Waterproof Jackets

Best Waterproof Jackets for Women 2025 | Tested and Reviewed

Here are the waterproof jackets for women that our gear testers recommend, including ultralights jackets, budget options, packable classics, fully waterproof powerhouses and more.

When choosing the right women’s waterproof jacket, we’ve found that it’s important to consider the type of activity or activities you’ll be needing it for and the environments and seasons you’ll be using it in.

For Munro bagging in the Highlands for instance, the best waterproof jacket will be one that’s tough and able to cope with very wet weather and cold temperatures, whereas if you need something for trail running in Spain during summer, then you’ll want something that’ll keep the rain out but that will be light and packable as it will probably remain in your bag for the duration.

In assessing the suitability of a particular rain jacket, the main factors you want to consider are weight, packability, durability and most importantly, the levels of weather protection and breathability.

There are many different types of waterproof fabrics out there, including Gore-tex, Futurelight, Pertex Shield and Demizax. These all have various advantages and disadvantages over each other, particularly when it comes to breathability. To gain an understanding of the breathability of a jacket before you buy it, it’s worth assessing the MVTR. That’s the moisture vapour transmission rate. With this, the higher the figure, the more breathable the jacket. Ideally look for anything with an MVTR of over 20,000.

Technical features worth considering, and that we have addressed in these reviews, are how well the hood holds (if it lifts off at the slightest bit of wind it can be useless), pocket options and whether any of them will hold an OS map, how the zips are protected (if they’re not waterproof is there at least a storm flap?), and also adjustment options on the hem, neck and cuffs.

There’s also the fit. Baggy and loose means ventilation and also gives the options for layering underneath, whereas a close trim can be more aerodynamic in strong winds and can also offer a lower weight overall.

The Best Women’s Waterproof Jackets

We’ve selected our favourite jackets following a variety of tests in the mountains of the UK. Including ultralights jackets, budget options, packable classics, and fully waterproof powerhouses, – here are the recommendations from our expert gear testers.

Best Overall Women’s Rain Jacket: Arc’teryx Beta LT
Our Runner-up: Rab Firewall Light
Most Breathable Waterproof Jacket: Páramo Velez Smock
Most Versatile Women’s Waterproof Jacket: Helly Hansen Momentum
Best Lightweight Women’s Waterproof Jacket: Keela Cairn Jacket
Best Women’s Waterproof Jacket for Trail Running: Harrier Exmoor

It’s worth checking out our buyers guide to waterproof jackets if you want to learn more on what to look for when you’re choosing a rain shell. Got an old jacket that you need to get rid of? Our guide on what to do with old or damaged outdoor gear will help you there.

Arc’teryx Beta LT

Selected as our best women’s waterproof jacket overall this year

Price: £550
Weight: 315g
Best for: Climbing, mountaineering, hiking and backpacking
Key attributes: Quality build and durable, breathable materials

Lightweight but still durable, waterproof but still breathable, the Beta LT couldn’t be much better. Canadian brand Arc’teryx are specialists in mountaineering, climbing and snow sports, so you can expect plenty of features designed to help you through the rough stuff – features like a helmet compatible storm hood, protective water-resistant zips and glove-friendly cord locks. We think it’s top-level stuff and unsurprisingly comes at the top-level price of £420.

Our tester said, “One of the coolest things about the Beta LT is that it’s an effective all-rounder when it comes to wintery mountain activities. Versatility is the name of game here with the jacket being a class option for skiers, mountaineers, climbers and hikers.”

Full Specifications

Also available in a men’s version / Gore-Tex Pro 3L Shell / helmet compatible, fully adjustable storm hood / Cohesive cordlocks / harness friendly / chin guard with microsuede / drop tail / adjustable hem / handwarmer pockets / internal chest pocket with zip.

Read our full Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket review.

Buy The Arc’teryx Beta AR: £550 at Arcteryx.com

Rab Firewall Light

Our runner-up for the best women’s waterproof jacket on the market

**Emma Cole testing the Firewall Light in Pembrokeshire’s hill country.**

Price: £200
Weight: 313g
Best for: Backpacking, climbing
Key attributes: High spec fabric that strikes a lot of balances, functional hood, good price point

This jacket uses a specially developed fabric from Rab that’s called Proflex. It’s a three-layer waterproof material and it therefore has a high level of durability and protection coupled with breathability too. It’s light as well, coming in at just 313g altogether.

