How to Choose a Waterproof Jacket
Have you ever found yourself wandering through the aisles of your local outdoor shop, lost in a maze of GORE-TEX and Pertex®, trying to decipher hydrostatic head and breathability ratings, and wondering, which waterproof jacket is right for me?
While it can be useful to know How Waterproof Jackets Work, in this waterproof jacket buying guide we’re sticking to the basics.
Helping you navigate your way to finding the best waterproof jacket for you.
Start with why you need a waterproof jacket.
Your choice of waterproof jacket will depend on what activities you are using it for, what kind of conditions you expect to encounter, and what kind of terrain you will be navigating. This will impact the levels of protection, breathability, features, and fit.
You’re a trail runner, fast hiker or someone who just wants a super stashable waterproof jacket that can be stowed easily in a backpack for emergency use in a sudden shower.
Look out for:
Lightweight 2.5-layer construction.
Packable technologies such as Proflex™, GORE-TEX PACLITE® or Pertex® Shield.
Minimal features and a lightweight hood.
Slim fit to reduce bulk and weight.
You need an all-around waterproof jacket suitable for hiking and a variety of outdoor activities. A shell that’s lightweight enough to stash but offers protection in the wettest weather, whether you’re on or off the trail.
Look out for:
2.5 or 3-layer construction, depending on the season you’ll be heading out in.
Packable technologies such as GORE-TEX PACLITE®, Proflex™, and Pertex® Shield.
Adjustable features to seal out the weather, and a protective hood.
A regular fit to accommodate layers.
Pockets that are accessible when you’re wearing a pack.
If you’re taking on a storm high in the mountains, you need a jacket that is equally tough, that will stand up to wild weather and move with you.
Look out for:
Protective 3-layer fabrics and jackets with dual weight construction for abrasion protection.
Tough yet breathable technologies such as GORE-TEX, GORE-TEX Pro, Proflex™ and Pertex® Shield.
Helmet- and harness-ready features, such as a two-way front zip and helmet-compatible hood.
An active fit with refined sleeve design for complete mobility.
If you’re on an expedition at high altitude, in polar regions, or cold climates, you might need an insulated waterproof jacket.
Look out for:
3-layer fabrics with synthetic insulation or hydrophobic down.
Highly protective hood and features with mitt friendly pullers.
Regular or oversized fit to accommodate insulating layers underneath.
Which activities will you be using your waterproof jacket for?
You need a versatile and protective waterproof jacket. A jacket that can pack down easily into your backpack but also provides you with a high level of mobility and functionality.
Key features in our hiking waterproof jackets:
Two-way adjustable hoods with stiff peaks will keep the weather off your face and move easily with your head to maintain your vision.
If you like to move quickly, pit zips allow you to keep the air flowing and control your temperature.
Heavier weight fabric across the shoulders will stand up to abrasion from backpack straps.
You need an ultralight and highly breathable waterproof jacket that packs down small, making it easy to stash when not needed and yet won’t compromise protection if the weather turns.
Key features in our trail running waterproof jackets:
A close-fitting, capped hood with an elasticated fit will be lightweight, secure on the move, and protective in rain and high winds.
A slim fit without a gram of extra fabric is key for mountain runners looking to go far and fast.
Minimal pockets and stripped-back features will reduce weight and bulk.
You need a waterproof jacket that’s easy to stash and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. A jacket that won’t impede your mobility but offers protection when you’re in the saddle.
Key features in our biking waterproof jackets:
Bike-specific fit with a longer back hem to cover your hips while riding.
Lightweight construction to minimise bulk and improve packability.
Bike-helmet-compatible hood.
Easy-to-access pockets for phone, keys and snacks.
You need a waterproof jacket that can protect you in some of the worst mountain conditions on the most rugged terrain. A hardshell for mountaineering needs to be durable and highly protective with space for layering underneath.
Key features in our mountaineering waterproof jackets:
Reinforcements in high-wear areas for scraping up against rock and ice.
Helmet-compatible TriPoint hood for maximum protection and unrestricted vision.
Two-way front zips so you can throw on over a harness.
Pockets positioned for access while you’re wearing a harness and pack.
Extra-long underarm vents to control airflow.
You need a jacket that strikes a balance between robust protection and breathability. It needs to keep you comfortable on the uphill while being compact enough to be stashed easily in a pack.
Key features in our skiing waterproof jackets:
Reinforcements around the shoulders and sleeves will stand up to abrasion from a fully laden pack.
Fully adjustable ski-helmet-compatible hood.
Snow gaiters on the cuffs and a powder skirt around the hem to seal out the snow.
Ample storage with both secure pockets for valuables and stash pockets for gloves and skins.
For spring adventures, look out for lighter weight fabrics with stretch.
Sustainability. It’s complicated.
We’ve been incorporating more and more recycled fabrics into our waterproof jackets and pants, and phasing out the use of fluorocarbons (PFAS) in the membranes and DWRs. Learn More About Our Journey To Phase Out PFAS.
You can find the percentage of recycled material and PFAS content in all our waterproof jackets in the Material Facts table for each product. Explore our collection of Waterproof Jackets Built With Recycled Materials and our Fluorocarbon-Free Waterproof Shells.
As the outdoor industry phases out PFAS, so too will our habits need to change. Fluorocarbon-free DWRs require more care in order to keep them performing at their best. Find out How To Wash Your Waterproof Jacket.