Hikers say that there’s no bad weather its just you are wearing the wrong clothes! Well living in Scotland i am not quite sure I agree as boy oh boy does it rain here! However I do agree that when you are going on a walk, hike or climb you have to be wearing the right clothes.
Since the British weather changes at a moment’s notice (and sometimes, even without it!), being protected against wind, rain, and storms is important. Getting wet & cold miles from home it can lead to hyperthermia and worse!
To keep us warm and waterproof on our hikes my husband trusts his Marmot waterproof hiking jacket, while I’m loyal to Rab Women’s waterproof jacket.
When it comes to keeping our little ones happy on walks my vote goes to the Jack Wolfskin Unisex jacket for kids. All of these Hiking Jackets are reviewed in our best hiking jackets article below.
No time to read reviews? Then here are our quick links to buy your hiking jackets and waterproof coats right now from our best picks.of
- This minimalist jacket is Marmot Classic rain Jacket; the 2.5-Layer design offers ideal protection against rain and wind and features a small packing size and low weight
- Thanks to the dual-layer GORE-TEX Paclite membrane and 100% taped seams, this hard-shell jacket is absolutely water and wind-proof; thanks to the dwr treatment, water droplets and dirt simply drip off
- 3-In-1 jacket for boys
- Waterproof, windproof
- Adjustable zip off hood jacket
- Waterproof up to 8000 mm
- 3-In-1 Jacket - Wear three ways, outer waterproof shell, inner lightweight jacket and both together for warmth
- Water-Resistant - Treated with durable water repellent (DWR), droplets will bead and roll off the fabric. Ideal for Light rain, or limited exposure to rain
- Taped Seams - All seams are taped to make this item fully waterproof
- Rip Stop Fabric - Stop rips with this heavy duty fabric, longlasting and durable
- WATERPROOF GUARANTEE: GORE-TEX PACLITE fabric technology provides fully waterproof protection
- EXTREMELY LIGHTWEIGHT: Ideal for activities where you want to travel light
- This functional jacket is parts of Marmot Extreme Classics and offers ideal value for the money, combined with excellent performance for all types of outdoor activities
- Equipped with NanoPro Eco, one of the most advanced coatings on the market, this 2.5-Layer rain Jacket is extremely breathable at absolutely wind and water-proof at the same time
- Waterproof: 5000 mm.
- Breathable 5000 MVP.
- ENHANCED INSULATION: Stay warm with Polartec Thermal Pro fleece that is able to trap heat whilst remaining highly breathable
- INTERACTIVE: When rain clouds gather you can zip into one of Interactive waterproof outers in seconds – for ultimate layered protection
- This super-lightweight full zip design is a must-have
- With great full year versatility, this lightweight brushed fleece top works just as well for both sport and casual
- Super-soft and Cosy high-pile silken fleece
- Secure-zip hand pockets
Want to learn more about any of our best hiking jackets above then click here to leap straight to our in-depth reviews of the best waterproof jackets, fleeces and cagoules for 2023.
Guide to Buying the Best Hiking Jacket
With so many walking jackets and hiking coats on the market its hard to know which one is right for you. To help narrow down your choices of hiking wear ask yourself these following questions and then read our in-depth buyers guide to hiking jackets :
- What types of hiking jackets are there?
- What kind of hiking am I going to do?
- How long will my hike be?
- Will I need protection from the rain, wind, or both?
Types of Hiking Jackets
Windproof jackets: These are made from synthetic materials and offer protection from the wind. They’re breathable and many provide some level water resistance (but dont mistake this for waterproof). If you’re worried about wind chill, you should try adding a windproof hiking jacket to your layering system.
Rain jackets: Once upon a time, these heavy jackets were made of unbreathable plastic. But modern technology (gore tex etc) has changed the scenario. Today’s rain jackets are softer, lighter, stretchable, and more breathable than ever. These jackets are waterproof enough to handle multi-day hikes through light rain or drizzle. They can even protect you against the predictable deluge during commuting hours. They are the perfect dog walking coats as well…not to heavy, not too expensive!
Waterproof jackets: These are your ideal bet in heavy rains. Hiking waterproof jackets keep out the water and are breathable to allow the air to escape while you’re busy overcoming the trail challenges. This wicking technology keeps you dry on the inside and prevents you getting overheated or soaked in sweat.
Fleece jackets: They may not be windproof or waterproof, but are comfortable, light, durable, warm for their weight, and soft. These features make them fit for all non-extreme outdoor activities on any mild day. They are also great for layering under waterproof hiking jackets if needed.
Cagouls/packaway jackets: These lightweight packaway jackets are ideal for backpacking as they can be rolled up in a compact package and carried easily. During your summer hikes where there’s a possibility of storms, these jackets can be your saviour. They can also serve you well if you need packable rain jackets for the work commute or on a dog walk, or school run!
