Packable vs Lightweight Waterproof Jackets

A jacket that folds into its own pocket sounds pretty handy, doesn't it? But how waterproof is it once you've taken it out? And if a jacket is described as lightweight, will that mean it fits neatly into your bag too?

There's quite a bit to consider when comparing packable and lightweight waterproof jackets. So we've put together this guide to explore the differences, help you work out which style will likely suit you best, and compare some of the men's and women's waterproof jackets available here at Avenue 85.

Packable vs Lightweight Waterproof Jackets: Overview

First, let's take a quick look at each jacket and its main features in comparison:

As you can see, there's a lot of variable factors, and plenty of overlap between the two styles too! Many packable jackets are naturally lightweight, and some lightweight jackets can be packed into a small pouch or pocket. 

The biggest thing to remember is that packability tells you how conveniently a jacket can be stored, while lightweight tells you about its weight. How waterproof and breathable it is will depend on the jacket and the brand, rather than an overriding "packable is less waterproof" blanket approach. This is particularly true for recent years, with tech in outdoor clothing continuing to develop further all the time. 

What is a Packable Waterproof Jacket?

A packable waterproof jacket is designed to fold or compress into a small space, making it easy to carry when you're heading outdoors. Some come with their own little storage pouch or stuff sack, while others fold into one of the jacket's pockets.

For example, the Regatta Women's Corinne IV below packs into its own lower pocket, which converts into a belt bag. The Mac in a Sac Nomad Kagoul, meanwhile, packs into its front chest pocket.

Regatta Womens Corinne IV Waterproof Packaway Jacket

Mac In a Sac Nomad Kagoul  Pullover Waterproof Jacket

Design and Portability

With a packable jacket, you'll often find features such as:

• A dedicated storage pouch or pocket, allowing you to pack the jacket away when not needed
• Lightweight fabric, making it easier to fit into the storage compartment itself, then to carry in your backpack
• Simple, practical designs that fold away neatly

If you'll be regularly taking your waterproof on and off throughout the day (for example, if it's stop-start sort of rainy weather), you'll love the convenience of this style of jacket. 

Waterproof Protection

It’s common to think that packable jackets will be less waterproof than others, and there are lots of packable jackets that sit around the 5,000mm mark as a budget-friendly backup jacket; something that you might keep in your car or your backpack.

But plenty do come at 10,000mm and above, so don’t let the word “packable” make you think you can’t still get great waterproof protection! Same with breathability. Being packable doesn’t necessarily negate its ability to be a breathable jacket, as plenty of packable jackets come with a reliable breathability rating to keep you cool on the move. 

For example, the Mac in a Sac Origin 2, pictured below, has a 10,000mm waterproof rating, alongside features like taped seams, which will keep you dry in longer periods of rain (compared to one with a 5,000mm rating).

Mac In a Sac Origin 2 Packable Waterproof Jacket

Are There Any Trade-Offs?

Some packable jackets use simpler designs to keep the packed size as small as possible. Depending on the model, you might find thinner fabrics or a more basic lining (i.e. not insulated).

It's also worth considering durability if you'll regularly be wearing your jacket in particularly demanding outdoor conditions. For occasional use, a simple packaway design can be perfectly practical, especially with one of those higher waterproof ratings. But for regular hiking, you'll want to pay closer attention to the fabric construction and things like abrasion-resistant fabrics and underarm ventilation; which not all packable jackets will focus their designs on.

When Should You Choose a Packable Waterproof Jacket?

Packable jackets are particularly useful for:

• Travel and holidays: Easy to fit into your backpack for city breaks or into your suitcase when space is limited
• Festivals: Convenient to carry around with you throughout the day or to leave in a tent without taking up too much space. Plus, as they can be stored in their own stuff sack, they can stay protected from muddy fields when not in use
• Commuting: Keep in your work bag in case you get caught in an unexpected rain shower on your way 
• Camping: A great, compact waterproof jacket you can store with your camping equipment
• Walking and day trips: Usually in the spring/summer months, when the rain may appear and you want to be prepared just in case

So if portability and storage space are among some of your biggest priorities, a packable waterproof jacket will likely be the one to shop for. 

What Makes a Waterproof Jacket Lightweight?

A lightweight waterproof jacket, on the other hand, is specifically designed to provide protection from wet weather while keeping the weight of the garment relatively low. 

And how they keep the weight down is usually to do with the fabrics and materials used. You'll often find lighter fabrics like nylon or polyester, with a thinner outer layer and a waterproof coating or membrane to keep the rain out. Many also don't include things like thick linings and extra insulation, so there's less material adding to the overall weight of the jacket.

Dare 2b Mens Torrek Breath Out Waterproof Jacket

Regatta Womens Frina Waterproof Jacket

Design and Portability

One of the main advantages of a lightweight jacket is how comfortable it can be to wear during milder weather, and/or with multiple layers. For hiking, this can be especially useful as the golden rule of hiking clothes is layering!

You can wear your waterproof over a t-shirt during the milder days when you might also be dealing with a bit of rain, and then pop a fleece underneath when you also want to stay warm. That flexibility is what many hikers are searching for with their outer layer.

As the jacket is lightweight in nature, that does make it easier to carry in your backpack if not wearing all day. But how much it folds down (as in, how compact it will go) will depend on its overall shape and styling.

Waterproof Protection

Similar to what we talked about with the packability, lightweight doesn't have to mean less waterproof! You can find lightweight jackets with impressive hydrostatic head ratings, including 15,000mm and above.

