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Writer's pictureGemma Lumley

Yorkie Talkies Outdoors - Best Waterproof Jackets

Updated: Nov 1, 2023

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."



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