Hiking jackets and coats
From waterproof shells to down jackets, fleeces to softshells, the right hiking jacket depends on the job it has to do, and most walkers need more than one. This hub breaks down every type of hiking jacket and coat, then points you to the full buying guides and reviews for each, so you can find the right layer for the British hills.
17 reviews
Patagonia Triolet Review: The Serious Gore-Tex Mountain Shell
The Patagonia Triolet is the brand's proper 3-layer Gore-Tex mountaineering shell, a big step up from the Torrentshell. Here is what it does, who actually needs it, and why the current colour prices make it a genuine bargain.
Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody Review: The Windshell Explained
The Squamish is the cheapest jacket Arc'teryx makes and one of the most useful, but it is badly misunderstood. Here is exactly what a windshell is, what it is not, and why it lives in the pack all year.
Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody Review: A Softshell, Not a Shell
The Gamma Hoody is the most misunderstood jacket Arc'teryx makes. It is a softshell, not a waterproof, and getting that one distinction right is the difference between loving it and returning it. Here is what it is actually for.
Arc'teryx Thorium Hoody Review: Down Warmth for the Hills
The Arc'teryx Thorium Hoody is a 750-fill down jacket built for warmth at rest, with synthetic insulation mapped into the shoulders and cuffs so damp never gets a foothold. Here is where it fits and who it is for.
Arc'teryx Alpha vs Alpha SV: Which Gore-Tex Pro Shell?
Two Gore-Tex Pro alpine shells, one confusing choice. The Alpha is the lighter, faster all-rounder; the Alpha SV is the flagship built for the worst weather on the planet. Here is which one you actually need, and why most walkers need neither.
Arc'teryx Atom vs Atom SL: Which Insulated Hoody?
Two synthetic insulated hoodies, one letter of difference, and a lot of confusion. Here is the Atom Hoody vs the Atom SL Hoody decoded, so you know which weight is right for your walking before you spend.
Arc'teryx Beta vs Beta AR vs Beta SL: Which One to Buy?
Three Beta shells, one name, three very different jackets. Beta SL, Beta and Beta AR compared, so you know exactly which Arc'teryx waterproof to buy, and why the Superlight one costs more, not less.
10 best waterproof shells for autumn hiking in 2026
After the driest summer in memory, the rain is coming back. These are the waterproof shells worth buying for autumn 2026, reviewed for the 40+ hiker.
Arc'teryx Jackets Explained: Which One Is Right for You? (2026)
Beta, Beta AR, Beta SL, Atom, Alpha, Gamma, Thorium, Squamish. Eleven jackets and a naming system built to confuse. Here is the whole Arc'teryx range decoded, with a simple tick-box table to find the one that is right for you.
Mammut Alto Light HS review: a light, packable Swiss hardshell for UK hiking
Mammut's lightest hiking hardshell is a minimalist 355g shell with premium 2.5-layer DRY Tour fabric. A no-frills three-season waterproof that packs down small and earns its place in a UK hiking pack.
Rab Electron Pro Review: when 700FP is not quite enough
The step up to 800FP European goose down is real. If the Microlight Alpine leaves you cold on the days that matter most, this is the jacket that fixes that.
Rab Glaceon Pro Review: lightweight down done properly
The Glaceon Pro and the Microlight Alpine use the same fill power. The difference is 160 grams of total weight and a more technical construction that earns its premium. Here is who it is actually for.
The Complete Rab Insulated Jackets Guide (2026)
Eight jackets, from the packable Microlight Alpine to the paradox that is the Mythic G. Here is how to work out which one is actually right for your hiking.
Rab Microlight Alpine Review: the packable down jacket most UK hikers want
153 grams of 700FP hydrophobic down in a jacket that packs to the size of a water bottle. The Microlight Alpine has been the reference point for packable down for years. Here is why.
Rab Nebitron Pro Review: the serious winter upgrade
If the Rab Cirrus is the jacket that showed me what good kit looks like, the Nebitron Pro is the one I want when conditions turn genuinely serious. Here is everything you need to know before buying.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L review: the waterproof shell that kept me dry on Pen y Fan in January
A Christmas present that replaced every other waterproof I own. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the shell I wear on every serious hike and the one I'd recommend to most UK hikers without hesitation.
Rab Cirrus jacket review: the insulated layer that changed how I think about kit
My first proper premium purchase when I started hiking. 2.5 years later I've got rid of almost every other coat I own. Here's why the Rab Cirrus converted me to buying kit for performance rather than appearance.
The main types of hiking jacket and coat
Hiking jacket is a broad term, and the right one depends entirely on the job you need it to do. A waterproof keeps the rain out, a fleece or insulated jacket keeps you warm, and a softshell keeps you comfortable on cold, dry, active days. Most walkers end up owning more than one, because these are different tools for different problems. Here is how the categories break down, with a link to the full guide for each.
