It’s 11am on a Saturday in the Lake District. The forecast said “dry with sunny spells.” You’re halfway up Helvellyn in a £15 cagoule from Sports Direct, and the sky has turned the colour of wet concrete. Twenty minutes later, you’re soaked to the skin, shivering, and the rain is showing no sign of stopping. Meanwhile, the bloke next to you in a proper shell jacket looks like he’s having a lovely time. That’s the difference a good waterproof makes.
A quality waterproof jacket is the single most important piece of outdoor clothing for UK hiking and camping. The weather here changes faster than you can check an app, and being wet and cold on a hillside isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s how people end up in trouble. After testing jackets from budget to premium through some truly grim UK weather, here are the ones that actually keep you dry.
In This Article
- Best Overall Waterproof Jacket
- Waterproof Ratings: What the Numbers Mean
- Membrane Types Explained
- Best Waterproof Jackets Compared
- Rab Downpour Eco Jacket
- Berghaus Paclite 2.0 Jacket
- Montane Phase XT Jacket
- Decathlon MH500 Waterproof Jacket
- Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket
- Head to Head: Which Jacket Should You Buy?
- How to Choose the Right Size
- How to Care for Your Waterproof Jacket
- Bottom Line
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall Waterproof Jacket
The Rab Downpour Eco is the best waterproof jacket for most UK hikers and campers. It uses Pertex Shield recycled fabric with a 10,000mm hydrostatic head — enough for anything the UK throws at you short of sustained mountain storms — weighs just 350g, packs into its own hood pocket, and costs around £90-110. For the combination of protection, breathability, weight, and price, nothing beats it.
If you need heavier-duty protection or have a bigger budget, the options below cover every scenario from budget day walks to Scottish winter mountaineering.
Waterproof Ratings: What the Numbers Mean
Every waterproof jacket has two key numbers:
Hydrostatic Head (Waterproofness)
Measured in millimetres, this tells you how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before it leaks through. Higher = more waterproof.
- 5,000mm: Light rain and drizzle. Fine for dog walks and school runs. Not enough for sustained hiking.
- 10,000mm: Moderate to heavy rain. The sweet spot for most UK hiking — handles 90% of conditions.
- 20,000mm: Heavy, sustained rain. Mountain use, all-day downpours, Scottish winter.
- 28,000mm+ (Gore-Tex Pro): Extreme conditions. Mountaineering, multi-day exposure. Overkill for typical UK use.
MVTR/Breathability
Measured in grams per square metre per 24 hours (g/m²/24h), this tells you how much moisture vapour (sweat) can escape through the fabric.
- 5,000 g/m²/24h: Low breathability. Fine for standing around but you’ll overheat during exertion.
- 10,000 g/m²/24h: Moderate. Comfortable for steady walking on cool days.
- 15,000-20,000 g/m²/24h: Good. Handles uphill walking and moderate effort without turning you into a sauna.
- 25,000+ g/m²/24h: Excellent. Fast hiking, running, scrambling — the fabric keeps up with heavy sweating.
For a detailed explanation of what these numbers mean in practice, our waterproof jacket ratings guide breaks down every specification.
Membrane Types Explained
The waterproof membrane is what makes a jacket work. Here’s what you’ll see on UK shelves:
Gore-Tex
The gold standard. Gore-Tex is a PTFE membrane laminated to fabric, and it comes in several grades:
- Gore-Tex Paclite: Lightweight 2-layer. Good breathability, decent waterproofing. The go-to for UK hiking.
- Gore-Tex Active: Maximum breathability for high-output activities. Lighter waterproofing.
- Gore-Tex Pro: Maximum waterproofing and durability. Heavy, expensive, overkill for most UK use.
Pertex Shield
Rab and Montane’s preferred membrane. Excellent breathability, competitive waterproofness, and often cheaper than Gore-Tex equivalents. The recycled versions (Pertex Shield Revolve) add a sustainability angle without compromising performance.
Own-Brand Membranes
- Berghaus Hydroshell: Comparable to Gore-Tex Paclite at a lower price
- Decathlon’s own membrane: Budget but functional for the price
- Columbia Omni-Tech: Decent mid-range option
Does the Membrane Matter?
At the same price point, membrane differences are marginal. A £100 Pertex Shield jacket performs almost identically to a £100 Gore-Tex Paclite jacket in real-world UK conditions. The bigger differences are in fit, features, and weight. Don’t pay extra purely for a brand name membrane.
