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The 5 Best Lightweight Waterproof Jackets for Men

The 5 Best Lightweight Waterproof Jackets for Men

If you spend a lot of time outdoors walking the dog, chasing kids through the woods, enjoying trips to the coast or campsite, you’ll know how useful a good lightweight waterproof jacket can be.

We’ve tested a fair few over the years. Some went straight into the rotation. Others didn’t make it past one wet weekend. So when we recommend one, it’s because it’s actually been worn, packed, and put to the test.

And I’ll be honest — I love this sort of thing! I’m the one in my family who gets asked, “Which raincoat should I get?” It’s the same with our customers, too. People often want something waterproof and easy to wear, but don’t always want to scroll through pages of specs to figure out the best choice.

So we've put this guide together to make it simple. Five of the best waterproof lightweight jackets we genuinely rate, with a few notes on what they’re good for, and why they’re worth considering.

 

What to Look for in a Good Lightweight Waterproof Jacket

Before we get into the list, let’s quickly recap what actually makes a jacket useful when you’re outdoors. 

Here are a few features we always keep our eye on:

  • Waterproof rating – this tells you how the jacket is going to hold up in the rain. 5,000mm is fine for light showers, 10,000mm+ is what you want for heavier or more consistent rain. Keen for more info? Check out our guide on waterproof vs water-resistant.
  • Breathability –  if you’re moving around a lot, you want a jacket that lets heat and moisture escape. A high breathability rating does this job well
  • Packability – some are also packable jackets that roll up small into a pocket or pouch. Handy if you’re low on space or just want something to keep in the car
  • Fit and adjustability – hoods, cuffs, hems; aka all the bits you can tweak to get a better fit
  • Taped seams –  a small feature that prevents water seeping in through stitching.

You don’t always need the top spec, but knowing what features you’re paying for can help you get the right balance between budget and performance.

 

Our 5 Best Mens Lightweight Waterproof Jackets

 

1. Craghoppers Mens National Trust Owler Waterproof Hooded Packable Jacket

Craghoppers Mens National Trust Owler Waterproof Hooded Packable Jacket in Blue Navy against a white background

 

Best for: Hiking, travel (city breaks or trips to the coast)

Key Features
  • Waterproof rating: 20,000mm
  • Breathability: 30,000g/m²/24hrs
  • Packable: Yes, packs into its own pocket
  • Fabric & finish: 100% polyester with fluorocarbon-free H2OShield plant-based water repellent finish
  • Adjustability: Grown-on hood with front and back adjusters; adjustable cuffs; drawcord-adjustable dropped hem
  • Pockets: 2 zipped pockets
  • Fit/design details: Lightweight feel with a slightly longer back for extra coverage
  • Sizes available: Small to 2XL
  • Colours available: Blue Navy
  • RRP: £85.00


Why We Like It

Part of the exclusive National Trust collection from Craghoppers, the Owler boasts some impressive technical features for a lightweight waterproof jacket. 

It handles wet weather really well (the waterproof rating is higher than most jackets in this category), all while keeping you cool with its clever breathability. The fit is simple but adjustable, and the overall look is quite understated, so it pairs easily with the rest of your outdoor clothing. 

All in all, this mens waterproof packable jacket is a standout choice for your rainy day hikes or travel kit.

2. Trespass Qikpac Waterproof Packaway Jacket

Trespass Qikpac Waterproof Packaway Jacket in Blue against a white background

Best for: Camping, hiking, cycling

Key Features
  • Waterproof rating: 5,000mm
  • Breathability: 5,000g/m²
  • Packable: Yes, packs into its own pouch (approx. 17.5cm x 33.5cm when packed)
  • Fabric & finish: 100% polyamide with a windproof outer and ventilated back yoke
  • Adjustability: Elasticated cuffs and hem
  • Pockets: Two zipped side pockets
  • Fit/design details: Lightweight and compact; designed for emergency use and everyday convenience
  • Sizes available: 3XS to 3XL
  • Colours available: 11 options, including navy, black, red, yellow, and more
  • RRP: £59.99


Why We Like It

Trespass has definitely made its name in the world of best lightweight waterproof jackets, and, for us, the Qikpac shows exactly why.

It’s been designed with a decent waterproof and breathable rating, so you know you will stay dry and comfortable if you need to put it on when you’re out and about. There’s a good range of colours too, whether you’re after something simple or looking for a brighter option for bike rides or the campsite.

If you’re shopping on a budget or buying a backup waterproof jacket for the boot of the car, you can’t go too far wrong with this one.

3. Regatta Mens Lyle IV Waterproof Jacket

Regatta Mens Lyle IV Waterproof Jacket in Black against a white background

Best for: Camping, hiking, cycling

Key Features
  • Waterproof rating: 5,000mm
  • Breathability: 5,000g/m²/24hrs
  • Packable: Yes — packs into its own lower pocket, which doubles as a belt bag
  • Fabric & finish: Lightweight polyamide with durable water-repellent finish and taped seams for full waterproof protection
  • Adjustability: Concealed adjustable hood; shockcord-adjustable hem
  • Pockets: 2 zipped lower pockets
  • Fit/design details: Reflective trim for added visibility
  • Sizes available: Small to 5XL
  • Colours available: 15 options, including classic black and navy, plus brighter shades like Orange and Green Kiwi
  • RRP: £70.00

 

Why We Like It

The brilliant size range and colour options alone make this Regatta packable jacket one of the most versatile mens lightweight raincoats we stock. 

