The best waterproof jackets for hiking (2023)

FAQs

What waterproof rating for hiking? ›

Waterproof vs Water Resistant: Which Performs Better? Generally speaking, waterproof jackets perform better than water resistant jackets due to the fact that they provide the highest level of protection from the rain, wind and snow whereas a water resistant jacket offers a lower level of protection.

Gore-Tex is renowned among outdoorsmen for being among the most breathable waterproof fabrics on the market. It's ideal for hiking, backcountry ski touring, and trail running while staying waterproof when you're not being highly active, unlike some other styles of waterproofing.

Waterproof Jacket

This means the jacket has a waterproof coating on the outer fabric with fully taped seams and it may have a built in membrane lining. A membrane lining is a sheet of material with lots of tiny holes in it to help with breathability, because these holes are so small no water can penetrate it.

If you are buying a waterproof coat for walking about town or dropping the kids to school, a waterproof rating of 2,000-5,000mm will be more than enough. If you were planning a weekend in the mountains, we would advise a rating of 5,000-8,000mm as the conditions can be much harsher.

5-10,000mm is ideal for those who spend long days out on the mountain, in all weather conditions; while 10-20,000mm is best for those in wetter climates or skiers and snowboarders who prefer backcountry.

20k waterproofing: A very high waterproof rating. 28k waterproofing: Goretex fabrics are the only ones to achieve this, the highest waterproof rating in skiwear. Higher waterproof ratings do exist but at the expense of breathability and so so they are not used for ski clothing.

Clothing rated between 5,000 mm and 10,000 mm (10k) is a good choice for riders who spend long days out and ski or snowboard in any weather conditions. Avid skiers and snowboarders, especially those in wetter climates, should look for waterproof ratings in the 10,000 mm to 20,000 mm range or better.

30,000 mm. 30K fabrics are extremely waterproof and will keep you dry when moving through strong rain or heavy snow. After decades of field testing outerwear, we consider anything above 20K truly waterproof. All Jones outerwear that contains a waterproof membrane is rated 20K waterproof or higher.

IP68: The Top IP Waterproof Rating

Since 8 is the highest number on the IP water rating scale, any IP enclosure with a rating ending in 8 offers the best possible waterproof protection. However, IP68 is usually acknowledged as the most protective IP waterproof rating in common use.

What is better than waterproof? ›

Water-resistant fabric is typically more lightweight and breathable than waterproof alternatives, so it might be a preferable choice for athletes or outdoor enthusiasts.

Hardshell jackets might be the best fit if you are looking for a blend of a thin protective layer yet durable and with waterproof protection. Hikers love them for their breathability and the solid protection that they offer in harsh weather conditions.

A standard recommendation is to bring two options, like a lightweight fleece top and a puffy jacket that compresses well to fit in your daypack. Adjust as needed based on your specific trek. Fleece jacket: On colder days, you can wear it while hiking.

The most sustainable GORE-TEX alternative fabric is waxed cotton. Waxed cotton is exactly like it sounds: wax (typically beeswax or linseed) is applied to cotton, giving the cloth a hydrophobic coating. Nature applied to nature. That's it.

Static-column test

A 1-inch-diameter tube stands vertically over a piece of material. The tube is filled with water, and the water's height in millimeters when leakage begins becomes the waterproof rating. A piece of fabric that can withstand 20,000mm of water pressure will have a rating of 20,000mm or 20K.

Polyurethane Laminate is the fabric of all fabrics that are waterproof in its own right. PUL is a polyester fabric that has a plastic backing comprising a thin waterproof layer. Polyurethane Laminate is a completely waterproof fabric, as well as being breathable and flexible.

At The North Face®, when we say a fabric is waterproof we mean it's impervious to water. We test our waterproof fabrics in lab conditions to ensure the fabric can withstand a given amount of water. Once the fabric passes that test, it can be called 100% waterproof.

Three Raindrops: Waterproof Rating over 8000 mm Products with three water drops protect against both heavy rain and higher water pressure. This means they're perfect for kids who love to spend all day sitting and splashing in rain puddles.

Every product in the original GORE‑TEX products range is waterproof, windproof, and breathable and many come with additional benefits.

Is 10K or 20K waterproof? ›

A rating of up to 10K is enough to handle light to average rain for a short amount of time. Ratings between 10K and 15K can handle a moderate amount of rain for much longer, and jackets rated between 15K and 20K or higher are serious shells for heavy, intense rain over a prolonged period.

Go with wicking materials that move moisture away from your skin. Wool, nylon and polyester are all preferrable to cotton in outdoor clothing. Go with synthetic insulation in your jacket.