Best Waterproof Jackets Compared
- Rab Downpour Eco — Best overall, £90-110, Pertex Shield, 350g, 10,000mm
- Berghaus Paclite 2.0 — Best for longer hikes, £120-140, Gore-Tex Paclite, 290g, 28,000mm
- Montane Phase XT — Best breathability, £100-120, Pertex Shield, 340g, 10,000mm
- Decathlon MH500 — Best budget, £40-50, Decathlon membrane, 390g, 10,000mm
- Arc’teryx Beta LT — Best premium, £300-350, Gore-Tex, 315g, 28,000mm
Rab Downpour Eco Jacket
Price: ~£90-110 Membrane: Pertex Shield Revolve (recycled) Waterproofness: 10,000mm Breathability: 10,000 g/m²/24h Weight: 350g Where to buy: Cotswold Outdoor, Go Outdoors, Amazon UK, Rab website
Rab is a Sheffield-based brand with a reputation built on mountain gear. The Downpour Eco is their everyday hiking waterproof, and it hits the sweet spot between performance and price.
What We Like
- The fit is spot-on for layering. Roomy enough over a fleece without being baggy with just a base layer. The articulated arms move freely during scrambling and pole use. We wore this over a merino base and Rab Nexus fleece through three seasons and the fit never felt restrictive.
- Properly light at 350g. You don’t notice it in a rucksack, and you don’t overheat wearing it in mild rain when the temperature is 12-15°C.
- The hood works with and without a helmet. Volume adjusters let you cinch it tight for wind or open it up over a climbing helmet. The peak is stiffened just enough to keep rain off your face.
- Made from recycled fabric. Pertex Shield Revolve uses recycled nylon. Same performance, smaller footprint. Rab takes sustainability seriously across their range.
What Could Be Better
- 10,000mm waterproofing has limits. In sustained heavy rain — the kind you get on Snowdon in November — you’ll start to feel dampness after 3-4 hours. For all-day mountain exposure, step up to the Berghaus or Arc’teryx.
- Pit zips would be nice. The Downpour relies on the membrane’s breathability rather than mechanical venting. On steep uphill sections, you run warmer than jackets with pit zips.
- The pockets sit under rucksack hip belts. The hand-warmer pockets are positioned where most rucksack waist straps sit. With a loaded pack, you can’t access them.
Who It’s For
UK hikers who go out in all weathers. Day walkers in the Lake District, Peak District, Brecon Beacons, and similar. Anyone who wants reliable rain protection without spending £200+.
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 Jacket
Price: ~£120-140 Membrane: Gore-Tex Paclite Waterproofness: 28,000mm Breathability: 15,000+ g/m²/24h (estimated) Weight: 290g Where to buy: Cotswold Outdoor, Go Outdoors, Berghaus website, Amazon UK
Berghaus is another UK brand — based in Sunderland — and the Paclite 2.0 is their ultralight waterproof. At just 290g, it’s the lightest jacket on this list and one of the lightest Gore-Tex jackets available.
What We Like
- 290g is featherweight. It packs smaller than a water bottle and you genuinely forget it’s in your rucksack until you need it. For fast-and-light hiking where every gram matters, this is the jacket.
- 28,000mm Gore-Tex Paclite handles anything. We wore this for eight hours in continuous rain on the West Highland Way and stayed dry throughout. This is serious waterproofing in a tiny package.
- The cut is athletic and minimal. No excess fabric flapping in wind. It fits close without restricting movement — ideal under a rucksack.
What Could Be Better
- Not as robust as heavier jackets. The 2-layer Paclite fabric is thinner than the Rab’s Pertex Shield. It handles undergrowth and branches less well — snags are more likely to leave a mark.
- Limited features. Two pockets, a hood, and a hem drawcord. No pit zips, no chest pocket, no internal stash pocket. This is pure minimalism.
- The price for what you get. At £120-140, you’re paying a premium for the Gore-Tex name and the low weight. The Rab is £30 cheaper with more features.
Who It’s For
Ultralight hikers and fast packers. Multi-day trekkers who need the lightest possible shell. Anyone who values packability above all else.
Montane Phase XT Jacket
Price: ~£100-120 Membrane: Pertex Shield Waterproofness: 10,000mm Breathability: 15,000+ g/m²/24h Weight: 340g Where to buy: Cotswold Outdoor, Montane website, Amazon UK
Montane is based in Northumberland and designs gear for British mountain conditions. The Phase XT is their breathability-focused shell — the one to pick if you overheat in waterproofs.
