Best Waterproof Hiking Jackets of 2026

Gore-Tex, eVent, or Own-Brand Membrane — Does It Matter?

Short answer: yes, but less than the marketing suggests. Gore-Tex remains the gold standard for a reason — the membrane technology is excellent and the licensing requirements mean any Gore-Tex garment meets minimum construction standards. But eVent (used by Rab, among others) is genuinely comparable and in some tests outperforms Gore-Tex on breathability. Several own-brand membranes from reputable manufacturers (Pertex Shield, Paramo's Nikwax Analogy) also perform well.

What matters more than the membrane brand: seam sealing (fully taped seams are non-negotiable for sustained rain), fabric weight (heavier fabrics last longer but pack bigger), and DWR maintenance (even the best membrane works poorly if the outer fabric is wetting out and not shedding water).

For a full breakdown of the technical terms, read our waterproof vs water-resistant explainer.

Our Top 5 Waterproof Hiking Jackets

The Rab Khroma GTX quietly became one of the best all-round mountain shells available. It uses Gore-Tex Pro — the three-layer version designed for sustained bad weather — in a 40D face fabric that's noticeably more durable than lighter shells without being heavy. At 430g it packs to the size of a water bottle and delivers genuine all-day waterproofing with better-than-average breathability for a Pro membrane jacket.

The hood is the best we tested this year: single-handed adjustment, compatible with a climbing or ski helmet, and a stiffened peak that actually keeps rain off your face in a headwind. Pit zips are present and genuinely useful. The cut is slightly more athletic than some competitors, which is a good thing — it's cut to move with you rather than billow over a pack. Fully taped seams throughout.

If packability and weight are your primary concerns, the Zeta SL is the most refined ultralight shell available. It uses Gore-Tex Paclite Plus — a two-and-a-half layer construction that's lighter than three-layer Gore-Tex Pro but more durable than standard Paclite. At 275g for a men's medium it is genuinely featherlight and compresses to a fist-sized bundle.

The WaterTight zips are fully waterproof without a rain flap, which is a premium detail that saves weight and bulk. The hood adjusts with one hand and provides good coverage without a helmet. Where it concedes ground to the Rab is breathability under high exertion — the lighter construction breathes less efficiently than Gore-Tex Pro, and on a steep uphill in mild temperatures you'll feel it. But as a packable emergency shell that lives at the bottom of your daypack, it's unmatched.

The Torrentshell is Patagonia's workhorse waterproof and one of the most popular shells in the world for good reason. The 3L version uses a three-layer H2No Performance Standard fabric that performs credibly in sustained rain, and the jacket's DWR is PFC-free — relevant to trekkers who care that their gear isn't relying on PFAS chemicals that persist in the environment.

At 397g, it's a reasonable weight for a three-layer jacket. The fit is relaxed compared to the Rab and Arc'teryx — which means it works better over a midlayer in cold conditions but feels less precise when moving fast. The hood is adjustable and covers well but lacks the single-hand pull-cord system of pricier competitors. For the price and the ethical credentials, it's outstanding value.

Not everyone needs to spend £300+ on a shell jacket, and the Berghaus Paclite Plus is the best argument for spending less. Gore-Tex Paclite Plus technology at a substantially lower price than the Arc'teryx, with good seam sealing and a functional helmet-compatible hood. At 360g it packs small and covers the essentials without the premium construction details that drive up the price of the top two.

DWR performance after washing was the weakest of the group in testing — it needs reproofing sooner than the Rab and Arc'teryx. Pit zips are absent. The chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack, which is a useful feature. For a trekker who wants genuine Gore-Tex performance at a mid-range price, this hits the target.

The Montane Phase XT uses Gore-Tex Pro and is built specifically for mountain environments where conditions can deteriorate fast and protection can't be compromised. It's heavier than the Rab Khroma at 500g but the trade-off is a slightly more robust face fabric and a cut that works specifically over a full insulation layer — relevant for high-altitude trekkers who need their shell to layer over a down jacket in storm conditions.

The hood is expedition-grade — seriously adjustable, structured peak, helmet compatible, and it actually seals around the face in driving wind. For Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit or similar high-altitude routes where you'll genuinely encounter severe weather, this is worth the weight premium.

Comparison Table

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