Best Waterproof Hiking Jackets: A Complete Buyer's Guide

A waterproof hiking jacket is the single most important piece of kit in wet conditions. Get it wrong and a manageable rainy day becomes a cold, miserable slog. Get it right and weather that sends other people home becomes just another interesting day on the trail.

The range of options is wide: from $60 DWR-coated budget shells that work for light rain, to $350 Gore-Tex constructions that shrug off sustained heavy downpours while keeping you dry from the inside too. This guide explains what the numbers mean, which features actually matter, and which jacket is right for your hiking style.

Understanding Waterproof Ratings

Waterproof jackets are rated in millimetres of hydrostatic head (HH), which measures how tall a water column the fabric can support before water seeps through.

• 5,000mm: Light rain and drizzle. Fine for casual use and short outings.
• 10,000mm: Moderate to heavy rain. Adequate for most day hiking.
• 20,000mm+: Sustained heavy rain, wind-driven rain, and backpack strap pressure. Recommended for multi-day routes and exposed mountain terrain.

The pressure from a loaded backpack's shoulder straps is roughly equivalent to 10,000-15,000mm of water pressure. This is why a jacket rated at 10,000mm can feel like it's leaking under a pack: it's within the rating, but barely.

Membranes: Gore-Tex, eVent, and Proprietary Options

Gore-Tex

The most proven membrane in outdoor use. Gore-Tex Paclite (used in many mid-range jackets) delivers 28,000mm waterproofing with 15,000 MVTR. Gore-Tex Pro (used in professional and premium jackets) adds durability and better breathability. The brand comes with a lifetime guarantee.

eVent

eVent uses a directly-bonded laminate technology that allows direct air permeability rather than relying purely on vapour diffusion. The result is higher breathability than standard Gore-Tex at comparable waterproof ratings. eVent jackets are favoured by high-output hikers who generate a lot of sweat.

Proprietary Membranes (OutDry, AscentShell, OmniTech)

Columbia's OutDry places the waterproof membrane on the outer face of the fabric rather than inside. This eliminates the DWR layer that can wash off, providing more consistent long-term waterproofing. Outdoor Research's AscentShell uses a mechanically-stretched air-permeable membrane with very high breathability. These proprietary options compete effectively with Gore-Tex at similar or lower price points.

The Best Waterproof Hiking Jackets by Budget

Under $100: Best Budget Pick

At under $100, you're working with DWR-coated fabrics rather than true membranes. These jackets repel light to moderate rain and work well for casual day hiking. The Marmot PreCip Eco at $100 is the top of this category with a NanoPro membrane, critically seam-sealed construction, and PFC-free DWR. For light hiking and occasional rain, it's capable and well-priced.

The trade-off: budget options wet out faster when the DWR degrades and have lower breathability for active hiking. See our dedicated best 10,000mm waterproof jackets guide for detailed options in this category.

$100-200: Best Mid-Range

The Outdoor Research Foray II ($225, frequently on sale under $200) sits at the top of this range with Gore-Tex Paclite and TorsoFlo venting. The North Face Venture 2 ($100) is the entry to reliable mid-range performance. Both use 2.5-layer construction that balances weight and protection.

$200-350: Best Premium

The Arc'teryx Beta SL ($350) and Outdoor Research Foray 3L ($249) represent the premium hiking shell category. Both use Gore-Tex or proprietary high-performance membranes with excellent breathability for high-output hiking. The full detailed comparison is in our best 20,000mm waterproof jackets guide.

2-Layer vs 2.5-Layer vs 3-Layer Construction

This affects weight, durability, and feel.

2-layer: A membrane bonded to the outer face fabric, with a separate inner lining. Soft against the skin, comfortable without a base layer, but heavier and less durable than 3-layer. Most entry-level Gore-Tex jackets use 2-layer construction.

2.5-layer: The inner lining is replaced by a printed dot pattern or minimal treatment that prevents the membrane from touching the skin. Lighter and more packable than 2-layer. Less durable under high-friction use (backpack straps, heavy pack harness).

3-layer: The outer fabric, membrane, and inner fabric are all bonded into one single construction. Lighter, more durable, and more packable than 2-layer. Most premium jackets (Arc'teryx Beta SL, Outdoor Research Foray 3L) use 3-layer. More expensive but significantly more durable under heavy use.

For backpacking with a loaded pack, 3-layer construction is worth the premium. For casual day hiking without a heavy pack, 2.5-layer provides good performance at lower weight and cost.

Features That Matter on Trail

Hood: Should adjust with one hand (a pull cord at the rear or side) and accommodate a helmet if you're on technical terrain. The hood should stay positioned in wind without turning with your head.

Pit zips or ventilation: Critical for active hiking. A jacket without ventilation vents leads to sweat accumulation even with a high-breathability membrane. TorsoFlo side vents (full-length side zips), pit zips, and front zip opening all help. Without ventilation, you'll overheat on any sustained uphill.

Pockets: At minimum, two hand pockets accessible with a hip belt on, and a chest pocket. Interior pockets are useful for phone storage in rain.

Hem and cuff adjustment: Seal the bottom against wind-driven rain. A single-hand draw cord at the hem is more practical than two-handed adjustments.

DWR maintenance: All jackets need periodic DWR reapplication. Wash with Nikwax Tech Wash, then tumble dry on low or apply Grangers spray. A jacket with beading water on the outer fabric performs better than one that has wet out. See our 20,000mm jacket guide for detailed care instructions.

How to Choose: Questions to Ask

How often does it rain on your routes? If you hike mainly in dry conditions with occasional showers, a 10,000mm option is sufficient. For consistently wet climates (UK, Pacific Northwest, Norway), 20,000mm+ is worthwhile.

How hard do you work? Active uphill hiking generates more sweat than walking. High breathability (20,000+ MVTR) or excellent ventilation features matter more if you push the pace.

Do you wear a backpack? Shoulder strap pressure amplifies effective waterproof demand. With a loaded pack, treat 10,000mm as the minimum rather than adequate.

What's your budget? The performance jump between $100 and $200 is larger than between $200 and $350. The sweet spot for most hikers is $150-225.

The waterproof jacket is worth spending more on than most other pieces of hiking kit. A bad jacket on a bad day makes the whole experience miserable. The Marmot PreCip Eco at $100 is the right starting point for anyone on a budget. Step up to the Outdoor Research Foray II or similar Gore-Tex option when the budget allows. For detailed guides to the best options at specific waterproof ratings, see our 10,000mm waterproof jackets guide and 20,000mm waterproof jackets guide.