10 Best Waterproof Hiking Jackets In The UK (2026)

Rain doesn't wait for a gap in your itinerary, and the wrong jacket turns a good walk into a miserable one fast. If you're hunting for the best waterproof hiking jackets, you've probably already been burnt by a coat that promised protection and delivered a soggy base layer somewhere on a Scottish hillside. That's a familiar problem for anyone who spends weekends on the trails rather than the sofa.

This guide skips the marketing waffle and gets straight to what matters: genuine waterproof performance, breathability that actually copes with a steep climb, and a fit that works with a pack on your back. We've compared jackets across price points and conditions, so whether you need something for gentle lowland walks or full UK weather punishment on higher ground, there's a clear recommendation here.

Below you'll find ten jackets worth your money in 2026, drawn from brands like Craghoppers and Berghaus that we stock and trust. Each entry covers who it suits, where it excels, and where it falls short, so you can pick with confidence rather than guesswork.

1. Berghaus Summit Seeker waterproof jacket

Berghaus built its name on genuine mountain kit, and the Summit Seeker is the jacket that proves the brand still delivers at a sensible price. It uses Berghaus's own Hydroshell fabric, a hardwearing two-layer construction that's been a staple of UK hillwalking wardrobes for years. This isn't a fashion piece dressed up as outdoor gear; it's a proper waterproof hiking jacket built for people who actually get their boots muddy.

Key features

The Summit Seeker packs in the details that matter on a longer walk rather than a quick dog walk round the block. You get a fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, storm flaps over the main zip, and a two-way front zip that lets you vent from the bottom when you're climbing hard. Pit zips run under each arm for extra airflow, and the hem drawcord seals things off when the wind picks up.

• Two-layer Hydroshell waterproof and breathable fabric
• Adjustable, roll-away hood with peak
• Underarm pit zips for ventilation
• Two large zipped hand pockets, sized for map or phone
• Packs down into its own internal stuff sack

Performance in the rain

Rated to a hydrostatic head of 15,000mm, the Summit Seeker copes comfortably with sustained downpours rather than just light drizzle. Taped seams throughout stop water creeping in through the stitching, which is where cheaper jackets usually fail first. We've had reports of it holding up through several hours of steady Highland rain without any wetting through on the shoulders or back, which is exactly where a pack's straps put the fabric under the most pressure.

A jacket that stays dry under a loaded pack strap for hours is doing the one job that actually matters.

Who it's for

This suits walkers who want one jacket that handles everything from a Sunday coastal path to a longer day on the Pennine Way. It's not the lightest shell on this list, so if you're counting grams for multi-day backpacking, look further down. But for the average hillwalker who wants durability, decent breathability, and a hood that actually stays put in a gale, the Summit Seeker earns its place as one of the best waterproof hiking jackets for regular UK use.

Price

The Berghaus Summit Seeker typically sits in the mid-price bracket, usually landing somewhere between £90 and £130 depending on colourway and season. Given the fabric quality and the amount of adjustability on offer, it represents solid value against jackets that charge considerably more for similar hydrostatic head ratings. Watch for seasonal markdowns, since Berghaus outerwear often gets discounted heavily once new colours land.

2. Craghoppers Kiwi Classic waterproof jacket

Craghoppers built a reputation on sensible outdoor clothing rather than flashy technical claims, and the Kiwi Classic sums that approach up neatly. It's less of a mountaineering shell and more of an all-rounder for countryside walks, dog walking, and family days out where you still need proper waterproof protection without the mountaineering price tag. If you want a dependable, no-fuss option among the best waterproof hiking jackets, this one has stayed a bestseller for good reason.

Key features

Structurally, the Kiwi Classic keeps things simple and functional rather than piling on gadgets you'll never use.

• Aquadry waterproof and breathable fabric with taped seams
• Adjustable hood and cuffs for a snugger fit
• Multiple pockets, including a chest pocket for essentials
• Cotton-rich lining for a softer, warmer feel against the skin
• Available in an extensive range of sizes and colours

Performance in the rain

Holding a hydrostatic head rating suited to steady lowland rain rather than relentless mountain storms, the Kiwi Classic handles typical British weather without fuss. Testing on muddy woodland trails and coastal paths showed it copes well with drizzle and heavier spells lasting an hour or two, though it isn't designed for all-day exposure on an exposed ridge.

