{"id":32909,"date":"2023-11-26T09:35:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-26T08:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/906df644-05df-41e4-b240-c6f4e1b7e08e"},"modified":"2023-11-30T17:39:38","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T16:39:38","slug":"best-lightweight-waterproof-jackets-in-2023-tested-by-experts","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/best-lightweight-waterproof-jackets-in-2023-tested-by-experts\/","title":{"rendered":"Best lightweight waterproof jackets in 2023 tested by experts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lightweight rain jackets help you stay cool on wet summer walks \u2013 or winter runs. Emily Woodhouse seeks out the perfect breathable, weight-saving waterproof jacket <\/p>

By Joe Pontin\n <\/p>

Published: Sunday, 26 November 2023 at 08:35 AM<\/p>

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Why go lightweight with your waterproof jacket? There are basically four reasons.<\/p>

  1. Showers really spoil your day. So you like to stow a lightweight waterproof in your bag, just in case.<\/li>
  2. It\u2019s warm out \u2026 and wet. You are a walker who loves really light and breathable jackets that don\u2019t feel too muggy in summer.<\/li>
  3. You\u2019re the kind of runner or fast hiker who relishes wet weather \u00ad\u2013 but you want to keep the worst of the wind and rain off you.<\/li>
  4. You\u2019re a backpacker who loves to shave the grams off your load\u2026. But want to stay dry when it buckets down.<\/li><\/ol>

    Sounds great. But lightweight can also have its drawbacks. Some lightweight waterproofs have rubbish hoods or lack useful features such as large pockets. Some aren’t very waterproof<\/em>. Some aren’t very breathable. <\/em>Some won’t last five minutes.<\/p>

    So we’ve tested some of the best out there, from leading outdoor brands including Haglofs, Berghaus, Montane and Rab. Our reviewer Emily Woodhouse \u2013 a seasoned hiker and trail runner \u2013 schlepped through rain and mud over Dartmoor to bring you her verdicts, below.<\/p>

    What counts as lightweight? Well, the goalposts are moving as gear brands use new and lighter fabrics. A three-layer Gore-Tex rain jacket might have weighed 600g or more 30 years go \u2013 but with the advent of new materials, many good-quality jackets weigh half that, or even less.<\/p>

    (Oh and by the way, if you are considering upgrading your hiking kit, you could take a look at our review guides of the best walking trousers<\/a>, best walking shoes<\/a> and best walking gloves<\/a>.)<\/p>

    Black Friday discounts on the best lightweight waterproof jackets<\/strong><\/h2>

    Don\u2019t miss Black Friday deals from the following well-known brands:\u00a0<\/p>