Related: Best Walking Shoes for Women

There aren’t too many bells and whistles here but it still has good functionality. We found the hood held well in strong winds and we liked the fact it can be cinched in with just one hand. The pockets are also well placed so that you can access them when wearing a harness or a backpack with a hipbelt.

Our tester, Emma, tried this in a women’s L which is her usual size and she said the fit was spot on for her. Most notably, the arms were long and had good articulation so the hem doesn’t lift when you reach up above your head.

Full Specifications

Available in UK 8, 12, 16 / 3-layer Proflex fabric / PFC-free fabrics / YKK Aguaguard zips / HH: 20,000 mm \ MVTR: 20000g/m2/24hrs / adjustable hood with stiffened peak.

Read our full Rab Firewall Light review.

Buy The Rab Firewall Light: £200 at Blacks.co.uk

Páramo Velez Adventure Smock

The best women’s waterproof jacket for breathability, according to our team of testers

Price: £290
Weight: 315g
Best for: Hillwalking, day hikes
Key attributes: Long-lasting, breathable, warm

We’ve used this jacket from British brand Páramo extensively over the years and we rate it very highly. Now technically this thing isn’t waterproof but you can still count on it keeping you protected from the elements. It does in fact stand apart from most wet weather shells out there because instead of using a moisture blocking membrane, which tends to be the common approach by brands, it instead uses a clever blend of water resistant fabrics and Nikwax’s hydrophobic treatment. And what this brings to the table is breathability, because with this kind of wet weather system moisture from rain is repelled and moisture from your own perspiration is allowed to escape too.

Related: Best Sports Bras for Hiking

We found the details on this jacket to be great too. You get a wire-stiffened hood, a big kangaroo pocket big enough for maps and more and a bunch of venting zips as well.

Our gear tester said, “The venting options with this are incredibly efficient. On one mountain walk, I started off low in warm humid conditions and finished up in the dark and in the rain. I was able to keep the jacket on throughout, making use of the side and pocket vents, as well as the internal buttoning on the main zip.”

If you’re looking for a jacket for day hikes, this is a useful option – particularly in the cooler seasons. For stuff like summer backpacking, we have found that it is a little on the hot and heavy side. Something to bear in mind.

Full Specifications

Nikwax Analogy® fabrics / S-XXL / red, blue & black colour options / two-way main zip / zipped vents throughout / adjustable and wire-molded hood / harness, pack and helmet compatible / reflective details / valuables pocket / scooped hem with draw-cord adjustment

Read our full Páramo Velez review.

Buy The Páramo Velez Adventure Smock: £290 at Paramo-clothing.com

Helly Hansen Momentum 3-Layer Stretch

Our choice for the most versatile women’s waterproof jacket on test

OM tester Jazz is pictured here testing the Momentum on the South Downs Way in rainy weather

Price: £220
Weight: 400g
Best for: Three-season hiking, backpacking, everyday use
Key attributes: Super stretchy and adaptable, secure fit, excellent hood

Featuring a 3-layer polyester construction, the Helly Hansen Momentum is a softshell-hardshell hybrid jacket that combines lightweight comfort with hardy protection from the elements. We’ve been out testing it this winter and have been impressed with its performance so far. In particular, we can see it working well as a three-season multi-day hiking jacket for trails here in the UK.

“What I liked the most is the stretchiness of the jacket, especially at the hood and sleeves”, said OM tester Jazz Noble. “When walking along the South Downs Way path, there were some really blustery coastal winds coming through the valley but the hood stayed firmly on my head the whole time. There’s a toggle at the back but I didn’t need to use it; the hood just stretched, morphed to my head, and stayed put. It was great.”

“The fabric also still felt protective despite its thinness, and held up against some fairly stormy showers. It’s worth noting that there’s no ventilation zips, however, I had a base and a mid layer on underneath and didn’t feel too clammy or hot.”

Full Specifications

XS to XL / waterproof and windproof / hydrostatic head rating: 14000mm / fully seam sealed / 3-layer construction / shell fabric: 100% polyester / PFC-free DWR / adjustable hood and hem / articulated sleeves / two zippered hand pockets / full length front zip / elastic cuffs / drawstring at seam / bluesign approved main material.

Buy The Helly Hansen Momentum Waterproof Jacket: £220 at Hellyhansen.com

Keela Cairn Jacket

Our choice for the best lightweight waterproof jacket on the market

OM tester Jazz (on the left) testing Keela’s Cairn waterproof jacket in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Photo: Dave MacFarlane.

