In the UK, a good waterproof jacket isn't optional — it's survival kit. The difference between a £80 supermarket shell and a proper Gore-Tex jacket is the difference between staying dry and soaking through in 20 minutes. Here are the five best waterproof hiking jackets in 2026.
Arc'teryx Beta AR
From £550 · Available at Amazon UK
The Beta AR is the jacket other jackets are measured against. Gore-Tex Pro fabric with a 3-layer construction that keeps water out in any conditions while remaining genuinely breathable during aerobic activity. The trim fit moves with you and the hood fits over a helmet.
Is it worth £550? For serious mountain use — yes. The construction quality means it will outlast three or four cheaper jackets, and in genuinely foul conditions it earns every penny.
Pros
- Gore-Tex Pro — best-in-class waterproofing
- Breathable during hard effort
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Exceptional durability
Cons
- Very expensive
- Needs careful washing to maintain DWR
- Trim fit not for everyone
Rab Downpour Plus 2.0
From £130 · Available at Amazon UK
Rab are a Sheffield-based brand who understand British mountain weather intimately. The Downpour Plus 2.0 uses Rab's own Proflex fabric — not Gore-Tex, but in real-world conditions it keeps up. At £130 it's the most capable jacket at this price.
The fit is more relaxed than the Arc'teryx which makes it more comfortable for casual hiking and it has enough pockets for everything you need on a day in the hills.
Pros
- Outstanding value for money
- Relaxed comfortable fit
- Good breathability
- Packs down well
Cons
- Not as waterproof as Gore-Tex Pro in extreme conditions
- Fabric less durable long-term
- Heavier than premium options
Patagonia Storm10
From £280 · Available at Amazon UK
Patagonia make their jackets with environmental responsibility baked in — the Storm10 uses recycled materials without compromising performance. The H2No 3-layer construction is highly breathable, making it the jacket of choice for aerobic hiking and trail running in wet conditions.
It breathes better than the Arc'teryx in sustained aerobic effort which is why endurance athletes reach for it. If you run-hike or move fast in the hills, this is the one.
Pros
- Best breathability on the list
- Sustainable materials
- Fair Price
- Excellent packability
Cons
- Not as waterproof as Gore-Tex Pro in sustained downpours
- Less durable than Arc'teryx
- Patagonia fit can be boxy
Montane Phase XT Jacket
From £95 · Available at Amazon UK
The Phase XT is the best sub-£100 waterproof jacket available. Montane use Gore-Tex Paclite technology which keeps the weight and cost down while delivering genuine waterproof performance — not just water resistance.
The fit is athletic, it packs into its own pocket, and it performs well in everything short of prolonged heavy rain. For most UK hill walkers this is all the jacket they'll ever need.
Pros
- Gore-Tex Paclite at under £100
- Packs into own pocket
- Athletic fit
- Lightweight
Cons
- Less durable than 3-layer alternatives
- Less breathable than premium options
- Not for extended mountain use
Salomon Outline Gore-Tex
From £200 · Available at Amazon UK
When pack weight and space matter, the Outline is the answer. It packs smaller than anything else on this list, weighs just 265g, and the Gore-Tex performance is exactly what you'd expect from the fabric.
It's the jacket you throw in your vest for a trail race or summit attempt — not your primary foul-weather layer, but a genuinely capable lightweight option that earns its place in your pack.
Pros
- Lightest jacket on the list
- Packs incredibly small
- Gore-Tex performance
- Good for layering
Cons
- Less durable than heavier options
- Limited pockets
- Trim racing fit