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Nov 26, 2023

Stay dry with best waterproof jackets for men

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Living in the UK means we’re at constant risk of getting rained on. But you can worry no more once you’ve got one of the best waterproof jackets for men.

Come rain or shine, you’ve got things to do, places to be and adventures to have. But when the wind and rain does come, it's best to be prepared.

Of course, you could always use an umbrella, but that opens up a whole new set of problems including cold hands and tired arms, not to mention the sheer bulk of a full-sized brolly. Additionally, it's often simply impractical to hold one while running, hiking or even taking your energetic puppy for a walk.

Consequently, to help you stay dry in any situation, we’ve hand-picked the best waterproof jackets for men. (Looking for women's waterproof jackets? We’ve got those too.)

Whether you’re looking for a smart rain coat to wear to the office or a lightweight breathable jacket to wear while cycling, we’ve got you covered. Literally.

Read more: Get fully kitted out with the best walking boots for men

A brand known for making quality products used by all kinds of outdoorsmen, Helly Hansen was an easy choice for the overall best waterproof men's jacket. Not only does this Verglas Infinity jacket offer freedom of movement while being worn and an ultra-light packable design, but it is also made of 100% recycled material, meaning that it's good for the planet as well.

A great choice for staying dry on mountain adventures or around town, we love the extra features of this jacket like its Recco transponder that can be used in case of emergency, the pit zips to help you stay cool when wearing the jacket during strenuous activities or warmer weather, and the drawstring waist to keep heat in when its cold.

Another great jacket offering, the Schöffel Tegelberg has all the features you need to stay dry in the great outdoors. From its waterproof membrane to its wind-proof chin guard, this jacket has it all. The waterproof and windproof membrane keeps you warm and dry while also allowing the jacket to be highly breathable.

We also love that this eco-friendly jacket has elasticated cuffs and hem to allow a wide range of fit for multiple body types. Add in the fact that this jacket is lined with odour-fighting P4DRY print, and it's a no-brainer as to why it makes for the best waterproof hiking jacket for men.

If you’re looking for a cycling jacket to keep you dry on wet bike rides, look no further. This neon yellow Gore-Tex jacket is both waterproof and great for making sure you’re seen and avoided by passing motorists.

The adjustable cuffs and hem allow you to set the jacket to suit your individual fit and water-protection needs, and the back hem is slightly longer to help you stay covered while bent over your handlebars. You’ll also find that the breathable fabric will keep you from overheating on long rides, whether city cycling, touring or mountain biking in the rain.

Just because you spend most of your time in the city doesn't mean you don't need to think about getting a waterproof jacket. On rainy days, you won't always be in a car or public transportation or in your office — and rain can strike at any time. This shell jacket is the perfect urban solution.

With a classy flat-front design and high collar, this dark coloured jacket will help you stay dry while also easily going with almost anything in your city wardrobe. We also love that this jacket has a breathable membrane so there's no need to worry about overheating. Alternatively, if you’re looking to stay a bit warmer, this shell can zip onto any compatible Berghaus fleece jacket, meaning you can use this versatile jacket for summer showers and winter weather.

Speaking of winter, we think this Montane coat is the best waterproof jacket for men when it comes to cold weather. Not only is it made from waterproof fabric, but it also has taped seams for extra waterproofing, breathable membrane to keep you from overheating, and a windproof membrane to keep out the chill.

Even better, depending on the weather and your cold tolerance, you can skip the base layer when wearing this coat as it has built-in, super lightweight Primaloft Gold insulation. Perfect for outdoor adventures in the cold, this jacket is also packable, making it a great choice for around home use or more rugged treks.

A definite contender for the best waterproof jacket for men overall, this North Face jacket offers quite a few key features, not least of which is that it is packable. The entire jacket can stow away inside of the internal pocket, meaning you really can take this jacket anywhere with little fuss — perfect for when wet weather strikes unexpectedly.

This lightweight waterproof jacket is constructed from waterproof fabric that has also been DWR treated for extra water repellency; even the external pockets are reverse entry, meaning you’re less likely to get any moisture inside them when opening on the go. We also love that this jacket is made of recycled materials as well as their patented FLASHDRY fabrics that help to wick away moisture from your body, keeping you extra dry.

Who said you have to pay big money just to stay dry? At under half the price of any other jacket on our list, this Peter Storm raincoat offers the perfect solution for those searching for a wallet-friendly option. Similar to other shell jackets, this cagoule is lightweight and made of 100% waterproof fabric that is also breathable. It's not designed for warmth, though, so just like other shells, you’ll likely want to wear some layers underneath if it's cold out.

This cagoule is also packable, making it the perfect choice to add to a weekend bag or to toss into your suitcase before a trip. It's got a large zip kangaroo pocket in front with a flap cover to help keep out any moisture.

The difference between waterproof and water repellent is in their names: waterproof means that something is impervious to water or will not allow water through it, while water repellent means that it repels water but isn't necessarily water-tight.

If you’re only likely to be out in light showers, then a water repellent jacket may suit you just fine. These jackets are also often more breathable than some waterproof jackets, and you can find products to help improve or maintain your jacket's water repellency over time.

However, if you are looking for a jacket that will always keep you dry, you’ll want to opt for a waterproof one. And even then, make sure to check that it is breathable — otherwise you’ll still be damp from all the sweat that gets trapped inside your jacket. Look for jackets with breathability and moisture wicking fabrics to avoid internal, as well as external moisture.

There are loads of waterproof jackets out there, and it can be hard to choose which one is right for you. But with our handy selection of best men's waterproof jackets, your decision can be much easier.

Looking for a packable jacket to toss in your bag before a trip? Opt for the Peter Storm cagoule.

Want to stay dry during winter? The Montane jacket will offer warmth and respite from the rain.

Just looking for the best men's waterproof jacket overall? We recommend Helly Hansen's Verglas Infinity.

Prices updated on 08/06/2023. We are not responsible for any changes made to the prices listed.

Adventurous at heart, Annelise Gardiner is an experienced editor with a passion for scoping out innovative products from up-and-coming travel and tech brands. In her spare time, she loves developing new talents, such as photography and playing bass guitar.