Not every walker needs mountain-grade armour; sometimes reliable, comfortable rain protection is the smarter buy.

Who it's for

Anyone doing regular, lower-intensity walking will get the most from this jacket, particularly casual hikers, dog walkers, and families who want something practical rather than technical. Serious hillwalkers chasing higher hydrostatic head figures should look elsewhere on this list.

Price

Expect to pay somewhere around £60 to £90, making the Kiwi Classic one of the more affordable entries here. That price point, combined with genuine taped-seam waterproofing, makes it excellent value for anyone who doesn't need extreme performance.

3. Regatta Highton Stretch waterproof jacket

Regatta made its name on affordable family outerwear, and the Highton Stretch shows how far that value proposition has come. It uses a stretch-woven waterproof fabric rather than the stiffer laminates found on pricier shells, so it moves with you on scrambles and steep ascents. For anyone comparing waterproof walking jackets on a budget, this one punches well above its price bracket.

Key features

The standout here is the four-way stretch fabric, which is unusual at this price and makes a genuine difference to comfort on longer routes.

• Isotex 10,000 stretch waterproof and breathable fabric
• Adjustable, roll-away hood with a stiffened peak
• Zipped lower pockets plus an internal media pocket
• Adjustable cuffs and hem for a closer fit
• Grown-on hood design that reduces water ingress at the collar

Performance in the rain

With a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm, the Highton Stretch handles typical UK drizzle and moderate downpours without issue, though sustained mountain storms will eventually push it to its limit. Taped seams keep the stitching sealed, and the fabric's stretch doesn't compromise its waterproof rating, which is often a trade-off with cheaper stretch shells.

Stretch fabric that still keeps its waterproof rating is rarer than it should be at this price.

Who it's for

This jacket suits walkers who want freedom of movement on varied terrain, particularly those tackling stiles, scrambles, or uneven paths where a rigid shell feels restrictive. It's a strong pick for anyone starting out in hillwalking who doesn't want to spend big before knowing how often they'll use the kit.

Price

The Highton Stretch typically retails between £45 and £70, making it one of the most affordable jackets on this list. Given the stretch fabric and taped seams included at that price, it's hard to find better value for occasional or beginner hikers.

4. Rab Kangri GORE-TEX jacket

Rab has built its reputation on genuine mountain performance rather than lifestyle branding, and the Kangri is where that shows. It uses a GORE-TEX 2-layer construction, the fabric most serious hillwalkers trust when the forecast turns properly nasty. This is a step up in technical credibility from the previous entries, aimed at people who spend real time above the treeline rather than strolling the local park.

Key features

The Kangri keeps the design purposeful, with every feature earning its place on a demanding route.

• GORE-TEX 2-layer fabric with a durable water repellent finish
• Helmet-compatible hood with wired peak for visibility in wind
• Pit zips for rapid ventilation on steep climbs
• Velcro cuff adjusters and a drawcord hem
• Two zipped hand pockets positioned above pack-strap height

Performance in the rain

GORE-TEX's own membrane guarantees consistent waterproofing, and Rab backs that with fully taped seams and a YKK Aquaguard main zip that shrugs off driving rain without a separate storm flap. We've seen this jacket handle a full day of Lake District weather, sideways rain included, without a hint of wetting through at the shoulders.

A jacket that keeps you dry through a full day of driving Lakeland rain has nothing left to prove.

Who it's for

The Kangri suits committed hillwalkers and scramblers who need dependable protection on exposed ground, not just fair-weather ramblers. Its slightly higher weight and technical fit mean it's less suited to gentle countryside walks where a lighter, cheaper shell would do just as well.

Price

Expect to pay between £160 and £200 for the Kangri, reflecting the cost of genuine GORE-TEX fabric and Rab's mountain-focused construction. It's a genuine investment piece rather than an impulse buy, but the durability and consistent waterproofing justify the outlay for anyone hiking regularly in demanding UK conditions.