I recommend every Wilderness Backpacker have and take a rain jacket into the backcountry. Important features are a fine balance of breathability and waterproofness, pit zips if the jacket doesn't breathe well, and pockets placed above a hip belt.

A "mm/24 hours" rating refers to the amount of rainfall a fabric can withstand in a single day. Thus a 10,000mm waterproof rating means the garment can withstand 10,000mm of rainfall in a single day without letting moisture in. The higher the number, the more waterproof the item will be.

15,000mm is reliable and solid for use all over the mountain, in all weathers. 15,000mm is more waterproofing than most riders will ever need. As we get above 20,000mm, you're looking at serious performance. Most brands' 'performance' or technical ranges tend to be in this category.

A 15k mm rating means that until you reach 15,000 millimeters of water, in a 1-inch diameter column, stacked on top of the fabric, the water will not penetrate the membrane. Obviously a 10k rating would absorb the water with only 10,000 mm of water sitting on the fabric.

Requirements for waterproofing bathrooms

at least 100mm over the hob or step down onto the bathroom floor should be waterproofed. at least 150mm up the walls inside the shower walls needs to be waterproofed. the vertical angle between any two walls in the shower needs to be waterproofed up to at least 1800mm high.

5000mm – 10,000mm waterproof jackets

You can use these jackets safely in moderate rain conditions without much risk of water getting in.

If your Gore-Tex clothing is properly cared for, it should remain waterproof for 3-5 years. It can easily last for ten years or more if you store it properly and don't wear it that much. Of course, with regular active use, friction and heat can cause the DWR to break down more quickly.

IPX7: IPX7 is one of the highest ratings, and ideally, it means that a device is durable enough to survive after being submerged in up to up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. IP57: IP57 indicates a high (though not the highest) level of protection from both dust and water exposure.

What waterproof rating is DryVent? ›

DryVent 2L

The inner layer utilises a DryVent PU (polyurethane) coating with micro-pores, which quickly wicks away moisture and keeps rain at bay. The end result is an absolutely waterproof and very comfortable material with a hydrostatic head of 25,000mm. It is perfect for both skiwear and everyday wear.

With a 40D face fabric it still meets the durability requirements of the PRO label and maintains the 28k waterproof rating.

If you want an outdoor fixture that stands up to heavy rain and snow, the best IP rating is IP65. A fixture with IP65 is considered water resistant and weatherproof.

The IP69K test gives users confidence that a product is completely watertight. To achieve the IP69K rating, a piece of equipment must go through a rigorous water intrusion test.

🔍 Medal Professional Waterproofing is an acrylic waterproofing coating used in conjunction with a membrane, which has been especially formulated to seal and protect all exterior surfaces.

Nasturtium leaves have some of the highest hydrophobic properties in the botanical world, and scientists are now trying to replicate its unique and extreme water repellency for use in textile fabrics.

The question is based on science. The truth is, many things we normally consider to be waterproof actually have a measurable level of permeability. Plastic, glass, even solid steel are all permeable to a small degree. From a purely scientific point of view, it is correct to say that nothing is absolutely waterproof.

Nylon and Polyester

They can be said to be water resistant because of their tight weave. But with a special coating, these fabrics are used for making the most waterproof of all things – rain umbrellas. A layer of polyurethane is used to cover the interior of the fabric.

Fit The fit should encourage layering underneath, but shouldn't be too loose. Remember that you should be able to cinch your rainwear down so it's snug enough if the weather turns. Move your arms, bend your knees. A full range of motion is essential.

There are several types of waterproof materials that are used in rain jackets, but most fall into three categories: rubberized raingear, coated nylon, and Gore-TEX. Rubberized or plastic jackets usually made from PVC are excellent at repelling water and often very inexpensive.

What are the different types of waterproof jackets? ›

There are three main types of waterproof protection to consider; wax-coated (pretty rare for technical outdoor jackets these days), PU-coated, and membrane lined jackets.

Choose summer hiking clothes that are a light color - like white, tan, and light blue - to reflect the sun's rays off your body. Dark colors like black and navy blue will absorb the sun, making you feel hotter. Also, loose-fitting, breathable clothing helps regulate your body temperature.

Keep your sleeves inside the rain jacket and the rain jacket cuffs tight to prevent water from seeping up your arms. In cold weather, layer rain pants over long underwear. If you're wearing gaiters, be sure to keep the rain pants over the gaiter, or else the water will run down your legs and into your shoes.

