A decent waterproof jacket can be the difference between a miserable hike and a great adventure.
Here’s our selection of the best waterproof jackets and rain jackets to keep you dry on your next wet-weather hike, camping trip, or waterfall hunt. Don’t forget also to check a guide on trail running waterproof jackets.
Waterproof Jackets for Hiking
1. The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight Waterproof Jacket
Fit for ‘Dryzzles’ and downpours alike, this waterproof jacket from The North Face is made with their new ultra-breatheable Futurelight material, featuring recycled polyester and a DWR finish. It’s a standard fit and pretty lightweight, making it easy to stuff into your backpack when the skies clear.
There’s a zippered chest pocket and zippered hand pockets for keeping snacks and valuables dry. Snacks are valuable too, right! Velcro cuffs and an adjustable hood will help keep rain and wind from sneaking into gaps, keeping away those drizzles fo shizzle.
This one has been around for a little while now and it’s been on sale pricing at Wild Earth for months now.
Read our full review: The North Face Women’s Dryzzle Futurelight Jacket – Reviewed & Tested
RRP: $500.00
2. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Waterproof Jacket
Shot by Micky Wiswedel
Another jacket featuring its very own waterproof material, the Patagonia Torrentshell jacket uses their H2No® technology. This is a 3-layer waterproof/breathable shell that’s also fair-trade certified sewn and perfect for wear in a wet climate.
Featurewise, the Torrentshell has a microfleece-lined neck for extra comfort, a hood with visor that’s easily adjusted, and zippered hand pockets. The jacket self-stuffs into the left handwarmer pocket and has a carabiner clip-in loop, so you can stash it in your pack or dangle it from your belt loop.
These women’s and men’s raincoats from Patagonia are a very reasonable price for a high quality coat that’ll ensure you stay dry during your outdoor adventures.
Read more: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Waterproof Jacket First Look
RRP: $249.95
3. XTM Innisfail Unisex Waterproof Jacket
Aussie brand XTM are showing their snowy roots in this waterproof jacket. The extra length keeps you warmer than the spicy chilli pepper in your dinner and will keep your bum dry when perching on a log for a mid-hike snack. It features a durable polyester tri-layer shell that’s fully seam-sealed.
There’s a zippered chest pocket, generous hood, full-length pit zips and simple styling. The XTM rain jackets come in any colour you like, as long as that colour is black.
One of the more affordable in this range of rain jackets, the XTM Innisfail is a solid option when you actively avoid hiking in the rain and only need it occasionally.
Read more: The Most Outlandish Outdoor Gear Colour Names
RRP: $199.95
4. Patagonia Triolet Waterproof Jacket
The Patagonia Triolet Jacket is a three-season rain jacket, designed to thrive in most wet and windy conditions including cold, snowy weather. It has a three-layer construction, consisting of a waterproof, breathable, and windproof Gore-Tex fabric with a 100% recycled polyester outer and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish made without PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals).
As far as raincoats go, this one is pretty close to the perfect weather protection all-rounder for outdoor adventures. For the odd rainy day it’s a bit excessive as there are plenty of cheaper waterproof raincoats out there, but if you’re often sending it in places you’d rather stay dry, this will do the job just about everywhere. It’s an investment, but it’s well worth it for the reliability and eco-cred.
Check out our full review: Patagonia Triolet Waterproof Jacket – Reviewed & Tested
RRP: $699.95
5. Amble Outdoors Elements Waterproof Jacket
100% recycled and DWR coated, these colourful rain jackets will keep you dry and make you feel good about yourself. One of the few outdoor brands brave enough to use patterns, Amble Outdoors (previously known as Team Timbuktu!) are certainly bringing some style to the outdoors.
The Elements jacket features a dipped back for extra waterproofing, internal and external pockets, and a generously sized hood. If black is more your vibe, don’t worry. Wild Earth stocks the Elements Waterproof Jackets in black so you can maintain your chic look no matter where you are.
Check out our full review: Team Timbuktu Banksia Forest Elements Waterproof Jacket – Reviewed & Tested
RRP: $219 (Black) – $229 (Colourful)
6. Mont Raindance Jacket
The Mont Raindance jacket boasts possibly the highest waterproof power of these jackets and it uses their WaterLab fabric. This claims to be totally waterproof, totally windproof and highly breathable, which is pretty darn impressive. Mont’s no-fuss jacket is also fully seam-sealed, is mid-thigh length and features a generous storm hood.
The main zipper has a storm flap and there are two large cargo pockets on the front. All this waterproofing comes at a slight weight cost, making it the heaviest of our selection. But if you want a guarantee that you’re going to stay dry – these are the rain jackets for you.
Compared to some of the other rather expensive rain jackets on this list it’s being sold for an excellent price.
RRP: $329.95
7. Amble Outdoors Refuge Long Waterproof Jacket
Protecting the planet and polar bears’ tummies, this head-turning, compliment-earning Refuge Long Waterproof Jacket by Amble is just as effective in windy conditions as wet ones.
The long length, double zip feature, and a-line style are flattering and comfortable. Having put it to the test in some of Sydney’s worst weather in a long while – the 10,000mm waterproof fabric rating absolutely checks out and it’s got excellent breathability.
For obvious reasons, we can’t legally say it’s floodproof, but if we added an inflation device somewhere, we’re pretty confident in saying you’d be found safe and dry from the knees up. Weather protection has never looked so good.
Read our full review: Amble Refuge Long Waterproof Jacket – Reviewed & Tested
RRP: $249.00
What Makes a Great Waterproof Hiking Jacket?