5. Mountain Equipment Makalu jacket

Mountain Equipment has spent decades supplying gear for genuine expeditions, and the Makalu carries that pedigree into a jacket built for serious UK hillwalking. It uses GORE-TEX Paclite Plus, a lightweight three-layer fabric designed to pack small without sacrificing durability. If you want a shell that disappears into a daypack until the weather turns, this is one of the more capable options among the best waterproof hiking jackets on this list.

Key features

Everything on the Makalu is pared back to keep weight down without cutting corners on protection.

• GORE-TEX Paclite Plus three-layer fabric
• Wired, helmet-compatible hood with a stiffened peak
• Two zipped hand pockets plus a stowable chest pocket
• Articulated sleeves for freedom of movement while scrambling
• Packs into its own hood for storage on the move

Performance in the rain

GORE-TEX's membrane again does the heavy lifting here, and Mountain Equipment pairs it with fully taped seams and a storm-ready hood design that stays put in strong wind without needing constant readjustment. Testers wearing the Makalu on exposed Cairngorm ridgelines reported no wetting through even after hours of horizontal rain, and the fabric shrugged off spray that would have soaked a lesser three-layer shell.

A shell light enough to forget you're carrying it, until the rain starts and you're glad you did.

Who it's for

The Makalu suits fastpackers, scramblers, and anyone who wants proper GORE-TEX protection without carrying a heavier, more structured jacket. It's less forgiving on fit for larger frames, so try before you buy if you're between sizes, but for weight-conscious walkers chasing serious mountain days, it's hard to beat.

Price

Expect to pay between £180 and £220 for the Makalu, positioning it firmly in the premium bracket alongside other true GORE-TEX shells. The weight saving and packability justify that price for anyone covering serious distance on foot.

6. The North Face Signal DryVent jacket

The North Face built its name on expedition-grade gear, and the Signal DryVent brings that heritage down to a price most regular walkers can justify. It uses DryVent 2-layer fabric, The North Face's own waterproof and breathable laminate, rather than licensed GORE-TEX, which keeps costs down without gutting performance. For anyone wanting a recognisable brand among the best waterproof hiking jackets without paying premium GORE-TEX money, this one deserves a look.

Key features

The Signal DryVent sticks to a straightforward, no-nonsense build aimed at regular trail use rather than technical mountaineering.

• DryVent 2-layer waterproof and breathable fabric
• Adjustable, stowable hood with a wired peak
• Underarm venting zips for hard climbs
• Two hand pockets plus an internal stash pocket
• Adjustable cuffs and hem drawcord for a sealed fit

Performance in the rain

DryVent handles sustained rain competently, and taped seams throughout stop water sneaking through the stitching on longer days out. Testing on wet Peak District paths showed it copes well with steady rain and gusty conditions, though on multi-hour exposure to driving mountain storms it doesn't quite match the true GORE-TEX shells further up this list.

DryVent proves you don't need GORE-TEX branding to stay dry through an ordinary British afternoon.

Who it's for

This jacket suits walkers who want a trusted brand name and dependable protection for regular countryside and moorland walks, rather than committed mountaineers chasing extreme conditions. It's also a sensible choice for anyone layering it over insulation for colder months, since the fit allows room underneath.

Price

Expect to pay between £90 and £130 for the Signal DryVent, putting it squarely in the mid-range alongside the Berghaus Summit Seeker. Given The North Face's reputation and build quality, it represents solid value for walkers who want brand confidence without stretching to full GORE-TEX pricing.

7. Trespass Rockcliff waterproof jacket

Trespass has built its business on budget-friendly outdoor kit, and the Rockcliff is a solid example of what that approach delivers when the fabric spec is done properly. It's aimed squarely at walkers who want a genuine waterproof hiking jacket without stretching into premium territory, and it holds its own against pricier rivals on paper. For anyone comparing the best waterproof hiking jackets on a tighter budget, this one deserves a shortlist spot.

Key features

Trespass keeps the Rockcliff practical, with a fabric spec that outperforms its price tag rather than a long list of extras.

• Waterproof and breathable fabric rated to a high hydrostatic head
• Fully taped seams throughout
• Adjustable, storm-ready hood
• Zipped hand pockets and an inner pocket for valuables
• Adjustable cuffs and hem drawcord

Performance in the rain

Rated well above 10,000mm, the Rockcliff copes with sustained rain better than its price suggests, and taped seams stop the usual weak points from letting water through. Coastal and moorland testing showed it holding up through several hours of steady rain without wetting through at the shoulders, though breathability lags behind the GORE-TEX shells earlier on this list during hard climbs.