Things to Look For in a Good Hiking Jacket
Functionality: Your hiking jacket should be breathable, waterproof, and windproof. This way, it’ll let you avoid getting overheated and sweaty. The best hiking coats will use wik¡cking technology to hold the sweat off your skin and keep you dry!
Waterproof breathable hiking jackets will also offer protection against the elements. You should ensure your hiking or walking jacket is lightweight and fits like a second skin.
When looking for lightweight waterproof jackets, you should remember it’s the membranes, which are thin films made of synthetic materials that make a jacket entirely waterproof. Waterproof walker jackets typically have two types of membranes – microporous and non-porous membranes.
NeoShell or Gore-Tex are microporous membranes that let water vapour molecules escape through the synthetic blockade.
Non-porous membranes, such as Dermizax, Ceplex, Venturi Sympatex, or Texapore allow water vapour to escape through the fabric’s molecular units.
Size: A good mountaineer jacket should have additional room to let you add a layer of clothing underneath. But it should also provide some space for air to move around. This will help keep the moisture out and keep you warm during the walk or hike.
Environmental conditions: You should know the altitude, weather, and temperature of the place you’re heading to. For instance, if your hiking terrain is likely to have rainy weather, wearing a waterproof jacket is your safest bet. But if your destination tends to have a greater variety in temperature, you may choose a flexible hiking jacket with a removable outer shell. These often have a fleece inside and waterproof outer jacket you can remove unless needed
Warmth: Depending on the type of terrain you plan to head to and the activities you want to take up, you should consider how much warmth your jacket should offer. For instance, breathable and waterproof Gore-Tex hiking jackets are ideal for more active wearers or warmer weather. For colder terrains, a soft shell hiking jacket with an inner lining made of fleece will provide adequate warmth and comfort.
Weight: It’s another important factor that you need to consider before buying a hiking jacket. When going on a hike that involves a lot of climbing, jumping, and stretching, choosing a lightweight and flexible jacket is wiser than a heavy jacket that can restrict your movements.
It also pays to have a hiking jacket that can be easily rolled and packed into your bag without increasing your load. But when you’re looking for the best waterproof dog walking coat, a heavier variety won’t be of much trouble.
Quickly before we go into our in depth reviews of our best hiking jackets, here are quick links to our other picnic and hiking essentials on the site. If you have all these, you are sure to have the perfect time when you go outdoors!
- Best Electric Cool Boxes
- Top Cool Bag Rucksacks
- Soft Picnic Blankets
- Luxury Picnic Baskets
- Easiest Folding Picnic Tables
- Waterproof Picnic Blankets
- Best Beach Tents
- Top Picnic Flasks
Can you think of another essential outdoor or picnic items I need to include? If so drop me a line in the comments.
In-depth Reviews of the Best Hiking Jackets
Overall Best Men's Hiking Jacket (water/windproof)
Pros
- Lightweight and packs down small
- Reasonably priced
- Adjustable sleeves and two underarm zippers for optimal moisture transfer
- Stiff peak on the hood prevents it from drooping down over your eyes
Cons
- Zips are suited more for left-handed users
- Some users find the sleeves to be fairly long and extremely wide, which make them look odd
Overall Best Women’s Hiking Jacket (water/windproof)
Pros
- Waterproof, windproof, and breathable
- Offers a lovely fit
- YKK AquaGuard zips and helmet-compatible hood
- Fleece-lined chin guard
Cons
- Won’t keep you warm so add a fleece under it!
