Best Waterproof Hiking Jacket for Men 2020 | The Sun UK
WALKING in the wilds of the UK is a fantastic year-round activity but it’s important to invest in the right kit to make sure you stay comfortable and dry while out on your adventure.
A waterproof hiking jacket is a staple for any explorer as it will help keep the elements at bay when the weather turns.
A good shell should be small and lightweight to make storing in a bag simple, but also durable enough to withstand hours of rainfall and the carrying of a day pack.
The more money you’re willing to pay, the better the jacket’s features. At the budget end, you’ll have something that can withstand a shower, while at the higher end of the scale, you can expect to find jackets that wouldn’t look out of place in a professional explorer’s wardrobe, including technical fabrics such as Gore-Tex.
Whatever you choose, it should fit you well (there’s nothing more annoying than a jacket that’s too big or too small), and include the likes of adjustable cuffs and drawcords on hems and the hood to keep the worst of the weather out.
Whether you’re after something to keep you dry on a Sunday stroll or a shell that will get you out of trouble on a mountainside, these are the best waterproof hiking jackets for men you can currently buy.
1. Mammut Men’s Albula HS Hooded Jacket
- Mammut Men’s Albula HS Hooded Jacket, £89 from Mammut – buy here
The Swiss brand Mammut knows its stuff when it comes to outdoor wear, and the Albula is a chance to snap up some high tech kit for less.
Currently available for £89 (rather than £130), the lightweight jacket is able to withstand rain and water under light pressure (think a spring shower or walking in mist and clouds) and has water repellent pockets to store valuables in.
It’s also one of the greenest jackets around. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester and uses a sustainable dope-dye process, meaning your purchase is actually removing waste from the world rather than contributing to it.
2. Columbia OutDry Ex Eco Tech Shell
- Columbia OutDry Ex Eco Tech Shell, £90 from Columbia – buy here
The American hiking and running expert Columbia has become something of a ‘cool’ brand of late and the ‘Bamboo Charcoal’ finish of this jacket means it’s definitely something of a fashion statement.
Silver finish aside, the OutDry Ex Eco Tech Shell is another waterproof shell with green credentials and is made from recycled plastic bottles.
The jacket includes a storm hood and adjustable cuffs and hems to keep you protected in harsh environments, and at 290g it can be packed in your day bag without really noticing it.
3. Patagonia Men's Torrentshell 3L Jacket
- Patagonia Men's Torrentshell 3L Jacket, £160 from Patagonia – buy here
The Torrentshell by Patagonia is the ideal buy if you want something of an all-rounder that’s as home on the hills as your commute to work.
A three-layer waterproof and breathable shell keeps you comfortable and protected in all conditions, and venting pit zips help ensure hot points stay cool when you’re working hard (or crammed in on a busy train).
The jacket is available in a range of colours – meaning you can go as subtle or as loud as you want.
When not in use, it can be stuffed away inside one of its front pockets and includes a carabiner clip, meaning you can attach it securely to the outside of your bag too.
4. The North Face Men’s Dryzzle FutureLight Jacket
- The North Face Men’s Dryzzle FutureLight Jacket, £200 from The North Face – buy here
Like Columbia, The North Face has become something of a ‘fashion’ brand of late and is popular with those who tend to stick to urban environments. Despite this, the company hasn’t forgotten its outdoor roots, and its Dryzzle FutureLight Jacket combines street-ready style with protection suited for the mountains.
Constructed from ‘FutureLight’ – a breathable, waterproof fabric – the jacket is at home in wet and windy conditions.
Its seams are sealed to prevent any leaks at the joints, while Velcro at the cuffs and a hem cinch-cord keeps the elements out and body heat in.
Its standard fit means it is wearable over layers, and three front pockets allow you to keep essentials at hand.
5. Berghaus Men’s Changste Waterproof Gore-Tex Jacket
- Berghaus Men’s Changste Waterproof Gore-Tex Jacket, £232 from Berghaus – buy here
The first waterproof hiking jacket in this list to include Gore-Tex, the Changste from Sunderland-based Berghaus can currently be snapped up with a serious discount.
The piece is constructed from several different types of the industry-leading Gore-Tex material – be it the breathable ‘Active Shell’ around the core of the body, or the durable ‘Paclite Plus’ on the chest and arms to protect against abrasion.
The waterproof is ideal if your hiking leads you onto more extreme activities – from scrambling to climbing – thanks to its helmet-compatible hood and two-way front zip that is ideal if wearing a climbing harness.
6. Mountain Equipment Men’s Saltoro Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Jacket
- Mountain Equipment Men’s Saltoro Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Jacket, £240 from Mountain Equipment – buy here
Another waterproof that features the protection of Gore-Tex, the Saltoro from Mountain Equipment is made for backpacking in changeable conditions.
Like the Berghaus offering above, the jacket utilises two different types of Gore-Tex fabric to leave you dry and comfortable in the most extreme mountain conditions, while also remaining durable enough for repeated use with a pack.
Finally, the adjustable hood is helmet-compatible, and a dropped rear hem prevents any water getting in at the top of your trousers.
7. Arc'teryx Men's Beta SL Hybrid Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Jacket
- Arc’teryx Men’s Beta SL Hybrid Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Jacket, £340 from Arc’teryx – buy here
The most expensive waterproof jacket in our round-up, the Beta SL from Canadian brand Arc’teryx combines the ultimate protection and breathability of the Berghaus and Mountain Equipment shells with some extremely lightweight and packable qualities.
It includes the top-of-the-range waterproof shield you’d expect from a £300-plus shell but the use of multiple layers in high wear areas makes it a durable investment too.
And at just 360g, it can be folded away into a compact package and stored at the top of any hiking rucksack or day bag.
One thing to note is Arc’teryx’s warning that the pockets are only water-resistant, rather than waterproof. If you’re looking for a jacket that can store valuables susceptible to water damage, then you might be better off looking elsewhere.
How do I choose a hiking jacket?
Finding the right hiking jacket will all depend on the type of walking you’re going to be doing and the severity of the conditions.
If you’re just going to be exploring your local byways and footpaths, then an entry-level jacket that is waterproof and breathable, such as Mammut’s Albula, should offer all the protection you need.
If you’re heading out into more extreme conditions – be it into the mountains or in changeable winter conditions – then something durable and with the industry-leading protection of Gore-Tex, like Mountain Equipment’s Saltoro, is worth investing in.
What is the most breathable waterproof jacket for hiking?
The most breathable waterproof jacket currently on the market is the Beta SL by Arc’teryx.
It uses next-to-skin fit and super light Gore-Tex fabric to keep the air flowing, while the inclusion of pit zips provide even more ventilation when you need it most.
Are ski jackets good for hiking?
If you already own a ski jacket, it might seem like the obvious choice to use as a hiking jacket – it’s waterproof, windproof, warm and breathable.
The issue is that, with some ski jackets, it’s not possible to remove the protective padding and lining if things start to get hot.
It’s better to invest in a waterproof hiking jacket and, if it’s cold, use layers to keep the chill at bay.
What are the best hiking jacket brands?
There is a wide variety of companies that sell hiking jackets but not all are made equal.
If you’re buying your first hiking jacket, your best bet is to stick to the big outdoor-focused brands, such as Patagonia, The North Face and Columbia as they tend to offer jackets that are both practical and stylish.
For those looking to get more specialist (and generally expensive), Berghaus, Mammut, Mountain Equipment and Arc’teryx are well-respected manufacturers.
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