[Closed] Recommend me a Hiking waterproof jacket

Buy based on fit, waterproofness, breathability and then features, e.g. pockets, colour etc.  Definitely try before you buy too as the fit can vary wildly even within a brand.

Generally Mountain Equipment are excellent and rarely disappoint.

There are lots of threads on here so plenty of advice to pick through

I’ve a Montane PAC Plus XT which has served me well since I got it in December.

If you like eco-credentials I believe they use recycled Gore-Tex in it too.

I like my Alpkit Fortitude jacket

And there’s Keela – which has been previously mentioend on here, but they always seem to be low on stock when I’ve looked previously.

Keela are good VFM but some models are very heavy and the cut is about as sophisticated as a bin bag.

As above Mountain Equipment are a good starting point for a quality item that isn't stupid money.

I live in Montane Hydrogen and in deep winter months a Montane Extreme. They aren't waterproof per se but are warm when soaked. They work by capillary action so draw moisture away from the body and dry mega quick. They are weird in that you wear nothing underneath them - ie against bare skin. Membranes don't work for me.

See also Buffalo stuff.

I did a PSA for them last year
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/psa-montane-extreme-like-buffalo-50-off/

https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/mon2617/montane-hydrogen-direct-jacket/#sku-mon2617

If it's just waterproof, and you want something that'll last, then I'd definitely be looking to GoreTex, probably GoreTex Pro for a dedicated hard shell.
Things I look for:

Comfortable over a t-shirt, but enough space for plenty of layering

A hood that fits me well, and has a good visor flap - helps keep rain off my glasses when I'm wearing them, and is also nice for much the same reason with contacts - keeps the rain out of your eyes.

Pockets. I really, really, really like the chest handwarmer pockets that open at the outer edges, so you put your hands in towards the centre. Good to use with rucsac straps. Chest pockets that start at the centre and go out are useless. Hip/waist pockets are useless if you're carrying any sort of proper rucsac as the waist band blocks them.
And the map pocket is best if it opens from under the storm flap, but outside of the main zipper, so it's well protected but you don't need to unzip the body to access it. And big enough to actually take an OS.
Mesh pockets... hmmmm. Good for ventilation, bad for putting anything in as they will snag forever.

Cuffs - velcro or similar far preferable to elastic for sizing. If there's a inner grippy thing, then not woven or similar material, as it will soak up rain and pass it along the arm.

Pit zips are nice.

Colour - generally subtle. Camo is trying too hard, day-glo is too noob 😉

I've not found the perfect jacket yet, but my current Berghaus Extrem GT-Pro isn't too far off 🙂

They aren’t waterproof per se but are warm when soaked. They work by capillary action so draw moisture away from the body and dry mega quick

I've got to say that this is not my experience with pertex and pile like montane extreme or buffalo but if it works for you, great.

I'm happy with my Mountain Equipment Manaslu, only had a few wet days in it so far though. Wasn't blown away with my Patagonia Torrents hell....

For actual waterproofness you want a Columbia Outdry jacket.

I've read a lot of waterproof jacket threads on here and there was a theme of not relying on DWR alone to keep you dry, goretex or similar membrane is better. This fits with my own experience involving a crap Alpkit jacket.

Have just got a Rab Meridian which uses goretex paclite plus and is long in both the body and arm. Can't attest to its waterproof credentials as it hasn't been used yet, but my previous goretex pac lite jacket did ten good years service.

I’ve read a lot of waterproof jacket threads on here and there was a theme of not relying on DWR alone to keep you dry,

All of them rely to some degree on the DWR and DWRs are not as effective as they were a few years ago due to chemicals being banned.

My experience is that up to a point you get what you pay for and that Gore Tex is still the market leader. To adapt the old proverb, waterproof, breathable, cheap; choose two.

This fits with my own experience involving a crap Alpkit jacket.

I had a bad experience with an Alpkit jacket too. It looked like it had missed the DWR treatment and leaked like a sieve.

For actual waterproofness you want a Columbia Outdry jacket.

I like the outdry jacket I bought in 2018 very much - for mountain biking. The Columbia jackets are generally poorly designed, though - especially hoods and pocket locations. Not great for hill walking in foul weather. It's a pity they haven't capitalised on an interesting fabric technology with matching attention to features.

I've just been through this..
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/hillwalking-jacket-unicorn-and-costly/page/2/

A few thoughts:

The ME Zeno jacket I bought has a non-helmet hood and great cut. It's DWR was poor from first use, but I've just sprayed some more on it so sorted.

