The best men’s waterproof jackets in the UK to get outdoors whatever the weather, tested
Keep dry in outerwear that’s been put through its paces in showers indoors and out
I didn’t think it was possible for my cat to respect me less. That was until he caught me testing a waterproof jacket in the shower. Him, motionless in the hallway, a textbook look of feline disapproval painted across his face. Me, slowly rotating behind a glass screen like a Gore-Tex doner kebab.
What he doesn’t understand is that modern rain gear makes braving the elements far less miserable. Gone are the clammy rubberised raincoats of old. Today’s lightweight shell jackets incorporate clever fabric technologies that keep the rain sealed out without leaving you steaming inside.
With that in mind, I put some of the best men’s waterproof jackets to the test in the name of keeping you dry and comfortable, no matter the forecast.
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At a glance
Best waterproof jacket overall:
Montane Torren
Best budget waterproof jacket:
Montbell Thunder Pass
Best Gore-Tex waterproof jacket:
Arc’teryx Beta AR
Best sustainable waterproof jacket:
Páramo Velez
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Why you should trust me
When it comes to outdoor gear and activewear, I’ve seen it all. Over the past decade, I’ve reviewed countless products – from hiking boots to bike helmets, trail-running shoes to walking trousers – putting them through their paces in all manner of conditions. I keep a close eye on industry trends and innovations, ensuring I’m always up to speed on what works and what doesn’t. And, as my other half would tell you, I have a borderline obsessive love of outerwear. If there’s one thing I know, it’s jackets – and I’m here to help you find the right one.
How I tested
You can’t test a waterproof jacket without getting wet. I live on the Northumberland coast, where there’s no shortage of inclement weather. I compared the jackets by walking briskly on the beach for at least two hours in each one, working up enough of a sweat to assess breathability while also monitoring how well the fabric deflected rain.
I also took a few jackets with me on a hiking trip to Cumbria, where I subjected them to some typically dreich Lakeland conditions. And more recently, I tested jackets in and around Northumberland national park, where there’s been pretty consistent rain. And just to be extra rigorous, I wore each one in a cold shower for three minutes a pop.
I’ve tested 22 top-rated waterproof jackets over the past 18 months, whittling them down to a shortlist of seven, including four top picks.
Once tested, the jackets sourced for this article are being donated to Alpkit’s Continuum initiative. The brand accepts donations of outdoor clothing, passing them on to those who need them most through its network of charity partners.
• For more outdoor essentials, check out our guide to the best walking boots for men
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The best waterproof coats and jackets for men in 2026
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<em>Best waterproof jacket overall:</em>Montane Torren
- What we love:The Pfas-free Petrichor fabric outperforms its competitors
- What we don’t love:On the roomy side, and sizing only runs from S to XXL
Wearing a coat in the shower might seem ridiculous, but Montane’s new Torren jacket was worth the indignity. Winner of a prestigious ISPO (the renowned outdoor and sports industry trade fair) award for 2024, it’s a masterclass in balancing performance, sustainability and functional design.
Why we love it
The magic lies in Montane’s new Petrichor technology – a three-layer waterproof fabric that’s free from the harmful PFC/Pfas chemicals often found in these types of materials, yet highly breathable, lightweight and easy to move in. It’s also impressively quiet and “uncrinkly” – crinkling is an issue I’ve encountered with other Pfas-free options, such as Gore-Tex’s ePE.
I tested the Torren on a wet, fast-paced ascent of Great Rigg in the Lake District, backpack and all, where it shrugged off the persistent rain. The fabric’s breathability is excellent, bolstered by pit zips that offer extra ventilation when needed. On the way back down, with the wind howling and temperatures dropping, I stayed comfortable wearing it over just a base layer and fleece.
In terms of features, it has all the mod cons: three-way adjustable hood, Velcro cuffs, taped seams, two-way zip – the works. And it aced the bathroom test: three minutes of power-shower action and not a drop of water reached my grey (strategically selected for maximum water visibility) T-shirt.
My only gripe is the sizing. For reference, I’m 1.8 metres (5ft 11in) and 63.5kg (140lb), and I was swimming in a size medium. If you want a regular fit, size down.
It’s a shame that … I didn’t opt for a smaller size. The colour options are pretty limited too.
