Best hiking rain jackets for 2025 | Tested by experts in wild mountain weather

The Makalu has been part of the Mountain Equipment range for a while, but the latest version makes some important changes. Most notably, a new Gore-Tex membrane.

The membrane in question is Gore-Tex ePE - a new membrane that does away with the harmful PFCs the outdoor industry has relied on for years. A decade of development has ensured Gore-Tex ePE is as good as Gore-Tex you know and love.

On test, the Makalu performed brilliantly, especially since it's at least $250 less than many specialist winter waterproof jackets. We found the Makalu's 3-layer 75D construction is durable and comfortable enough to be worn all day, although it doesn't have any stretch.

At around 1.34lbs, the Makalu is also lighter than many rivals, and we definitely noticed that. We liked its long sleeves and protective hood, and in terms of storage, there are pockets aplenty - inside and out. It also has two-way pit zips and a two-way main zip with a chinguard, an inner stormflap and a bottom press stud.

Read our full Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket review or check out the women's version here.

At $400 for a lightweight shell, it’s hard to argue that the Beta Lightweight is a good value buy, but this is one of the most well-balanced waterproofs around in terms of combining low weight and excellent packability with decent weather protection, breathability, and comfort.

The features are pared back to the essentials, but are well-designed. This includes two well-placed, fully lined hand pockets plus a zipped inner chest pocket. The laminated main zip has a small inner storm flap with a soft chin guard, and all the zips have chunky, easy-to-grab pullers.

There are dual hem drawcords, Velcro-adjustable cuffs, and a fully adjustable hood with a stiffened peak. It's helmet compatible, so it's quite large, but does cinch in tight. Indeed, the overall cut is slightly roomier than most European mountain brands, but we loved the longer hemline and sleeves, which provide excellent all-around coverage.

The Beta Lightweight is made from three-layer Gore-Tex C-Knit fabric (an extremely thin circular knit for a less bulky backer) with a 40- and 70-denier ripstop nylon face. It’s soft and smooth and slides easily over other layers.

Top-level waterproof and breathable performance is courtesy of Gore-Tex ePE – the latest innovation from Gore-Tex that does away with PFCs. It offers superb durability and comfort (though, like almost all Gore-Tex membranes, it is slightly crinkly). Moreover, for sustainability, the Beta Lightweight is also made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

All in all, it’s a quality waterproof fabric that outperforms typical 2 or 2.5-layer rivals like Gore-Tex Paclite, whilst being just as lightweight and packable. There aren’t too many other brands that can turn out three-layer Gore-Tex jackets that tip the scales at just 13oz. It’s an impressive feat.

Read our full Arc'teryx Beta Jacket review for more or see the women's version here.

Offering performance, quality, and commendable eco credentials at a reasonable price, the Rab Arc Eco waterproof jacket takes our Best Value award.

It’s suitable for any wide range of hiking, except for deep winter mountain expeditions. The 3-layer construction makes the Arc Eco durable and breathable, and reasonably lightweight too. It’s certainly light enough to carry with you on summer hikes as an emergency waterproof layer. Yet, it’s also a brilliant 3-season rain jacket.

We like the inclusion of a wire peaked hood and pit zips. Touches like these promote the Arc Eco from decent waterproof jacket to proper 3-season waterproof. The fit is quite relaxed and very easy to layer with, but certainly isn’t very flattering.

In terms of pockets, there are only the two external side pockets. They’re big and nicely placed, but a small chest pocket or internal pocket would also have been useful.

The Arc Eco is fully recycled and designed to be recyclable by using a single polymer fabric. It’s also PFC-free, and Rab is a Fair Wear Foundation member with ‘Leader’ status, with an in-house repair service also available.

Read our full Rab Arc Eco Waterproof Jacket review and see the women's version here.

The Kangri GTX is a well-established hiker's favorite when it comes to waterproof rain shells built for the rough stuff. With its 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric, it’s designed for hiking, trekking, and easier mountain scrambles.

It features Rab’s smaller mountain hood, which is designed to fit over a bare head or beanie but doesn’t work so well with a helmet. The Kangri is equipped with a two-way YKK AquaGuard Vislon front zip with an internal storm flap, plus laminated pit zips with two-way zippers for ventilation. There are two rucksack-friendly zipped hand pockets and an internal secure zipped pocket for a phone or GPS unit.

The hem can be quickly adjusted with one hand via dual drawcords, while the sleeves have chunky Velcro cuff tabs for a weatherproof seal around the wrists. Unusually, there’s also an internal rear drawcord to cinch the jacket in at the waist.