Waterproof Rating
First things first, your waterproof gots to be waterproof! But it has to be able to breathe too, or you may as well wear a garbage bag and save a heap of cash.
GORE-TEX is the most well known waterproof breathable fabric, but many other technologies are competitive including FUTURELIGHT, eVent, PERTEX and H2No. (They love their capitals, but that’s the last time we’ll use them in this article.)
Waterproof jackets need to breathe (allow water vapour to escape) while keeping liquid water at bay, and this can get pretty complicated. Essentially you want to look for a hydrostatic head rating of greater than 10,000mm and a breathability rating of more than 10,000 g/m².
This article has everything you need to know if you’re keen to nerd out, but nothing compares to speaking to an expert in-store.
Shot by Tim Davis
Hood
Once you’ve ticked off the waterproof material, you’ll want to make sure your hiking jacket has a decent hood to keep the rain off your nog. Some hoods have peaks, some don’t, but you’ll want it to be a generous size to keep you dry without impacting visibility.
Some rain jackets have helmet compatible hoods that ones that fit hats, while others are tighter. Just be assured that you’ll definitely be using it – wet hair is a fast route to the shivers!
Stowable
Stowability is another factor you might want to consider in your rainjacket choice. Unless you’re heading out in the middle of a week-long monsoon, chances are that the weather may change while you’re out hiking and if the sun starts a shining, you’ll want to pack away your jacket and feel the sun on your skin.
Zippy Bits
Final considerations for your rain jacket are gonna be the zippy bits; we’re talking pockets and pit zips. Chest pockets are great for hiking, as they’re easy to access when wearing a backpack with a waist strap. But for low-key packless hikes, a couple of handy hand-warming pockets are great for keeping gloves and your phone handy.
Pit zips can be pretty vital for warmer weather hiking as they help provide ventilation while you’re getting physical in a downpour.
Read more: Check out our guide to the best waterproof hiking boots to keep yourself dry from head to toe.
How to Wash Your Rainjacket
Good waterproof rain jackets for hiking (or any activity) are a big investment, so it’s worth taking the time to take care of it properly!
Bodily oils, sweat and dirt can clog the tiny pores that let your jacket breathe. Rain jackets also feature a Durable Water Repellant coating, that makes water bead right off like a waxed bonnet, which works best when it’s nice and clean.
Once you’ve chosen your waterproof jacket, head over to our step-by-step guide to cleaning rain jackets!
FAQs Wet Weather Raincoats
What are the best waterproof jackets or raincoats for hiking in heavy rain?
The best rain jackets for heavy downpours have a high waterproof rating (above 20,000mm), fully taped seams, breathable materials, and a good DWR coating. Look for breathable materials like Gore Tex fabric, for reliable weather protection.
How do I choose a breathable rain jacket for hiking?
Breathable materials like Gore-Tex, and FUTURELIGHT allow sweat to escape while keeping rain out. Jackets with pit zips, mesh pockets, and mesh liners help heat escape water resistant fabric in wet conditions, making them great for outdoor activities.
How to wash waterproof fabric rain jackets?
Washing raincoats correctly helps maintain the waterproof fabric and excellent breathability for longer. Use a gentle detergent, avoid fabric softeners, and reapply a DWR coating when needed. Follow our step-by-step guide here.
How can I re-waterproof old raincoats?
Over time, DWR coatings wear off, reducing the effectiveness of the waterproof fabric (effectively making it water resistant rather than waterproof). You can revive your raincoats with a wash-in or spray-on waterproofing treatment. Here’s how to re-waterproof your raincoat.
Are there eco-friendly waterproof rain jackets available?
Yes! Many brands now avoid using harmful forever chemicals (PFAS/PFCs) and use recycled materials for their raincoats. Learn more about PFCS in outdoor gear here.
What’s the difference between a rain shell and insulated rain jackets?
A rain shell is lightweight and designed for layering, while insulated waterproof rain jackets add warmth. If you hike in extreme conditions, pairing waterproof pants with raincoats for full protection is ideal.
Should I get a jacket with pit zips?
Raincoats with pit zips help regulate temperature by allowing you to dump heat quickly in wet, humid conditions. They’re especially useful for high-exertion hikes in wet conditions but are handy to have for everyday use like walking the dog too.
What’s the best way to pack a rain jacket for hiking?
Look for raincoats with a stuff pocket or a compact design so they’re easy to stash when the weather clears. Lightweight rain jackets like the Patagonia Torrentshell or Arc’teryx Zeta SL are great choices for outdoor adventures when you’re not sure if you’ll need them or not.
What features should I look for in a reliable rain jacket?
Key features of great raincoats include an adjustable hood (helmet-compatible if needed), taped seams, water-resistant zippers, and breathable fabric technology like Gore Tex. A good DWR coating also improves water resistance. Most rain jackets will have some combination of these features so you need to consider what you value more in order to choose the right gear for you.
How do I stay dry while hiking in the rain?
Pairing a waterproof jacket with rain pants, gaiters, waterproof boots, and a rain cover for your backpack helps keep you dry. Read some more tips for wet-weather hiking here.
What’s the difference between men’s rain jackets and women’s rain jackets?
Men’s rain jackets have a straighter cut with broader shoulders and longer sleeves, while women’s are more tapered at the waist with wider hips and shorter proportions. Some women’s designs also include a cinched waist or ponytail-friendly hoods, but functionally, both work the same so just pick what fits best!
Feature photo by Matt Pearce
Table of contents image by @evadavisboermans