Mrs_oab also is rocking a new Montane Ajax special (see Montane outlet shop as to why..) in Goretex ProShell. Great jacket, buuuut, huuge helmet hood is bugging her.

Eldest_oab has new Montane Fleet jacket, again an outlet special from Montane. It's shorter cut than my ME Zeno, but the hood is again a walking cut. No pit zips though.

https://www.magic-mountain.co.uk/
https://mountain-kit.co.uk/

If you can get the Lhotse for £300 , that's where I'd go. I've a Goretex pro jacket from another company and been very happy, and I like the ME equipment I have. My DTX pro jacket been thro' a lot of days in bad conditions, and has worn very well. I'd avoid the cheaper DWR based jackets from any brand - they just don't stand up to continual use that well.

There seems to be a bit of confusion about DWRs - durable water repellant treatments - which are basically the chemical finish on the outside of the fabric designed to repel water, so it beads and runs off rather than saturating the shell fabric and massively reducing the breathability of the fabric.

No technically waterproof jacket 'relies' on the DWR treatment for waterproofing, there will be a membrane - Gore-Tex or eVent for example - sandwiched between two layers of fabric usually or a coating of some sort, usually PU. If the DWR stops working, the outside of the jacket will soak up water and prevent the outward transmission of water vapour generated from your body, ergo, you will get wet from condensation. The only jackets that 'rely' on DWR for water proofing are windproofs or softshells and don't claim to be waterproof.

The only two technologies I'm aware of which don't use a DWR are Columbia's OutDry Extreme, which as above works pretty well, but tends not to be well designed/featured and Gore-Tex ShakeDry, which is very breathable, very light, and pretty fragile. In an ideal world, Gore-Tex would come up with a heavier ShakeDry fabric with greater durability and/or Columbia would improve its jacket designs and breathability, but we don't live in an ideal world, in case anyone's not paying attention.

Anyway, Gore-Tex is your obvious choice for all-round reliable, performance. Preferably not Active or Paclite ime, Pro is good but expensive, a bit noisy and overkill for general walking - it's intended for technical mountaineering use, so tends to have an alpine wannabe look/vike - plain old three-layer Gore-Tex is cheaper, quieter and works fine.

I'd get down to Go Outdoors (or another outdoor retailer) and try a selection on.

If you fancy saving a few quid, this is a cracking jacket from Decathlon. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-hiking-lightweight-waterproof-jacket-mh500/_/R-p-301681?mc=8502097&c=BLUE

As above, Decathlon is very good value for money and their high end kit is excellent. The Simond range in particular is superb. I've used the older version of this for some time and wouldn't hesitate to replace like for like  https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-waterproof-mountaineering-jacket-evo-mountaineering-red/_/R-p-327979?mc=8602223

I have used one or two adidas Gore Tex jackets in the past. They always served me well. Plus I think they really improved their design over the years. If you're looking for something more colourful.

During the winter I live in my Keela Prosport Jacket.

Felt I couldn't justify the jacket that Keela supply to mountain rescue - but this keeps me dry in torrential rain.

No technically waterproof jacket ‘relies’ on the DWR treatment for waterproofing,

That's the theory, the reality is a bit different!

Been to Cotswold outdoor in the city and tbh they didn’t have a huge amount that wasn’t RAB, which I’m not a huge fan of.

Tried two Mountain equipment jackets and the sizing was strange, XL was quite tight and the XXL was big enough for the family to go camping in !

But tried on a berghaus cornice 1a gore tex jacket and it was a great fit. Just never thought berghaus were any good.

Will take a look at decathlon on the way home.

Tried two Mountain equipment jackets and the sizing was strange, XL was quite tight

I default to ME size XL jackets because, at 6'4", the arm length is generally good and the body isn't too baggy, as it often is with other brands...

ME jacket fits can vary per range/activity - they aren't all the same cut

Berghaus always made good kit but in recent years only the top end stuff is worth considering if venturing on the hills in poor weather

I bought my first Paramo jacket last year, the Alta 3 I think, which has been brilliant all winter.  Really pleased with it - I know they're a bit marmite, but I always find GTX quite clammy so the Paramo system works really well for me.  'Tis a beast of a thing and not a summer jacket that's for sure!  Excellent environmental credentials too.

