Our team of outdoor experts have tested some of the best mens waterproof jackets to help you find the right fit for your adventures and budget.
Having a good waterproof jacket is a much-needed essential when out hillwalking, especially in the wet weather conditions and up in the mountains where weather forecasts can sometimes throw you curveballs. To help you decide which waterproof jacket is best for you, our team of experts has put together a list of the best mens waterproof jackets.
If you’re not quite ready to make the jump to a new waterproof, perhaps there’s life in your old jacket yet. Take a look at our guide on how to look after your waterproof jacket.
How we tested the best mens waterproof jackets
These waterproof jackets for men were tested by Chris Townsend and David Lintern over the winter of 2023 and into 2024. Chris and David tested these jackets in a variety of conditions and areas in the UK
Chris Townsend is our equipment editor, known globally as a writer on hiking and backpacking skills and equipment, the author of 25 books – many of them award-winning – and as a record-setting long-distance hiker.
David is our deputy editor for The Great Outdoors. He looks after the narrative features and coordinates gear reviews for the magazine. He has been hillwalking since the late 90’s, and an outdoor writer and photographer since 2011.
Our picks for best men’s waterproofs
Montane Phase Nano
Winner in TGO Awards 2023
“It packs to nothing for just-in-case days, the Gore-Tex fabric is excellent, it has good-sized pockets and it gives perfect articulation with no hem movement at all.”- Low weight
- Breathability
- Packability
- Expensive
- No cuff adjustment
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | $379 / £300 (Montane & Go Outdoors) |
| Weight | 250g |
| Materials | 13D Gore-Tex Active, YKK Aquaguard zips |
| Pockets | two hand pockets |
| Hood | 3-point adjustable with stiffened peak |
| Sizes | men S-XXL (no direct women’s version; nearest equivalent is the Phase or Phase XT) |
Montane describes the Phase Nano as the lightest and most breathable Gore-Tex waterproof jacket it offers. Weighing just 250g, it’s a jacket that offers three-layer waterproof protection alongside a bunch of useful design details, including a full length water resistant front zip, a three-point adjustable hood and shaped cuffs.
“It’s a great bit of kit,” said Peter Macfarlane who was on the jury that selected this as the best rain jacket in this year’s Great Outdoors Awards. “It packs to nothing for just-in-case days, the Gore-Tex fabric is excellent, it has good-sized pockets and it gives perfect articulation with no hem movement at all.”
It features Gore-Tex Active, a lightweight version of Gore’s three-layer waterproof fabric that’s designed for high levels of breathability. It’s specifically made for trail running but its three-way adjustable hood, big hand warmer pockets and storm flap make it a good option for summer hikes too – though the 13D fabric might be a little thin to wear with a heavily loaded pack. The phase Nano is now available for both men and women.
Available at: montane.com
Patagonia Granite Crest
Highly Commended – TGO Awards 2023
From our tests, we found it to be a great three-season option that would be excellent for day hiking and backpacking.- Lightweight
- Hood adjustment
- Recycled Fabrics
- Underarm zips
- Cost
- Hood peak not stiff
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | £260 (cotswoldoutdoor.com) |
| Weight | 395g (M) |
| Materials | 3-layer H2No Performance Standard NetPlus post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop with PFC-free DWR |
| Hood | helmet-compatible, front and rear adjustment, stiffened peak |
| Front Closure | zip with internal storm flap, bottom popper |
| Underarm/side zips | Two way |
| Pockets | 2 handwarmer, 1 chest |
| Hem | Adjustable drawcord |
| Cuffs | Velcro |
| Sizes | men XS-XXL (women XS-XL) |
“You’ve got everything you’d want from a good, reliable wet weather shell,” said Will Renwick who was on the jury that chose this as Highly Commended in The Great Outdoors Awards 2023. He tested the Patagonia Granite Crest over the course of a wet backpacking trip in the Lake District.
Not only is the Granite Crest PFC-free but it also uses a fabric that’s made from recycled fishing nets in order to help to reduce ocean plastic pollution. This fabric has a good quality feel to it too; it’s soft to the touch and quiet and there’s a slight stretch to it.
From our tests, we found it to be a great three-season option that would be excellent for day hiking and backpacking. It has a huge helmet-compatible hood that can be adjusted to give good protection whilst allowing visibility, the front drawcords are external ones and so are easily tightened with the jacket fully zipped up and it has a stiffened peak too – though this lacks structure and can distort in the wind.
Other features include large hand pockets, a fully sized chest pocket that can accommodate a map, and long underarm zips for ventilation.
Read our full Patagonia Granite Crest review.
Available at: cotswoldoutdoor.com
Rab Namche
Chris Townsend’s Best in test 2024
The Namche is one of the best jackets I tested for year-round use as it’s substantial enough for severe winter weather but not too heavy or bulky for summer.- Pockets
- Hood
- recycled fabric, PFC-free membrane & DWR
- None
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | $350 | £290 |
| Weight | 450g (size UK L |
| Materials | Gore-Tex 3-layer 75D recycled polyester with ePe membrane |
| Hood | Wired and stiffened peak, rear and side adjusters |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
| Women’s version | Yes |
The RAB Namche is a lightweight, durable hardshell waterproof jacket suitable for year-round use, suitable for severe winter weather but not too heavy for summer. It features a PFC-free Gore-Tex ePe membrane, providing a slightly softer feel than similar jackets with old ePTFE membranes. The jacket’s face and backing fabric are 100% recycled polyester, with 50% recycled content. The minimalist design is functional, with a helmet-compatible hood for easy adjustment and a wired peak for side visibility. The jacket has only two large pockets, but they are comfortable and angled for hands. Underarm zips for ventilation are easy to use, and the cuffs are wide enough for ventilation and can be cinched tight. The RAB Namche is a superb jacket, except for a helmet-compatible hood or multiple pockets.
