Are you in the market for a new waterproof jacket to keep you dry in 2025?
We’ve tested everything from budget-friendly jackets to premium, expedition-ready mountaineering waterproofs, and we reckon that these are the best waterproof jackets for men currently on the market.
Discover the best waterproof jackets for men in 2025 below and see which one is right for you right below.
If you need more help deciding, click here to find our guide for what to look for when buying a new waterproof jacket.
You can also find the best waterproof jackets for women here.
Keela Outdoors Pinnacle Tested by Ross Mowbray / £194.95 / www.keelaoutdoors.com
I love a waterproof. They’re magic when they’re right; and there’s little better than splashing along trails with rain coursing off your back and streaming off your hood, secure in the knowledge you’re not going to get that dreaded leak that slowly seeps cold water through to your skin and chills your bones.
The Pinnacle from Keela’s a good one. I’ve worn it in some truly horrendous conditions; testing its three-layer Aquaflex Extreme construction to its limit – and it’s not let me down. That’s probably no surprise, as it’s been designed with mountain professionals in mind. It’s breathable too, so even when I’m puffing and panting my way up steep inclines and things are starting to get a bit toasty, I’ve not felt like a sous vide salmon. The zippable underarm vents help.
It fits very well – true to size, with room for a couple of layers underneath – though the sleeves are a little too long even for my lanky limbs. The adjustable cuffs make it easy to take up the slack, while the adjustable hood has plenty of room for a helmet to slot underneath. It zips well, offers bags of room in its numerous pockets (including one that’s big enough for the all-important map) and can be cinched in at the hem if you’re after a tighter seal to keep the water at bay.
Any criticisms? No, not really. The most I can say is that it’s probably not the most stylish jacket we’ve had in on test – but that sort of stuff’s subjective, and if it does the job and keeps you dry, who really gives a damn.
In a line: A great waterproof that’s ready to stand up to the worst the weather can throw at you
Score: 8/10
Montane Torren
Tested by Billy Johnson / £300 / www.montane.com
Montane is a British brand that was established in 1993. From the off, Montane has focused on high-performance kit, and over the years has specialised in designing kit with endurance athletes in mind. As such, Montane has been a driving force behind Arctic ultramarathons and the Spine Race along the length of the Pennine Way, events which are the ideal proving grounds for lightweight, waterproof, and breathable jackets.
Montane has invested in a proprietary waterproof technology named Petrichor (the word for the smell of damp earth after rain), which is what the Torren jacket uses. This is a three-layer laminate using a hydrophilic membrane sandwiched between a face layer that’s coated with a non-fluorocarbon DWR and a backer textile that protects the membrane from sweat and oil. The Petrichor fabric is made from 100% recycled materials.
How well does it work in the Torren? So far, I’ve been incredibly impressed with the waterproofing of the jacket. Light rain beads off easily thanks to the good DWR coverage and the jacket holds up in heavy rain just as well. Importantly, the cut and construction encourage water to run off the jacket and there are no places in which water can collect and saturate the jacket, even when wearing a rucksack.
That fluorocarbon-DWR I mention earlier does however need fairly regularly upkeep for the jacket to perform at its best. That’s no issue, especially when it comes to looking after the environment, but you will need to re-apply a DWR after a solid amount of use or a wash or two.
Aside from that, the Petrichor waterproofing is a big tick. Breathability is good too, with airflow remaining good while moving fast uphill while hiking, aided by the large, double-zippered pit vents that exhaust plenty of hot air and keep you cool when on the move. Elsewhere, the mountain hood has great adjustability, so it fits well whether you’re wearing a helmet or not, and the stiffened peak is reinforced with wire to help keep rain out of your face.
The two large hand pockets offer plenty of space for storage, however they do sit a bit low on the jacket which can interfere with a waist strap on a rucksack, which is a bit annoying. There’s also a two-way, full-length zip, in front, a chest pocket, a fully adjustable drawstring hem, and a drop back to help keep water out. The fit is good and accommodates mid layers well, and so far, the durability of the jacket has been faultless.
