The best waterproof jackets to keep you dry and cosy, according to testers
The unpredictability of the British weather is, ironically, pretty predictable. You can be bathing in sunshine one minute and stuck in a deluge the next, so, if you're spending time outdoors, it's always best to be prepared with a reliable waterproof jacket.
It makes those rainy-day hikes or soggy commutes much more bearable, especially when combined with a cosy thermal on colder days.
There's quite a lot to consider before splashing out on a waterproof. Luckily, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tried and tested a range of styles from leading brands to help you decide.
See our winners at a glance below and read on for our advice and detailed reviews. We also have a selection of tried and tested waterproof trousers, if you want to cover all bases.
The best waterproof jackets for women 2025
What to consider before buying a waterproof jacket
Waterproofing
Think about when and where you’ll be wearing your waterproof before you shop. If you’re just ambling around town, a lightweight, water-resistant option should be sufficient, but if you’re trekking in harsh conditions, you’ll want a technical, fully waterproof design to keep you protected.
Packability
It can be hard to squash several layers into one bag when you’re dressing for multiple seasons. That’s why we considered the size and weight of each jacket before testing them – most on our list below can be worn to keep you dry in a storm and crammed into your bag when the clouds lift.
Price
We’ve included a wide range of price points in our list, to suit all budgets. However, given that we get a lot of rain in the UK, we think this is one investment you definitely won’t regret!
Breathable fabric
When you’re hiking up a hill, things are bound to get a bit hot and sticky, even if it’s bucketing down. That’s why you should opt for a jacket made with breathable material, such as Gore-Tex or polyester, which allows airflow to keep things fresh. Some jackets even have ‘pit zips’ to help ventilate the underarms – ideal for working up a sweat.
Additional features
If you’re not one for travelling light, then you should think about how many pockets you’ll need to store the essentials. Luminous strips and reflective panels are also key for increasing visibility if you’re planning on adventuring in dimly lit conditions.
How to wash your waterproof jacket
Washing can impact the effectiveness of waterproof fabric, so take care when you pop it in the machine. Katie Mortram, our household advice editor, provides some invaluable tips. “You can usually clean waterproof jackets in the washing machine, but you must use a detergent designed for washing waterproofs, as a regular one will degrade the finish,” she advises. “This also means it’s important to run an empty wash first to clear any residual detergent.”
“Check the care label for the wash instructions,” Katie adds. “If no instructions are given, close any zips and wash the item on its own; stick to a gentle cycle at 30 degrees with low spin.”
You can then leave your jacket to air dry or tumble-dry if the care label allows.
Over time, it’s best to re-proof the jacket as and when needed. A wash-in waterproofer is a quick and easy solution to restore the water-repellence capabilities while maintaining breathability. Like a good shoe polish, it keeps your garments looking and feeling fresh for years to come.
How we test
Each jacket was tested by at least three panel members, who put them through their paces in a range of weather conditions. Panellists were then asked to provide feedback on factors including overall design, quality of the fabric and any additional features, such as reflective panels, toggles to adjust the fit and zipped pockets. Crucially, they also judged each jacket’s sweat-wicking and waterproofing capabilities, noting how effectively they kept them dry and comfortable.
We also asked them to wash the jackets according to the care label instructions to see how they fared after numerous cycles in the machine.
Back in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, our experts used a hydrostatic head machine to measure the water resistance of the fabric and seams to see if the product lived up to its waterproofing claims. All jackets listed below passed this test.
Mountain Athletics Waterproof Jacket
Score: 94/100
When it comes to robust outdoor apparel, The North Face is probably one of the first brands that springs to mind, and its waterproof jacket lived up to our expectations on test.
It’s made from three layers of seam-sealed DryVent fabric, which is windproof, waterproof, and breathable to avoid overheating. It’s lightweight and thin, but still provides plenty of warmth, which one tested said was “perfect for hikes when you work up a sweat.”
It also has two side pockets and one chest pocket, easily accessible via a watertight zip. And it passed our lab waterproof test, so it should keep you and your valuables nice and dry.