Suitable for: hiking, walking and everyday use
Main fabric: Montane Petrichor
Pfas free: yes
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<em>Best budget waterproof jacket:</em>Montbell Thunder Pass
- What we love:Exceptional value for money
- What we don’t love:The Velcro on the hood is tricky to adjust with gloves on
Montbell may not be a name you’re immediately familiar with, but it’s been a staple in Japan since the 1970s. Known primarily for its lightweight down-insulated products, such as jackets and sleeping bags, the brand’s wares have historically been tricky to procure in the UK. But with a recently launched UK website and the addition of a bricks-and-mortar shop in Keswick, Montbell is now making its presence felt in the British outdoor market too.
Why we love it
The Thunder Pass jacket is a fitting introduction to the brand, offering exceptional value for money. It’s a three-layer shell that’s light, packable and breathable, with plenty of adjustability, including a neat hem drawstring setup that feeds into the zip pockets to keep it out of the way when cinched. The fabric is comfortable and non-clammy, even against bare arms, which I find is where jackets in this price bracket tend to fall short.
In terms of wet-weather performance, I was impressed from the first wear. I’ve used the Thunder Pass in consistent rain on multiple occasions, and it hasn’t let me down yet. In fact, I’ve tested jackets twice as expensive that have become saturated in half the time. This makes the £155 RRP price tag extremely reasonable in my opinion.
It’s a shame that … the sizing is a bit odd. I usually wear a medium, but I had to size down to a small for the right fit. It’s not Pfas free either.
Suitable for: hiking, walking and everyday use
Main fabric: Dry-tec
Pfas free: no
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<em>Best Gore-Tex waterproof jacket:</em>Arc’teryx Beta AR
- What we love:Reassuringly robust and hard-wearing; still light and packable
- What we don’t love:The price
If there’s one waterproof fabric you’re familiar with, it’s probably Gore-Tex, and for good reason. This brand has been the most popular on the market for decades, thanks to its reputation for durability, breathability and, of course, being completely waterproof. What’s more, the company is moving away from PFCs, as demonstrated in this new version of Arc’teryx’s popular Beta AR rain shell.
Why we love it
The Beta AR uses Gore-Tex Pro ePE fabric, which shrugs off rain, blocks wind and remains breathable during high-intensity activities, all without leaning on Pfas chemicals. It’s more substantial than standard Gore-Tex ePE, which translates to increased durability. My 40kg golden retriever has jumped up on me multiple times while I’ve been wearing it, claws and all, and it survived every time. Unfortunately, this comes with a certain degree of stiffness to the fabric.
The jacket itself is marvellous: fully taped seams, integrated hood toggles, robust rubberised cuff tabs, and hem adjusters that don’t buckle under pressure. It’s exactly the sort of quality and attention to detail you’d expect from a jacket that costs as much as a Mediterranean package holiday.
I tested the Beta AR on Northumberland’s Cheviot Hills and in the Lake District during the winter, where it excelled in both rain and snow. The relatively breathable fabric, coupled with the pit zips, kept me comfortable during strenuous climbs, while the fit allowed freedom of movement without feeling bulky, even when layered up with a thick fleece or lightweight down jacket.
The hood is particularly well-designed – a detail Arc’teryx consistently gets right. I find many hoods awkward to adjust, but this one offers perfect coverage and comfort when cinched tight. The inclusion of a Recco reflector (a radar-detectable feature to aid search-and-rescue teams) is a thoughtful bonus.
It’s a shame that … it’s so pricey.
Suitable for: hiking, climbing, mountaineering, walking and everyday use
Main fabric: Gore-Tex Pro ePE
Pfas free: yes
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<em>Best sustainable waterproof jacket:</em>Páramo Velez
- What we love:Better than a traditional hardshell in soggy weather; environmental commitment
- What we don’t love:It’s extremely heavy
I’m a longtime fan of British outdoor stalwart Páramo. I remember seeing my granda wearing the brand’s jackets when I was little. In his heyday, he was an accomplished endurance cyclist who would think nothing of riding 600km through the wind and rain, and this was the kit he chose to use. Why? Because, unlike most other waterproof jackets, Páramo’s doesn’t rely on a traditional waterproof membrane. Instead, it uses a water-repellent outer layer and a “pump liner” that work together to deflect rain and actively push moisture away from the skin. The result? Exceptional performance in wet conditions, particularly when you’re working up a sweat.
