Best Waterproof Hiking Jackets
Top waterproof hiking jackets ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 3-layer GORE-TEX at 13.4 oz
- Superb hood and fit adjustability
- PFC-free ePE membrane
Cons
- Premium price
- Minimal pocket layout
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it if you hike a few rainy days a year, since a $150 shell covers casual use fine.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 3-layer protection under $300
- Fully PFC-free construction
- Generous pit zips vent well
Cons
- Face fabric wets out faster than GORE-TEX
- Slightly boxy fit
Don't buy this if…
- Do not expect GORE-TEX-level longevity from the DWR, since the PFC-free coating needs more frequent renewal.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- TorsoFlo venting dumps heat instantly
- 3-layer GORE-TEX ePE membrane
- Solid value for the spec
Cons
- Heavier than ultralight rivals
- Vents add zipper bulk
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid if you want the lightest shell possible, since the venting hardware costs a few ounces.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Real GORE-TEX under $250
- Sturdy recycled face fabric
- Comfortable relaxed fit
Cons
- 2.5-layer interior feels clammy when working hard
- Packs larger than sil-light shells
Don't buy this if…
- Skip for high-output mountain pushes, since Paclite's backer gets sticky against skin during hard sweats.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- FUTURELIGHT breathes exceptionally well
- Soft, quiet face fabric
- 3-layer build at a mid price
Cons
- Less bombproof in sustained downpours
- DWR wears quickly on shoulder straps
Don't buy this if…
- Do not choose it for multi-day storms, since the air-permeable membrane trades a little waterproof headroom for breathability.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 20,000 mm waterproofing under $200
- Light and packable
- Excellent adjustable hood
Cons
- 2.5-layer liner is less durable
- Trim UK fit runs snug over layers
Don't buy this if…
- Size up if you layer heavily, because the athletic cut leaves little room over a fleece.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Strong feature set for the price
- Stretch fabric moves well
- Pit zips rare at this price
Cons
- Omni-Tech breathes worse than premium membranes
- Interior print liner wears with abrasion
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid for sustained backcountry storms, since the budget membrane can be overwhelmed by all-day heavy rain under a pack.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Stretch fabric feels unrestrictive
- Packs into its own chest pocket
- Helmet-compatible hood
Cons
- DWR fades noticeably within a season
- Modest breathability
Don't buy this if…
- Do not rely on it as your only shell for week-long wet trips, since it is built for showers rather than relentless rain.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
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