As for the technical features, Regatta’s Isolite fabric does exactly what you’d expect — keeps you dry when the weather turns, while avoiding that clammy feeling. We also like the belt bag-style packaway feature, which comes in especially handy when your backpack’s already full or you’re out with the dogs.

A great all-rounder to have on hand for your outdoor activities.

4. Berghaus Mens Deluge Pro 3.0 Waterproof Walking Jacket

Berghaus Mens Deluge Pro 3.0 Waterproof Walking Jacket in Black on a white background

Best for: Hiking 

Key Features
  • Waterproof rating: 15,000mm
  • Breathability: 20,000g/m2/24hrs
  • Packable: Not packable
  • Fabric & finish: 100% polyester with polyurethane membrane; machine washable at 30°C (mild cycle)
  • Adjustability: Grown-on hood with single-point adjustment; half-elasticated cuffs; single hem adjustment
  • Pockets: 2 zipped hand pockets
  • Fit/design details: Clean design with practical adjustability for longer walks
  • Sizes available: Small to 3XL
  • Colours available: Black, Taupe, Light Terrain
  • RRP: £120.00

 

Why We Like It

This one comes in with a higher price tag than the others we’ve included so far, but it’s a fantastic pick if you love hiking and you’re after a walking jacket to invest in.

You’ve got staying dry and comfortable ticked off with the high-rated technical features, alongside an adjustable fit that feels made for a proper day’s hike. You can layer up underneath with your fleece or just a t-shirt if it’s rainy but not too cold. 

As a lightweight waterproof jacket, it does exactly what you need it to, and it does it really, really well. 

5. Jack Wolfskin Mens Jasper Waterproof Hooded Jacket

Jack Wolfskin Mens Jasper Waterproof Hooded Jacket in Black against a white background

Best for: Hiking 

Key Features
  • Waterproof rating: 10,000mm
  • Breathability: 6.000g/m2/24hrs
  • Packable: Not packable
  • Fabric & finish: 100% polyester with water-resistant zips
  • Adjustability: Adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem
  • Pockets: 2 hip pockets and 1 inner pocket
  • Fit/design details: Articulated elbows for better movement
  • Sizes available: Small to 2XL
  • Colours available: Cold Coffee, Black, Phantom, Safflower
  • RRP: £175.00

 

Why We Like It

Similar to the Berghaus jacket, the Jack Wolfskin Jasper does sit at that slightly higher price point, but if you’re heading right up into the hills, you might want this one on your back.

Although it’s still classed as a lightweight waterproof jacket, it does have more insulation than some of the others on this list. So you don’t have to worry so much about layers underneath. There’s also a bit more structure to the fit thanks to the articulated elbows, which helps if you’re using hiking poles.

A good-looking design never hurts too! Jack Wolfskin is known for its brilliant style, and so it’s no surprise the Jasper looks as good as it does.

Which Mens Lightweight Raincoat is Right For You?

By now, you’ve probably got a couple of jackets in mind, so this is where it helps to think about what matters most to you.

For example:

  • Do you want the highest waterproof rating?
  • Is packability the deal-breaker?
  • Or are you working to a specific budget?

The table below lays out the key info side by side, so you can quickly compare and see which one ticks the right boxes.

Jacket

Waterproof Rating

Breathability

Packable?

RRP

Sizes

Best For

Craghoppers Mens National Trust Owler Waterproof Hooded Packable Jacket

20,000mm

30,000g/m²

£85.00

S to 2XL

Hiking, travel

Trespass Qikpac Waterproof Packaway Jacket

5,000mm

5,000g/m²

£59.99

3XS to 3XL

Camping, hiking, cycling

Regatta Mens Lyle IV Waterproof Jacket

5,000mm

5,000g/m²

£70.00

S to 5XL

Camping, hiking, cycling

Berghaus Mens Deluge Pro 3.0 Waterproof Walking Jacket

15,000mm

20,000g/m²

£120.00

S to 3XL

Hiking, everyday wear

Jack Wolfskin Mens Jasper Waterproof Hooded Jacket

10,000mm

6,000g/m²

£175.00

S to 2XL

Hiking, everyday wear

Mens Lightweight Waterproof Jacket Comparison: Features, Fit, and Value

 

Final Thoughts

That wraps up our five best lightweight waterproof jackets, and we hope this helped make your decision a little easier. 

If you’ve already got your eye on one, you’ll find it linked in the list above. And if you’re still looking, our Packable Jackets collection has a few more brilliant options worth checking out.

Then with the right raincoat sorted, you can get on with the good bit — being outside!

 

About the Author

Tom, proud resident of Chapel-en-le-Frith (aka the ‘Capital of the High Peak,’ as he loves to remind everyone), is a dad of two who spends his weekends ferrying the kids between football and dance class, occasionally sneaking in a peaceful walk around Fernilee Reservoir. When the family escapes to their coastal hideaway in Anglesey, he trades in the football boots for paddleboards and fishing rods, though his true passion lies in building the ultimate sandcastle. On the Avenue 85 blog, Tom shares his outdoor tips (and the occasional dad joke) with a down-to-earth approach that’ll make you feel like part of the family.