The British weather can be challenging, even at the height of summer. If you're a hiker, getting a drenching is a familiar feeling so it's important to buy the best waterproof jacket you can afford.
As with lots of outdoor kit, choosing a waterproof jacket that actually keeps you dry can be overwhelming; the technical jargon is ridiculous and the some of the prices will make your jaw drop!
If you're new to hiking, are a fair weather walker or can only manage to sneak out into the hills occasionally, spending hundreds isn't necessary, but your waterproof jacket should still perform well.
However, if you're out every weekend, even in the depths of winter, investing in a highly effective, breathable and comfortable waterproof jacket is a must. As with walking boots, waterproof jackets are worth the extra spend.
Our list of the best waterproof jackets have been tried and tested in all weathers by the Yorkie Talkies team, so we are happy to recommend them.
Best budget waterproof jacket: Regatta Calderdale Waterproof Jacket
Price on writing: £47.95 (reduced from £80) | Buy now from Regatta
Key specs
Waterproof not water resistant
Taped seams
Lots of pockets
Comfortable
Women's sizes available
What we like
Affordable - but snap it up as they are selling fast in this colour
Attractive, bright design
Warm
What we don't like
Too short in the body for some consumer reviewers
What YTO leader Rob says
"I like my Regatta Calderdale waterproof jacket. It was a great price and came in lots of colours. It keeps me warm and the bright colour makes me easy to spot. I wore it for the National Three Peaks and it kept me nice and toasty in rain and 50mph winds. It held up well in the torrential rain on the Yorkshire Three Peaks too. I've thought about upgrading it to a more expensive brand, but when it performs as well as it does, it doesn't seem necessary. I even got a compliment on it while climbing Crib Goch earlier in the year."
Best GORE-TEX waterproof jacket: Arc'teryx Beta AR Waterproof Jacket
Price on writing: £600 | Buy now from Arcteryx
Key specs
Waterproof GORE-TEX
Taped seams
Windproof
Adjustable fit
Men's sizes available
What we like
Helmet compatible hood
Comes in both bright and neutral colours
Reflector patches
Impressive weather protection
Ventilation zips
What we don't like
Expensive
What YTO leader Emma says
"I have had an Arc'teryx waterproof for year. It fits well and I like the fact the hood can be adjusted so it doesn't blow off. The hood is also compatible with my helmet. My jacket keeps me dry and is exceptionally windproof too. The ventilation zips make it breathable, so I'll keep it on even when it's not raining."
Best eco-friendly waterproof jacket: Rab Downpour Eco Waterproof Jacket
Price on writing: £135 | Buy now from Cotswold Outdoor
Key specs
Water resistant
Windproof
Packable
Lightweight
Made from recycled and recyclable fabric
Women's sizes available
What we like
Packable
Bright colours
Windproof
Impressive protection against rain
Ventilation zips
Adjustable fit
What we don't like
Seams aren't taped (so small amounts of rain can infiltrate)
What YTO leader Gemma says
"My husband carries a Rab Evo in his rucksack and loves how packable and light it is. He finds it comfortable to wear as it can be adjusted at the hem and cuffs. The description says it is water resistant rather than waterproof yet it has kept him dry in some epic downpours."
Best lightweight water repellent jacket: Paramo Alize Windproof Jacket
Price on writing: £70 | Buy now from Paramo
Key specs
Water resistant
Windproof
Packable
Lightweight
Men's sizes available
What we like
Packs up into its own pocket
Comes in both bright and neutral colours
Windproof
Recyclable fabric
Ventilation zips
What we don't like
Expensive
Water resistant not waterproof
What YTO leader Kerry says
"I like my Paramo Aliza, it's very light and packable and is a great windproof layer. It is only suitable as protection in a light shower."
Best 3-in-1 waterproof jacket: Berghaus Fellmaster Gemini 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket
Price on writing: £240 (various sizes/colours are much cheaper) | Buy now from Berghaus
Key specs
Waterproof GoreTex outer
Warm fleece
Adjustable
Inner hand warmer pockets
Men's sizes available
What we like
Adjustable hood
Comes in both bright and neutral colours
Windproof
Great fit
Robust
What we don't like
Heavy
Expensive
What YTO leader Kerry says
"I really liked my Berghaus Fellmaster 3-in-1. I had it for years and it lasted really well. I only replaced it because I had an altercation with barbed wire."
Best breathable waterproof jacket: Montane Phase XPD Waterproof Jacket
Price on writing: £500 | Buy now from Cotswold Outdoor
Key specs
Tough waterproof outer
Helmet compatible hood
Expedition fit - room for insulating layers
Lots of pockets
Men's and women's sizes available
What we like
Breathable
Impressive waterproofing
Windproof
Durable
Taped seams
What we don't like
Very expensive
What YTO leader Lewis says
"I really like the Montane Phase XPD Waterproof Jacket. It's kept me super dry on lots of my adventures. I also really like having pockets on the chest as they are really accessible when you have a rucksack on. It also has a hood that is compatible with a helmet which is great for when I'm climbing. The jacket also packs up small and is very lightweight."
Best warm waterproof jacket: Jack Wolfskin Moonrise 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket
Price on writing: £190 | Buy now from Jack Wolfskin
Key specs
Waterproof outer
Fleece inner
Long line fit
Water resistant zips
Men's and women's sizes available
What we like
Very warm
Windproof
Roomy
Made from sustainable fabric
What we don't like
Heavy
What YTO leader Gemma says
"I have the older version of this jacket and I love it. In winter, the two jackets zipped together are lovely and warm. I also wear the fleece and waterproof separately in the spring and summer. It's heavy when in 3-in-1 mode, so if it's going to be showers rather than constant rain, I'll pack a lighter jacket. The fit is brilliant, it covers my bum which creates extra warmth and waterproofing."