In a line: A technical waterproof that’s suitable for mountaineering, winter climbing, and more
Score: 8/10
Jack Wolfskin Prelight 2l
Tested by Billy Johnson / £220 / www.jack-wolfskin.co.uk
German brand Jack Wolfskin has been around for over four decades now, and is one of Europe’s largest suppliers of outdoors gear. Part of Jack Wolfskin’s mission statement is to bring quality kit to everyone, although at £220, you’ll still be parting with a decent chunk of change for the Prelight 2L waterproof jacket. So, what do you get with it?
Waterproofing duties are handled by Jack Wolfskin’s own Texapore membrane, specifically, Texapore Ecosphere Pro, which is designed to offer high-level water protection using 100% recycled materials. While testing the Prelight 2L, the Texapore waterproofing could not be faulted, however, the lack of a DWR coating meant that the jacket, and particularly the hood, retained some level of water absorption. This didn’t result in the jacket becoming saturated and letting water through while I used it, however it meant that not only did the jacket seem to sap heat slightly and affect its breathability, it took longer to dry out before stashing away after rain.
The Prelight 2L does use panels of Primaloft Evolve insulation to retain body heat, which are located at the chest and the back. The insulation at the chest is useful to slightly negate windchill, however the panels at the back feel redundant, especially if you’re wearing a pack. For light day hiking in cold weather, the extra warmth is certainly welcome though, and it adds almost nothing to the jacket’s bulkiness.
When the temperature climbs or you’re moving quickly, there’s not much in the way of ventilation except for two small pit vents which are always open. The cut of the jacket is on the slim side but accommodates midlayers well, and the adjustable hem around waist keeps the jacket snug. The hood is well-fitting too, however there’s no adjustability to be found, no peak, and it’s not helmet-compatible.
The jacket also comes with two lined handpockets with waterproof zips that offer plenty of storage space, and the jacket looks stylish in an urban kind of way. Overall, for day hikes, low intensity activities in cool weather, city exploring, and wearing while walking down to the pub, the Prelight 2L is a solid choice for a waterproof. Personally, I’ve taken to wearing the Jack Wolfskin for cycling, and the jacket’s sleek fit and insulative strips lend itself very well to this activity.
In a line: A sleek and comfortable for light activities in the rain
Score: 7/10
Patagonia Triolet Tested by Billy Johnson / £390 / www.eu.patagonia.com
Patagonia is well-known for its commitment to environmental activism, and the American brand’s profile has grown in recent years due to its growing popularity as casual and street wear. However, Patagonia hasn’t strayed from its roots, and still creates functional and high-quality outdoors gear. The Triolet jacket is described as an ‘alpine workhorse’ and designed for cold, snowy, conditions, and uses a three-layer Gore-Tex ePE Performance fabric for water and windproofing. Gore’s new ePE fabric is a completely new membrane than the traditional ePTFE fabric that it’s been developing for the last five decades, but the end result is the same: high-performance waterproofing, durability, and breathability.
The difference with ePE is that it no longer uses PFAS in either the membrane or the DWR; PFAS are ‘forever chemicals’ which never break down in the environment and are generally regarded as a bad thing for sustainability. So, ePE does away with them and as a bonus, the fabric has a better strength-to-weight ratio than ePTFE, so an ePE garment can be as strong while being thinner and lighter, which also reduces the manufacturing footprint.
So, Patagonia’s environmental credentials receive a big tick for using Gore-Tex ePE. But how well does it work in the Triolet? Well, the jacket performs impeccably in everything from showers to storms (or a garden hose), and with a combination of the membrane’s breathability and the large, zippered pit vents, the jacket remains comfortable to wear while active or in warm weather. Conversely, the wind-stopping ability of the jacket is exceptional, and as an outer layer in cold weather, it performs very well.
The 100% recycled, 75D outer is robust and I expect it will withstand years of hard wear, but despite its toughness, the jacket is still flexible and doesn’t have any annoying crinkling sounds, although at 500g, it’s not the lightest option. Having said that, I’d happily take the extra weight for something that’ll hold up for years whether I’m hiking, climbing, or just wearing day-to-day.
