Best Waterproof Jacket Brands UK 2026
Why Waterproof Ratings Matter
Every waterproof jacket sold in the UK carries a hydrostatic head rating — the column of water the fabric can withstand before moisture pushes through. The number matters because British rain is not gentle.
A jacket rated at 5,000mm handles light rain and short exposure. At 10,000mm you are covered for steady rainfall and moderate activity. At 20,000mm and above — the territory of GORE-TEX and high-spec membranes — you can stand in driving rain for hours without breakthrough. The problem is that waterproofing alone is not enough. A fully sealed jacket that traps your sweat inside is worse than getting wet from outside. That is where breathability enters the picture.
Quick Reference
- 5,000mm: Light rain, low activity — commuting, dog walks
- 10,000mm: Moderate rain, moderate activity — hiking, outdoor events
- 20,000mm+: Heavy rain, high activity — mountain use, endurance sports
GORE-TEX vs DryVent vs Waxed Cotton
GORE-TEX
The gold standard membrane. GORE-TEX bonds a microporous ePTFE layer between the outer fabric and inner lining. Water droplets are too large to pass through the pores, but water vapour (sweat) escapes freely. It delivers 28,000mm+ hydrostatic head with exceptional breathability. You will find it in premium The North Face jackets, Berghaus outerwear and Salomon trail shells. It adds £50–£100 to the price but the performance justifies it for serious outdoor use.
DryVent
The North Face’s proprietary membrane. Available in 2-layer and 3-layer versions, DryVent offers solid waterproofing (typically 15,000–20,000mm) at a lower price point than GORE-TEX. It is lighter, more packable and perfectly adequate for UK conditions short of sustained mountain rain. Most of The North Face’s lifestyle and urban jackets use DryVent rather than GORE-TEX.
Waxed Cotton
Barbour’s signature. Waxed cotton is not a membrane — it is a treatment. The wax coating repels water on contact and, when properly re-waxed annually, maintains its resistance for decades. It is not fully waterproof under sustained downpour, but it handles British drizzle effortlessly and improves with age. No synthetic jacket develops the same patina.
GORE-TEX
28,000mm+ rated. Maximum protection. Higher price. Used by TNF, Berghaus, Salomon.
DryVent
15,000–20,000mm rated. TNF exclusive. Good value for UK rain. Lighter weight.
Waxed Cotton
Water-resistant, not waterproof. Improves with age. Requires annual re-waxing.
PU Coated Nylon
Budget option. 10,000–15,000mm typical. Used in lighter shells and packable layers.
The North Face
The North Face dominates the UK waterproof market for a reason: they offer GORE-TEX and DryVent across a price range that starts accessible and climbs to mountain-grade. Their Nuptse and Himalayan down jackets are layering pieces rather than true waterproofs, but the MA Rainlit HD (£165) with DryVent membrane handles year-round rain at a sensible price. For trail use, the Hedgehog GTX range extends the waterproof promise down to your feet.
Their Cyclone Wind jacket (£105) is the entry-level option — wind-resistant with water-repellent treatment, ideal for spring showers rather than winter storms. For serious rain, step up to their GORE-TEX-lined models.
TNF Strength
Widest range of waterproof technologies at the widest price range. From £105 wind shells to £315 GORE-TEX down. Something for every budget.
Berghaus
Berghaus is the quiet authority in British outdoor gear. Founded in Newcastle in 1966, they have spent six decades engineering jackets for the Lake District, the Highlands and the Pennines — the wettest terrain in England. Their Trawden Hybrid (£150) combines insulated panels with waterproof shell sections. The Ewden (£100) is a clean, lightweight waterproof for daily commutes.
Where Berghaus excels is value. Their Greenbank and Wavertree tracksuit sets (£145–£185) pair water-resistant jackets with matching trousers — a full look at a fraction of what TNF charges for separates. The GORE-TEX VC22 hiking shoe (£150) rounds out the system for wet-weather walking.
Berghaus Strength
British-designed for British weather. Exceptional value. Tracksuit sets that work as technical layers or casual outfits.
