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In my previous post I explained what makes a jacket truly “fully waterproof” for UK conditions and why things like hydrostatic head and breathability really matter.
Now it’s time to look at some of the best jackets you can actually buy in 2025 – from top-of-the-range options for serious hikers, to brilliant value picks for weekend walkers. I’ve also included eco-conscious choices if you want gear that’s kinder to the planet.
Premium Picks – When Only the Best Will Do
If you’re regularly out in all weather, or heading for the mountains, these jackets are built for serious adventures.
Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket
Approx. Price: £350 | Weight: 330g
- Waterproofing: 3-layer Gore-Tex (20,000mm+ HH)
- Why We Love It: Superb weather protection and breathability in a lightweight, packable design.
- Things to Know: No pit zips, but excellent fabric performance keeps you dry. You may need to reproof the DWR fairly regularly.
- Best For: Lightweight hiking and alpine trips where every gram counts.
Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell 2.0
Approx. Price: £325 | Weight: 410g
- Waterproofing: Helly Tech Professional fabric
- Why We Love It: Oversized pit zips (brilliant for staying cool), helmet-compatible hood, stormproof zips.
- Sustainability: PFAS-free DWR and made with recycled content.
- Best For: Year-round mountain use and big days out in rough weather.
Great Value – Reliable Jackets Without the Premium Price
These jackets strike a perfect balance between performance and price.
Highlander Munro Jacket
Approx. Price: £120 | Weight: 556g (size L)
- Waterproofing: 3-layer PROT3X (20,000mm HH, 15,000g/m² MVTR)
- Why We Love It: Solid weather protection and venting options at a very accessible price.
- Best For: Budget-conscious hikers who want full-season reliability.
Keela Pinnacle Waterproof Jacket
Approx. Price: £163–£195 | Weight: 680g
- Waterproofing: 3-layer Aquaflex Extreme
- Why We Love It: Burly, durable construction with underarm vents for sweaty climbs.
- Best For: Harsh conditions, winter hiking, and those who value toughness over low weight.
Montane Spirit Waterproof Jacket
Approx. Price: £165–£227 | Weight: 330g (women’s)
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Paclite (28,000mm HH, RET < 6)
- Why We Love It: Light, quiet fabric and roomy fit for layering.
- Best For: General hiking, travel, and walkers who want Gore-Tex protection at a fair price.
Alpkit Sigma Jacket
Approx. Price: £169.99 | Weight: 340g
- Waterproofing: 3-layer, 15,000mm HH / 10,000g/m² MVTR
- Why We Love It: 100% recycled and fully recyclable construction. Large, map-sized pockets.
- Sustainability: Designed for a circular lifecycle with a PFC-free DWR coating.
- Best For: Eco-conscious hikers who still want serious trail performance.
Jackets with a Conscience
If sustainability is a top priority, look for brands that:
- Use PFC-free DWR coatings (kinder to the environment).
- Make jackets from recycled or mono-material fabrics (easier to recycle at end of life).
- Offer repair services or durable designs built to last years.
Patagonia, Alpkit, Rab, and Montane are leading the way here, with some jackets designed to be fully recyclable – a huge step towards reducing waste in outdoor gear.
The Ultimate UK Hiking Jacket Comparison Chart
| Model | Approx. Amazon UK Price | Weight (g) | Waterproof Rating (HH) | Breathability (MVTR) | Key Features | Best For | Sustainability Notes |
| Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight | £350 | 330 | 20,000mm+ | Excellent | No pit zips, helmet-compatible hood, lightweight | Lightweight, alpine pursuits | Gore-Tex ePE, PFAS-free |
| Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell 2.0 | £325 | 410 | N/A | Excellent (>20,000) | Oversized pit zips, helmet-compatible hood, RECCO reflector | Year-round, demanding mountain use | Made from recycled content, PFAS-free DWR |
| Montane Spirit | £165-£227 | 330 (women’s) | 28,000mm | RET <6 | Gore-Tex Paclite, roomy fit for layering | Value, reliable protection | Fair Wear Foundation, EOCA |
| Keela Pinnacle | £163-£195 | 680 | N/A | N/A | Helmet-compatible hood, underarm vents | Durability, technical use | N/A |
| Alpkit Sigma | £169.99 | 340 | 15,000mm | 10,000 | Map-sized pockets, wired hood, quiet fabric | All-rounder, eco-conscious choice | 100% recycled and recyclable, PFC-free DWR |
| Highlander Munro | £120 | 556 (size L) | 20,000mm | 15,000 | 3-layer Protex, helmet-compatible hood, pit zips | Budget, year-round hillwalking | PFC-free fabric |
Final Recommendations
- Best Overall Performance: Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell 2.0 – the perfect all-rounder for year-round UK use.
- Best Value: Highlander Munro Jacket – unbeatable spec for the price.
- Best Lightweight Option: Montane Spirit or Arc’teryx Beta – ideal for fastpackers or those who travel light.
- Best Eco Choice: Alpkit Sigma Jacket – high performance and planet-friendly.
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