The fit and cut is on the generous side, and most people could probably size down for a better fit without sacrificing articulation or layering ability. The helmet-compatible hood in particular is excellent, with the drawstring adjuster giving an excellent, snug fit whether you’re wearing a helmet or not, and the stiff peak keeping rain out of your face without reducing visibility. There’s also an in-built RECCO strip in the hood to help rescue services find you in an emergency. Storage-wise, the jacket features two hand pockets, two chest pockets, and an internal drop pocket, which gives you plenty of options to store your bits.
All told, it’s a fantastic piece of kit, but it does come at a high price. If you want cutting edge sustainability and high performance in the mountains, this is for you.
In a line: A seriously well-made and high performing jacket with strong environmental credentials.
9/10
Berghaus Ridge-Seeker
Bryn Davies / £350 / www.berghaus.com
I’ve tested outdoor gear for over 20 years, and in that time I’ve tried my fair share of Berghaus jackets. While I’ve lost count of how many I’ve slipped my arms into, I can confidently say that I’ve never been disappointed by a Berghaus. From their high-performing Extrem range to the more casual jackets you’ll see on the high street, each piece of kit reliably does the job it’s designed for.
With that in mind, I was excited to put the Ridge-Seeker to the test in this issue’s group review. Part of the Extrem range, which was reintroduced in 2022, the Ridge-Seeker is a high-spec waterproof jacket built for serious hill walking and designed to protect you in extreme weather. As Berghaus puts it, this jacket is ‘built to keep you at your best in the centre of the storm’. Sounds impressive, right?
So, how does it live up to that claim? For starters, the Ridge-Seeker uses a durable three-layer Gore-Tex membrane to keep you dry, performing exactly as you’d expect any Gore-Tex lined jacket. It also features abrasion resistant materials in high-wear areas, three handy zipped pockets, a well-designed hood with a wired peak and two-point adjustment and a decent amount of ventilation through nicely-sized pit zips.
The main zip is water-resistant and reinforced by a substantial storm flap, and both the cuffs and the hem are adjustable to seal in warmth and keep out the elements. The fit is spot-on for hill walking and light scrambles, allowing full arm movement without riding up. Plus, the longer torso length provides plenty of coverage below the waist.
In short, the Ridge-Seeker jacket is a premium choice from Berghaus, with a price tag to match. As part of the company’s Extrem range, the quality of materials and design are top tier, and it’s one of my favourite-looking jackets in recent years.
In a line: Excellent performance, great fit, and it looks great too.
Score: 9/10
Craghoppers Dynamic Pro II
Tested by Bryn Davies / £170 / www.craghoppers.com
The Craghoppers Dynamic Pro II jacket is a solid choice for anyone in the market for an entry-level waterproof hiking jacket that combines functionality, comfort, and value. Known for producing quality outdoor gear at reasonable prices, Craghoppers has hit the mark with this versatile jacket, designed with walkers in mind.
While the retail price is given as £170, the Dynamic Pro II can often be found far cheaper online, including on the Craghoppers website where you can pick it up for £102 (at the time of writing), or £85 for members. Not a bad price at all.
The first thing you’ll notice when slipping the Dynamic Pro II on is the comfort of the mesh lining. It lends the jacket a breathable feel that helps to prevent that clammy sensation you can get with waterproof shells. Paired with a stretchy outer fabric, the design creates an unrestricted fit, perfect for a range of outdoor activities.
Waterproofing is provided by an AquaDry membrane, which performs well in wet conditions. Three zipped pockets provide a useful amount of storage made up of two roomy hand-warmer pockets positioned high enough to be accessible while wearing a rucksack, and a convenient O/S map pocket, ideal for hikers exploring new trails. The high collar and adjustable, helmet-compatible hood are additional thoughtful features that further enhance the jacket’s protective qualities while the cuffs are velcro adjustable and the hem can be adjusted with a single gloved up hand.
Despite these positives, the Dynamic Pro II has a notably boxy cut, and I found that the jacket rode up when reaching overhead. This won’t be an issue on straightforward hikes, but if you’re scrambling or your adventures require more dynamic movement, it’s worth noting.
Overall, the Dynamic Pro II offers great value for money, combining a comfortable fit with functional features ideal for casual walking. For the price, it’s a reliable option that performs well for general outdoor use, even if it may not be the most suitable for more adventurous terrain.
In a line: A great choice for hillwalking, and can be found at great prices
Score: 8/10