I've had Keela jackets for work and find they work quite well but this:

Keela are good VFM but some models are very heavy and the cut is about as sophisticated as a bin bag.

Is spot on and after a while there is no amount of reproofing or washing that stops them being anything other than a  cold, damp sponge.

Buggeration.

The decathlon jacket they had out didn’t look the best, great vfm no doubt. So looking at the paramo, as I'm really short on time. Q, why are they considered marmite?

The Berghaus cornice may lack a bit of style but has good features. Good length, plenty of adjustment for the waist and hem, Velcro cuffs, good chin cover, map pocket and a good adjustable hood. The only thing I don’t like is the main pockets, they are a bit small.

So looking at the paramo, as I’m really short on time. Q, why are they considered marmite?

Don't buy a paramo jacket in a hurry, it could be an expensive mistake. Those who like them say they are the only thing that will keep you dry in a day of torrential rain, others find they let water in at an alarming rate. I think it's mostly down to expectations and how you actually use the jacket.

Whether it's actually waterproof aside (it's not) they are hot and heavy so not great for the warmer months.

Berghaus always made good kit but in recent years only the top end stuff is worth considering if venturing on the hills in poor weather

Beg to differ.
My staff uniform issue Berghaus Lite Trek jacket was the best jacket I think I've ever had. Long, neatly cut, great pocket position, really nice hood, light and super breathable. £160.

I’ve got the ME Lhotse and love it. It replaced an older berghaus. The Lhotse is a slimmer fit compared to the Berghaus, but it’s a higher spec jacket. Definitely worth trying them on, if it doesn’t fit it’s worthless

Don’t buy a paramo jacket in a hurry, it could be an expensive mistake.

Like I said, marmite!

I always found the biggest problem with membrane waterproofs was breathability and moisture build up on the inside of the jacket. Could well be because I live in west Scotland which tends to be very mild and humid. Always thought the likes of GTX works better when it’s a lot colder outside the jacket. I find the Paramo way more breathable and better suited to the climate here. It is a heavy jacket but it’s got good venting and has held up to some fairly serious Scottish weather. Personally it really works for me, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Paramo but I have heard of others who don’t hold the same view!

They aren’t waterproof per se but are warm when soaked. They work by capillary action so draw moisture away from the body and dry mega quick

I’ve got to say that this is not my experience with pertex and pile like montane extreme or buffalo but if it works for you, great.

I’ve got a Buffalo Special 6, which I bought for work, as the generic hi-viz PU nylon jackets we were supplied with were useless. I would spend ten hours a day outdoors regardless of the weather so I needed something breathable and warm, but which would keep me dry. I know how Buffalo jackets are intended to work, and I know that Goretex and similar jackets can wet-out reducing their breathability or the membrane can fail, so I arrived at my own solution that worked perfectly - a cheap Peter Storm ‘waterproof’ worn over the Buffalo when it rains hard. Keeps the worst of the rain out, any leakage through the cheap outer only results in the surface of the Buffalo getting slightly damp, some of which may even be condensation. Then when not raining the outer shell can be stuffed in a rucksack and you still have the windproof and warm main jacket, which has the chest pocket and right-through hand-warmer pockets as well.
A Peter Storm costs about £20, I got my Special 6 from a local outdoor shop, with a discount, I think I paid £170, or else it was £170 and I got a discount, can’t remember, but that jacket will probably last me the rest of my life, with a cheap waterproof every few years to keep it, and me, dry.

Oh yeah, all I ever wear underneath it is a Helly Lifa, perfect lightweight base layer, kept me going through the last three winters. From now on, I’m working indoors, but the Buffalo will get plenty of use in colder weather when out walking.

I’ve got a Buffalo Special 6...

They're great bits of kit, I've had a few variations on the theme over the years. However, I think they're only of use for quite a narrow range of conditions and activities. They're best suited for cold conditions and low exertion activities.

From the last what waterproof thread I ended up buying a montane fleet ( standard goretex ) which I’m very pleased with. I have a paramo Quito which is over 10 years old and I have used it for everything from skiing to hiking and it has always kept me dry but it is bulky and struggles in the warmer months. I tried the mountain equipment jackets in the same price range as the fleet but personally didn’t get on with the pit zips, found them uncomfortable in the arm pit. I’ve always been a montane fan, more so than rab but for no real reason and also wanted to buy british although I realise they’re not manufactured here

So looking at the paramo, as I’m really short on time. Q, why are they considered marmite?