Price: £180
Weight: 308g
Best for: Climbing, scrambling, hillwalking, multi-activity use
Key attributes: Light but tough, good feature set

Designed by Scottish outdoor experts Keela, the Cairn waterproof jacket is uniquely tailored towards active, multi-sport mountain use. We’ve been out testing it in some seriously rainy conditions in North Wales and found it to be a great hardshell for lightweight hiking here in the UK.

OM tester Jazz said, “At 308g, this thing is light for a three-layer waterproof. I can see it working well for activities ranging from day hiking and three-season backpacking through to bikepacking and everyday wear. If you’re a quick hiker, I think this jacket will be right up your street. The active fit ensures a free range of movement while the impressive breathability and lightweight build is suited to high-aerobic outdoor activities.”

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The 3-layer Aquaflex technology is the main thing to note here. This is Keela’s proprietary fabric built for lightweight and breathable waterproof protection. Put simply, it consists of a ripstop nylon face fabric, a PU-based waterproof layer in the middle, and an inner scrim that all work together to keep you dry and protected. It’s been tested to withstand up to 10,000mm of heavy rain, which – while not the highest number out there – is impressive considering the weight of this thing. Jazz reports, “So far, I’ve had no problems here. It’s kept me dry in some stormy conditions while not feeling too clammy at the same time.”

Full Specifications

3-layer Aquaflex technology / fixed, helmet-compatible hood with protective peak and volume adjuster / elasticated cuff tabs / adjustable shock cord at the hem / trim and stretchy fit / two hip pockets with glove-friendly zipper tabs / very packable.

Read our full Keela Cairn Jacket review.

Buy The Keela Cairn Jacket: £180 at Keelaoutdoors.com

Harrier Exmoor

Our choice for the best women’s jacket for trail running

Price: £76
Weight: 340g
Best For: Trail running, fast-paced hiking, just-in-case jacket
Key attributes: Compatible with race vests, plenty of venting options, fantastic price point

The Exmoor is constructed from a Polyester outer, a PU membrane and then a sprayed on PU backer. It has a lot of stretch to it, almost softshell jacket-type levels, but the material does come rated with a decent 15,000mm hydrostatic head. This, we found, will cope with heavy rain, without compromising too much on breathability.

The seams of the jacket are all fully taped, to comply with FRA race requirements. Integrated pit zips and press studs down the main zip seam allow plenty of venting options. The back panel of the jacket is nicely shaped to fit a race vest underneath, which we appreciated, and it’s constructed with not one, but two front zips.

Our gear tester said, “The fact it’s designed to be thrown over the top of a race vest is pretty clever and, from our experience, it works. There are some nice touches too, including the thumb loops, the venting options and the printed silicone details on the shoulders.”

Other features include the peaked hood and three zipped pockets on the front and one on the back.

Full Specifications

Polyester outer / PU membrane and PU backer / hydrostatic head: 15,000mm / fully taped seams / integrated pit zips / press studs / peaked hood / thumb loops at the sleeves / silicone front strips / three zipped pockets at front / one back pocket / trail running vest compatible.

Read our full Harrier Exmoor review.

Buy The Harrier Exmoor Jacket: £76 at Harrierrunfree.co.uk

Passenger Five Element Recycled Jacket

“I’d say it’s a little shorter than most waterproof jackets”, said OM tester Jazz. “This is partly what gives it that versatile peak to pub look.”

Price: £270
Weight: 173g
Best for: Everyday use, day-to-day hiking
Key attributes: 100% recycled, PFC-free DWR, abrasion-resistant

Through sustained downpours, lashing winds, and a few eerily warm spells, the Passenger Five Element jacket has performed well during our tests. We can see it excelling as an everyday walking jacket when you need a reliable and protective waterproof that isn’t overly technical.

“During my tests, I faced some pretty relentless spring showers while hiking across various trails in the UK”, said OM tester Jazz. “I found that the Five Element jacket was reliable in keeping my dry and was effective at blocking out wind too. I did get a touch clammy at times, but that’s where the pit zips come in handy. I’ve found them very effective at dumping unwanted heat and easy enough to use on-the-move.”

Jazz is pictured here testing the Passenger Five Element in North Wales. Photos: Dave MacFarlane.

“I’ve enjoyed wearing it in my day-to-day life too. Love it or hate it – the GORP era seems here to stay, and this jacket has a look that fits right in. In particular, I can see it being a great jacket when you’re exploring a new country and need something that will perform reliably across an eclectic range of activities.”

