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Best waterproof jackets for 2026
From Rab to Rohan, Mountain Warehouse to The North Face – Which? readers reveal their favourite rainproof jacket brands, including one for just £51 on average
Amy Axworthy is a travel journalist and product reviewer. She was shortlisted for Best News Writer at the BSME Talent Awards in 2023.
You don’t need to spend hundreds to get a good-quality waterproof jacket. We've found a great option that's £200 less on average compared to its priciest rival.
More than 3,000 outdoor enthusiasts rated the jackets they've owned on a range of factors, including water resistance, breathability and value for money.
For the first time, we've endorsed brands with the finest rainproof jackets, naming them Which? Recommended Brands (WRBs).
The results showed that while the best brands are sometimes expensive, you can get decent-quality waterproofs for as little as £51.
Read on for our round-up of the best-rated waterproof coat brands chosen by real customers, whatever your budget.
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What are the best waterproof jacket brands according to Which? members?
Why you can trust our reviews of waterproof jacket brands
Expert analysis
We don't evaluate brands on our individual preferences. Instead, we asked the opinions of 3,258 real customers about their 3,749 waterproof jackets, so you can buy with confidence.
Which? Recommended Brands
Our Which? Recommended Brands are the best of the best. They must meet strict criteria, including high customer ratings plus uncompromising standards on product guarantees/warranties and returns policies.
| 88% | £248 | |||||||||
| 86% | £198 | |||||||||
| 86% | £154 | |||||||||
(39) | 83% | n/a | ||||||||
| 82% | £124 | |||||||||
| 81% | n/a | |||||||||
| 81% | n/a | n/a | ||||||||
(45) | 79% | £159 | ||||||||
| 79% | £184 | |||||||||
(255) | 79% | £142 | ||||||||
(48) | 79% | n/a | ||||||||
(70) | 78% | £149 | ||||||||
(350) | 77% | £134 | ||||||||
(144) | 77% | £77 | ||||||||
(112) | 77% | £160 | ||||||||
(274) | 77% | £51 | ||||||||
(38) | 77% | n/a | n/a | |||||||
(40) | 76% | n/a | ||||||||
(55) | 76% | £219 | ||||||||
(123) | 76% | £51 | ||||||||
(52) | 75% | £60 | ||||||||
(130) | 74% | £49 | ||||||||
(35) | 73% | n/a | n/a | |||||||
Mountain Warehouse (295) | 73% | £69 | ||||||||
(69) | 71% | £55 |
Survey conducted in May-July 2025 based on responses from 3,258 members of the Which? Connect panel who own 3,749 waterproof jackets bought in the past five years. ‘n/a’ means not enough data to provide information. Average price paid = mean price members said they paid. Customer score based on satisfaction and whether members would recommend.
To keep dry from anything more than drizzle, a good waterproof jacket is essential. If you're a casual walker, look at Regatta's jacket, which combine great performance with reasonable prices. If you're out and about a lot, it might be worth investing a bit more in one of our Which? Recommended Brands. These will not only keep you from getting soaked, but will also ensure maximum comfort thanks to excellent breathability and sweat wicking.
Want to complete the look and stay comfortable? Find out the best walking trousers and waterproof overtrousers as rated by customers.
Best waterproof jacket brand
Páramo waterproof jackets review, Which? Recommended Brand
Verdict: A high-performance jacket that's an investment
Customer score: 88%
Average price paid: £248
Pros
- Superb water resistance
- Very nice fit and adjustability
- Breathable fabrics
Cons
- Expensive
Páramo received huge praise in our survey for its smart designs paired with materials that give you comfort and longevity. One jacket owner told us that 'no matter what the rain does, you never feel wet inside it'. Plus, the outside 'dries quickly' after getting caught in a shower. Páramo says this waterproof technology is thanks to 'Nikwax Analogy' fabric, which is claimed to mimic animal fur to keep moisture out.
Páramo's brand values also stood out to customers: it produces 80% of its gear in a Colombian factory that trains and employs vulnerable women. Since 2014, its clothing range has been free from PFAS/PFCs – a synthetic chemical traditionally used in waterproofs that can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. Find out how to avoid PFAS/PFCs in waterproof clothing.
The catch? Páramo jackets are expensive: owners we surveyed paid £248 on average. But with some jackets lasting customers more than 10 years, your purchase could pay off.
We've shortlisted some of Páramo's popular styles above that you can buy from the listed retailers. Or, shop more Páramo jackets direct or at Go Outdoors.
