Keep the rain firmly out whatever the conditions with a waterproof jacket we’ve tested in the elements.

By Pat Kinsella

Published: Friday, 24 November 2023 at 09:24 AM


There may be no such thing as bad weather, only bad kit. But with rainfall set to increase in the UK, now is the time to invest in a jacket that will keep you bone-dry when the heavens open.

Finding the right one for you isn’t necessarily related to how much you have to spend on it. We’ve tested and reviewed rain jackets from all ends of the spectrum to help you unpick the difference between a £420 jacket and a £70 one, and work out which features will be most important to you when you’re out in the elements.

Jump to more information about what to look for in a waterproof jacket. And if you’re after other outdoor gear, check out our guides to the best waterproof trousers, best waterproof backpacks and best kids’ waterproof trousers 2023.


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Best waterproof jackets for 2023

Salewa Puez GTX Paclite Jacket

Best lightweight waterproof jacket

RRP £200

Buy for men from Alpinetrek (£185.36)

Salewa Puez paclite gore tex jacket in yellow
  • Weight: 345g
  • Fabric: Gore-Tex, 100% recycled polyester
  • Waterproof rating: 28,000mm hydrostatic head
  • Vents: None

Don’t let this jacket’s good looks deceive you: it performs excellently when the weather plays rough. It is highly waterproof, with rainproof pockets and welded seams. It’s also highly breathable, which is good, as there are no under-arm vents. There are two enormous pockets, and the insulated peaked hood has one toggle on the back, providing good face protection when tightened. A great mid-range option. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella

Pros: Effective waterproofing, breathable, big pockets, close-fitting hood, stylish

Cons: No vents

Read our full review of the Salewa Puez GTX Paclite Jacket.

Arc’teryx Beta Jacket

RRP £350

Buy for men from Arc’teryx (£350.00)

Buy for women from Arc’teryx (£350.00)

Arc'teryx Beta Jacket on a white background
  • Weight: 300–350g
  • Fabric: Gore-Tex membrane with Gore C-Knit backing
  • Waterproof rating: 28,000mm hydrostatic head
  • Vents: None

This super-stylish and effective rain jacket is the entry-level offering in Arc’teryx’s Beta range, combining excellent performance and style at a high-end price. It’s made from Gore-Tex fabric, so is waterproof, windproof and breathable, and it’s easy to pack down and stash away.

The hood is well designed, with a single-pull toggle at the back and a firm peak to keep the rain out of your eyes. A great choice for outdoor adventures, if you can afford it. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella

Pros: Stylish, lightweight, packable, low-profile hood with good peak

Cons: Noisily crinkly, zips not fully waterproof, cost

Read our full review of the Arc-teryx Beta jacket.

Rab Arc Eco Waterproof Jacket

RRP £220

Rab arc eco waterproof hiking jacket in navy blue and gold
  • Weight: 375 to 428g
  • Fabric: 100% recycled Pertex Shield Revolve
  • Waterproof rating: 22,000mm hydrostatic head
  • Vents: Under each arm

Made from 100% recycled fabric, this triple-layer waterproof jacket is brilliantly designed. With a hydrostatic head rating of 22,000mm, there is no water getting past its Pertex Shield Revolve material. It’s breathable, and made from recycled polyester. The peaked hood is excellent, with three adjustment points for a perfect fit, and there are two generous pockets on the outside – but none on the inside. A very good mid-range choice. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella.

Pros: Waterproof, breathable, recycled materials, well-made, large exterior pockets

Cons: No interior pockets

Read our full review of the Rab Arc Eco Waterproof Jacket.

Quechua MH500 Waterproof jacket

Best budget jacket on test

RRP £79.99

Buy for men from Decathlon (£79.99)

Buy for women from Decathlon (£79.99)

Blue rain jacket
  • Weight: 574g
  • Fabric: Polyamide, polyester, polyurethane and elastane
  • Waterproof rating: 22,000mm hydrostatic head
  • Vents: Under each arm

Another three-layered jacket, the MH500 offers almost all the same features of the premium coats on the market, including impressive waterproofing and excellent breathability. It has a good amount of stretch to it so you can move freely. At 574g it’s lighter than the Thrudark Raid, but like the Raid it won’t pack down small because of the three layered fabric. The hand pockets are a little on the small side, but a fantastic jacket at an excellent price. Reviewed by Pat Kinsella.

Pros: Affordability, sleek looks, lightweight, lots of colour choices

Cons: Waterproof rating not as high as others on test

Read our full review of the Quechua MH500 Waterproof jacket.