Hiking jacket reviews
Honest reviews of waterproof hiking jackets tested in real UK conditions — from coastal paths to mountain ridges. We cover hardshells, softshells and insulation layers across all budgets.
8 reviews
All gear reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
10 best waterproof shells for spring hiking in 2026
Spring on the Jurassic Coast means one thing — unpredictable weather. These are the waterproof shells worth buying in 2026, tested and reviewed for the 40+ hiker.
What to look for in a waterproof hiking jacket
Waterproofing is measured in hydrostatic head — the pressure of water a fabric can resist before leaking. For UK hiking, 10,000mm is a practical minimum; 20,000mm and above is genuinely waterproof in sustained heavy rain. The rating alone doesn't tell the full story: seam sealing (taped seams throughout, not just critical seams) and the quality of the zip waterproofing matter as much as the fabric rating.
Breathability matters more than most people expect. A jacket that doesn't breathe will soak you from the inside on a long day regardless of what it keeps out from the outside. Gore-Tex and equivalent membranes (eVent, Pertex Shield) balance waterproofing with moisture vapour transmission. The breathability rating (measured in MVTR) is the figure to compare between jackets if performance in high-output conditions is the priority.
Packability affects how likely you are to actually carry it. A jacket that compresses into its own pocket and weighs under 400g is more likely to be on your back on the day it matters than a heavier, bulkier option left in the car. For day hiking, packability and weather protection are the primary trade-off.
Hood design is worth scrutinising. A helmet-compatible hood is useful for mountaineers; for most UK hiking a structured hood that stays in position without a helmet is the practical choice. A wired brim keeps the hood out of your face in wind. Peripheral vision in the hood matters more than it sounds on an exposed ridge.
Waterproof jackets and British weather
The UK gets around 1,200–1,500mm of rainfall a year on average, with coastal and highland areas receiving considerably more. More importantly, British weather changes fast — a dry morning on the Jurassic Coast or in the Lake District can turn wet within an hour. A waterproof jacket in the pack is non-negotiable for any serious day out, whatever the forecast says at breakfast. DWR (durable water repellent) coatings on the outer fabric are also worth checking: a jacket with a degraded DWR will wet out quickly, dramatically reducing breathability even if the membrane itself is intact.