Why we love it
This proprietary Nikwax Analogy fabric is great, but the other thing that really sets Páramo apart is its longstanding commitment to environmental and ethical responsibility. This isn’t trend-hopping sustainability either – it’s been part of the brand’s DNA since its inception in the early 90s, back when I was a lad. Everything is Pfas-free, designed to be repairable – which Páramo offers as a service – and comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects. If the garments do wear out or get damaged, the brand will recycle them and give you a substantial discount on your next purchase.
The mesh liner makes it much heavier than most conventional waterproof jackets, but it’s significantly warmer, more breathable and thus fantastic at regulating body temperature. I tested it in temperatures down to 5C with just a thin base layer and found it perfectly comfortable. This could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your local climate. For me, on the weather-beaten north-east coast, it worked a charm.
In terms of features, the Velez has everything you’d expect from a premium waterproof jacket. There’s a two-way zipper with a concealed press-stud storm flap, adjustable everything, and a rather clever dual-zip ventilation system built into the pockets. And for those who love a good pit zip, it has those too.
It’s a shame that … the softness of the fabric combined with the weight of the zipper means the collar droops back when the jacket is fully zipped up. I found this slightly irritating, but it’s certainly not a dealbreaker.
Suitable for: hiking, walking and cycling
Main fabric: Nikwax Analogy
Pfas free: yes
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The best of the rest
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Klättermusen Asynja
- What we love:Lightweight and packable with lots of quirky yet functional details
- What we don’t love:Dusty purple colour got grubby after one wear
Best for: low weight and packability
I love Sweden’s Klättermusen and its slightly unusual yet highly technical outdoor gear. The bright yellow rucksack you’ll often spot me lugging around in the hills is from the brand, and it’s been my go-to day pack for at least five years now. I’m also a big advocate of Klättermusen’s hiking trousers, but testing the Asynja has been my first real experience with one of its shells, and I’m thoroughly impressed.
The first thing you’ll notice is the asymmetric zipper, which is a common theme running through many of Klättermusen’s jackets. Not just because it looks cool, but also to increase comfort when fully fastened by eliminating chin abrasion. The unconventional cuff adjusters and hem-cinch system are similarly alien, but also practical and well executed. If you find yourself craving something a bit different in a sea of waterproof jackets that are largely indistinguishable from one another, this offbeat design language will probably resonate with you.
In terms of practical performance, the Asynja excels. It’s light and packable, making it perfect as an emergency layer in spring and summer conditions. This is how the brand markets it, but I’ve also worn the jacket with an insulated midlayer in winter temperatures with light snow, and it held up perfectly fine, blocking the wind and keeping me bone dry.
It didn’t make the final cut because … the hood lacks adjustment options. I understand this has been done to reduce weight, but I found it tricky to achieve a perfect fit with the lone toggle at the back.
Suitable for: hiking, climbing, mountaineering, walking and everyday use; main fabric: 3L Cutan; Pfas free: yes
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Alpkit Argonaut
- What we love:Highly affordable
- What we don’t love:Lacks breathability; wets out in prolonged, heavy rain
Best for: cash-strapped outdoors enthusiasts
Alpkit’s Argonaut jacket is a no-frills waterproof that can usually be picked up for just over £100. It uses a PFC-free 2.5-layer waterproof fabric that’s sufficient for all but the most extreme wet weather, but it’s not exactly breathable. If you’re doing anything strenuous in the Argonaut, you’ll probably end up a bit sweaty. But if you’re looking for a modestly priced emergency layer to throw on when the heavens open, it’s a solid option.
The jacket has two zip pockets, an adjustable roll-away hood, adjustable cuffs and hem, and a double storm flap over the main zipper. The jacket didn’t leak during the shower test, but I did notice the fabric beginning to “wet out”, which means it’s completely saturated and no longer able to bead water effectively. I suspect that if worn for prolonged periods in heavy rain, you may find yourself soggy.
That said, it’s a cheap and cheerful jacket that will suit those seeking rain protection for drizzly walks and light hiking without spending silly amounts of money.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it lacks breathability.