For example, the Dare 2b Torrek Breath Out (pictured further above) has a 20,000mm waterproof rating, while the Regatta Frina is rated to 15,000mm. Both are examples of how a lighter jacket can still be well suited to keeping you dry on those wet days enjoying the outdoors.

Are There Any Trade-Offs?

Most lightweight waterproof shells are designed to keep the rain out rather than provide much warmth, so you'll want to have a think about your layers when it's chilly.

This is where your fleeces and baselayers will come into play, as having decent layers underneath can make a lightweight waterproof much more versatile through the colder seasons of the year. And because you can take that fleece off when you warm up, you've got a bit more flexibility than you would with one thick, insulated coat.

When Should You Choose a Lightweight Waterproof Jacket?

A lightweight waterproof jacket is worth considering for:

• Spring and summer wear: Great for those warmer rainy days when a thick coat would leave you feeling too hot
• Regular hiking: A handy choice if you're spending hours on the trails and want to keep the weight of your clothing down, especially when you're carrying a rucksack
• Everyday outdoor wear: Ideal if you like having a waterproof you can wear comfortably across your normal daily activities like commuting and dog walks 
• Active outdoor activities: If you're walking at a brisk pace or tackling plenty of hills, a lightweight jacket with good breathability can help you stay more comfortable as you warm up

Packable or Lightweight: Which Waterproof Jacket Should You Go For?

While we've seen so far that there is plenty of overlap between the two, each does have its advantages depending on what you've got planned.

Here's what we'd recommend based on activities and use:

There's definitely a place for both styles, and your choice will depend on how you plan to use your jacket. You might love the convenience of a packable waterproof for holidays and days out, while a lightweight jacket could be a better fit for your regular hikes.

It's also worth thinking about whether you'll be taking your jacket along as a spare or planning to wear it for most of the day. That can help you decide whether a compact packaway design or a lightweight jacket for longer periods outdoors makes the most sense for you.

And remember, you don't necessarily have to choose between the two! There are plenty of jackets that combine a lightweight feel with a handy packaway design, so you can enjoy both benefits in one.

Comparing the Best Packable and Lightweight Waterproof Jackets 

Now we've looked at the differences between packable and lightweight waterproof jackets, let's take a look at some of the options available! 

We've picked out a selection from popular outdoor brands stocked right here at Avenue 85, so you can compare their waterproof ratings and handy features side by side.

Men's Packable Waterproof Jackets

Men's Lightweight Waterproof Jackets

Women's Packable Waterproof Jackets

Women's Lightweight Waterproof Jackets

When looking through these options, have a think about what you'll be using your jacket for most often, and which features will make the biggest difference. If you're mainly after something to keep in your bag for the occasional shower, you might be happy to just pick up something budget-friendly with entry-level waterproofing, like the Trespass Quikpac. But if you're heading out on longer walks or hikes, features like ventilation, sturdy ripstop fabric, and a high breathability rating might be worth prioritising instead.

It's all about working out which features are most important for what you've got planned, and which ones you're happy to compromise on. That way, you can narrow down the options to a jacket that actually suits how you'll be using it!

FAQ

Hopefully you've got a better idea of which waterproof jacket might suit you! But if you've still got a question or two, we've covered a few of the common ones below.

Can a Waterproof Jacket Be Both Packable and Lightweight?

Absolutely! Many packable waterproof jackets are lightweight by design, and some lightweight jackets also feature packaway pouches.

If you're keen to get both qualities in your jacket, look at the features given for the garment and check for things like a dedicated packaway feature (like a stuff sack or a pocket), and its given overall weight. For example, the Mac in a Sac Venture Ultralite.

Are Lightweight Waterproof Jackets Warm Enough for Winter?

Yes, you can still wear a lightweight waterproof in winter; you'll just want to think about what layers to wear under.

For winter hikes, you'll want to make sure you've got your mid-layer and base-layers sorted; something like a fleece and thermals respectively. Then your waterproof goes over the top to protect you from the rain and wind.

Are Packable Jackets As Durable as Regular Waterproof Jackets?

They certainly can be. Just because a waterproof jacket packs away doesn't always mean it's less durable.

That said, some packable jackets use thinner fabrics to help keep them compact, so they may be less resistant to wear and tear than a regular waterproof with a thicker outer fabric.

If you're planning to wear yours for hiking, especially with a rucksack, it's worth looking for abrasion-resistant fabrics or reinforced areas around the shoulders, as these can help protect against rubbing from the straps. 

Is a 5,000mm Waterproof Rating Enough for UK Rain?

A jacket with a 5,000mm hydrostatic head rating will do the job of keeping you dry in occasional showers and during shorter outings. 

But for regular outdoor activities in more persistent rain, we'd recommend going for a higher waterproof rating, such as 10,000mm or 15,000mm, for that extra protection.

And remember, you can find those higher ratings in packable jackets too! So if you'd prefer something that folds away neatly, you've still got plenty of options, such as the Mac In a Sac range.

Find Your Next Waterproof Jacket at Avenue 85

So overall, a packable waterproof jacket is designed to fold down into a compact size for easy storage, whereas a lightweight waterproof jacket focuses on keeping the overall weight down while providing protection from the rain. 

And if you're choosing between packable or lightweight, it really comes down to those two different priorities. Would you prefer the convenience of a jacket that folds away nice and small, or something that keeps the weight and bulk down when you're wearing it? Though, as we've explored, there's also plenty of crossover between the two!

If the packability feature sounds specifically like the one for you, why not take a look at our packable waterproof jackets collection here at Avenue 85? We've got a great selection from brands like Mac in a Sac, Regatta, and Trespass.

Or, if you'd like to see what else is available, have a browse through our full range of waterproof jackets, with plenty more styles to explore!

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.