Belstaff
Belstaff is not a hiking brand. It is a heritage outerwear house that has been waterproofing riders, adventurers and film stars since 1924. Their approach is waxed cotton, treated nylon and heavy-duty construction — jackets built to last a decade, not a season. The Pendulum (£895) is their statement piece: a structured, waxed jacket with a silhouette that works in the city as easily as the countryside.
The Ground jacket (£262.50–£350) is the entry point — water-resistant nylon with a clean, minimal design. The Marsh (£375) adds military-inspired pocket detailing. These are not technical waterproofs for mountain use. They are waterproof enough for British weather and stylish enough for London.
Belstaff Strength
Heritage construction. Jackets that look better with age. City-to-country versatility that no technical brand can match.
Parajumpers
Parajumpers was founded in 2006 by an Italian designer inspired by the 210th Rescue Squadron of the Alaska Air National Guard. Every jacket references military and aviation heritage — fur-trimmed hoods, storm flaps, articulated arms. Their down jackets are among the warmest on the market and their shells are genuinely waterproof.
The Jinny hooded down jacket (£346.50–£495) combines 700-fill duck down with a water-resistant outer shell. The Mariah bomber (£363.30–£475) adds shearling collar detailing. The Gobi (£351.60) is their signature piece — a bomber-length parka with real fur trim and extreme-weather credentials. These are investment jackets priced at the premium end.
Parajumpers Strength
Military-grade warmth meets Italian design. Premium down fill with genuine waterproof shells. Statement outerwear.
Barbour International
Barbour International is the motorcycle-inspired arm of the Barbour family. Where mainline Barbour leans country, International leans urban — biker-cut jackets, quilted panels, waxed cotton with hardware details. The Heritage Wax (£389) is the definitive piece — Northumberland check lining, re-waxable shell, a jacket your grandchildren will inherit.
For actual waterproofing, the Serravalle (£279) in truffle uses a sealed membrane. The Longline Kyra (£249) adds length for full coverage in downpours. And the quilted range — Dakota (£129), Ari (£129), Conway (£139) — provides insulated water resistance for transitional seasons.
Barbour Strength
Waxed cotton heritage that no other brand can replicate. Re-waxable for life. The only jacket that genuinely improves with decades of wear.
Brand Comparison Table
| Brand | Price Range | Waterproof Tech | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The North Face | £105–£315 | GORE-TEX / DryVent | All-round outdoor and urban |
| Berghaus | £100–£185 | GORE-TEX / Hydroshell | Hiking, value, British weather |
| Belstaff | £262–£895 | Waxed cotton / treated nylon | Heritage, city, investment pieces |
| Parajumpers | £304–£495 | Water-resistant down shells | Extreme cold, premium statement |
| Barbour Int’l | £129–£389 | Waxed cotton / sealed membrane | Heritage, biker style, longevity |
Our Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most waterproof jacket you stock?
Our GORE-TEX options from The North Face and Berghaus offer 28,000mm+ hydrostatic head ratings — the highest waterproof protection available in consumer outerwear. For sustained heavy rain and high-output activity, GORE-TEX is the top tier.
Is waxed cotton truly waterproof?
Waxed cotton is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. It repels rain on contact and handles typical British weather perfectly. In sustained, heavy downpour it will eventually absorb moisture. Annual re-waxing maintains performance. Barbour and Belstaff both use this material for its durability and character.
What is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?
Water-resistant means the fabric repels water to a degree but will eventually soak through under sustained exposure. Waterproof means a sealed membrane prevents water penetration entirely, up to the tested hydrostatic head rating. A 5,000mm jacket is technically waterproof but will fail faster than a 20,000mm one.
Can I try these jackets in-store?
Yes. We stock The North Face, Berghaus, Belstaff, Parajumpers and Barbour International at OD’s Designer Clothing, 44 Barrow Street, St Helens. Open Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm. Our team can walk you through the differences in person.
Which waterproof jacket is best for commuting?
For daily commuting, the Berghaus Ewden (£100) or The North Face Cyclone Wind (£105) offer the best balance of waterproofing, weight and price. Both pack down small enough for a work bag. For a style upgrade, Barbour International’s quilted range adds polish without sacrificing practicality.