Though the Kangri has been around for several seasons now, for the first time, it has been updated with a fully recycled face fabric, made from 70D nylon. This is bonded to an ePTFE Gore-Tex membrane, with a soft tricot inner forming a classic three-layer construction.

It’s undeniably a well-built, protective jacket – well suited to cold and wet days. It didn’t leak in any conditions, even in some torrential downpours. In fact, this shell might be overkill for spring and summer use, particularly since its extra heft and bulk take up a fair bit of room in a daypack.

Read our full Rab Kangri GTX Jacket review or see the women's version here.

This sporty-looking hard shell waterproof jacket from Norwegian brand Helly Hansen does everything right. The original Odin World Infinity won our Best in Test Award at Trail magazine, and the women's version is equally ultralight, fully featured, eco-friendly, and mountain-ready. It’s a top-notch all-rounder with first-rate performance – even if the price is rather, well, Scandinavian.

This jacket features lots of extra bells and whistles compared to your standard hardshell. Nifty features include an emergency whistle attached to the chest pocket and side zips (rather than pit zips) for ventilation when required.

You'll also get a built-in RECCO transponder for rescue situations, but the biggest innovation is the way Helly Hansen has created a 3-layer construction without the use of chemical solvents. The jacket’s membrane also has fewer negative environmental impacts compared to other harmful membrane technologies.

The fit is as good as it can be, with a helmet-compatible hood and a slim, flattering cut which still leaves room for layers underneath. And yes, the price tag is hefty, but the Odin is designed to last, with the brand claiming Lifa Infinity Pro never needs re-proofing.

If you look at it as a long-term investment for your outdoor comfort, then this jacket is a cracking bet for any weather.

The Mountain Equipment Lhotse jacket is a classic among hikers and mountaineers, praised for balancing rugged protection, comfort and weight.

Named after the world’s fourth-highest mountain, it has won multiple awards, including Trail magazine's ‘Gear of the Year’ in 2021.

Made with Gore-Tex Pro, the Lhotse offers a dual-weight design – 80-denier fabric for durability in high-wear areas and 40-denier for flexibility.

Its 3-layer construction provides robust waterproofing (28,000mm hydrostatic head) and good breathability (<6 RET), making it ideal for challenging conditions.

Though slightly heavier than some Gore-Tex Pro jackets, it remains packable and versatile, weighing 463g (men’s small).

Features include underarm ventilation zips, a two-way front zipper, and an alpine fit that allows layering without restricting movement.

The consideration that goes into the hood can make or break a waterproof jacket. The Mountain HC Hood used here is comfortable and unrestrictive, even when worn with a helmet, and can be adjusted from the rear or via two frontal adjusters.

The laminated and wired visor protects your field of vision in high winds or when wearing goggles.  

The Lhotse includes three zippered pockets, adjustable Velcro cuffs, and a drawcord hem.

While it uses fluorine-based DWR and lacks recycled materials, its durability ensures it will last through many adventures. Manufactured in Ukraine, it meets Fair Wear Foundation standards for ethical production practices.

See our full Mountain Equipment Lhotse review for more details and see the women's version here.

The Latok Mountain Gore-Tex Pro by Rab is a premium jacket designed for hiking and winter adventures.

Made with 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro (the specific version of Gore-Tex Pro used is called the “most breathable” version), it offers excellent weather protection while maintaining breathability.

Its dual-weight construction uses 80-denier fabric in high-wear areas and 40-denier fabric in the core, resulting in a durable yet lightweight jacket at 17.5oz (men’s medium).

Though it lacks a RECCO reflector and uses fluorocarbons for waterproofing, it remains highly functional.

With a hydrostatic head rating of 28,000mm+ and a breathability rating of <6 RET, the Latok performs well in harsh conditions.

The jacket features underarm ventilation zippers and a two-way main zipper for heat regulation during intense activity. Its design allows freedom of movement, with room for layers and a comfortable fit.

The Latok includes a helmet-compatible hood, fleece-lined chin guard and three zippered pockets, making it practical for various adventures.

Rab’s sustainability initiative highlights that 19% of the jacket’s materials are recycled, although some fluorocarbons are still used. Despite this, Rab is moving towards more environmentally friendly options.

Read our full Rab Latok Mountain Gore-Tex Pro review for more details and find the women's version here.

The Arc'teryx Beta AR is a versatile, lightweight (431g, men’s small) Gore-Tex Pro jacket that’s built for a wide range of outdoor activities. It’s part of Arc’teryx’s Beta family, designed for all-around use.

Made with a combination of 80-denier and 40-denier fabrics, this jacket provides excellent durability and protection against harsh weather.

It uses Gore-Tex Pro, known for its rugged performance, and has a minimum 28,000mm hydrostatic head, ensuring top-tier waterproofing.