Waterproof jackets and hardshells
The one piece British weather will always test. A waterproof jacket, or hardshell, keeps sustained rain out while letting some sweat escape, and it is the layer you pack whenever rain is on the cards. For waterproof ratings, membranes, jacket construction and the models we rate, see our best waterproof jackets guide.
Insulated and down jackets
Warmth for when you stop moving, or for cold, static days. Down gives the best warmth for its weight, while synthetic insulation keeps working when damp, which suits the British climate. Our Rab insulated jackets guide explains down versus synthetic and ranks the field.
Fleeces and midlayers
The layer between your baselayer and your shell, and the one you wear most. A grid fleece breathes on the move, while a heavier fleece adds warmth at rest. See the best hiking fleeces guide for how to choose.
Softshells and windshells
Breathable, stretchy jackets for cold, dry or drizzly days. A softshell sheds showers and blocks wind but wets out in real rain, while a windshell is an ultralight wind layer that packs down to almost nothing. Both are active layers rather than a replacement for a proper waterproof, and many walkers carry one alongside a shell.
Shopping by brand
If you are shopping by brand, our range guides decode the confusing bits. The Arc'teryx jackets explained guide untangles the Beta, Atom and Alpha naming, and for the brand stories and whether they are worth the money, see our spotlights on Arc'teryx, Rab and Mammut.
Which jacket do you actually need?
For most UK hillwalkers the core kit is three jackets: a waterproof shell for the rain, a fleece or synthetic midlayer for warmth on the move, and an insulated jacket for when you stop. Add a softshell or windshell if you do a lot of cold, dry, high-output days. Start with the waterproof, because that is the layer that turns a miserable day into a manageable one.
Waterproof construction explained
| Construction | Waterproofing | Breathability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-layer | Good | Moderate | Everyday and budget waterproofs |
| 2.5-layer | Good | Good, packs very small | Lightweight and fast day hiking |
| 3-layer | Excellent | Excellent | Mountain use, high output and durability |
Frequently asked questions
Is 10,000mm hydrostatic head enough for hiking?+
Yes, 10,000mm is a workable minimum for UK hiking and will handle steady rain, but 15,000mm is a safer target for regular hillwalking. Aim for 20,000mm or more for exposed mountain days, as pack straps and bent knees press wet fabric against you and force water through lower ratings.
What is the difference between 2-layer, 2.5-layer and 3-layer jackets?+
The number describes the fabric build around the membrane. A 2-layer jacket has a separate hanging liner and suits casual use. A 2.5-layer jacket adds a thin printed coating instead, making it the lightest and most packable. A 3-layer jacket bonds everything into one fabric, giving the best durability and breathability for serious hiking.
How often should I reproof a waterproof jacket?+
Reproof a waterproof jacket every 6 to 12 months with regular use, or whenever water stops beading and starts soaking into the outer fabric. Wash it clean first, apply a wash-in or spray-on reproofer such as Nikwax TX.Direct, then tumble dry on low to reactivate the finish.
Can you wash a waterproof jacket in a washing machine?+
Yes, but use a technical cleaner such as Nikwax Tech Wash, never standard detergent or fabric softener, which clog the membrane and ruin the DWR. Close all zips, wash warm on a gentle cycle with an extra rinse, then tumble dry on low to restore water repellency.
Why does my waterproof jacket feel wet inside?+
Usually it is not leaking, it is wetting out. When the DWR treatment wears off, the outer fabric soaks up water and stops breathing, so your sweat condenses inside and feels like a leak. Reproof and reactivate the DWR with low heat, and open the pit zips on climbs to vent moisture.
What is the difference between a hardshell and softshell jacket?+
A hardshell is fully waterproof with a taped membrane and is what you pack for the hill when rain is likely. A softshell is stretchy, breathable and only water-resistant, so it sheds showers and wind but wets out in sustained rain. Softshells make good active layers, not a waterproof replacement.
Do I need a Gore-Tex jacket for hiking in the UK?+
No, Gore-Tex is dependable but not essential. Membranes such as eVent, Pertex Shield and brand-own laminates like Patagonia's H2No perform comparably and often cost less. What matters is a 15,000mm-plus rating, fully taped seams and breathability suited to your pace, not the logo on the chest.
Should a waterproof jacket be a size bigger?+
Not necessarily, but it must fit over your layers. A waterproof is a shell worn over a base and mid-layer, so you should be able to add a fleece and raise both arms overhead without the hem lifting. If it feels tight over insulation or restricts your reach, size up one.