Choosing a Waterproof Jacket | Waterproof Buying Guide

Potentially the most important item of clothing in your outdoor wardrobe, choosing a waterproof jacket can be daunting. We want to simplify the process, which is why we’ve put together this waterproof buying guide to help you choose the perfect waterproof for your needs.

Questions to Consider

You’ll want to start by asking yourself a few simple questions. This will really help you to narrow down what can seem like an endless number of choices.

What will you use it for? Where are you going?

You might be hiking through the Andes, mountain biking in NZ, climbing Mount Arapalies in winter, backpacking around Asia during the monsoon, taking a drive through North-Eastern Europe, scuba diving…(sorry they’re not THAT waterproof!). Whatever it may be, thinking about the activities you’ll use it for and the climates you may encounter is the best place to start.

What is your budget?

Waterproof jackets range from about $150 up to $800+. Consider how much use the jacket will get and how long you would ideally like it to last. Essentially you get what you pay for, both in terms of features and durability.

Does it come in black?

Colour can be important. You may prefer a muted darker tone for a travel jacket, whilst a brighter more visible colour could be a good choice for an alpine shell. If something goes awry on the trail, bright colours can help you get spotted more easily (and they also look great in photos!).

Types of Waterproof Jackets

There are more and more different types of waterproof jackets and shells hitting the market than ever before. We’ve divided them into some loose categories to explain the differences.

Note: To keep things simple, all types of rain jackets referred to are both waterproof and breathable – but they are not all created equal! It’s also worth noting that whilst the primary function of a waterproof jacket is to keep you dry, they also act as an excellent barrier against the wind and windchill.

Lightweight Jackets

Small, lightweight and very packable jackets are made for those just-in-case times when you don’t expect to have to wear a waterproof all that often. The fabrics used in these jackets will be thinner and less durable than more expensive/heavier offerings, but should have ample breathability. You can generally fit a base layer and one warmer layer underneath depending on the specific jacket. Consider this style if you’re heading out on summer day hikes, or lightweight travel/backpacking through potentially rainy climates.

Paddy’s recs: The Marmot Precip (men & women) and Patagonia Torrentshell (men & women) are the most affordable options, costing less than half the price of many higher end jackets.For a technical ultralight option, try the Arc’teryx Beta LT (men & women), which has a more active cut and higher breathability.

Durable Bushwalking & Trekking Jackets

So you’re heading off into the backcountry of Tasmania for a week of scrub bashing and mud stomping, or maybe you’re doing a 2-week self supported trek with a heavy pack through the Himalaya. This is your category.

This kind of jacket will offer protection from the elements, and will have to be durable enough to take a beating from both from your pack and the environs you will encounter. Bushwalking jackets will often be longer cut in the hem, have excellent adjustable storm hoods, pockets placed high above your pack hip belt, durable face fabrics (many with reinforcements in high wear areas such as the shoulders), and a high level of breathability. These jackets will have 3 layer fabric usually using technologies like GORE-TEX or eVent.

Depending on the climate you intend to use the jacket in, it might be wise to size up in a bush-walking jacket so that you can fit a couple of warmer layers underneath.

Paddy’s recs: The Arc’teryx Beta AR (men and women) is a durable but lightweight technical option. The Rab Kangri GORE-TEX (men and women) is a robust and reliable mountain hiking shell made with recycled fabrics. Mont’s tough range of rain-wear, including the Men’s Austral, Women’s Siena, and the Odyssey (men & women), are as tough as nails and will get you through the heaviest of week-long downpours.

Technical Alpine Jackets

If you’re browsing this category, it’s likely that you’re already fairly clued up on what you’re looking for. This category of jacket is for vertical and active pursuits such as trail running, rock climbing, alpine climbing, mountaineering, and cold/high-altitude expeditions. Alpine jackets will have specialised technical features such as harness compatible hand-warmer pockets (higher placement than usual), a helmet compatible hood, and will generally be made from very breathable fabrics.

Technical shells will often be either an athletic (slim) fit for most high output activities, or roomier for high altitude & cold weather mountaineering which allows for bulky insulated layers to fit underneath. These jackets sit at the higher end of the price-range, using the most advanced, moisture wicking and breathable fabrics available, alongside cutting-edge designs.

Paddy’s recs: More durable styles for alpine climbing and mountaineering include the Patagonia Triolet (men and women) and Granite Crest (men and women), Mont Supersonic (men and women), and the Rab Latok. Some lighter weight options for high output activities like trail running are the On Ultra Jacket (men and women) and Salomon Bonatti (men and women).

Travel Jackets & Component Jackets

This category is for those looking to travel, but not necessarily engage with strenuous activities such as hiking or mountain climbing. Travel jackets come in an endless array of shapes and styles, and have a variety of end uses. When looking for a travel-friendly waterproof, there are a few key styles to look for. Some will be longer coat style jackets, whilst others will be similar to a lightweight bushwalking jacket but with less technical features.

Paddy’s recs: 

Outer Shells – This is your outer layer. Shell jackets are unlined, so make sure to wear a warmer layer underneath if you’re exploring cooler climates. Depending on your preference, you can choose a shorter style like the packable Marmot Minimalist Paclite (men and women) or The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight (men and women), or longer styles like the Wilderness Equipment Deluge Rain Jacket and the Arcteryx Ralle Long Jacket.

Insulated waterproofs – For cooler climates, you’ll want to opt for a jacket that can provide warmth, too. Insulated waterproofs are a combination of waterproof outer with an insulated inner. The inner can be made of fleece (warm), synthetic fill (warmer) or down (warmest).

Component Jackets – For ultimate versatility, try a component jacket. This type of jacket has a removable inner layer so that each of the two components can be worn independently as well as together. Check out the Patagonia Tres 3 in 1 Parka (men and women) and the The North Face Carto Triclimate Jacket (men and women).

The above loosely defined categories demonstrate that there is a lot of crossover when choosing a waterproof jacket, and you certainly don’t need a different jacket for every activity you enjoy. The key is working out which features you require and finding the jacket that best fits your need(s). Before you buy, make sure to try on a few different styles to help you find the right fit, as it can vary significantly between the brands and styles.

Waterproof Pants

If you are heading out and there is a chance that you’ll be caught in the rain for a prolonged period of time, a set of waterproof pants can be a great idea. Waterproof pants stops water running down your leg into your shoes, will prevent your underwear or shorts getting wet, and can wick moisture up under your jacket to keep you warm in cold environments. Again, deciding on the right pair will depend on where and how you plan to use your waterproof pants. Lightweight and packable pants can be great for travel or light bushwalking. A heavier, more durable set would be better for alpine or scrubby bushwalking.

Congrats! You’re now ready to shop for your next waterproof jacket. Remember that although choosing a new piece of gear can be confusing, the main thing is that your jacket keeps you dry, is comfortable, and most importantly allows you to stay outdoors having fun for longer! 

To learn more about the intricacies of different waterproof fabrics, read our Waterproof Fabrics blog. If you still feel like you need more information, pop into your local Paddy Pallin store and have a chat with one of our friendly team members.

Shop our full range of waterproof jackets for men and women.