Men's Hiking Jackets

A ski jacket can work for hiking in cold, wintery conditions but there are ski-specific features that will make it less well suited to hiking compared to a soft shell or waterproof hard shell/insulated jacket. Ski jackets are typically bulkier, less breathable and heavier plus feature additional details and trims. For example, the features on our Ronin ski jackets such as dropped hems, snow skirts and lift pass pockets/goggle wipes can get in the way and cause overheating and discomfort when hiking. Therefore, when hiking you should consider alternative options such as:

• A waterproof hardshell (such as our Aigis Jacket) for rain and wind protection with enough breathability for tackling challenging terrain- A softshell (like our Veles Jacket) if operating in variable conditions, something with enough wind and water resistance for additional weather protection but stretch and breathability for milder climates.
• A synthetic insulated jacket (such as our Mountain Pro Fusion Jacket) for cold weather hiking where warmth is the priorityFor winter or alpine hiking you might get away with a ski jacket. For three-season trail use, a purpose-built hiking jacket will perform better across changing conditions.

You'll need a waterproof jacket that will balance weather protection and breathability. Any cheap raincoat will keep the water off your back, even a bin bag will do that, but without any breathability you will overheat and sweat causing discomfort when out and about. That's why in order to maximise performance on the trails and in the hills, you need a waterproof jacket with a breathable membrane that will keep you dry and cool. Here are the key things to look for in a waterproof jacket:

• Waterproof rating: 10,000HH head is considered waterproof, this is a great starting point and works for jackets on the lighter end of the specrtum like out Force Trail Running Jacket (11,000HH). For the best waterproofing look for a rating of 20,000HH like that of our Aigis Jacket or Renegade Parka. These will typically be that bit heavier and can sustain much longer exposure to heavy rain and wind.
• Breathability: there are several ways to make a waterproof jacket breathable. Our highly breathable Vanguard Jacket makes use of nanospun technology where fibres in the membrane are laced like sugar to form a lattice, with enough space for air to move but too enmeshed for water molecules to penetrate. Otherwise, the eVent and Pertex membranes we use in our Aigis Jacket and Renegade Parka feature millions of microscopic pores, perforated to let air escape and prevent water getting in. You will sometimes see breathability expressed as MVTR or Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate, the higher the score the more breathable. Otherwise, a classic way of improving breathability on a waterproof hardshell is with underarm pit vents that you can unzip to dump heat as required.
• Construction: all of our waterproof jackets are 3-layer construction in order to offer the greatest durability through prolonged spells in the mountains. This means that the waterproof membrane is sandwiched between a durable outer fabric and a moisture wicking, comfortable inner fabric. These 3-layer waterproofs give you the best protection from wind and rain. For added measure, our waterproof jackets are seam taped internally preventing any water getting through the stitching (as soon as you stitch holes into a fabric it becomes less waterproof). 2.5 and 2 layer jackets exist but these typically offer less robust protection in favour of a lighter carry weight and greater packability - but we always build to last first and foremost.
• Fit and movement: a waterproof hiking jacket should allow a full range of arm movement. Articulated patterning and underarm gussets help when scrambling technical terrain. Multi-directional hood adjustments enable you to cinch in the hood as far as possible to minimise water ingress as a stiffened peak hood keeps the wind from interfering. Our waterproof hiking jackets such as the Aigis Jacket and Mountain Pro Waterproof Jacket also feature helmet compatible hoods meaning you can still wear waterproof protection when climbing.
• Weight: Lighter jackets such as those under 300g like our Force Trail Running Jacket will pack down easily for fast paced pursuits. Heavier constructions offer greater durability for prolonged spells and storms.

