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Waterproof Hardshell Jackets

A light rain jacket does for short walks; long days with a pack call for three layers. Open the advisor ›

Guide

Waterproof Hardshell Jackets

Under pack straps, abrasion resistance matters; on the climb, venting. The hood and taped seams decide whether it stays dry.

Key points

For walking: 10,000 mm hydrostatic head as a guide; with a heavy pack, 20,000 mm.
2 layers for comfort, 2.5 for pack size, 3 for wear under pack straps.
For hard effort, look for ventilation and an adjustable hood.
Try it over the warmest mid layer you plan to wear.

Woman wearing a rain jacket hood in the rain.

Buying advice

Which rain jacket suits you?

Four questions on activity, ventilation or construction, fit and budget help you compare rain jackets.

Compare by use
Check fit and features

Open the rain jacket advisor ›

Which shell for which use?

Use	What to expect	Your choice
Commuting	What to expectShort showers, frequent changes	Your choice2 layers with a loose lining
Day walks	What to expectOften carried in the rucksack	Your choicePackable shell
Mountain trips	What to expectPack straps, helmet, long wear	Your choiceRobust 3-layer shell
Humid climbs	What to expectHeat and moisture inside	Your choiceAccessible pit zips

Hand closing a hardshell cuff. — The cuff stays over your wrist when you raise your arm.

Types compared

2-layer jacket
For everyday use and walking. The North Face lists DryVent and a loose mesh lining.
- Advantage: Loose lining, comfortable next to skin
- Drawback: Heavier
Example: The North Face Quest ›
2.5-layer jacket
For trips with a small pack. Salewa lists 2.5 layers for this children's example.
- Advantage: Light
- Drawback: Less robust than 3 layers
Example: Salewa Aqua Powertex K ›
3-layer jacket
For mountain walking. Rab lists a three-layer construction for the Firewall Mountain.
- Advantage: Robust under rucksack straps
- Drawback: Stiffer
Example: Rab Firewall Mountain ›
Rain poncho
For trekking with luggage. Tatonka lists a PU coating and taped seams.
- Advantage: Plenty of air from below
- Drawback: Flaps in wind
Example: Tatonka Poncho 2 M–L ›

What to check before you buy

Question	In short	Why
How do you read RET?	In shortLower is better	WhyRET measures resistance to water vapour. It does not replace ventilation openings.
Are all seams sealed?	In shortFully taped	WhyWaterproof fabric alone is insufficient: needle holes need sealing tape inside.
What must stay accessible?	In shortHood and pockets	WhyRaise your arms and wear your pack: cuffs stay over wrists and pockets above the hip belt.

Frequently asked questions

How do I wash the jacket?

Follow the care label. Gore quotes 40 °C for Gore-Tex and, depending on the garment, allows heat afterwards to revive the finish.

Why has water stopped beading?

Gore says the face fabric can soak through while the membrane remains waterproof. Clean first, then renew the finish according to the care instructions.

What does PFC-free mean?

Rab uses it for a finish without fluorocarbons and says these finishes need reviving more often.

When is a softshell enough?

On dry, windy days it offers freedom of movement. Persistent rain calls for a waterproof construction.