Full Specifications

3-layer waterproof breathable fabric / 100% recycled polyester / PFC-free waterproof DWR coating / fully seam sealed / taped using Bemis tape / PFC-free waterproof DWR coating / 20,000mm waterproof rating / adjustable hood with a laminated peak / 2 waterproof YKK zipper side pockets / underarm pit zips / adjustable velcro on the cuffs / adjustable cord-locks in hem.

Read our full Passenger Five Element jacket review.

Buy The Passenger Five Element Jacket: £169.95 at Passenger-clothing.com

Tierra Nevado

Price: £222
Weight: 440g
Best for: climbing, winter hillwalking
Key attributes: durable but light, nice technical details

This is a tough jacket that’s built for the mountains. During our tests with it out in the mountains of Scotland, we were impressed by the protective combination of its 3-layer Gore-tex membrane and well designed hood which lets you really hunker down within it.

We also liked some of the smaller details, including the two-way main zip, two-way venting pit zips, moldable peak and the range of pockets.

While durable, this jacket also feels surprisingly lightweight. This, we found, makes it suitable as an option for anything from alpine climbing through to long-distance backpacking. Our tester Hannah said, “All in all, I see this as an excellent all-rounder – the kind of jacket you can pull on for just about every outdoor activity.”

Full Specifications

Also available in a men’s version / Gore-tex 3-layer fabric with C-knit backer / 100% Polyamide / two-way climber-friendly main zip and pockets / two handwarmer pockets / large chest pocket / internal valuables pocket / ski pass pocket on arm.

Read our full Tierra Nevado jacket review.

Buy The Tierra Nevado: £222 at Trekitt.co.uk

Outdoor Research Aspire 3L

**Our tester Nicole, a Mountain Rescue volunteer, wearing a women’s Medium.**

Price: £221
Weight: 435g
Best for: Trail running, fast-packing, mountain biking, high exertion outdoor activities
Key attributes: Durable, very well-ventilated, packable, flexible fit

The Outdoor Research Aspire 3L is made with a three-layer, 100% recycled nylon shell that has a level of flexibility that’s great for running, as well as other high exertion outdoor activities. According to our tests in the Scottish Highlands earlier this year, OR’s proprietary ‘AscentShell’ material felt very breathable when on the move and provided a high level of protection in heavy rain.

The flexible material allows for excellent freedom of movement with three key adjustability points that you can change on the move. Firstly, the elastic drawcord hem keeps heat in and the elements out when you need it to. Secondly, the cuffs are velcro and can be tightened sufficiently around a small wrist. Then finally, the hood cinches in and stays in place when the wind is a bit wild.

Our gear tester Nicola said, “I love the simplicity of this jacket. It has been really well refined and has everything I need for more active pursuits. It actually delivers on being both waterproof and breathable. If you are going to be standing around for longer periods of time, then a heavier duty waterproof could be more suited to your needs.”

Overall, the jacket has a simple, robust design with only the essentials. It keeps you dry and this minimalist design helps reduce weight. The ventilation zip spanning all the way from hem to bicep, on the other hand, is one of our favourite features about this jacket. To improve on this detail, the zip tags under the arms could be made a little larger for ease of operation whilst on the move.

Full Specifications

100% recycled nylon sell / AscentShell technologies / aqua guard zips / three-layer construction / handy front pocket / large side vents from hem to bicep / elastic drawcord hem / velcro cuffs / adjustable, cinched hood with protective brim / cycle helmet compatible.

Read our full Outdoor Research Aspire 3L review.

Buy The Outdoor Research Aspire 3L: £221 at Valleyandpeak.co.uk

CimAlp Cascade

Price: £205
Weight: 530g
Best for: Hiking, general outdoor use
Key attributes: Versatile, practical, comfortable

CimAlp’s Cascade jacket is a versatile, practical and great value everyday outdoor/hiking jacket. It employs CimAlp’s own fabric technology, namely 3-layer HardShell with a windproof nylon face fabric and a waterproof-breathable membrane. Construction is commendably eco-friendly, employing organic dyeing, blue sign certified manufacturing and a PFC-free DWR Teflon EcoElite treatment derived from renewable resources. That’s a tick in the sustainability box then.

The 3-layer fabric is very comfortable, with a pleasant next-to-skin feel. It’s well-made and finished nicely, so we’d also expect this jacket to be more durable than lighter alternatives. You get plenty of features, including water-resistant zippers, ventilation zips under the arms, two hand warmer pockets, two inside pockets and an adjustable hood and hem. Our favourite feature is the adjustable cuffs, since they have a little stretch for a tighter fit to lock out chilly gusts. It means they fit snugly over wrists but also over gloves without the sleeves riding up and exposing any skin.