Read Chris’ full Rab Namche Waterproof Jacket Review – Tested across Winter 2023/2024
Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0
Highly Recommended
For winter mountains this is a great jacket. It is quite heavy though and overkill for summer.- Hood
- Pockets
- Recycled Content
- Weight
- Price
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | $475 / £440 (TrekInn) |
| Weight | 610g (size UK XL) |
| Materials | Helly Tech Professional 3-layer 68% recycled polyamide/32% polyamide |
| Hood | wired and laminated peak, rear and side adjusters, helmet compatible |
| Sizes | S-2XL |
| Women’s version | Yes |
Helly Hansen provided an XL size Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 waterproof jacket, allowing it to be worn over an insulated jacket without feeling tight. This jacket is designed for burly winter weather and is lightweight and stiff. The front pockets are double-layer, providing excellent breathability. The hood is helmet-compatible and can be closed around a hat or bare head. The jacket has large pockets that can hold a large amount of gear, with double zip pullers for easy access. A smaller chest pocket is ideal for a compass or smartphone. The underarm zips have double zip pullers, but they are stiff and awkward to use. Wide cuffs fit over gloves and allow ventilation. While this jacket is great for winter mountains, it is heavy and overkill for summer.
Read Chris Townsend’s full Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 Review – Tested across Winter 2023/2024
Paramo Velez Adventure Smock
TGO Recommends
The Velez Adventure Smock is warmer than a conventional waterproof jacket, so you don’t need to wear as much under it. I find it excellent in cold winter weather.- Comfort
- Breathability
- Hood
- Pockets
- Heavy
- Too warm for summer
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | £280 |
| Weight | 810g (Uk size L) |
| Materials | Nikwax Analogy Waterproof polyester fabric |
| Hood | wired and laminated peak rear and side adjusters |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
| Women’s Version | Yes |
Paramo waterproof jackets have two layers of material, one for wind deflection and the other for moisture removal. They are effective when kept clean and treated with Nikwax TX.Direct. They are breathable and comfortable, but not light and best worn all day. The Velez Adventure Smock is designed for high-energy activities in cold and wet conditions, offering excellent ventilation with two long two-way front zips and zipped upper arm vents. The hood has a wired peak for protection without hindering vision. The smock has a large kangaroo pocket for maps and other items, a small zipped pocket inside for compass and phone, and another zipped pocket across the front. The main front zips can be partially unzipped to warm hands. The Velez Adventure Smock is warmer than conventional waterproof jackets, making it ideal for cold winter weather.
Read Chris Townsend’s full Paramo Velez Adventure Smock Review, – Tested across Winter 2023/2024
Patagonia Triolet
TGO Recommends
For mountaineering where a climbing helmet is worn the Triolet is an excellent jacket. It works fine for hillwalking too, if you can manage with the over-sized hood.- Pockets
- recycled fabric, PFC-free membrane & DWR
- Huge hood is hard to adjust
- Cost
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | $449 | £390 |
| Weight | 550g (size UK L) |
| Materials | Gore-Tex 3-layer 75D recycled polyester with ePe membrane. |
| Hood | Wired and laminated peak, rear and side adjusters, helmet compatible |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Women’s version | Yes |
The Triolet is a waterproof jacket designed for alpine workhorses, featuring a helmet-compatible hood and a RECCO reflector for searchability by rescuers. The fabric is soft and flexible, similar to Rab Namche, and offers comparable breathability to the Gore-Tex ePTFE membrane. The hood is large and can be cinched down around a hat or bare head, providing excellent protection. The two large chest pockets hold maps but are not suitable for handwarmers. The underarm zips run freely and have double zip pullers, allowing for easy opening or closing. The cuffs are wide enough for ventilation and fit over gloves. The Triolet is an excellent choice for mountaineering and hillwalking, especially if a climbing helmet is worn. The jacket is suitable for both mountaineering and hillwalking, provided the over-sized hood is worn.
Read Chris Townsend’s full Patagonia Triolet Waterproof Jacket Review – Tested across Winter 2023/2024
RAB Arc Eco
TGO Magazine verdict
Perhaps not a rain jacket for the depths of winter but it is a light, simple, cheap and more environmentally-friendly option for backpacking and hillwalking.- Eco credentials
- Great all-rounder
- Cost
- Needs more pockets
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | $235 | £200 |
| Weight | 436g |
| Materials | 3-layer Pertex Shield recycled polyester ‘Revolve’, recycled inner, PFC-free DWR |
| Features | Part-wired 3-way adjustable hood, 2 large pockets |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
| Women’s version | Yes |
The Rab Arc Eco was given Gold in our TGO awards for sustainability and it has really stood out from the other men’s waterproofs here too. On test since last autumn, the fully recycled fabric has so far resisted wear and tear, with the 20,000 hydrostatic head and 15,000 MVTR (breathability rating), continuing to keep us completely dry.
Our tester found the cut of the jacket is quite long, and perhaps overly roomy at the chest, but this does at least allow for layering. The sleeves are Velcro-adjusted, and the hem adjusted by two toggles. As for pockets, there are only two very large handwarmers, situated just high enough to be useable whilst wearing a rucksack.
Perhaps not a rain jacket for the depths of winter but it is a light, simple, cheap and more environmentally-friendly option for backpacking and hillwalking.
Read our David Lintern’s full Rab Arc Eco review. – Tested in 2023
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