How to Choose a Waterproof Jacket (UK Weather Guide)

There's a reason we're all a little obsessed with checking the forecast here in the UK, as you can never quite guess what the weather's got planned! Sunshine one minute, drizzle the next, and a full-blown downpour by teatime.

Which is exactly why a good waterproof jacket has such a permanent home in our wardrobes. From school runs and dog walks to weekend hikes and days out by our beautiful coastline, the right jacket means the weather never has to get in the way of your plans.

But what exactly is the right jacket? Well, that's what we're here to help with! Below, we'll walk you through exactly what makes a jacket waterproof, what those hydrostatic head ratings really mean, and how to pick the best jacket for your hikes, bike rides, ski slopes, or just outdoor loving life with all it brings. 

 

What Makes a Jacket Waterproof?

Waterproof jackets all have the same goal: keeping rain on the outside while allowing you to stay dry underneath. To achieve that, specialist fabrics and/or technology are used to create a barrier; with that barrier being what takes a jacket to a waterproof jacket. 

And that barrier can come in different forms, such as a membrane or protective coating, which is why you end up with different levels of waterproofing between jackets. So to compare one waterproof jacket with another, outdoor brands use waterproof ratings to show you how each one performs against the rain, and subsequently how dry you should stay when you’re wearing it. 

What is Hydrostatic Head?

The hydrostatic head test is what's used to determine how waterproof a fabric is.

Think of it a little like an experiment you would do in science lessons:

• The fabric is stretched over a sealed tube
• Water gets poured in and the pressure builds
• Whichever point it starts to leak through gets recorded

That final measurement, taken in millimetres, becomes the fabric's hydrostatic head rating. So if a jacket says 10,000mm, that's the height of water column the fabric held back before it gave in.

The bigger the number, the more resistant the fabric is against water pressure, the more wet weather it can hold its own against. 

What these ratings do is essentially allow outdoor brands to categorise their waterproof jackets, so you can choose the best one for you and the weather you face, or the activity you need it for. 

 

Waterproof vs Water Resistant

To count as waterproof under industry standards, a fabric needs to hit at least 1,500mm on the hydrostatic head test. Anything below that sits in water resistant territory instead. So what does water resistant mean, if it hasn't passed that test?

It’ll cope with a bit of drizzle, but any heavier or longer spells of rain will get through fairly quickly. The word to focus on is “resistant” - it will try its best to hold on for a while, but then the weather will get the better of it!

If you’re interested in learning a bit more, we’ve put together a full guide on water resistant vs waterproof. 

Hydrostatic Head Ratings: Which One Do You Need? 

Now you know how the ratings come about, you're probably wondering what that number means for your time outdoors. 

Ratings tend to sit in three rough brackets, each working best for different weather and different outings, and knowing what these ratings mean makes it much easier to compare two jackets side by side.

 

 

So you might not need the highest rated jacket, if your outdoor adventures tend to be short hikes and camping trips. However, if you’re often out for much longer periods of time, or you’re an all-season hiker, you’d want to be looking at some of those bigger numbers, because then you get the peace of mind you’ll stay dry, regardless of how wild and wet the weather gets.

Breathability

Breathability by any other name is that feeling you might get when your waterproof jacket feels too “hot”. Like it’s clinging to you, rather than allowing the airflow to circulate naturally.

For example, when you’re out hiking, you might start to work up a sweat or face some humid conditions. The moisture your body naturally creates needs somewhere to go, and a breathable fabric lets it escape rather than leaving you feeling clammy and sticky on the inside.

Which essentially means that a breathability rating tells you how well your jacket lets you have a bit of a breather (sorry, had to!).

A breathability rating gets measured in grams per square metre over 24 hours, and tends to get written as g/m²/24hrs. And it’s the same approach as the waterproof ratings: the bigger the number, the better the fabric breathes. So a jacket rated at 15,000g/m²/24hrs is going to let a lot more moisture out than one coming in at 5,000.

 

So, Why Aren't All Waterproof Jackets Breathable?

Good question! The short answer comes down to tech and cost. Building high breathability into a fabric takes more advanced engineering, which pushes the price up, so brands pitch different jackets at different needs rather than packing maximum breathability into every single one.

