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Best waterproof jackets for whatever the British weather brings this summer

Photo credit: Westend61 - Getty Images
Photo credit: Westend61 - Getty Images

Now that we're spending more time outdoors, days out are part of the agenda again but as we all know, the British weather doesn't always play ball - which is why our roundup of the best waterproof jackets will come in handy.

Everyone knows how unpredictable the British weather can be and investing in a waterproof jacket for men or women is an excellent way to ensure the weather doesn't dampen your summer adventures.

Whether you're visiting a National Trust property, taking to a coastal trail or heading into the mountains this summer, packing a rain jacket is always a good idea.

As many waterproof jackets for women and men are made from breathable material, you can wear one over a T-shirt and still feel cool when the weather heats up.

Many waterproof jackets are lightweight too, so you can easily fold and pack one in your backpack or glove compartment so you always have one to hand.

Then there's the practicality. With their zipped pockets, you can keep your phone and other essentials dry if you're out walking the dog or spending the day hiking.

With this in mind, we thought we'd help you pick the right cover-up for you and have selected the best waterproof jackets from the likes of Berghaus, Cotswold Outdoor, The North Face and more.

Whatever you've got planned next, these waterproof jackets for women and men will ensure you're covered come rain or shine.


Best waterproof jackets for women


Best lightweight waterproof jacket

This Mountain Warehouse lightweight waterproof jacket comes in handy if you get caught in the showers while outdoors. If you're after something extra-light that can be folded up and packed in your bag when the weather turns brighter, this is a great choice. It has an adjustable hood, a mesh lining for breathability and zipped pockets to keep your phone and keys dry.

The waterproof jacket for women was tested to withstand 2,000mm of rain in a 24-hour period and is best suited to moderate rain. There's also waterproof tape that runs across all stitched areas, making the rain jacket fully waterproof. Plus, it's our affordable pick for a waterproof jacket that's purse-friendly too.

Best everyday, casual waterproof jacket

Finisterre's fully waterproof jacket for women is casual and wearable in style, making it a fantastic rain jacket for everything, from popping out to the shops to summer hikes. The Orian pays homage to traditional fisherman's waterproofs, while looking fabulous paired with a T-shirt and jeans.

The waterproof jacket for women is lightweight and breathable, with taped internal seams and deep double-entry pockets. It's made from 80% recycled nylon and has a fluorocarbon-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish, so it protects you and the planet.

Best eco-friendly rain jacket

Jack Wolfskin and the National Trust have teamed up to celebrate the great outdoors with this excellent waterproof jacket for women. It's made from 100% recycled membrane and 100% PFC-free fabrics, reflecting the brands' shared values of environmental protection and care.

Being both windproof and waterproof, the rain jacket for women is ideal for more active days out, including walking in the Lake District or climbing Ben Nevis - there's a detachable hood and you can zip a compatible fleece into the jacket to protect you from the elements.

Best long-length waterproof jacket

This waterproof jacket for women from Berghaus is longer in length than the average rain jacket, providing you with extra coverage when the weather turns. It features Gore-Tex Paclite technology for a lightweight waterproof jacket you can pack down small for easy storing.

The longer length and dropped hem keep you drier when it pours and the snorkel style hood helps keep the rain out thanks to the drawcord adjustments and superb fit. There are also two zipped hand pockets for keeping your valuables safe, so whether you're going out for some milk or taking the dog for a walk along the beach, this waterproof jacket for women is worth considering.

Best all-round waterproof jacket

Lightweight, compact and stowable, The North Face's Dryzzle waterproof jacket from Cotswold Outdoor is our pick for its all-round waterproof and breathability credentials. The Dryzzle can take anything the weather throws at it and is a reliable rain jacket for women.

It features a seam-sealed three-layer shell for active adventures in wet and windy conditions, and a stretch-knit backer that, unlike other shells, doesn’t feel cool on bare skin. The waterproof jacket for women is also made from recycled polyester and impregnated with a non-PFC durable water repellent for an eco-friendly cover-up to invest in.


Best waterproof jackets for men


Best lightweight waterproof jacket

Amazon's best-selling men's jacket happens to be one that satisfied customers love for its waterproof feature. The Regatta Pack-It Jacket III is affordable, lightweight and easy to pack small for those on the go. Its seam-sealed ISOLITE 5,000 polyamide fabric with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish sheds moisture and breathes so you stay dry inside and out.

The lightweight waterproof jacket has an adjustable hood and a snap fasten front with a sleek storm flap for extra protection. It packs so small that you can keep it in your glove compartment and keep with you at all times. Amazon reviewers have said it is "excellent," even in heavy showers.

Best waterproof jacket for extra water resistance

If you love to get out on forest trails whatever the weather, Jack Wolfskin's Eagle Peak Jacket is one that was designed with challenging hiking trips in mind. The waterproof jacket for men has a sporty shell that's extremely water-resistant, windproof and exceptionally breathable.

It’s made from TEXAPORE O2+ DOBBY - a robust tried and tested weatherproof fabric with a long-lasting, super DWR finish. The waterproof jacket works to keep you dry, even in relentless rain, and features great detailing: two hand pockets, an inner pocket, a secret pocket and a detachable hood.

Best waterproof jacket for active wearers

Rab's Meridian Jacket from Cotswold Outdoor is designed for active pursuits in the worst of conditions. The waterproof jacket for men is constructed from a recycled 40D Gore-Tex Paclite Plus fabric, making it fully waterproof and breathable.

If things get too hot, you can cool down using the YKK pit zips, plus there's an adjustable hood with stiffened peak and articulated sleeves. It's designed specifically to protect you in the toughest of conditions without hindering movement.

Best waterproof jacket for practical style


For guaranteed dryness, fabric that helps regulate your body temperature and something that's comfortable, plus a stylish design, look no further than The North Face's Impendor Futurelight Jacket. This waterproof jacket for men is not only sustainably made using recycled materials, but it also offers a customisable breathable fabric.

The rain jacket is designed for you to wear it all day, whatever your pace in the mountains. Its adjustable, helmet-compatible hood features a wired brim that's particularly handy when it rains. We also like the inner chest pocket for keeping small items dry.

Best waterproof jacket for a snug fit

The Deluge Pro 2.0 from Berghaus keeps you dry in even the worst kinds of wet thanks to its fully waterproof Hydroshell fabric and adjustable hood. The waterproof jacket for men, which comes in various colours, is made from incredibly light micro-grid fabric for an unrestricted, feather-weight feel.

You can enjoy free-flowing movement with the stretchable material and stretch cuffs. Satisfied customers have said the waterproof jacket offers a "nice and snug fit" and have rated its quality, saying it provides good value for money.

Need a pair of walking shoes and a picnic blanket too? Check out our favourites.

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