What We Like
- The most breathable jacket at this price. During steep ascents in the Brecon Beacons, the Phase XT stayed more comfortable than either the Rab or the Berghaus. If you run hot, this matters a lot.
- Pit zips. Mechanical ventilation when the membrane alone can’t keep up. Open them on the uphill, close them on the summit — makes a real difference to comfort.
- The hood is excellent. Three-point adjustment, wired peak, compatible with helmets. Among the best hoods at this price point.
- Good pocket placement. The hand pockets sit above where most rucksack hip belts ride. You can access them with a pack on.
What Could Be Better
- Same 10,000mm waterproofing limitation as the Rab. Not enough for sustained mountain storms. Fine for 90% of UK conditions but the final 10% exposes its limits.
- Slightly less packable than the Berghaus due to the pit zips adding bulk. Still compresses small, just not water-bottle small.
- Less widely available in shops. Montane’s distribution is more limited than Rab or Berghaus. Easier to find online than on the high street.
Who It’s For
People who overheat in waterproofs. Active hikers who spend time going uphill. Anyone who’s tried a jacket without pit zips and sworn never again.
Decathlon MH500 Waterproof Jacket
Price: ~£40-50 Membrane: Decathlon’s own Waterproofness: 10,000mm Breathability: 10,000 g/m²/24h Weight: 390g Where to buy: Decathlon stores and decathlon.co.uk
This is the budget benchmark. At under £50, the MH500 offers genuine waterproof protection that competes with jackets at twice the price.
What We Like
- The price is remarkable. Under £50 for a 10,000mm waterproof with sealed seams, a decent hood, and multiple pockets. Nothing else at this price comes close.
- Available to try in store. Decathlon shops are everywhere in the UK. Walk in, try it on, walk out with a waterproof. No guessing on online sizing.
- It does the job. Three-hour hike in steady rain? The MH500 keeps you dry. That’s the core requirement and it delivers.
- Decent colour range. Budget jackets often come in “take it or leave it” colours. The MH500 has enough options that you don’t have to dress like a traffic cone.
What Could Be Better
- The breathability ceiling is real. On steep climbs or in temperatures above 15°C, you’ll get clammy inside. The membrane can’t shed sweat as fast as the Montane or Berghaus.
- Heavier and bulkier than the mid-range options. At 390g and a larger pack size, it takes up more rucksack space.
- The fit is generic. Designed to fit as many body shapes as possible, which means it fits none of them perfectly. Baggy in some places, snug in others.
- Durability is 2-3 seasons. The DWR coating wears off faster than premium jackets, and the fabric shows wear sooner. Our guide to washing and reproofing extends the lifespan, but budget fabric is budget fabric.
Who It’s For
Anyone who needs a waterproof and doesn’t want to spend over £50. New hikers who aren’t sure the hobby will stick. Festival-goers, dog walkers, and occasional countryside walkers. It’s also a solid emergency jacket to keep in the car boot year-round.
Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket
Price: ~£300-350 Membrane: Gore-Tex (3-layer) Waterproofness: 28,000mm Breathability: 25,000+ g/m²/24h Weight: 315g Where to buy: Cotswold Outdoor, Ellis Brigham, Arc’teryx website
Including this as the premium benchmark. The Beta LT is the jacket that serious UK mountaineers aspire to — and the price tag that makes most people choose something else.
What We Like
- The quality is in a different league. Every seam, zip, and stitch is precision-finished. The Gore-Tex 3-layer construction feels like armour compared to 2-layer jackets. You notice it the moment you put it on — it drapes differently, moves differently, feels different.
- Waterproof AND breathable at elite levels. 28,000mm waterproofing with 25,000+ breathability means it handles sustained mountain rain AND steep ascents without compromise. Nothing else on this list does both.
- Built to last a decade. Arc’teryx jackets routinely last 8-10 years of regular use. That’s £30-40 per year — competitive with replacing a Decathlon jacket every 2-3 seasons.
- The StormHood is legendary. Deep, adjustable, stays put in 60mph gusts. The single best hood on any hiking jacket available in the UK.
What Could Be Better
- The price. £300-350 for a jacket is a lot of money, even for a good one. You’re paying for materials, construction, and the Arc’teryx warranty — but the budget competition has closed the gap for typical UK conditions.
- Overkill for most UK hiking. If you’re walking the South Downs Way or pottering around the New Forest, 28,000mm waterproofing is like driving a Land Rover to Tesco. The Rab or Montane handles those conditions at a third of the price.