There are lots of options for mid layers, but some of the classic choices for mountaineering include fleece jackets, soft-shell jackets and soft-shell climbing pants. Fleece jacket: A lightweight fleece jacket is a nice piece to pull on over your long-underwear top when you stop for a break during your approach hike.

First of all, you want something waterproof accompanied by some amount of or access to breathability/ventilation. The best jackets are made of sturdy, tear-proof material on the outside. Choose a material that can protect you from all elements such as snow, water, and wind.

For errands around town and occasional off-season hiking trips, Columbia's Watertight II is a solid value in a rain jacket. In use, the 2-layer Omni-Tech waterproof shell fabric adequately kept moisture from soaking through, and the jacket's DWR coating beaded drops on the surface exceptionally well.

1. POLYURETHANE. Polyurethane is considered one of the best waterproofing materials.

Essentially, GORE-TEX can be defined as a highly durable, breathable, waterproof and windproof fabric. That's why you've likely found it being used to make outdoor clothing, footwear and accessories.

According to Nelson, they are lighter and more packable than a two-layer jacket, but a bit heavier and less packable than 2.5-layer jackets.” If you're willing to pay the premium, Nelson says they're an excellent choice for anyone spending a ton of time outdoors, whether you're hiking, biking, or backcountry skiing.

What is the best waterproof rating for jackets? ›

Gore-Tex Pro is the most waterproof and breathable type of waterproof fabric out there and has a breathability rating of 25,000 grams of water vapor per 24 hours.

Waterproof jackets will also have taped seams and waterproof zips. You can also identify if a jacket is waterproof due to the fabric composition on the fabric care label. The fabric care label can be found on the inside seam of the jacket and will state whether or not it's a waterproof material.

In the simplest sense, a waterproof jacket offers the highest level of protection from rain and snow. While a water-resistant jacket offers a good, but lower level of protection.

Polyester and nylon are water-resistant because they are made from materials with a chemistry that is similar to plastic. Instead of water being absorbed by the fibre it sits on, droplets stay on the surface and move around the fabric by running along the weave.

<1000mm means it's water resistant, not waterproof, and fine for temporary use in light rain. 1000mm~1500mm is a good range for lightweight gear that's waterproof, and with good maintenance it can hold up for long-term use. 1500mm~5000mm is for use in moderate rain for an extended time and it will keep you dry.

The central differences between GORE-TEX and normal waterproofs is the former's fabric reliability, versatility and broad range of uses. Everyday generic waterproofs are usually made from PVC, polyurethane, rubber or vinyl materials.

Waterproof ratings and breathability ratings measure the level of waterproofing and breathability of a fabric used on a product. The higher the waterproof rating, the more waterproof the material will be.

Water-repellent, softshell-type jackets without a membrane are sufficiently breathable for hiking and other active sports such as trail running or mountaineering.

What do hikers wear in rain? ›

Go with wicking materials that move moisture away from your skin. Wool, nylon and polyester are all preferrable to cotton in outdoor clothing. Go with synthetic insulation in your jacket. Standard down loses much of its insulating ability if you get it wet.

Opt for a jacket with three-layer waterproof/breathable material, which offers the highest level of waterproofing. Trekking somewhere that's usually dry? A two- or 2.5-layer shell will do the trick. Breathability also matters.

Since 8 is the highest number on the IP water rating scale, any IP enclosure with a rating ending in 8 offers the best possible waterproof protection. However, IP68 is usually acknowledged as the most protective IP waterproof rating in common use.

20k waterproofing: A very high waterproof rating. 28k waterproofing: Goretex fabrics are the only ones to achieve this, the highest waterproof rating in skiwear. Higher waterproof ratings do exist but at the expense of breathability and so so they are not used for ski clothing.

Thus a 10,000mm waterproof rating means the garment can withstand 10,000mm of rainfall in a single day without letting moisture in. The higher the number, the more waterproof the item will be. Gore-Tex®, for example, has a waterproof rating of 28,000mm.

A waterproof jacket should fit snugly without restricting your movement. When trying one on, move around: jump up and down, wave your arms around, and twist your body. You want to make sure you have full range of movement available to you.

Hiking sandals and sneakers are appropriate for most terrain, though longer treks may still require hiking boots. Breathable wicking materials (no cotton) are key for shirts, bottoms and hiking socks to keep the sweat off your skin. Lighter colors absorb less heat and can keep you cooler on hot days.

Fleece jackets are better suited as fall layers, while puffer jackets are preferred in the coldest months of the year. There are some exceptions, however. Many fleece-lined jackets are suitable for the winter, and puffer vests are exceptional for outdoor casual fall wear.