Hiking is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities. But no matter how beautiful the trail, bad weather can quickly turn an enjoyable hike into a miserable experience. That’s why having a high-quality waterproof jacket is essential for any hiker, ensuring that you stay dry, warm, and comfortable throughout your journey. But with so many options available, choosing the right waterproof jacket can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about selecting the best waterproof jacket for hiking.
Why You Need a Waterproof Jacket for Hiking
Weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous or forested areas. Sudden rain, wind, or snowstorms can make hiking dangerous and unpleasant. A waterproof jacket provides several important benefits:
Protection from Rain: Keeping dry is crucial for maintaining body temperature. A wet body loses heat quickly, increasing the risk of hypothermia in cold conditions.
Wind Resistance: Many waterproof jackets also protect against strong winds, which can chill your body even in milder temperatures.
Breathability: A waterproof jacket helps regulate your body temperature by allowing moisture (like sweat) to escape, preventing you from overheating.
Versatility: A quality waterproof jacket can also be used for other outdoor activities like backpacking, skiing, or cycling.
Key Features to Look for in a Waterproof Jacket
When shopping for a waterproof jacket, there are several features to consider. These features determine how well the jacket performs in different conditions, so make sure to prioritize those that best suit your hiking needs.
1. Waterproof Rating
Waterproof jackets are usually rated by their waterproofing ability. This is often measured using a water column test, where a column of water is placed on the jacket’s fabric. The height of the column before water begins to seep through indicates how waterproof the jacket is. The higher the rating, the more waterproof the jacket.
5,000mm to 10,000mm: Good for light rain or drizzle. Ideal for short hikes or dry climates.
10,000mm to 20,000mm: Suitable for moderate rain and extended hikes. Provides better protection in wet conditions.
20,000mm and above: Best for heavy rain or extreme conditions, like high mountain trails or prolonged exposure to wet weather.
2. Breathability
Breathability is another key factor when choosing a waterproof jacket. While waterproof fabrics keep rain out, they can also trap sweat and moisture inside. This can lead to discomfort, especially during intense hikes.
Look for jackets with high breathability ratings. These jackets typically have ventilation zippers or use gore-tex or other breathable membranes that allow moisture to escape while keeping water out. Breathability is measured in g/m²/24 hours, and the higher the number, the better the jacket is at releasing moisture.
3. Fit and Comfort
A waterproof jacket should fit snugly without restricting movement. The right fit will also allow for layering underneath, which is important for adjusting to different temperatures. When trying on jackets, ensure that you can comfortably move your arms and shoulders.
Regular Fit: Ideal for casual hikers who need comfort and flexibility.
Athletic Fit: Perfect for those who want a jacket that contours more closely to the body for increased mobility.
Loose Fit: Good for layering thicker clothing underneath.
Look for features like adjustable cuffs, hem drawcords, and hood adjusters to help customize the fit to your needs.
4. Durability
Hiking often involves brushing against rough vegetation, rocks, and other abrasive surfaces. The material of your waterproof jacket should be tough enough to withstand these elements. Common durable materials include nylon and polyester. A jacket with reinforced ripstop fabric is also a good choice, as it prevents rips from spreading.
5. Packability
If you’re hiking in areas where the weather is unpredictable, it’s important to have a jacket that you can pack away easily when not in use. A compact, packable jacket can be folded into a small pouch or stuff sack and stored in your backpack without taking up too much space.
6. Weight
Weight is a major consideration for hiking jackets. Lightweight jackets are more comfortable for long-distance hikes because they won’t weigh you down. However, extremely lightweight options may sacrifice durability or warmth, so strike a balance between weight and performance.
7. Windproofing
Some waterproof jackets are also windproof, which can be a lifesaver when hiking in areas with high winds. Windproof jackets use tightly woven fabrics to prevent wind from cutting through the jacket. If you’re hiking in high-altitude areas or along ridgelines, a windproof feature is highly recommended.
Top Waterproof Jackets for Hiking
Now that we know what to look for in a hiking jacket, let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market, based on various criteria such as performance, comfort, and value.
1. Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket
Best for: All-around performance in harsh conditions
The Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket is a top choice for serious hikers and mountaineers. Made with Gore-Tex Pro fabric, it offers excellent waterproofing and breathability, making it suitable for both rainy and windy conditions. The jacket is durable, lightweight, and packable, with features like an adjustable hood, pit zips for ventilation, and reinforced shoulders for extra protection.
- Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
- Breathability Rating: 20,000 g/m²/24h
- Weight: 430g (men’s medium)
- Key Features: Adjustable hood, helmet-compatible, pit zips, articulated pattern for mobility.
2. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Best for: Budget-conscious hikers
For those on a budget, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a great option. Made with H2No Performance Standard fabric, this jacket offers excellent waterproofing and decent breathability. It’s affordable without sacrificing key features like adjustable cuffs, a fully adjustable hood, and two handwarmer pockets.
- Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
- Breathability Rating: 15,000 g/m²/24h
- Weight: 368g
- Key Features: Lightweight, packable, adjustable hood, two-way zipper.
3. The North Face Apex Flex GTX Jacket
Best for: Cold weather hikes
The North Face Apex Flex GTX Jacket is designed for cold weather hikes, with a Gore-Tex membrane to keep you dry while maintaining warmth. The soft-shell exterior is flexible and comfortable, while the inner lining wicks moisture away from your body. It’s also windproof, making it a great option for high-altitude or windy hikes.
- Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
- Breathability Rating: 20,000 g/m²/24h
- Weight: 450g
- Key Features: Windproof, soft-shell exterior, adjustable hood, articulated elbows.
4. Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket
Best for: Lightweight and eco-friendly options
If you’re looking for a lightweight and eco-friendly jacket, the Marmot PreCip Eco is a great choice. Made with NanoPro Eco fabric, it offers great waterproofing and breathability while being made from recycled materials. It’s highly packable and features venting zippers for extra breathability.
- Waterproof Rating: 10,000mm
- Breathability Rating: 10,000 g/m²/24h
- Weight: 290g
- Key Features: Packable, eco-friendly, adjustable hood, pit zips.
5. Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket
Best for: Ultra-lightweight hiking
The Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket is one of the lightest waterproof jackets available, making it perfect for ultralight hiking. Despite its light weight, it offers great waterproofing with Pertex Shield+ fabric and is highly breathable. It packs down small, making it easy to store in a backpack when not in use.
- Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
- Breathability Rating: 15,000 g/m²/24h
- Weight: 180g
- Key Features: Ultra-lightweight, compressible, hood with stiffened brim, adjustable cuffs.
How to Care for Your Waterproof Jacket
Taking care of your waterproof jacket is essential to maintaining its performance. Here are some tips:
Wash Regularly: Dirt and oils can break down the waterproof coating, so wash your jacket regularly using a gentle, non-detergent cleaner.
Reapply DWR Coating: Over time, the durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the fabric may wear off. Reapply DWR spray to maintain water resistance.
Store Properly: Avoid cramming your jacket into a tight space for extended periods. Store it in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the best waterproof jacket for hiking depends on your specific needs, budget, and the type of hiking you do. Look for jackets with a high waterproof rating, good breathability, and durability. Whether you’re hiking in light rain or braving the harshest weather conditions, there’s a waterproof jacket that’s perfect for you. The jackets mentioned in this guide represent some of the best options available, offering excellent protection and performance for all types of hikes.
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