It also comes down to how you'll be using the jacket. If you're only wearing it for short dashes between places, like popping to the shops or a quick walk to the car, you're not likely to work up much of a sweat, so a lower breathability rating won't hold you back.

However, if you’re doing something like trekking up into the hills, you’ll want something that can handle that sort of high-energy activity. For example, the Craghoppers Womens National Trust Cinquefoil Waterproof Jacket (below), which has an impressive 30,000g/m2/24hrs breathability rating! 

What Features Make a Good Waterproof Jacket?

So you've got your waterproof rating sorted and you know your breathability numbers. Job done, right? Well, almost!

These ratings work in tandem with two other important features:

• Water repellent finish: This refers to how water behaves when it lands on the fabric. With a water repellent finish, rain beads up and rolls straight off, rather than soaking in
• Taped seams: The stitching is usually where a garment is weakest, and it's often where water finds its way in first. Taped seams cover this stitching with a waterproof layer, sealing up those tiny needle holes so no water can sneak through

Adjustable hems, cuffs, and hoods can also be features worth bearing in mind, because this allows you to customise the jacket more to your particular body shape. 

 

How to Choose a Waterproof Jacket for an Outdoor Activity

Now it's time to put everything into practice. While the basics of each will stay the same, the features you'll appreciate most can vary depending on where you're heading.

So let's take a look at some popular outdoor activities and what waterproof jackets would suit best for each.

 

Hiking

With a hiking waterproof jacket, you want something built to keep up with consistent, high-intensity movement. Breathability becomes especially important here, helping you stay comfortable as you climb and cover the miles.

Look for a jacket that layers well underneath (have a read of our what to wear hiking guide for more on this), plus a hood that adjusts easily and stays put in windy conditions. Most hikers find a hip-length jacket works best, giving you full freedom of movement without any longline fabric getting in the way. 

In terms of hydrostatic head ratings, it really depends on what sort of weather you are expecting to face. If it's likely just to be a bit drizzly and general UK weather rainy, you can stick with 5,000mm - 10,000mm. But if it's getting into the wetter months of the year, or if you live somewhere which often gets heavy rain, you will want to look for those higher numbers to make sure you stay dry.

 

Regatta Mens Matt II Waterproof Jacket

 

Dare 2b Mens Ultra-Light Waterproof Jacket

 

Dare 2b Womens Ultralite Waterproof Jacket

 

 

Skiing & Snowboarding

Say the word "snow", and your mind probably jumps straight to one thing: staying warm! So it makes sense that a ski jacket puts insulation front and centre, keeping you comfy on the slopes. But you'll still want a decent breathability rating too, as skiing and snowboarding are active sports that'll have you working up a sweat, even in the cold.

Higher waterproof ratings (10,000mm+) are recommended here as well, since you'll likely be facing prolonged exposure to the elements throughout the day. 

Also consider essential ski features like:

• a powder skirt to keep snow from sneaking in at the waist
• underarm vents for when you need to cool down quickly
• a helmet-compatible hood for extra protection up top

 

Dare 2b Womens Blindside Padded Ski Jacket

 

Dare 2b Mens Apex 3Layer Ski Jacket

 

 

Cycling

Cyclists are most likely looking for lightweight waterproof jackets; something close-fitting, adjustable, and breathable. The main priority is not adding too much weight or bulk, so you can maintain that easy movement. 

Additional features such as reflective detailing can also come in handy, particularly if you'll be cycling first thing in the morning or later in the evenings. 

And similar to a waterproof hiking jacket, how much weather protection you need depends largely on the conditions you'll face. If you only tend to cycle in mild weather, or you need just-in-case protection, a 5,000mm waterproof rating might suit you just fine, but if you're out in all sorts, year-round, then it makes sense to invest in something with a higher rating.