Kaia Waterproof Jacket
Score: 93/100
Our runner-up combines style and practicality – plus, it scored brownie points with our panel for its great fit. “The jacket looks, feels and performs like a good quality product,” is how one tester summed it up. It also has six handy pockets, with taped zips for an extra layer of security.
Aesthetics aside, its waterproofing capabilities passed both our lab and real-life tests, with one tester saying, “Rain just runs right off it, and I shake off any beads of water, which leaves it completely dry.” A great option for rainy days.
Pinnacle Waterproof Jacket
Score: 92/100
This jacket’s standout feature is its peaked, adjustable hood, which keeps the wind and rain out of your face and won't fall down. It’s fully helmet-compatible too, so you can use it while climbing or cycling. It also comes with an insulating chin guard, which one tester confirmed kept them "dry and comfortable” while out in the elements.
The price point reflects the jacket's quality. One tester said they’d continue to wear it after the trial and would happily “recommend it to those who hike a lot and need something technical to keep them dry”, confirming it’s worth the investment.
Storm Bert was no match for the Pinnacle either. One tester told us it kept them dry throughout, saying they felt “very lucky to have it!”
Aden Jacket
Score: 90/100
Waterproof clothing may not have the best reputation when it comes to style, but this one bucks the trend, according to one of our testers, who said, “It looked and felt nice to wear.” The devil wears... Aden?
Not only does it look good, but it feels good too, thanks to the soft, cosy lining that makes it much comfier than your average waterproof. The only niggle from our testers was that the external pockets were slightly shallow. There is one internal pocket large enough to store a phone, but if you’re planning a longer hike, you’ll probably want to take a bag too.
If things get muddy en-route, just chuck it in the washing machine when you get back and we found it dries quickly, too.
Rainforest II Extreme
Score: 90/100
Whether heading out in a light drizzle or a heavy shower, this jacket kept our testing panel dry and comfortable. It earned extra points for its handy peaked hood, as multiple panel members told us it kept the rain out of their faces, without obscuring their vision.
It’s less insulated than some of the other designs on our list, so it’s probably more suited to warmer spring or autumn weather. That said, it’s spacious enough to fit an extra layer underneath on those extra fresh days.
£79.99 at mountainwarehouse.com
Torrek Women’s Hiking Jacket
Score: 88/100
This jacket is made from ARED 30k/30k fabric, which the brand claims is its most protective yet, keeping you sufficiently dry, while also keeping the air flowing, thanks to the fabric’s micropores. One tester, who lives in hilly terrain (so lots of sweaty hikes in the rain), put this jacket through its paces and confirmed it lived up to its breathable claims. They found it kept them much more comfortable than other waterproofs they’d tried before.
It also has multiple pockets, while still being lightweight and comfy to wear, and it can easily be packed away into a rucksack when the clouds lift.
Quechua Women’s Waterproof Mountain Walking Jacket
Score: 87/100
This walking jacket was made with brisk hikes in mind – we found it extremely lightweight, breathable, and importantly, waterproof. It has specially designed raglan sleeves, which are designed to allow more freedom of movement if you’re partial to a power walk.
According to one tester, “It fits like a second skin”, so it’s a good choice if you’re working up a sweat and are looking for the fabric to move seamlessly with you. If you’re after a looser fit or plan on wearing a jumper underneath, however, we recommend sizing up.
Despite wearing it out in light rain, one panel member really wanted to put it through its paces, so decided to test it with an overhead shower too, and it didn’t disappoint. “It kept me dry in both conditions,” they confirmed. Now that’s dedication!
Outerpath Pro 2.5
Score: 87/100
With multiple Velcro straps, zipped air vents, toggles and pockets, this is a versatile jacket that can be adjusted for your comfort. “Very well designed and thought through,” was how one tester described it.
Despite the brand’s claims, some panellists didn't find it as breathable as they’d hoped and thought it would be better suited to low-impact walks rather than long hikes or runs. All in all, though, it’s a comfortable and lightweight jacket that can be easily packed away if needed. It would be a great pick for the commute.
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