Suitable for: walking, light hikes and everyday use; main fabric: unspecified 2.5-layer waterproof fabric; Pfas free: no (PFC-free)
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66°North Snæfell
- What we love:Comfortable stretchy fabric
- What we don’t love:Expensive
Best for: stretch and comfort without sacrificing wet-weather performance
Waterproof fabrics are often stiff and unforgiving, but that’s not the case with this lightweight, stretchy number from 66°North. It makes use of Polartec’s Pfas-free Power Shield Pro material, which provides excellent protection from rain while remaining comfortable and breathable. It’s noticeably softer and more flexible than a lot of other jackets I tested, which makes it a pleasure to wear on long hikes and just around town when the weather isn’t cooperating.
In terms of features, the high-placed pockets are still accessible when wearing a pack, and the two-way waterproof zipper is great for ventilation. The hood fits snuggly when properly adjusted, and the rubber-tipped cuff adjusters are easy to grab on to when wearing gloves. Top marks for the shower test too – no leaks whatsoever. For those looking for a comfier alternative to Gore-Tex, this is a fantastic, albeit pricey option.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s quite expensive and lacks underarm ventilation.
Suitable for: hiking, climbing, mountaineering, skiing, walking and everyday use; main fabric: Polartec Power Shield Pro; Pfas free: yes
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What you need to know
by Sian Lewis
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Waterproofing
Make sure any jacket you buy is labelled as “waterproof” rather than just “water resistant” or “water repellent”, as the latter two labels usually mean a coat can repel only light rain. For full waterproofing, look for a jacket that incorporates tried-and-tested technology such as Gore-Tex or own-brand waterproofing into the outer layer of the jacket (or the hard-shell).
Some brands also list the amount of waterproofing their jackets offer, which is tested according to their hydrostatic head (this test assesses a fabric’s waterproofing abilities by subjecting it to increasing water pressure). Up to 1,500mm is considered only water resistant. Above 5,000mm is waterproof enough for wearing in steady rain, and a jacket with 10,000mm to 20,000mm is likely to work in torrential rain or snow.
Breathability
Cheap and cheerful macs-in-sacs and rain ponchos will keep you dry at a pinch, but they’re not breathable – you’ll quickly get sweaty and hot, which isn’t ideal when you’re out on hikes or cycle trips. Instead, high-quality jackets incorporate a breathable membrane that wicks away moisture, so that you don’t overheat.
Think about how and where you’ll wear your jacket before you buy. For casual use, a longer parka-length jacket with some insulation will offer warmth. If you’re planning fast-paced hikes or cycles, you’ll want something light and breathable, without insulation and with added ventilation zips.
Design and fit
A good jacket should fit snugly but not too tightly at the waist, cuffs and neck. It should include taped seams, sealed or protected zips, zipped pockets and a well-designed, adjustable hood. If you’re a keen climber, cyclist or mountaineer, look for a jacket with a hood that can be worn over a helmet, and a fit designed to work when worn under a backpack and a harness. A slim-fitting jacket will keep you warmer, but make sure there’s room underneath to wear a down layer or fleece layer in cold weather.
How much to spend
There are rain-ready jackets at prices to suit pretty much every budget. Aim to spend about £150 on a good, versatile waterproof. Premium jackets are only worth the splurge if you’ll be heading out in serious conditions on proper hiking trips.
It’s worth noting that no jacket – unless it’s a purely plastic mac, which won’t be breathable – will be completely waterproof forever. If your coat begins to lose its waterproofing (rain will sink into the outer fabric rather than bead straight off it), re-waterproof it with a treatment such as Nikwax.
For more:
• How to choose a waterproof jacket
• The best umbrellas for staying dry in the wind and rain
• The best men’s walking boots
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Paddy Maddison is a consumer journalist, outerwear enthusiast and exercise addict. If he’s not hiking in the hills, he’s grinding up them on his bike, hurtling down them on his snowboard, or lacing up his running shoes and hitting the pavements. As a result, he gets plenty of time to put all the latest and greatest gear through the wringer for the Filter
• This article was originally published on 15 December 2025. Reviews published in the Filter may be periodically updated to reflect new products and at the editor’s discretion. The date of an article’s most recent update can be found in the timestamp at the top of the page. This article was amended on 26 February 2026; three jackets were added after testing, and prices were updated throughout.