I initially didn't want to say "Paramo" as I didn't want to start a debate 🤣 but since @TheBeard has I'll just add my +1.

IMO Paramo is great if you're going to wear it all day. It's breathable and comfortable enough for all-day wear to be a totally reasonable proposal, at which point weight and bulk don't matter too much, and the warmth is just part of your layering system.

So for everything but high summer use for UK hillwalking (i.e. probably a bit damp, a bit grey, a bit breezy) I like mine a lot. If I wanted a layer to carry in a pack "just in case" I would go with something smaller and lighter I expect.

I think if it's hovering around 1-5 degs and damp and you're not doing much, then most of the Paramo stuff is pretty good, for any activity that approaches "getting a sweat on" they soon become (IME) a big sweaty hot mess.

Yes, that's true, it's too warm for MTB or running, in my experience, but I don't have a problem with walking in it. Even pushing along with a big pack. Depends on how hot you run tho.

Depends on how hot you run tho

I find it a bike like a waterproof version of the buffalo smock in principle.  I do run hot (so always cook in a GTX shell and don't even like GTX footwear all that much!) but find the venting is so good on the Alta I just open the vents and get a good airflow through the jacket, much as you do with the Buffalo or Montane Extreme.  When it's warmer I wear just a thin base layer underneath.  In the winter I got away with a very thin fleece.  I find it helps if the layer under the jacket is as breathable as possible.  I've been so impressed I bought the Ostro fleece and windproof combo for higher intensity activities like hill running etc.  I love the fleece, despite the really odd ninja hood, it's perfect for running in the hills.  My only real gripe is the stuff is bulky and doesn't pack away the same as other similar jackets.

Following. My 20 year old Spray Way has just given up the ghost, the lining is flaking away. I’m after a lightweight jacket for warm wet weather.

I just couldn't imagine doing anything other than really mellow Z2 in something like an Alta, and even then it'd have to be really cold and continuously wet, (which IME is very very few days a year) and even then layering is still my prefered option. Currently hard shell of choice is a Montane Pac Plus

I think at what £300? for a jacket that (for me at least) would be quite condition specific, doesn't represent good value. I appreciate that for others that may be different.

Quick update, bought two.

The berghaus cornice 1a gore tex jacket as I know it fits, it’s near their top of the range, it’s slightly discounted and a few posters above thought it ok for the money and rated berghaus and didn’t think they were totally rubbish. Which at this point will do, when I’ve got more time, I can try out more - I did like the ME kit, just the only two the shop had were just the wrong fit for me.

And I bought this on a bit of a whim, a Keela Stratus Jacket reduced to £100.

Whichever fits best stays, the other gets returned.

Now I need a fleece to go under it, my one remaining fleece is not designed to be worn as any kind of layer !

Where did you get a Stratus for £100?

I've just bought an ME Garwhal - happy with paclite as only intending to use it in proper rain rather than as an all-day jacket. Not used it in any serious conditions yet, but fit is pretty good. Accidentally tried on a different ME jacket that was on the same rack and agree with previous comment, their sizing seems very inconsistent. A bit 'crinkly' but I can get used to it.

Hopefully this'll last better than my previous Pertex Shield+ jacket which despite being 3-layer still delaminated after 5 years of mostly light use (although I did wear it for the Spine Challenger which probably shortened its life somewhat).

Accidentally tried on a different ME jacket that was on the same rack and agree with previous comment, their sizing seems very inconsistent.

The sizing and cut will be different depending on the intended usage. So a jacket for winter climbing will be bigger than one for running to allow for extra layers.

@montgomery

Where did you get a Stratus for £100

Stratus jacket

It’s arrived and haven’t tested its waterproofness, but it is a lovely jacket - really nice blue, and a great fit for me with a couple of thin layers underneath. Haven’t got a fleece type base layer yet to try, but reckon it’ll fit easily enough.

Prefer it to the berghaus if I’m honest. Can’t really comment on quality differences between the two, they both seem pretty good, the berghaus having goretex is the main difference I guess.

@walowiz - check the after-care/washing instructions on both. Some jackets are a pain to keep in good condition. For example, when eVent first came out it was hailed as being the best waterproof ever etc. etc.

In reality it had to be washed and re-proofed about every month so it was a nightmare to own

For example, when eVent first came out it was hailed as being the best waterproof ever etc. etc.