- Slim fit requires planning. Arc’teryx cuts lean. You need to plan your layering system around the jacket’s fit. Our layering system guide explains how base, mid, and outer layers work together.
Who It’s For
Committed mountaineers. People who hike in Scotland’s mountains year-round. Anyone who wants a buy-it-once jacket that handles every condition the UK has and lasts a decade. The BMC recommends proper waterproof gear on all hill walks — this is the jacket that never lets you down.
Head to Head: Which Jacket Should You Buy?
- Best overall: Rab Downpour Eco. The best balance of protection, weight, features, and price for typical UK hiking.
- Best for mountain use: Berghaus Paclite 2.0. Proper Gore-Tex waterproofing in an ultralight package.
- Best breathability: Montane Phase XT. Pit zips and high MVTR for sweaty uphill work.
- Best budget: Decathlon MH500. Real waterproofing for under £50. Hard to fault at the price.
- Best premium: Arc’teryx Beta LT. If budget isn’t the constraint, this is the jacket to own.
How to Choose the Right Size
Sizing Tips
- Try jackets on over your heaviest mid-layer — the fleece or softshell you’d wear underneath in winter
- Raise your arms above your head — the hem shouldn’t ride up above your waist
- Swing your arms in circles — the shoulders shouldn’t restrict movement
- Fasten the hood and turn your head left and right — the hood should follow your head, not stay facing forward
Women’s vs Men’s Fit
Most brands on this list offer dedicated women’s versions with different proportions — shorter torso, wider hips, narrower shoulders. Don’t default to a men’s small if a women’s medium fits better.
How to Care for Your Waterproof Jacket
A waterproof jacket loses its water-repellent finish over time. Dirt, body oils, and washing all degrade the DWR (durable water repellent) coating on the outer fabric. When water stops beading and starts soaking into the face fabric — a process called “wetting out” — the jacket feels clammy even though the membrane underneath is still waterproof.
Basic Maintenance
- Wash every 3-5 uses with a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash. Standard detergent leaves residue that blocks the DWR.
- Reproof every 6-12 months with a spray-on or wash-in reproofing product. This restores the beading effect on the outer fabric.
- Tumble dry on low heat after washing. The heat reactivates the DWR coating. If you don’t have a dryer, use an iron on low through a towel.
- Never use fabric softener. It coats the membrane pores and destroys breathability.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, our washing and reproofing guide covers the full process including common mistakes.
Bottom Line
The Rab Downpour Eco is the best waterproof jacket for most UK hikers and campers. It’s light enough to carry without noticing, waterproof enough for the vast majority of UK conditions, breathable enough for active hiking, and priced where you don’t feel sick buying it. If you buy one jacket for UK outdoor use, make it this one.
If budget is tight, the Decathlon MH500 at under £50 is remarkably capable — it won’t last as long or breathe as well, but it keeps rain out and that’s what matters most. If you need the best possible protection for mountain use, the Berghaus Paclite 2.0 or Arc’teryx Beta LT are the step-up options.
The worst thing you can do is go hiking in the UK without a waterproof. The second worst thing is buying one based on price alone and discovering its limits on top of a mountain. Spend what you can on the best jacket in your budget and it’ll repay you every wet Saturday for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What waterproof rating do I need for UK hiking? 10,000mm is the minimum for reliable UK hiking. This handles moderate to heavy rain for 2-4 hours. For all-day mountain walks or sustained storms, look for 20,000mm or higher (Gore-Tex Paclite or Pro).
Is Gore-Tex worth the extra money? At the same price point, Gore-Tex performs similarly to Pertex Shield and other quality membranes. You’re paying for the brand guarantee and testing standards. For UK hiking below £150, non-Gore-Tex options offer better value. Above £200, Gore-Tex Pro justifies its premium for mountain use.
How often should I reproof my waterproof jacket? Every 6-12 months or when water stops beading on the outer fabric. Wash with a technical cleaner first (Nikwax Tech Wash), then apply a spray-on or wash-in reproofer. Tumble dry on low heat to reactivate the DWR coating.
Can I machine wash a waterproof jacket? Yes — and you should, every 3-5 uses. Use a technical cleaner, not standard detergent. Wash on 30°C, double rinse, and tumble dry on low. Never use fabric softener — it blocks the membrane pores and ruins breathability.
What is the best budget waterproof jacket for hiking? The Decathlon MH500 at £40-50. It offers 10,000mm waterproofing, sealed seams, and a functional hood. It won’t match the breathability or durability of £100+ jackets, but it keeps rain out reliably for 2-3 seasons of regular use.