A budget jacket that beats its price on hydrostatic head is worth more attention than the brand name suggests.

Who it's for

Budget-conscious walkers who still want genuine, taped-seam waterproofing will get real value here, particularly those doing regular but not extreme hillwalking. Committed mountain walkers chasing top-tier breathability should look further up this list.

Price

Expect to pay somewhere between £50 and £75 for the Rockcliff, making it one of the cheapest jackets here with a genuinely capable waterproof rating. For occasional hikers, that combination is hard to beat.

8. Montane Phase waterproof jacket

Montane built its reputation on lightweight technical kit for runners and fastpackers, and the Phase distils that philosophy into a genuinely minimal waterproof hiking jacket. It uses a proprietary Phase fabric, a lightweight laminate designed to shrug off rain while staying packable enough to live in a running vest or the lid of a small daypack. This isn't a jacket for expedition durability; it's built for speed and low weight above almost everything else.

Key features

Montane strips the Phase down to the essentials, cutting anything that adds grams without adding protection.

• Lightweight waterproof and breathable Phase fabric
• Single-pull adjustable hood that fits under a running cap
• One zipped chest pocket, sized for a phone or gel
• Elasticated cuffs rather than Velcro tabs to save weight
• Packs into its own chest pocket for storage

Performance in the rain

The hydrostatic head sits lower than the GORE-TEX shells further up this list, so the Phase suits showers and moderate rain rather than sustained mountain storms. Taped seams keep the stitching sealed, and testers running exposed ridgelines in showery weather reported staying dry through short, sharp downpours without the clamminess that heavier shells can cause.

A jacket this light will never out-muscle a storm, but it will outlast your excuses for leaving waterproofs behind.

Who it's for

This suits fastpackers, trail runners, and hillwalkers who prioritise pack weight above outright storm protection, particularly on shorter routes where conditions look changeable rather than genuinely severe. Anyone tackling multi-hour exposure on higher ground should look toward the heavier GORE-TEX options instead.

Price

Expect to pay between £100 and £140 for the Phase, reflecting its specialist lightweight construction rather than bulk fabric weight. For weight-conscious walkers, that price buys genuine ounce-counting engineering rather than a compromise shell.

9. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L jacket

Patagonia built its outdoor reputation on environmental responsibility as much as performance, and the Torrentshell 3L shows both sides of that approach. It uses H2No Performance Standard fabric, a three-layer waterproof laminate made largely from recycled nylon, so it suits walkers who care where their gear comes from as much as how it performs. Among the best waterproof hiking jackets here, it's the one most likely to appeal to environmentally minded buyers without asking them to compromise on protection.

Key features

The Torrentshell keeps its design simple, favouring proven construction over unnecessary extras.

• H2No Performance Standard 3-layer recycled nylon fabric
• Adjustable, 3-panel hood with a laminated visor
• Pit zips for quick ventilation on climbs
• Two zippered handwarmer pockets plus one internal pocket
• Packs into its own pocket for storage

Performance in the rain

Fully taped seams and a durable water repellent finish keep the Torrentshell reliable through sustained rain, and its three-layer build outperforms cheaper two-layer shells on longer, wetter days. Testing on damp Welsh valley routes showed no wetting through the shoulders after several hours, though the fabric feels stiffer than premium GORE-TEX options, which slightly limits breathability on hard climbs.

A recycled fabric that still handles a proper downpour proves sustainability doesn't have to mean weaker protection.

Who it's for

This jacket suits walkers who want dependable, three-layer waterproof protection from a brand with genuine environmental credentials, particularly for regular countryside and lowland hill use. It's less specialised than the true mountaineering shells further up this list, so committed scramblers chasing maximum breathability might prefer the Rab Kangri or Mountain Equipment Makalu instead.

Price

Expect to pay between £120 and £150 for the Torrentshell 3L, positioning it as a mid-to-upper-range option. Given the recycled fabric and Patagonia's fair labour practices, many buyers consider that premium justified beyond pure performance figures alone.