In reality it had to be washed and re-proofed about every month so it was a nightmare to own

I had one and it was shite. After about 6 months is was basically a heavy and expensive windproof.

@ElShalimo

@walowiz – check the after-care/washing instructions on both. Some jackets are a pain to keep in good condition. For example, when eVent first came out it was hailed as being the best waterproof ever etc. etc.

Bugger, sent the berghaus back, as the Keela one fit so well. I’ve checked the label and website and it says machine wash, but not to reproof it, and it uses their sdp - system dual protection, whatever that actually is.

Unless I’m missing something it does rely on dwr for the waterproofing.

Slightly second guessing sending the bankably waterproof gore Tex coat back.

@Spin - I had a bloody Rab Super Dru or whatever it was called. It was as waterproof as a tea bag after a few trips on the hills. Several friends had the same issue with eVent coats from Rab, Montane and other makes.

🤦

Several friends had the same issue with eVent coats from Rab, Montane and other makes.

Think mine was Montane. In the end I wasn't even convinced it was windproof never mind waterproof.

Several friends had the same issue with eVent coats from Rab, Montane and other makes.

Strangely I was very happy with eVent, no issues with my Rab Latok Alpine and got 10 years of use out of it before it got too leaky (mainly from the seam tape coming away)

Strangely I was very happy with eVent, no issues with my Rab Latok Alpine and got 10 years of use out of it before it got too leaky (mainly from the seam tape coming away)

This is a common theme - also shared on sailing forums.

I've had older waterproofs last 10+ years too, namely my old Musto; still waterproof after circa 20 years. The replacement Musto jacket bought at same spec /level  ~7 years ago failed after two sailing seasons.

Supposedly a certain chemical has changed in waterproofs and waterproofs made after this point tend to fail very early. I have spent thousands(!) of pounds in recent years trying to find waterproofs for various summer /winter outdoor sports - few of which have made it through a second season.

I scared myself at the start of winter just past up on Glenshee skiing - stayed warm/comfortable all day but when I got back to the car I realised I was wet right though. Just one stumble and twisted ankle/knee and it would have been a different outcome.

in response I bought a winter weight waterproof was a new (but ex MOD) camouflage hideous thing made of heavy duty goretex. I'm hopeful that whilst I'll look like a bushcraft bellend whilst wearing it, I will at least stay dry. It's too heavy duty for summer use though

Predictably since looking at this thread i'm getting adverts.

Anyone had any Stellar Equipment jackets? They've got a spendy Ultralight jacket that could be interesting...
https://www.stellarequipment.com/product/m-ultralight-shell-jacket2-blublack/

I've got an old Rab Event shell - it's absolutely bomb proof but really isn't very breathable. You build up a serious sweat on the inside quite easily. This is my dog walking jacket for winter - normally the pace is low due to my dog being a keen sniffer...

I also have a North Face Gore active shell jacket which I use for hillwalking, winter MTB and climbing. MUCH more breathable but maybe not quite as protective or durable.

I do wonder if a Gore proshell jacket would be the holy grail but I've yet to find the £400 to try it...

Quick update on using the Keela Stratus for 8 days in the bitterly cold of south Iceland.

Impressed with the jacket, enough room to have up to 3 inner layers on, zips all worked well using gloves, on the peninsula temps were down to -8, with 50 kmh winds and with just a thermal and thin ish fleece I was able to brave the elements. Hood works really well, even with a wooden hat underneath and doesn’t flap about like so many do.

It’s also quite light, which I really liked.

Tested its waterproofing (multiple times) and no water came through, even with standing behind a waterfall.

The pockets are well thought out too, the side pockets are just about the right size and maybe I just haven’t had a “proper” coat for a while, but the pockets on the arm and inside the main zip were really useful for keys, essentials, cards etc.

Don’t know how it’ll hold up long term, but from this I’d recommend it.

I do wonder if a Gore proshell jacket would be the holy grail but I’ve yet to find the £400 to try it…

I've had ME ProShell before - it did 4 years of outdoor instructor life. It was very durable and waterproof - but noticeable drop off in breathability as it got grubby, despite 'proper' soap flake and reproof attempts. Very crinkly too.

It was followed by Berghaus Lite Hike in thier own Hydroshell Elite - which was nearly as durable, more breathable and near silent.

IMO, the performance gap between top end OEM fabrics and various Gore fabrics has narrowed.

That said, it is better, just diminishing returns.