Men's Waterproof Jackets

Waterproof jackets should fit with enough room to layer a mid layer underneath without restriction. The shoulders and chest need space for insulating layers while maintaining freedom of movement for overhead reaches. Sleeves should extend past your wrists when arms are raised. Avoid excess fabric that creates bulk or allows wind to billow the jacket. The hem should cover your waist and sit below your hips for weather sealing. Test fit by wearing your typical base and mid layers, then raise your arms and twist your torso.

The best waterproof jacket depends on your activity intensity, environment, and exposure duration, no single jacket suits all conditions. Lightweight packable shells, like those with a 2 or 2.5 layer construction, work for intermittent rain during hiking or trail running where weight and breathability matter most. 3 layer hardshell jackets handle sustained heavy rain, wind, and abrasion during mountaineering or prolonged exposure. Choose lightweight shells for high-output activities with variable weather. Choose hardshells for extended time in severe conditions where protection trumps weight.

Waterproof jackets use a laminated membrane bonded between outer fabric and inner lining to block water while allowing vapor escape. Common membranes include eVent® and Pertex® that provide waterproof barriers measured in millimeters (10,000mm-30,000mm ratings). The outer fabric (typically nylon or polyester ripstop) resists abrasion and wears a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating that causes water to bead off. The membrane provides waterproofing. The lining protects the membrane from oils and abrasion from inner layers.

Wash waterproof jackets every 10-15 wears using technical wash or mild liquid detergent in warm water (30-40°C). Avoid powder detergents and fabric softener as both clog membrane pores and destroy breathability. Close all zippers and pockets before washing. Tumble dry on low heat or follow manufacturer instructions to reactivate DWR coating. Reproof with spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment when water stops beading on the outer fabric. Proper washing maintains both waterproof protection and breathable performance.

A waterproof jacket will almost always include a waterproof membrane plus the seams on the inside of the jacket will be covered with waterproof tape (seam taping) to prevent water ingress through the stitching. On the other hand, a water resistant jacket has no waterproof membrane and is usually just treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) which will cause water to bead for a short time in light showers/drizzle but won't keep water out for prolonged spells of rain. Another clue that indicates a waterproof jacket is the number of layers in its construction. All of our waterproof jackets are 3-layer as this generally provides the best protection from the elements, that means a waterproof membrane sandwiched between a breathable inner and a robust outer face fabric (making three layers in total). Waterproof jackets can also be 2 or 2.5 layer which makes them lighter but less robust. In terms of performance, a waterproof jacket will keep you protected in heavy rain for hours on end, that's why ours undergo testing on the Isle of Skye and in the Welsh mountains, some of the wettest, windiest places around. A water-resistant jacket should only be relied upon if caught out in a light shower.

Waterproof jackets are technical shells engineered for active outdoor use with breathable membranes, articulated cuts, and durability for abrasion and prolonged exposure. Rain coats are casual garments designed for light rain protection in urban environments without breathability or durability for demanding conditions. Waterproof jackets handle heavy rain, wind, and active movement during hiking and mountaineering. Rain coats work for short walks and commuting in light rain. The distinction is performance level, breathability, and intended conditions, not just water protection. As a high performance clothing brand we design waterproof jackets for advanced technical pursuits like climbing or thru hiking. Each waterproof jacket is built to protect you in the worst conditions on earth whilst enabling you to carry out the task at hand - they're engineered for more than your Sunday dog walk.

No waterproof jacket is going to keep water out indefinitely and each fabric has its limit. If it didn't, it wouldn't breathe (in which case you would overheat and then get cold and uncomfortable from profuse sweating). That being said, our waterproof jackets are typically tested to 20,000 hydrostatic head (expressed as HH rating) - this being among the highest levels of water protection quantifiable. However, do not forget that a waterproof jacket is just one component in an effective layering system that should also include your fleece/insulated jacket and your base layer. If, after a day on the mountain in the rain, you come away with a bit of damp/water ingress on your fleece but you are otherwise warm and comfortable - your layering system has done its job.

Our Aigis Jacket bears all the hallmarks of an effective waterproof jacket for heavy rain. 3 layer construction provides maximum protection from wind as well as water ingress whilst also being resistant to the scuffs and scrapes often experienced on the mountainside. A 20,000HH rated membrane keeps water out whilst remaining breathable for active outdoor use, preventing you overheating and sweating. Full seam taping adds extra insurance to make sure no water creeps in through the stitching across the arms and shoulders. An adjustable, helmet compatible hood with raised neckline provides maximum coverage, keeping the wind out of your ears and eyes, focusing the senses and allowing you to concentrate as hell breaks loose. For further technical efficacy, a press stud fastening at the bottom of a two way zip will allow you to run a rope through the jacket without needing to remove your waterproof and windproof layer enabling you to belay safely whilst climbing. Not only that but an Aquaguard® zip from YKK® prevents water getting in through the front of the jacket an area that is typically most prone to leakage.