In this article, I will take a look at the best +20,000 mm waterproof jackets – also known as 20k waterproof jackets. These jackets are optimized for hikers and climbers. However, I can really recommend all of these to non-hikers as well.
Outdoor Research Foray
This jacket is made out of Gore-Tex Paclite. This results in a waterproof rating of 28,000 mm HH. This rating proves that this jacket is very waterproof. For your reference, I suggest waterproof hiking jackets with ratings starting from 10,000 mm.
10,000 mm is enough to keep you dry on most regular hiking trips. 28,000 mm is real luxury.
Except for the waterproofness, this jacket is also very durable, comfortable and doesn’t sacrifice a lot of mobility when wearing it.
You get all of this for a very affordable price, especially in comparison with jackets of similar quality. All in all, a very solid 20k wateproof jacket – no doubt about it!
So, this jacket is amazing… but there is always a downside. The Foray jacket is not as lightweight as some of the alternatives.
Interested in the latest price? Check it out on amazon:
Arc’teryx Beta SL
Gore-Tex Paclite / 28,000 mm HH, 15,000 MVTR
outdoor research interstellar
AscentShell 3L / 15,000 mm HH, 30,000 MVTR
The main difference is that this jacket uses AscentShell 3L material instead of the better known Gore-Tex.
This jacket might be better for you if you don’t encounter a very large amount of rain or if you do a lot of high intensity hiking/climbing.
Once again, this is not a 20k waterproof jacket, but I will include it as my recommendation for a 15,000 mm waterproof jacket.
Interested in the latest price? Check it out on amazon:
What is hydrostatic head?
The hydrostatic head (HH) rating is a synonym for “water column rating“. It’s the most common way of rating the level of waterproofness. These ratings will indicate how waterproof your jacket (or other products like a tent) is.
The ratings are determined by testing how much water a fabric can hold before the water starts to seep through. This is tested by holding a tube filled with water over the fabric and see at when it starts to leak.
I would never recommend to wear a waterproof jacket with a rating less than 5,000 mm on any type of hike (even a day hike). +5,000 mm can be fine for day hiking. For more serious, multiday hiking trips, I always recommend to go with at least 10,000 mm.
A +20,000 mm waterproof jacket are optimized for more extreme situations. Since the weather is often unpredictable (especially in the mountains), it’s always nice to have a well performing waterproof jacket with you.
Not sure what rating is right for you? You can learn all about it in this article: Best waterproof hiking jackets.
Conclusion
In this article, I wanted to show you some of my favorite +20,000 mm waterproof jackets. I have mainly talked about ratings and numbers, but you should realize that there are a lot more factors that come into play. Numbers and rating are a start, but we also want reliable feedback from hikers who have tested the jackets. Additionally, we want to check for any type of flaw, like an issue with the seam taping for example.
Want to know more about breathability ratings, waterproof ratings and other important characteristics of a waterproof hiking jacket? Take a look at this article: Best waterproof hiking jackets. It’s basically the ultimate guide with recommendations and an in-depth explanation.
PS: If you are not sure whether or not you actually want a +20,000 mm waterproof jacket, you might also want to check our list about the best 10,000 mm waterproof jackets
My overall recommendation would be to simply buy the Outdoor Research Foray jacket. It’s amazing for any type of hiker, but also for non-hikers this is a great option!
Just getting into hiking, I’m very interested in a good waterproof jacket. Your list of jackets really helped me to see the different jackets.