink, Harbor Blue, Black
- Sizes – XS – XL
- Underarm venting
Jack Wolfskin Go Hike Men’s Waterproof Jacket
Stand out on the trail in a colourful Hike Go jacket from Jack Wolfskin! The Hike Go Jacket is specially designed to function as a full close fitting lightweight rain jacket during hikes that take place in colder winter regions.
This is a mediumweight jacket that really is suitable for almost everything that the weather can throw at you, yet it’s still lightweight enough to be able to pack away in your rucksack. It has enough warmth in it’s padding, roomy enough for a mid-layer underneath, and still able to breath when hot.
It has one of the best hoods on the market with 3 drawstrings and a stiff peak to keep rain off your face. Even the collar comes up over the chin for protection, but with enough room to allow you to breath easily.
The Jack Wolfskin Hike Go waterproof jacket is made from Texapore Ecosphere – a membrane made from 100% recycled polyester, so if the environment is a deciding factor in your buying decision, then this one attracts attention. A great jacket for everyday walking in all but the most severe of conditions.
Features of the Jack Wolfskin Go Hike Men’s Waterproof Jacket
- Weatherproof shell jacket for hiking
- Very breathable
- Soft fabric
- Colours – Blue Jewel, Basil Green, Fiery Red, Phantom
- Sizes – Small to XXXL
- 100% recycled main fabrics
- Weight – 429g (Medium)
- 4 pockets
Best Top of the Range Waterproof Jackets
Berghaus Glissade InterActive Ladies Waterproof Jacket
The Berghaus Glissade InterActive is the perfect all round waterproof jacket for those who want to be comfortably protected when they’re out and about. It’s a great winter jacket rather than a pack in the rucksack just in case – lovely and snug in colder times.
Being fully waterproof means that this jacket keeps you dry from every angle. It gets full marks for performance, with the Gore-Tex fabric keeping the hardest rain from breaking through it’s barrier.
Style wise it looks a little dated, but if you are spending in the region of £200 plus, you are looking for performance first. the good thing is it is quite long in the body and as such will help keep your bottom dry and warm.
It has a huge inside pocket which is suitable for a map – in fact it’s main downside is not external chest pocket to carry your mobile phone, but that is a minor irritation in a top quality waterproof jacket.
Whilst it’s a warm jacket already, if you are out in freezing weather and need some more layers, you can zip in any of the Berghaus InterActive fleeces for extra warmth. Adjustable cuffs, waist and hem make this one of the best jackets available.
Features of the Berghaus Glissade InterActive Ladies Waterproof Jacket
- Fabric – 2-layer GORE-TEX helps to stop every drop of driving rain
- Handy roll-away hood and double storm flap over the front zip combats icy blizzards and stops gales creeping in
- 100% Polyester with ePTFE membrane Lining 1: 100% Polyamide Lining 2: 100% Polyester
- Glissade IA Jacket
- Sizes : 8 – 20
- Weight 650g (size 12)
- INTERACTIVE: When you need some extra warmth, you can zip in one of Berghaus’ compatible midlayers, thanks to the interactive zip
- Colours : Dusk Blue, Wellington Green
Fjallraven High Coast Hydratic Men’s Waterproof Jacket
FjallaRven High Coast Hydratic is their new lighter material, designed as an alternative to the heavier Ecoshell system that has made up their main range. Hydratic is lighter and more breathable, perfect for a waterproof jacket as a top layer.
This is a robust 2.5 layer jacket, but is one of the lightest jackets on the market too. As such, it makes it very suitable to be packed in your rucksack when it’s dry. Being lightweight you may well need a mid-range layer underneath – that’s no issue as the cut is quite baggy to enable this easily.
The hood has a stiff peak to help keep rain off your face, and also has a reflective strip on the front to aid being seen in the dark. There’s also reflective strips on the adjustable cuffs, which is a nice touch.
To aid breathability the sides have some long ventilation zips – great for keeping cool when it’s warm. Another nice touch is the two-way zip – I like to undo my zip upwards occasionally when warm.
The inside is particularly attractive with abstract designs from Swedish artist Eric Olovsson. The only real downside is that it is quite noisy – if you are a nature lover you may find this too much when trying to keep still whilst bird-watching.
Features of the Fjallraven High Coast Hydratic Men’s Waterproof Jacket
- Waterproof, breathable Hydratic in recycled polyamide with PFC-free impregnation.
- Sizes – Extra Small to XXL
- Weight – 321g (Medium)
- Ventilation zippers in the sides.
- Adjustable hood with reflective details.
- Hand pockets with zippers.
- Colours : Black, True Red, Navy, Green
Paramo Cascada
The Paramo Cascada mens coat offers 100% protection from light shower days through to an intense downpour. It boasts a waterproof layer that is both waterproof and breathable without compromising on features or style.
The complete opposite to the last jacket, this is a heavyweight longer jacket weighing in at 876g for a size Medium. It acts as a waterproof, windproof and an insulating jacket, so you may not require too many layers underneath unless it is deep winter. It uses Nikwax Analogy waterproofing – a name that is well known to hikers for repelling water.
It has a drawstring waist which helps keep the shape as well as keeping draughts out. Also helping to keep you warm are large pockets for your hands – some other jacket are only just big enough and you find your wrists possibly getting exposed, but not with the Paramo Cascada.
The hood has a peak – probably the firmest peak of all jackets on the market. Another great feature is the chest pocket that is cleverly designed into the storm flap over the zip.
A great waterproof coat for Autumn right through to Spring, but just to warm for Summer.
Features of the Paramo Cascada Men’s Waterproof Jacket
- Sizes – Small to XXL
- Weight – 876g (Medium)
- Fabric – Nikwax Analogy
- Colours : Midnight, Forest
- Two-way front zip
- 3 generous-sized pockets
- Adjustable cuffs
Conclusion – Best Waterproof Jackets in 3 ranges
In this blog post we’ve given you an in-depth review of the best waterproof jackets on the market. So whether your looking for a budget, middle of the range or a top quality waterproof jacket we hope that this helps you find the perfect jacket for your needs.
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