Best lightweight waterproof jackets of 2024: Stay dry on your hikes, without the bulk

We're aware of the high standing Arc'teryx has in the world of outdoor fashion. Nevertheless, the Beta LT Far more than a 'just in case' jacket, the Beta Lightweight is a true 3-season mountain shell made from 3-layer Gore-Tex C-Knit fabric with a 40- and 70-denier ripstop nylon face. As well as offering top-level waterproof and breathable performance, it makes for excellent durability and comfort. All in all, it's a quality waterproof.

Of course, Arc'teryx gear is expensive and painfully trendy these days too. But there aren't too many other brands that can turn out fully featured, 3-layer Gore-Tex jackets that tip the scales at just 340g.

In addition to a very low weight, the Arc'teryx Beta jackets now use Gore-Tex ePE as well. This is Gore-Tex's newest membrane, which offers the same performance as the old ePTFE but without PFC/PFAS. We were also very happy to see the Beta Lightweight Jacket is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

The fit is roomier than some, though this does allow more scope for layering. The longer hemline and sleeves also provide ample coverage. Other features include two well-placed, fully lined hand pockets plus a zipped inner security pocket. The laminated main zip runs smoothly and has a small inner stormflap with a soft chinguard.

All the zips have grippy, easy-to-grab pullers. There are dual hem drawcords, Velcro-adjustable cuffs and a helmet compatible hood, which is quite big, but can be cinched in with the adjustment tabs and has a stiffened peak.

Check out the women's version

Read our full Arc'teryx Beta Jacket review

Opting for a waterproof jacket with a 3-layer construction is something we'd recommend for avid hillwalkers and mountain hikers but it's not something you need for less intense or less frequent outings.

This is especially true when you're taking a waterproof layer to stash in your pack for emergencies rather than wearing all day. In this case, a 2.5-layer construction can be a very good option and this Adidas Terrex jacket is our current pick of the bunch.

We like it because it balances performance and value – being well made (for example the chunky zip pullers and Velcro tabs that are easy to use with gloves) with a high waterproof rating (28,000mm HH thanks to Gore-Tex), yet without going overboard with features and driving up the price.

Tipping the scales at well under 400g, the Terrex Xperior jacket is very lightweight and stashable. When wearing it, we found it comfortable and breathable, certainly good enough for most hiking conditions. Though, do note its pockets can be obstructed by backpack hipbelts, and there are no pit zips.

Check out the women's version here

We first tested and reviewed the Cairn Jacket in 2016, and it's been part of Keela's lineup ever since, undergoing periodic design updates while maintaining its core features. Despite its featherweight construction at under 350g, it still manages to boast a range of technical features and offer good value.

The hood accommodates climbing helmets and offers three-way adjustment, ensuring a snug fit that moves seamlessly with the head. Additionally, a wired peak works well to deflect rain away from the face. The two-way water-resistant zipper, extending to the nose, is equipped with a chin guard and inner storm flap for enhanced protection.

Partly elasticated cuffs also have Velcro adjustment, while the hem features dual drawcord adjustment and a scooped tail for added weather protection. However, we did miss pit zips, which are very useful for boosting ventilation when working hard. They're common on many hardshells these days, so would've been goo d to see on the Cairn.

The jacket includes four pockets: a small inner zipped security pocket, a similarly sized outer zipped chest pocket, and two spacious hand pockets labeled as "harness-compatible." Despite this, we found the hand pockets can still be obstructed by a rucksack hip belt.

This jacket uses Keela's own waterproof membrane called Aquaflex. It's a three-layer construction and it offers decent flexibility due to its thin, light, albeit slightly crinkly construction. While this material provides agility, and is suitable for most circumstances, we found that in really wild and wet weather we were yearning for a heavier-duty option.

In summary, the Keela waterproof shell impressed us with its value, lightweight design, and functional features. But areas for improvement, such as ventilation and pocket accessibility, would make it even better.

Check out the women's version here

Read our full Keela Cairn Jacket review

The Sherpa Nima 2.5-Layer Jacket provides a refreshing alternative to the traditional notion that for waterproof jackets to be effective, they must feature Gore-Tex. While Gore-Tex jackets are excellent for mountain conditions and teeming rain, they may not suit everyone's needs. Some of us seek a versatile waterproof option suitable for everyday use in urban settings, commuting, and leisurely weekend strolls.

Sherpa's Nima Jacket doesn't boast the same waterproof rating as Gore-Tex, but its 10,000mm HH rating is sufficient for all but torrential conditions and persistent heavy rain.

Its lightweight design, weighing under 300g, is thanks to the 2.5-layer construction. Mesh-lined pockets and pit zips enhance breathability, while Velcro cuffs, a double storm flap on the main zip, and an adjustable hood provide additional weatherproofing elements.

But what sets the Nima jacket apart from many focused hiking hardshells is its versatility, subtle styling, and therfore suitability for urban and travel use too. Moreover, its eco-friendly credentials are impressive. Not only is it made from recycled materials and PFC-free, but Sherpa also supports Nepalese schoolchildren and employment opportunities through its Handcrafted Collection, adding an tangible ethical dimension to its appeal.

Check out the men's version here

This sub-200g waterproof from Patagonia is primarily designed for running, but we liked to use it for fast day hikes as well. We found it's impressively breathable and incredibly packable, whether into a backpack stash pocket or the jacket's own chest pocket.

Despite the incredibly low weight, it's a 3-layer construction and therefore manages to offer an excllent lightweight-durability balance. Although, that said, – it's fine to use with a small or light daypack, but not a jacket we'd suggest using with a larger or heavy backpack.