Overall Best Kid's Hiking Jacket (Rain/Windproof)
Pros
- Lightweight and warm with removable fleece inner jacket
- Versatile, waterproof, breathable, and durable
- Comes with a removable fleece inner jacket
Cons
- Some users faced problems with the zipper
- Sizing was also a problem for a handful of customers
Best Budget Men's Hiking Jacket
Pros
- Durable
- Strikes a good balance between warmth, softness, and weight
- Practical and good looking
- Zip on hood detail is designed nicely
Cons
- Not as lightweight as a Gore-Tex jacket
- Keeps you dry in showers, but medium rain seeps through the seams
Best Budget Women’s Hiking Jacket
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Soft, comfortable, warm, and detachable inner fleece
- Inexpensive
- Packaway hood
- Lots of pockets for storage of your belongings
Cons
- Some users complained about the zips on the pockets getting caught a bit
- Hood is somewhat waffy that keeps blowing off
Best Budget Kid’s Hiking Jacket
Pros
- Durable and machine washable
- Waterproof with IsoDry fabric to let sweat out and help you stay dry
- User-friendly detachable hood for greater convenience and versatility
- Has a fleece jumper with zip-up for coat attachments to offer a snug fit
Cons
- Sizing could be a problem, which is why you should order a size up for the right fit and even have room to accommodate your kid’s growth
Best Men’s Cagoule/Lightweight Hiking Jacket
Pros
- Great waterproof hiking jacket on a budget
- Looks smart
- Lightweight
- Packs down small
- Completely adjustable fixed hood
- Front zip baffle to keep the rain out
Cons
- Not particularly breathable
- No double-face zipper to pack in its pocket
- No hanging loop on the inside for keys etc
Best Women’s Cagoule/Lightweight Hiking Jacket
Pros
- Offers excellent performance and value for money
- Lightweight
- Provides superb freedom of movement
- Adjustable hood protects against rain and wind
- DriClime-lined chin guard absorbs moisture to help prevent chafing
Cons
- Sticks uncomfortably to the skin - so wear a layer underneath
- Not breathable and makes you sweat, which is why it’s unsuitable for longer hikes or more strenuous activities
Best Kid’s Cagoule/Lightweight Hiking Jacket
Pros
- Lightweight and protective
- Waterproof and windproof
- Packs small
- Breathability of 5,000 mvp to keep you fresh on the inside even after intense activities
Cons
- Some customers felt the hood left about 3/4th of the kid’s head exposed
- Isn’t true to size - so buy a size up
Best Men’s Fleece Hiking Jacket
Pros
- Light, warm, cosy, soft, and well-made fleece jacket
- Extremely durable and versatile
- Offers good resistance to pilling
- Two zipped handwarmer pockets to deliver a thermal boost to your hands
- Interactive zip lets you zip in compatible bilayers for additional warmth
- Sensible price
Cons
- Feels a bit flimsy
- Cuffs are wide and look somewhat ridiculous
Best Women’s Fleece Hiking Jacket
Pros
- Super-lightweight with full zip design
- Year-round versatility
- Features Helly Tech - a breathable and waterproof outer layer
- H2Flow and LIFALOFT insulation keeps you warm in changing weather conditions
Cons
- Sizing is a problem as some reviewers complained about getting products that were too small
Best Kid’s Fleece Hiking Jacket
Pros
- Cosy, super-soft, and warm
- High loft fleece collar lining
- Drop-tail hem to deliver added coverage
- Secure-zip hand pockets
Cons
- Some customers complained about the sizes running small
Extras for Hiking
Before you step out of the front door, you need to pack some extras that will ensure your hike is enjoyable and comfortable.
Our hikes are only ever as good as how comfy our feet are I think so invest in some good-quality hiking boots. You can read all our reviews and find our best hiking boots for men, women and children here.
Sturdy hiking rucksacks with adequate space to accommodate all the essentials are another item you should consider buying. For instance, if you’re planning a three-day hike, this LHI Military Army Backpack could be just what you need.
If you want to organise a family picnic on your hikes, you’ll be spoilt for a choice when browsing these picnic rucksacks. When you hit the trails, you should ensure adequate hydration as well. And when you think about hydration gear for your hikes, you simply can’t ignore thermos flasks and reusable water bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Jackets
Most frequent questions and answers
What is the best rain gear for hiking?
In addition to getting yourself a decathlon waterproof hiking jacket, you should also buy waterproof hiking boots, hiking trousers, and leggings, to name a few.
What is the best waterproof hiking jacket?
Leading brands like Berghaus, Rab, Mountain Warehouse, Marmot, Helly Hansen, The North Face, Jack Wolfskin, and Trespass offer the best waterproof hiking jackets.
From the hiking jacket reviews above our star buys were:
- Overall best men’s hiking jacket – Marmot Men Minimalist Waterproof Gore-Tex Jacket.
- Overall best women’s hiking jacket. – Rab Women’s Firewall Jacket
- Overall best kid’s hiking jacket, our vote goes to Jack Wolfskin Unisex Jacket.
Is Gore-Tex the best waterproof material for a hiking jacket?
Yes. For breathable and waterproof protection in the harshest conditions, you can buy GORE-TEX Pro. If you need lightweight, waterproof, and breathable protection for your fast-moving activities, you should trust GORE-TEX Active.
Is walking and Hiking a good form of excersise?
Walking and hiking are good and FREE forms of exercise. They help burn excess calories, improve your heart health, and build stamina. They also reduce your stress levels and encourage mindfulness. You can get your family and friends to go with you and even organize a picnic to enhance the fun quotient.
Have you used any of these Hiking Jackets or Waterproof Coats? Then please leave your review in the comments box below. Is your favourite beach cart not on the list? Be sure to let me know in the comments below so I can review it.
Last update on 2025-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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