A waterproof jacket is non-negotiable for UK hillwalking. The question isn’t whether to buy one, it’s which one. The market ranges from sub-£100 budget options to £500+ premium shells, and the difference in performance between them is real but not always proportional to the price.
We’ve tested jackets across several seasons in the conditions that matter for UK walkers, prolonged Lake District rain, Atlantic-saturated Scottish summits, and the horizontal drizzle that defines the Welsh hills. Here’s what actually works.
Best Waterproof Jackets for Hiking UK
Arc’teryx Beta LT: Best Premium Hardshell
RRP: ~£450 | View on Amazon UK
The Beta LT is the jacket serious hillwalkers reach for when conditions are genuinely bad. Arc’teryx’s proprietary N40p-X fabric with Gore-Tex Active membrane is among the most breathable waterproof combinations available, critical when you’re working hard on a long ascent and don’t want sweat condensation soaking you from the inside.
The construction is exceptional: every seam is critically taped, the helmet-compatible hood adjusts with one hand, and the WaterTight zips seal perfectly. It’s lighter than many competitors at this performance level and packs small enough to forget it’s in your pack on dry days.
It’s expensive. But if you spend significant time on challenging hills in serious weather, the investment is justified by the performance margin over cheaper options.
Pros: Best-in-class breathability, excellent waterproofing, superb construction Cons: Expensive, minimal pockets Best for: Serious hillwalkers, those who hike frequently in bad conditions
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L: Best Value Premium Jacket
RRP: ~£185 | View on Amazon UK
The Torrentshell 3L represents outstanding value for a 3-layer waterproof. Patagonia’s H2No membrane performs well in sustained rain, and the 3-layer construction means the jacket breathes better and feels more comfortable against a base layer than cheaper 2-layer options.
The hood is helmet-compatible. The pockets are well-positioned for use with a pack hip belt. The packability is good. It’s slightly heavier than the Arc’teryx at 370g, and breathability falls short of Gore-Tex Pro at high output, but for most UK hillwalking the difference is academic.
Patagonia also leads on sustainability, fair trade certified, and the jacket is repairable through their repair programme.
Pros: Excellent performance-to-price ratio, ethical manufacturing, well-featured Cons: Not the most breathable at high output, slightly heavy for packable use Best for: Most UK hillwalkers, those who want quality without the Arc’teryx price tag
Berghaus Paclite Shell: Best Lightweight Option
RRP: ~£130 | View on Amazon UK
Gore-Tex Paclite construction in a British brand jacket at a reasonable price. The Paclite membrane is lighter than standard Gore-Tex at the cost of slightly less breathability, the trade-off suits walkers who want a reliable waterproof that packs small enough to carry as a backup.
At 260g it’s genuinely light; it stuffs into its own pocket. Waterproofing in heavy rain is reliable. Breathability on steep ascents is adequate for moderate output but not the best for high-intensity walking. The hood is functional without being exceptional.
A sensible choice for walkers who want Gore-Tex reliability without spending £400+, particularly those who walk primarily in summer and want a packable layer.
Pros: Genuine Gore-Tex at an accessible price, light and packable Cons: Less breathable than 3-layer options, minimal features Best for: Casual to moderate hillwalkers, backup jackets, summer walking
Montane Phase XT Jacket: Best Technical Mid-Range
RRP: ~£250 | View on Amazon UK
Montane is a UK brand with strong mountain credentials, and the Phase XT uses Gore-Tex Active technology to deliver exceptional breathability in a well-featured package. For walkers who generate a lot of heat on climbs, runners, fast hikers, those who tend to sweat heavily, the breathability of Gore-Tex Active makes a real difference.
The jacket is well-designed for mountain use: helmet-compatible hood, underarm vents, articulated patterning for freedom of movement, and thoughtfully positioned pockets. It sits between budget and premium in price but performs closer to the premium end.
Pros: Excellent breathability, well-featured for technical use, UK brand Cons: Gore-Tex Active less durable than Gore-Tex Pro in abrasive conditions Best for: Fast hikers, high-output walkers, those who frequently run hot
Regatta Highton Stretch Waterproof: Best Budget Pick
RRP: ~£80 | View on Amazon UK
Not everything needs to cost £300. The Regatta Highton uses Isotex 10,000 membrane with a stretch outer fabric to deliver a comfortable, waterproof jacket at an accessible price. It won’t outperform Gore-Tex in prolonged heavy rain or at high breathability demands, but for casual day hikes in typical British weather, intermittent showers, light drizzle, it performs adequately.
The stretch fabric improves comfort and freedom of movement. The hood is functional. For beginners or occasional walkers who are not yet ready to invest in premium kit, this is a reasonable starting point.
Pros: Affordable, comfortable, stretch fabric, works for light-to-moderate conditions Cons: Breathability limited, will soak through in prolonged heavy rain Best for: Beginners, casual walkers, budget-conscious buyers
What to Look for in a Waterproof Hiking Jacket
Waterproofing: The Numbers
Jacket waterproofing is rated in millimetres of hydrostatic head, a measure of how much water pressure the fabric withstands before leaking. For hill walking:
- 10,000mm+, adequate for general UK hillwalking
- 20,000mm+, suitable for sustained heavy rain
- 28,000mm+, premium protection for severe conditions
These numbers matter less than seam sealing. A jacket rated 20,000mm with taped seams will outperform a 28,000mm jacket with untaped seams in rain.
Breathability: The Other Number
Breathability is measured in MVTR (moisture vapour transmission rate), how much vapour can pass through the fabric in 24 hours. Higher is more breathable:
- 10,000–15,000 MVTR, entry-level, fine for low-output walks
- 20,000–30,000 MVTR, good for general hillwalking
- 40,000+ MVTR, premium, suited to high-output activities
Critical Features for UK Hills
- Helmet-compatible hood with peak adjustment and single-hand tightening
- Fully taped seams, not critically taped (which only tapes the main seams)
- WaterTight or equivalent zips, the zip is often the first place water enters
- Hem adjusters, keeps wind and rain out on exposed ridges
- Cuff adjusters, seal against gloves to prevent water running down your arm