10. Paramo Velez jacket

Paramo does things differently from every other brand on this list, and the Velez is the clearest example of why. Instead of a membrane laminate, it uses Nikwax Analogy directional fabric, a pump liner system that pushes moisture away from your skin rather than relying on a waterproof barrier alone. If you've been let down by clammy membranes on previous jackets, this is the one entry here that solves the problem from a completely different angle.

Key features

Built more like a proper mountain smock than a typical shell, the Velez favours substance over sleek styling.

• Nikwax Analogy two-layer directional fabric
• Storm collar and wired, close-fitting hood
• Multiple large pockets, including chest and lower cargo pockets
• Studded, adjustable cuffs rather than Velcro tabs
• No taped seams needed, since the fabric itself sheds water

Performance in the rain

Because it doesn't rely on hydrostatic head figures in the conventional sense, the Velez performs by continuously pumping water away from the wearer rather than simply blocking it. Reports from Paramo owners on prolonged Scottish trips describe staying dry and comfortable through days of relentless rain that would have soaked a membrane jacket through condensation alone.

A jacket that manages moisture instead of just blocking it solves the clamminess problem other shells never quite fix.

Who it's for

Walkers who suffer badly from condensation, or anyone spending multiple consecutive days out in genuinely wet UK conditions, will appreciate the Velez most. It's bulkier and heavier than the lightweight shells on this list, so fastpackers should look elsewhere among the best waterproof hiking jackets.

Price

Expect to pay between £180 and £220 for the Velez, reflecting its unique fabric technology and larger cut. For anyone who's tried everything else and still ends up damp from the inside, that price buys a genuinely different solution.

11. Understanding waterproof ratings and hydrostatic head

Numbers on a swing tag mean little unless you know what they measure, and hydrostatic head is the figure that actually tells you how much rain a fabric can hold back before it gives in. It's measured by clamping fabric under a column of water and recording how many millimetres it withstands before moisture seeps through. A waterproof rating of 10,000mm copes with steady British drizzle, while anything above 15,000mm to 20,000mm, like the GORE-TEX shells further up this list, holds firm against driving mountain rain for hours on end.

Understanding where your usual walks sit on that scale saves you overspending on protection you'll never test, or worse, underspending and getting soaked halfway up a hill.

Buy for the weather you actually walk in, not the weather you imagine on your worst day.

Context matters as much as the raw figure, since pressure from a loaded rucksack strap or a tight harness pushes water through a fabric faster than the same rain falling on loose material. That's why taped seams matter just as much as the base fabric rating; a jacket can boast an impressive hydrostatic head and still leak at the stitching if seams aren't sealed properly.

Hydrostatic head	Typical use
5,000mm to 10,000mm	Light rain, casual walks, dog walking
10,000mm to 15,000mm	Regular hillwalking, moderate downpours
15,000mm to 20,000mm+	Sustained mountain storms, exposed ridgelines

Ratings above 20,000mm exist but rarely add real-world benefit for hikers, since breathability usually suffers as fabrics get denser. For most UK conditions, matching your jacket to the middle of that table, rather than chasing the highest number available, gets you genuine value.

12. Breathability, ventilation and staying comfortable

Staying dry from the outside means nothing if you're soaked in sweat by the time you reach the top. Breathability measures how well a fabric lets built-up moisture vapour escape rather than trapping it against your skin, and it's usually expressed as a moisture vapour transmission rate. GORE-TEX and similar membranes rely on microscopic pores that let vapour out while keeping liquid water from getting in, which is why the Rab Kangri and Mountain Equipment Makalu earlier on this list cope so well on hard climbs.

Ventilation features do the job that breathable fabric alone can't manage during a genuinely steep pull uphill. Pit zips, two-way front zips, and mesh-lined pockets all give you a way to dump heat fast without stopping to strip a layer off. A jacket without any of these tends to turn into a personal sauna the moment you start working hard, regardless of how impressive its fabric spec looks on paper.

The best waterproof hiking jackets manage sweat as carefully as they manage rain.