Choosing the best hiking jacket for you depends on the conditions you're hiking in and the intensity of your activity. For a multi-day thru-hike in summer in the Alps you're going to want a lighter, packable jacket you can carry easily when not wearing. At the other end of the scale, a day hike involving winter climbing in Scotland demands a heavier, more robust jacket when protection takes priority over weight. Here are some options that cover the bases:

• Waterproof hardshells: varying in weight, from our lighter Vanguard Jacket to our heavier Aigis Jacket. These are best for wet conditions where you will be exposed to wind and rain. In order to be breathable these are typically not insulated and will need to be worn over a mid layer if temperatures drop but these are the only way to stay fully protected from the rain.
• Softshell: normally water and wind resistant, best suited to changeable climates that don't see extremes. Here in the UK we can see every type of weather in one day, showers, sunshine, wind and more but it doesn't generally get extremely hot or extremely cold. Packing a softshell on your hike in similar climates can give you that additional bit of weather resistance should you need it. Our Veles Jacket is the perfect all-rounder for something like this.
• Insulated jacket: these are what keep you warm when the temperature plummets. Best for serious cold during slower, stop start hikes. The crucial consideration here is weather you need the moisture resistance of synthetic insulation or the improved warmth and packability of goose down. We offer both from our Mountain Pro Insulated Jacket (synthetic) to our Bastion Jacket (goose down) as your refuges from the frost.

For the majaority of three-season hikers, a breathable, waterproof hardshell is likely to be the best starting point for a hiking jacket. As you discover winter hiking, add an insulated jacket to your expedition kit list.

You're right, even your cheap waterproof jacket will keep the rain off your back for a short while. However, attempt anything more technical than a dog walk, in anything longer than a half an hour shower and you will soon realise the difference between your cheap waterproof jacket and ours. The best waterproof jackets for hiking, like our Aigis Jacket or Mountain Pro Waterproof Jacket, not only keep you dry but keep you comfortable on steep climbs and prolonged spells in the wind and rain.

What makes these the best waterproof jackets for hiking?

A waterproof membrane with a hydrostatic head rating of 20,0000HH.

A breathability rating of 20,000gsm²+ for strenuous terrain.

Fully taped seams throughout, not just critical seams, for complete waterproof integrity.

A PFAS-free, durable water repellent (DWR) finish to prevent the outer fabric from wetting out.

An adjustable, helmet-compatible hood for full coverage in driving rain.

Weight and packability also matter. All of our waterproof jackets can be folded and rolled up into their own hood, making for an easily packable option to store in your backpack when not in use.

A running jacket can be used for hiking in milder conditions but it's not built for lengthy trail time or extended backpack carriage. Running jackets are designed for high-output, short-duration activity. They prioritise low weight and breathability over waterproofing, durability, and coverage.

Where a running jacket falls short on the trail:

Waterproofing: Most running jackets offer water resistance, not full waterproofing. In sustained rain, they'll wet through. For example, our Force Trail Running Jacket is fully waterproof at 11,000HH but it does not offer as much protection as our 20,000HH rated Aigis Jacket.

Durability: Lighter fabrics abrade against pack straps and rough terrain faster than more durable hiking-specific constructions.

Coverage: Running jackets tend to cut shorter and offer less hood protection than trail-focused designs.

Storage: Limited pockets compared to hiking jackets, which typically include accessible storage for maps, layers, and navigation kit.

For anything beyond a short, low-exposure hike, a dedicated hiking jacket is the better choice.

Waxed cotton has been a reliable staple of outdoor clothing for centuries - but times have changed. Whilst waxed cotton still provides the same weather resistance it always has done, performing adequately in light rain, it now falls behind modern high performance fabrics in several key areas.

Breathability - due to the very nature of its composition, waxed cotton is notorious for its lack of breathability. By spreading a layer of wax over the cotton, sealing out water, this wax layer also makes it difficult for the fabric to transport air and moisture away from the body during activity.

Weight: with the exception of our HeriTech range, which features a lighter TekWax cotton from British Millerain, waxed jackets are typically much heavier than modern performance fabrics. Our HeriTech waxed jackets and gilets weigh roughly half the weight of their traditional counterparts without compromising on durability.

Packability: because of this added weight and bulk, waxed jackets are difficult to pax down and store in a backpack. Plus, that wet wax coating is likely to spread to the other contents of your bag.

Waterproofing: wax coatings do not last as long as the protection offered by waterproof membranes and durable water repellent. Re-waxing your jacket repeatedly can be a time consuming process however it's great to see your favourite waxed jacket develop its own unique patina with age.

Waxed jackets work well for country walking and light outdoor use, plus they look sharp to boot. For hiking in demanding terrain or unpredictable weather, a waterproof hardshell or softshell with a technical membrane will perform better.