Key features include a helmet-compatible hood, a storm collar, RECCO reflector for emergency rescues, and adjustable cuffs and hem. Meanwhile, the Beta AR’s long pit zips and front zipper allow for ventilation during intense activities.

Though not the most breathable or packable jacket compared to minimalist options, its durability and full winter protection make it a great investment.

Sustainability-wise, the Beta AR is Fair Trade Certified, bluesign approved, and Arc’teryx is transitioning to PFA-free materials by 2025. However, it still contains fluorocarbons and is not fully PFC-free yet.

The brand argues that the jacket’s long-lasting build makes it a sustainable choice in the long run.

With its high-performance features and commitment to environmental improvements, the Beta AR is a reliable choice for serious adventurers.

Find out more in our full Arc'teryx Beta AR review and find the women's version here.

The Odin Mountain Infinity 3L Shell Jacket is designed with input from mountain professionals for skiers, trekkers, and mountaineers, offering high durability and protection in tough conditions.

Its standout feature is Helly Hansen’s Lifa Infinity Pro technology, providing waterproofing and breathability without harmful chemicals, unlike most jackets that require DWR treatments.

Built with a 3-layer fabric, this jacket features a hydrophobic face fabric, a Lifa Infinity membrane and a protective inner layer.

It’s rated for extreme waterproofing with a 20,000mm+ hydrostatic head and offers excellent breathability with an MVTR of 20,000g/m²/24hr.

Ventilation is enhanced by pit zips, though it’s heavier at 556g (men’s small), making it more suited for winter use rather than summer activities.

Other features include a helmet-compatible hood, ski pass pocket, powder skirt and RECCO reflector for emergency rescues.

While not the most packable, its roomy fit accommodates layers and it provides good freedom of movement.

Sustainability is a key focus with no PFCs used and no need for re-proofing, though specific recycled content details are not provided.

Ideal for winter adventurers, it’s a durable, environmentally friendly option for challenging conditions.

Take a look at our full Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Infinity 3L Shell Jacket for more and find the women's version here.

The Patagonia Granite Crest jacket is made with Patagonia's own H2No membrane, a 3-layer waterproof-breathable fabric, offering a solid 20,000mm waterproof rating.

While effective in light and moderate rain, we felt that the jacket's thin material may not withstand extreme weather as robustly as other membranes like Gore-Tex Pro. Its breathability (20,000g/m²/24hr rating) and underarm zippers provide good ventilation, though performance in humid conditions can vary.

Weighing 13.9oz (men’s medium), it’s lightweight and compact, ideal for fast-paced hikers, and impressive for a 3-layer construction. The trade-off of course is that its thin 30-denier fabric won't be the most durable option on the market.

The jacket fit us well with room for layering, offering comfort and freedom of movement. Features include water-resistant zippers, a helmet-compatible adjustable hood, and functional wrist cuffs.

However, the hood’s flimsy visor and lack of an internal pocket are drawbacks. Being Patagonia, sustainability is of course a standout, with 100% recycled materials, PFAS-free DWR, Fair Trade certification, and eco-conscious production.

Read our full Patagonia Granite Crest Waterproof Jacket review for more info. Find the women's version available to buy here.

This sub-7oz waterproof jacket from Patagonia is primarily designed for running, but we liked to use it for fast day hikes as well. We found it's impressively breathable and incredibly packable, whether into a backpack stash pocket or the jacket's own chest pocket.

Despite the incredibly low weight, it's a 3-layer construction and therefore manages to offer an excellent lightweight-durability balance. Although, that said, – it's fine to use with a small or light daypack, but not a jacket we'd suggest using with a larger or heavy backpack.

The very low weight is liberating, and our female tester really liked the slim cut, which she said was flattering and comfy. In terms of waterproofing, the Storm Racer uses Patagonia's own H2No membrane and is perfectly capable of fending off continuous rain.

We liked the eco credentials too. The Storm Racer ticks the recycled fabric box, but is also PFC-free and produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

Read our full Patagonia Storm Racer Waterproof Jacket review for further detail and find the men's version here.

Bluesign approved and PFC-free, this water-based fabric cleaning is ideal for any technical or waterproof fabric, including Gore-Tex. It's highly concentrated too, so a little goes a long way.

Like Grangers, this is water-based and PFC-free. It too is a very effective cleaner of outdoor and technical garments. Really, there's nothing separating the effectiveness of Grangers and Nikwax.

This combo is perfect for cleaning outdoor garments and then adding durable water repellency to waterproof fabrics. The Performance Wash is used like a laundry detergent, while the Repel Plus is a simple spray.