This guide helps you choose the best waterproof jacket for hillwalking; combing waterproofness, breathability, durability and fit to stay dry and comfortable when hiking in the rain.
You are standing at the foot of Goat Fell, gazing up as rain gently begins to patter down against your waterproof jacket. The grey skies and the fresh scent of rain fill you with anticipation. You're no stranger to hillwalking, but rain always introduces a unique challenge: staying dry and comfortable while embracing the elements.
Nice weather for ducks
At some point in our evolutionary history, we decided to prioritise home comforts at the expense of some important physiological attributes. Yet, we still like to believe we are in our element when leaning 45˚ into the wind and rain, and we are, but who cannot marvel at the duck's ability to shed water off its back without a second thought? No carrying a pack full of this and that; it lives in its element. They are in a different class.
- Rain is wet, which makes you feel cold. Unchecked, this will make you hypothermic and ruin your fun.
- You put on a waterproof layer to keep you dry.
- Unfortunately, you also have to move; as you do so, your body generates heat and sweat.
- Your comfort is compromised by the moisture building up inside your waterproof layer.
- On the positive side, negative ions in rain are good for our health!
To be comfortable walking in the rain, we need a little help. Making a waterproof for someone who is not moving is easy, but you are a hillwalker and demand more from your shell. You know when you move you generate heat, which generates sweat, making you feel cold and uncomfortable.
You know when you lift your arms, when you turn your head, when you step over a stile or stoop under a branch your jacket moves, exposing gaps in your armour, and allowing rain to trickle down and ruin your day.
Approaching the rain with Fortitude
The Fortitude is our hillwalking-specific waterproof jacket. It is designed for maximum protection. Featuring a longer cut and made from 100% recycled material, it's both waterproof and breathable, offering reliable coverage against harsh conditions. This environmentally friendly jacket includes practical features like deep pockets, an OS-map-sized chest pocket, and a fully adjustable hood. Its durable 70D polyester outer fabric is tough and sustainable, ideal for the eco-conscious hillwalker seeking comprehensive weather protection.
Men's waterproof jacket | Women's waterproof jacket
Cloudburst waterproof trousers
The Cloudburst waterproof trousers offer lightweight, packable 2.5-layer waterproof protection, perfect for handling wet weather on hikes. Crafted from durable, 100% recycled nylon with a PFC-free DWR coating, they're environmentally friendly and designed to shield you from the wind and rain. Features like knee-length side zips ensure easy dressing over walking boots. At the same time, an articulated design promotes movement without excess bulk. An elasticated waistband with drawcords at the waist and cuffs allows for a customisable fit, making these overtrousers a practical choice for hillwalkers wanting to stay dry and comfortable during walks.
Men's waterproof trousers | Women's waterproof trousers
Beyond the waterproof jacket - why there is more to staying dry on the hill than an waterproof shell.
The tried and tested layering system for hillwalking consists of three layers designed to work together.
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Baselayer - This is your next-to-skin layer. Baselayers help move sweat away from your skin faster, improving your comfort by reducing that clammy feeling. In warm conditions, you may wear a base layer directly underneath your waterproof. A base layer may have short or long sleeves.
More about baselayers for hillwalking.
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Midlayer - Worn over your baselayer for warmth and comfort. The ideal mid-layer will be as breathable as possible so it is not a bottleneck in the path of moisture being transported from your skin to the outer surface. Your mid layer becomes an outer layer when the clouds part.
More about choosing a midlayer for hillwalking.
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Breathable waterproofs - Stops the rain coming from the outside to the inside while letting moisture move from the inside to the outside.
More about choosing a waterproof for hillwalking.
Find out more about how we design and think about layering systems for hillwalking.
Hill Walking Waterproof Essentials
Waterproof mountaineering jacket for high altitudes and Scottish winters
£229.99
£279.99
Waterproof mountaineering jacket for high altitudes and Scottish winters
£229.99
£279.99
Durable, lightweight and packable performance shell for all activities
£99.99
£119.99
Ultralight and breathable waterproof 3-layer protection when moving fast and light
£159.99
£199.99
Lightweight, waterproof half-zip with a active cut for fast and light movement
£74.99
£149.99
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