Other brilliant British waterproof jacket brands
Barbour waterproof jackets review, Which? Recommended Brand
Verdict: A protective jacket brand you can rely on to keep you dry
Customer score: 86%
Average price paid: £198
Pros
- Durable
- Fantastic at keeping the rain out
- Very comfortable and well fitting
Cons
- Pricey
Although it's more famous for its waxed and quilted jackets, Barbour also knows how to make one that will keep you dry in a downpour. Many customers surveyed liked how stylish the waterproof jackets looked, but also praised their practicality. They appreciated the many deep pockets for secure storage and the detachable hoods on some styles.
One buyer told us that as well as being comfortable, their jacket kept them well protected in thorny woodland. Another had Barbour reproof their jacket after it lost some resistance and said it came back feeling brand new.
Like with a Páramo jacket, you'll likely find that if you don't buy one on sale, it will be an expensive - but long-lasting - purchase.
Browse lots of styles direct from Barbour, also available at Frasers, John Lewis, Outdoor and Country and Next.
Rohan waterproof jackets review, Which? Recommended Brand
Verdict: A jacket of real value
Customer score: 86%
Average price paid: £154
Pros
- Very breathable
- Comfy without compromising on durability
- Great level of waterproofness
Cons
- Nothing major
Rohan scored the full five stars in almost all categories we asked about in our survey. One customer told us that theirs was the best jacket they've ever owned, and another said they 'would not consider other brands'.
Positives include being lightweight with lots of useful pockets, while still effectively fending off the rain and wind. The few owners who did have an issue told us they received impeccable customer service from Rohan to solve the problem.
We've listed links to some of Rohan's popular men's and women's styles above. Or, shop more Rohan jackets direct or at John Lewis.
Jump to other Which? Recommended Brands of waterproof jackets
Best budget waterproof jacket brand
Regatta waterproof jackets review
Verdict: Great choice for casual walkers
Customer score: 77%
Average price paid: £51
Pros
- Fantastic prices
- Should pass the test of time
- Good level of water resistance
Cons
- You may feel clammy after longer walks
- Not the most adjustable
With solid reviews and reasonable prices (even before frequent sales), Regatta waterproof jackets are worth considering. Respondents applauded their robustness, weather resistance and smart styles. One said of their jacket: 'It is very light and can be easily squashed into my rucksack. It has loads of pockets and looks good.' Another remarked: 'Regatta sells budget jackets that perform well above their price range.'
Like with many cheaper brands, the jackets could be more breathable, and some wearers reported feeling sticky. This means Regatta jackets are probably best bought for shorter hikes.
Buy Regatta jackets direct, also available at Blacks, Go Outdoors, Next and Sports Direct.
We advise on everything from storm flaps to pit zips, hoods and more in our guide on how to choose a waterproof jacket.
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Other Which? Recommended Brands of waterproof jackets
Helly Hansen waterproof jackets, 82%, Which? Recommended Brand
Average price paid: £124
Pros: Exceptional comfort; Durable with high levels of water resistance; Top-notch fit.
Cons: It's not stocked at many retailers.
Available direct from Helly Hansen, also available at Amazon and OutdoorGB.
Adidas Terrex waterproof jackets, 81%, Which? Recommended Brand
Pros: Outstanding value for money; High-quality materials; Great water resistance.
Cons: Nothing major.
Available at multiple retailers, including Adidas, Blacks, Frasers, GO Outdoors, Sports Direct and Ultimate Outdoors.
Musto waterproof jackets, 81%, Which? Recommended Brand
Pros: Top water resistance; Superb value; Reliable comfort.
Cons: Nothing much.
Available at multiple retailers, including Musto, John Lewis, OutdoorGB and Outdoor and Country.
Can a jacket be 100% waterproof?
Technically, no jacket is entirely waterproof in all weathers. But some come close.
Waterproofness is measured by a rating in millimetres, which indicates how much water pressure the fabric can handle before it starts to leak. A brand can call a jacket waterproof if it has a rating of 1,500mm, but it's best to pick one with a minimum rating of 5,000mm to keep you dry all day. Seriously high-performing jackets have ratings of 10,000mm or more. We also recommend choosing a brand that scored highly in our survey for water resistance.
Most waterproof jackets combine water-repellent materials with a microporous membrane (such as Gore-Tex) plus impermeable zips and seams. As our survey revealed, the best brands strike a balance between high waterproofness and breathability, ensuring you don't end up feeling sweaty.
The waterproof level of a jacket can be affected by wear and tear over time. But it's easy to reproof and clean your waterproof jacket without damaging it – find out how in our guide on how to wash waterproofs.