Best Waterproof Jackets in the UK 2025  Tried, Tested and Sock Geeks Approved

If you live in the UK, you don’t need a weather app to tell you rain is coming - it’s a lifestyle. From sideways showers in Scotland to misty morning drizzles in Devon, a waterproof jacket is a year-round essential. But which jackets actually stand up to real British rain?

At Sock Geeks, we tested the best waterproof jackets of 2025 in real conditions - rain, wind, mud and school runs included. We looked at waterproof ratings, seam durability, wind resistance, breathability and value for money. Whether you’re hiking, commuting or chasing kids through puddles, we’ve found the best jackets to keep you dry and comfortable - with sock pairing suggestions along the way.

 Top Waterproof Jackets at a Glance

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How We Tested

Our testing criteria included:

• Waterproof rating - Measured in mm hydrostatic head

• Storm protection - Wind resistance & hood performance

• Fabric breathability - No sweaty plastic macs here

• Durability - Taped seams, zips, reinforcements

• Comfort & Mobility - Fit, movement, layering space

• Value for Money - Is it worth the price?

The Best Waterproof Jackets of 2025 - Full Reviews

1. Arc’teryx Beta LT – Best Overall

£380 | Waterproof rating: 28,000mm
Serious performance without being overbuilt, the Beta LT is reliable in heavy downpours and strong wind. Premium GORE-TEX fabric, alpine fit, helmet-compatible hood and exceptional weatherproofing.

Best for: Peak District escapes, year-round UK weather
Sock Geeks Match: Pair with Merino Performance Hiking Socks for breathable comfort on wet trails.

2. Berghaus Deluge Pro 2.0 - Best Value

£90 | Waterproof: 10,000mm
A brilliant entry-level jacket that punches above its price. Fully waterproof HydroShell fabric, big storm hood and zip ventilation.

Best for: Everyday UK wear, hiking beginners
Sock Geeks Match: Works well with our Everyday Outdoor Socks - all-weather comfort without the cost.

3. Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 – Best for Hiking

£150 | Waterproof: 20,000mm
Built for British hills. Lightweight, packable and breathable with a tough Pertex waterproof shell and pit zips for heat control.

Best for: Lake District hikes
Sock Geeks Match: Try our Anti-Blister Trail Socks for long distances.

4. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L – Best Lightweight

£170 | Waterproof: 20,000mm
A lightweight legend now updated with 3-layer construction. It’s tough, stylish, and uses eco-friendly recycled fabric.

Best for: Commuters, eco-conscious buyers
Sock Geeks Match: Style it with Sustainable Bamboo Socks - comfort + ethics.

5. RAINS Long Jacket – Best for City Style

£95 | Waterproof: PU coated
A minimalist, Scandinavian-style raincoat perfect for urban life - waterproof and stylish without overkill.

Best for: Office commutes, London rain
Sock Geeks Match: Pair with Classic Black Dress Socks - sleek and smart.

6. The North Face Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT - Best Winter Waterproof

£230 | Waterproof: Unlimited (nano-membrane tech)
Weather armour for colder, harsher days. FUTURELIGHT fabric is waterproof yet impressively breathable.

Best for: Winter storms and hikes
Sock Geeks Match: Combine with Thermal Merino Socks for warmth and moisture control.

7. Mountain Warehouse Pakka - Best Budget Buy

£39.99 | Waterproof: 1,500mm
Budget-friendly and practical. Packs into a bag pocket for quick rain emergency use.

Best for: School runs, festivals, backups
Sock Geeks Match: Pair with Bold Colour Socks - brighten rainy days.

8. Barbour Ashby Waterproof – Most Stylish

£199 | Waterproof: Weatherproof cotton
A modern waterproof version of the British classic. Smart enough for weekend wear, rugged enough for countryside rains.

Best for: Country walks, pub lunches
Sock Geeks Match: Style with British Heritage Sock Collection.

9. Finisterre Stormbird – Best Sustainable

£295 | Waterproof: 20,000mm
Cornish brand Finisterre delivers ethical performance. Recycled materials, fully waterproof, storm-ready.

Best for: Eco-conscious adventurers
Sock Geeks Match: Match with our Eco Explorer Socks.

10. Musto MPX Gore-Tex Pro – Best Premium

£849 | Waterproof: Professional level
Designed for offshore sailing. Ridiculously waterproof, ultra tough - built to survive storms.

Best for: Extreme rain, pros
Sock Geeks Match: Go with Pro Performance Socks - when only the best will do.

Waterproof Jacket Buying Guide (Quick)

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Care Tips - Make Your Jacket Last Longer

• Wash using Nikwax Tech Wash only

• Reproof with Nikwax TX.Direct every 3–6 months

• Avoid fabric softener (kills waterproofing)

• Hang dry - no radiators!

Sock Geeks Says…

Rain protection isn’t just about your upper body - wet feet = misery. All-season waterproofing works best with:

✅ Merino wool socks
✅ Breathable moisture control
✅ Seamless comfort for walking

 Explore our Rainy Day Socks and Outdoor Performance Collection at Sock Geeks.

FAQs – Best Waterproof Jackets UK

What is the best waterproof jacket in the UK?

The Arc’teryx Beta LT is the best overall for 2025 thanks to its outstanding waterproofing and durability.

What is the best brand of waterproof jackets?

Top waterproof brands include Arc’teryx, Rab, Patagonia, The North Face and Berghaus.

Which is better, North Face or Berghaus?

North Face offers more premium technology, but Berghaus delivers outstanding value for money.

Is Gore-Tex the best waterproof material?

Gore-Tex is one of the best all-round waterproof membranes, known for reliability and breathability.

What is the highest-rated waterproof jacket?

Professional jackets like the Musto MPX Gore-Tex Pro are among the highest rated in waterproofing performance.

Which jacket is best for heavy rain?

The Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 and Arc’teryx Beta LT are excellent for heavy, sustained rain.

Is Berghaus Hydroshell better than Gore-Tex?

Hydroshell is good for budget outdoor use, but Gore-Tex is more durable and more waterproof long term.

Which is better, Trespass or Regatta?

Both are great budget brands, but Regatta has better long-term waterproof performance in most tests.

What’s more waterproof than Gore-Tex?

eVent and Dermizax fabrics can outperform Gore-Tex in certain conditions, especially extreme moisture.

Are expensive waterproof jackets worth it?

Yes, if you use them regularly outdoors. Premium jackets last 5–10 years, making them cheaper long term.

Is North Face a luxury brand?

Not luxury, but a premium outdoor brand with solid performance and styling.

Is Berghaus owned by JD?

Yes - Berghaus is part of the JD Sports family of brands.

Are Berghaus jackets really waterproof?

Yes, especially those with Hydroshell or Gore-Tex.

What fabric is 100% waterproof?

Polyurethane-coated fabrics are 100% waterproof - used in fishing and sailing gear.

Is anything fully waterproof?

Only up to a point. Under high pressure, everything leaks eventually - but good jackets withstand serious rain.

If you’re preparing for classic British weather, a waterproof jacket is only half the battle won. For head-to-toe rain protection, don’t miss our guide to the Best Umbrellas of 2025 - Tried, Tested and Sock Geeks Approved. From windproof designs to compact city umbrellas, we tested them in real UK weather so you don’t have to. Read it next to complete your rain-ready kit.