The very low weight is librating and our female tester really liked the slim cut, which she said was flattering and comfy. In terms of waterproofing, the Storm Racer uses Patagonia's own H2No membrane and is perfectly capable of fending of continuous rain.

We liked the eco credentials too. The Storm Racer ticks the recycled fabric box, but is also PFC-free and produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

Check out the men's version here

Read our full Patagonia Storm Racer Waterproof Jacket review

There are a lot of unique aspects to the Snaefell jacket from Icelandic brand 66°North, and overall we found it to be a superb piece of design.

First and foremost, the Snaefell uses a new and more sustainable type of membrane called Polartec Power Shield Pro. It boasts hydrostatic head and breathability ratings of 20,000 but is both PFC-free and 48% plant-based. And strangely, it doesn't feel like a typcal hardshell waterproof jacket at all.

The fabric is soft, flexible, and even a bit stretchy. It feels more like a thin softshell and overall comfort is top notch. Polartec says that instead of being porous like other membranes, Power Shield Pro is breathable through thermal diffusion, which always works, unlike pores that get clogged by dirt and sweat.

In short, we loved the performance and comfort of the Snaefell, and it is a versatile jacket. It looks good and is comfy enough to be used in everday scenarios, yet has features like a two-way zip; ski pass pocket in the sleeve; and side pockets positioned high enough to avoid being blocked by a pack hip belt, so it's great for hiking and skiing too.

That said, it's got a reasonably short hem and no wire peaked hood, so while it's good in most scenarios, you'll want something a bit more adapted to alpinism and mountaineering if that's what you need.

Women's version here

Read our full 66°North Snaefell Polartec Power Shield Pro review

Weighing in at less than 260g, the Latok Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Jacket is remarkably lightweight for such a high-performance jacket.

It uses a 2.5-layer construction but still boasts standard Gore-Tex hydrostatic head ratings of 28,000mm and decent breathability rating of RET <9.

There are several features that indicate this jacket's intention as an emergency waterproof layer for climbers and alpinists. These include the helmet-compatible hood, articulated sleeves for freedom of movement, and Napoleon-style pocket that can be accessed while wearing a harness.

Being made from 13D fabric, combined with the 2.5-layer construction, it's not the toughest jacket out there. But it is PFC-free, and Rab is one of the outdoor industry's most proactive brands regarding sustainability.

This jacket combines striking looks with an innovative construction. It employs stretchy PFC-free Gore-Tex Paclite Plus. This approach is designed to balance waterproof-breathable performance and durability while minimising overall weight. So, the Alpine GTX tips the scales at under 250g but delivers top-quality rain protection and breathability.

It's very comfy, with a neat, streamlined cut that offers good freedom of movement but plenty of coverage in the arms and body. It also features a ZipOver system that expands and covers a running pack if you're using one.

Other features include unusual underarm vents, which consist of perforated fabric panels protected by stormflaps. The hem and cuffs are elasticated but have no adjustment, so they either fit or they don't.

Check out the women's version here

If you're happy to trade top-end waterproofing for more a lot more breathability, the Icelandic Straumnes jacket is something you should consider. 

It's not classed as waterproof, instead, 66Deg North calls the Gore-Tex Infinium material used here 'highly water-resistant'. In practice, we've found that to mean it still cuts out wind and copes against showers, rather than driving rain like you get with 'standard' Gore-Tex.  

But, the level of breathability with Infinium is much higher than a standard waterproof hardshell jacket. Straumnes is, therefore, much better for fast or high-intensity hiking. The Straumnes family (we've tested the trousers too) can even be used for trail running on very cold days. 

The Straumnes jacket performs like an outer layer but fits like a mid-layer, with an athletic cut, shorter hem, and longer arm length. 

Check out the women's version here

Read our full 66°North Straumnes review

Haglöfs' L.I.M or 'less is more' series is highly regarded amongst ultralighters for its ethos of 'functional minimalism' – that is, delivering all the essentials but nothing extraneous, all in a weight-conscious package. This jacket is no exception.

For cut and construction, uses Gore-Tex Paclite Plus fabrics to deliver a balance of waterproof-breathable performance, durability and comfort. It has a neat cut too, with a slim and streamlined fit.

The features are basic but cover the essentials. There's a good centre zip, with a soft chinguard at the top. We liked how Haglöfs has avoided having any seams on the shoulders to improve durability.

Unfortunately, while the Haglöfs hood design does a decent job of reducing hood volume and is easy to adjust, the floppy peak offers limited protection from rain. It doesn't move particularly well with the head either.

This is a dependable option and is well priced. Haglöfs is quite a sustainable brand too, being a Fair Wear Foundation leader, and using bluesign-approved fabrics on this jacket.

Check out the women's version here

Bluesign-approved and PFC-free, this water-based fabric cleaning is ideal for any technical or waterproof fabric, including Gore-Tex. It's highly concentrated too, so a little goes a long way.

Like Grangers, this is water-based and PFC-free. It too is a very effective cleaner of outdoor and technical garments. Really, there's nothing separating them except name.

This kit supplies a big one-litre volume of Tech Wash and the 300ml bottle of reproofing TX.Direct. With TX.Direct, add it to the washing machine and run a second cycle after cleaning with Tech Wash.

This combo is perfect for cleaning outdoor garments and then adding durable water repellency to waterproof fabrics. The Performance Wash is used like a laundry detergent, while the Repel Plus is a simple spray.