 

Dare 2B Mens Resphere Cycling Waterproof Jacket

 

Everyday

When it comes to everyday wear, you've got plenty of choice styling wise:

• You might fancy a parka or longline style for extra coverage or simply because you like that type of design, particularly for the winter
• Or perhaps you'd rather find something that matches your personal style, like a piece from the Regatta x Orla Kiely collection
• And if you just want maximum versatility, keeping things simple with a softshell jacket often works well

And hydrostatic head ratings wise, 5,000mm is a good baseline to work with. If you're not usually out in continuous rain for long stretches at a time, a jacket at this level will keep you dry and comfortable for daily life, whether that's the school run, dog walks, or pottering about at the weekend.

 

Dare 2b Womens Wander Waterproof Longline Padded Jacket

 

DLX Womens Christine Waterproof Softshell Jacket

 

Regatta Mens Shorebay III Waterproof Jacket

 

Regatta Mens Frankie Waterproof Jacket

5 Questions to Help You Choose the Right Waterproof Jacket

Sometimes it's the finer details that help you decide between two great jackets. So when you're choosing which one to pick, here are some questions you can ask yourself:

 

1. How much rain do you usually find yourself out in?

• Just the odd shower or standard rainy spells → 5,000mm is a great place to start
• Regular heavy rain, or you want extra peace of mind → look for 10,000mm or higher

 

2. How active will you be while wearing it?

• High energy, like all-day hiking or skiing → a breathability rating of 10,000g/m²/24hrs or more will be ideal 
• Lower energy, like the school run or a walk to the shops → a lower breathability rating will still keep you comfortable

 

3. How much freedom of movement do you need?

• Doing something active like hiking, cycling, or trekking → look for something with stretch fabric so you can move freely
• More everyday use → stretch fabric would be great to have, but not as much of a non-negotiable 

 

4. Will it spend time in your backpack?

• Yes, it needs to pack away → go for something lightweight and packable
• No, you'll mostly be wearing it → you've got a wider choice of styles and fabric weights to pick from

 

5. How windy or cold will conditions usually be?

• Mostly mild → a standard waterproof jacket paired with a fleece or thermal base layer will do the job nicely
• Colder or harsher conditions → look for a jacket with built-in insulation or windproofing

Put your answers together, and you've got your initial shortlist sorted: the rating, the breathability, the fit, and the features that matter most to you.

Choosing a Waterproof Jacket FAQs

We've now covered waterproof ratings, breathability, features, and finding the right jacket for different activities. To finish, let's answer a few questions that can help you feel even more confident before you choose.

 

Can I use my waterproof jacket for skiing or snowboarding?

You can, but you'll get the best experience out on the slopes with a jacket designed specifically for skiing or snowboarding.

Ski jackets come with features built for the mountain, like powder skirts, helmet-compatible hoods, and extra insulation to keep you warm in freezing temperatures. Your everyday waterproof will do a good job of keeping the rain off, but a dedicated ski jacket will keep you warmer, drier, and far comfier for a full day on the slopes.

How do you wash a waterproof jacket?

Keeping your waterproof jacket clean and well cared for helps it perform at its best for years to come. We've put together a full guide on how to wash and reproof your waterproof jacket, with everything you need to know to keep it in top condition.

Do waterproof jackets lose their waterproofing over time?

They can do, but the good news is that it's easy to bring them back to their best!

Over time, the durable water repellent (DWR) finish on your jacket can wear thin, especially with regular use and washing. A reproofing treatment (like the Grangers Wash + Repel Clothing 2 In 1 Cleaning Reproofing) gives your jacket a fresh boost of protection when it needs it. 

Are lightweight jackets less waterproof than heavier ones?

Lightweight jackets can absolutely match up to heavier styles when it comes to waterproofing. 

The Dare 2b Mens Ultra-Light Waterproof Jacket we mentioned earlier is a great example, offering an impressive 15,000mm waterproof rating in a lightweight design.

 

Ready to Find Your New Waterproof Jacket?

You now know exactly what those waterproof ratings mean, which features to look out for, and how to match a jacket to your hikes, bike rides, ski slopes, or just everyday life. The only thing left to do is find the one that ticks all the right boxes!

We've got a full collection of waterproof jackets for men and women to shop from to find your perfect match, from fantastic outdoor brands like Regatta, Craghoppers, Trespass, Berghaus, and many more - with free UK delivery for all orders over £65. 

 

 

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.