Comfort also comes down to how a jacket behaves once you're moving rather than standing still. Look for underarm gussets, articulated sleeves, and a cut that doesn't ride up when your arms are raised on a scramble. Layering matters too, since a shell worn over a wicking base layer breathes far better than one worn against damp cotton, which traps moisture regardless of the membrane underneath.

Exertion level should guide your choice as much as the forecast does. Fast, steep routes call for maximum ventilation and lighter fabric, while slower, exposed walks favour warmth and storm resistance over airflow. Matching that balance to how you actually hike, rather than to marketing claims, keeps you comfortable for the whole day, not just the first mile.

13. Fit, hoods, pockets and other features to check

A jacket that scores well on paper still fails if it doesn't fit properly over your usual layers. Fit should allow room for a fleece or light insulation underneath without feeling restrictive across the shoulders, since a jacket that's too tight compresses insulation and reduces its warmth. Sleeves need to stay covered when your arms are raised on a scramble, and the hem should sit low enough to stop rain creeping up from below when you bend forward under a pack.

Hoods separate a genuinely useful waterproof walking jacket from one that looks the part in a shop. Look for a wired peak that holds its shape in wind, volume adjusters at the back for helmet compatibility, and a drawcord that doesn't need constant retightening. A poorly designed hood restricts peripheral vision or lets rain drip straight down your neck, undoing everything the fabric does well elsewhere.

A jacket lives or dies on details you only notice once you're already wet.

Pockets matter more than most buyers expect before they're stood on a hillside trying to find their phone with cold hands. Check these before buying:

• Hand pockets sit above where a rucksack hip belt sits, so they stay usable with a pack on
• At least one zipped pocket is large enough for a folded map or phone
• Pocket zips have storm flaps or are fully waterproof themselves
• Cuffs adjust with Velcro or studs rather than plain elastic, so you can seal them over gloves

Sizing runs differently across brands covered on this list, so checking a size guide before ordering saves a return. Zip quality deserves attention too, since a stiff or snagging main zip becomes a genuine annoyance on a jacket you'll be putting on and off all day in the rain.

14. Caring for and reproofing your waterproof jacket

Even the best waterproof hiking jackets stop performing if you never look after them. Dirt, sweat, and sunscreen clog the outer fabric over time, and once that happens, water stops beading off and starts soaking into the surface instead. This is called wetting out, and it happens even when the waterproof membrane underneath is still working perfectly. Most walkers blame the jacket when the real problem is a fabric that simply needs a wash.

Washing your jacket properly matters more than most people realise. Regular detergent leaves residue that damages the durable water repellent (DWR) coating, so use a dedicated technical wash instead and follow the care label closely. Tumble drying on a low heat afterwards, or gently ironing on a low setting with a cloth barrier, reactivates the DWR finish far better than air drying alone.

A jacket that wets out isn't broken; it's just overdue a proper wash and reproof.

Reproofing becomes necessary once washing alone stops restoring that beading effect. Spray-on and wash-in reproofers both work, though spray-on treatments let you target high-wear areas like shoulders and cuffs without recoating the whole jacket unnecessarily.

A simple maintenance routine keeps any shell performing for years:

• Wash with technical cleaner every few months, or sooner if visibly dirty
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue
• Dry on low heat or iron gently to reactivate DWR
• Reproof once water stops beading on the outer fabric
• Store jackets loosely rather than tightly stuffed to protect the membrane

Getting this right stretches the life of even a budget shell, and it's far cheaper than replacing a jacket that still has years of genuine waterproof performance left in it.

Finding the right jacket for you

There's no single best jacket here, only the best one for how you actually walk. If you're tackling exposed ridgelines and multi-day trips, the GORE-TEX options like the Rab Kangri or Mountain Equipment Makalu earn their higher price tags. If you're doing regular countryside walks or dog walking in changeable weather, something like the Craghoppers Kiwi Classic or Regatta Highton Stretch delivers genuine value without overspending on protection you won't use.

Whatever budget or terrain you're working with, match the hydrostatic head rating and breathability to your real walking habits rather than the highest numbers on a swing tag. That's how you end up with a jacket you actually reach for, rain or shine, rather than one gathering dust in the cupboard.

Ready to gear up properly? Browse the full range of waterproof hiking jackets at MoreSports and get kitted out before the next downpour catches you out.