Waterproof Jackets
Need a hard shell to keep out the rain or snow and keep you dry? See our top picks in waterproof shells and jackets below, thanks to hundreds of independent reviews and ratings by hikers, backpackers, alpinists, backcountry skiers, trail runners, and paddlers.
The best waterproof jackets, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on April 20, 2023. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
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Recent Waterproof Jacket Reviews
Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket
Jacket is waterproof but the chest pockets are not. There is a seam and no waterproof seam tape! Poor QC! Living on the we(s)t coast and living with a working dog means I am out rain or shine. I finally got tired of getting soaked and bought a pair of waterproof pants. Saw a jacket that I liked and bought it as I liked the pants so much. The jacket and pants are both from fjallraven. The jacket is a Keb Eco-Shell and the pants were the Hydratic (I think). After several walks, I noticed the pockets… Full review
Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket
Very tough jacket and very well made. Very clean design, light and bombproof jacket. I like the most the combination of lightness with very good wind and weather protection. I was recently impressed with the amount of abuse it is able to take. While ski touring, we got lost in a dense forest. I inevitably dragged/stabbed/fell/teared it against abrasive trees/branches expecting to find it ripped off upon exiting that place. But no, it was intact, just a little dirty. Full review
Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-On
An über lightweight (3.5 oz) hardshell jacket—that works! Rab's Phantom Waterproof Pull-On is a purposefully designed jacket aimed at trail and mountain runners, but I believe it has applications beyond that. It's lightweight (3.5 ounces!), packs small, and is waterproof, fending off moisture very well. Because of this, I think it also is worth considering if you're a day hiker or even an urban commuter. Use I've used the Phantom Waterproof Pull-On for roughly three months (June through August)… Full review
Beyond Clothing ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket
This robust expedition-fit rain jacket is not only built to last, but is also designed for hard working functionality in inclement weather. A three-layer rainshell, it easily allows for layering underneath, yet is trim enough to not obstruct movement. From outside work to commuting, this highly durable jacket is ideal for someone who is looking for durability over weight savings. It is ideal in cool and cold weather, but can be sufficient in warmer weather during downpours. ARX 2.0 L6 during a long… Full review
Fjallraven Bergtagen Eco-Shell Jacket
Comfortable, isolating, breathable, fairly water repellant. Super zips. Silent to wear. Okay, so I bought this blue Fjällräven Bergtagen Eco-shell men's jacket quite some time ago, a couple of years. Have been wearing it on trips and during the winter season. I have yet to try it during summer season. In the beginning it was really repelling water; after two washes, it is not so water repelling and I'd say an Arc'teryx Alpha SV is much more water repellant, though I prefer the Bergtagen overall. Full review
Kathmandu Amphi Rain Jacket
Should be called wet jacket, NOT rain jacket. Deceiving and disgusting. Thanks, Kathmandu. "Waterproof, windproof and breathable – the Amphi is all that" Should be called wet jacket, NOT rain jacket. For $400 that is inexplicably ridiculous, and a scam, and deceiving, and illegal. Besides under my arms I was completely wet after a 20-minute walk in mild rain, and that was with the hoodie up, so no water was getting in around my neck. Really peed off. I recall reading negative things about Kathmandu… Full review
Lands' End Classic Squall Jacket
While still "pretty OK," these are NOT the Squall Jackets of old. You'll be lucky to get two years' light use out of the zipper (I've had three fail in 1-2 years from the noughts onwards), unlike a couple I have in my car trunk from the '80's/'90s. Cuffs fray sooner, no Polartec (I know they're gone), even collar edging gets threadbare rapidly. Uselessly small inner pocket. And customer service isn't what it was either, though this company isn't alone in that. Full review
Swazi Tahr XP Anorak
Dead simple, incredibly waterproof shell jacket for hunting and hiking in the worst conditions possible. I originally found Swazi after I had been on a descent on Mardi Himal on Nepal. I forget what I was wearing, but it leaked through as soon as the rain came in and I was soaked to the bone as I was coming down the mountain. I swore I would find the most waterproof technical jacket possible and my hunt led me to the Swazi Tahr XP. I have owned mine for maybe 6 years now. The Tahr is a simple… Full review
Columbia Titanium Waterproof Jacket
This jacket I purchased three years ago and have worn it in every weather condition. In the military we would call this our cold wet weather jacket. This is my 4th layer for fall, winter, and spring hiking. Fall hike IAT New Brunswick Trail yoyo Well, since 2018, I have been using this jacket and I use the term Cold Wet weather jacket. It is 100% proof against all bad weather. I would not use it in summer as it doesn't breathe. I use this jacket on the Appalachian Trail and Eastern Canada trails… Full review