Our tester Sarah Baynham said, “The jacket waterproofing stood up to the test when I took it for a spin in the rain. I stayed warm and dry under the jacket and it showed no signs of letting water in. If you looking for a waterproof jacket that can take a bit of a beating then I would highly recommend this jacket. The material is tough and durable and will keep you dry in heavy rain showers.”

Full Specifications

Women’s sizes: XS-XXL / 3L HardShell fabric / ventilation zips under the arms / 2 handwarmer pockets / 2 inside pockets / adjustable hood / adjustable cuffs / windproof stretch cuff at wrists / adjustable hem.

Read our full CimAlp Cascade Jacket review.

Buy The Cimalp Cascade Jacket: £205 at Cimalp.co.uk

Quechua MH500

Price: £59.99
Weight: 425g
Best for: Everyday wear, 2 to 3 season hiking
Key attributes: Large side vents, multiple adjustment points

Pictured here being tested in County Leitrim, Ireland, we have the Quechua MH500 Waterproof Jacket from Decathlon. Featuring a solid 3-layer waterproof membrane, 100% fully taped seams and adjustment toggles throughout – there’s some impressive features here, at an affordable price point too.

“During my tests in and around Ireland, the MH500 held up well against moderate showers and acted as a good windbreaker against some blustery winds from the coast”, said OM tester Jazz Noble. “Worn on top of a light down jacket and a base layer, it was nice and warm too.”

“I also found that the adjustability was great. You can really fine tune the jacket to your comfort levels using the various toggles throughout the jacket. I was also impressed with the huge side vents and am looking forward to testing them in warmer weather.” Stay tuned for updates.

Full Specifications

3-layer membrane / resists up to 25000 mm water column / main fabric: 78% polyamide, 22% polyester / membrane: 100% polyurethane / waterproof zip / 30 cm side vents / 2 hand zip pockets / 2 inside pockets / fully taped seams / drawcord at hem / adjustable sleeves and hood / stiff visor / fitted cut / hip length / multiple colourways / S to 3XL.

Buy The Quechua MH500 Waterproof Jacket: £59.99 at Decathlon.co.uk

The North Face Summit Papsura

Price: £360
Weight: 200g
Best for: Fast and light hiking
Key attributes: Stretchy and super breathable fabric

At 200g, the Papsura jacket weighs about the same as an apple. And it packs down almost that size too. It uses The North Face’s Futurelight membrane technology, a lightweight and breathable, 100% recycled nylon fabric and a PFC-free DWR. We’ve used this fabric in a number of products now and it has impressed us. You can also expect lots of alpine-friendly details too.

"I appreciated the long, protective sleeves." Photos: Dave MacFarlane.

According to The North Face, the Summit Papsura jacket is geared towards alpinists who like to move fast and light through the mountains. So far, we’ve found this too be true. During out tests, it has excelled best on those hikes where you’re really working up a sweat and aren’t taking too many breaks along the way.

“All in all, this is a very impressive jacket”, said OM gear tester Jazz. “I’ve found it to be a highly breathable outer layer so far, with good waterproofing abilities. I can see myself getting some mileage out of it in the summer months on some of the ultralight hiking trips I’ve got planned, and I’ll keep it in the locker for any trips to the alpine.”

“I think it will predominantly appeal to people who are focused on fast and light, high-aerobic hiking and climbing. Unless you’re willing to dish out the big bucks, it’s a little bit overkill for everyday hiking considering its minimalist features.”

Full Specifications

FUTURELIGHT 3-layer waterproof-breathable fabric / 100% recycled nylon outer / PFC-free DWR finish / adjustable hood with stiffened peak / full zip with chin guard / no shoulder seams / gusseted underarms / zipped hand pockets / internal mesh pouch in left pocket / internal gear loop in right pocket / stows into right pocket / semi-elasticated cuffs / semi-elasticated hem / regular fit.

Read our full The North Face Summit Papsura review.

Buy The North Face Summit Papsura Jacket: £360 at Ellis-brigham.com

Klättermusen Allgron 2.0

Price: £330
Weight: 625g
Best for: Climbing, mountaineering, hillwalking, hiking
Key attributes: Eco-friendly, high-spec, well-built, warm

This jacket is aimed at mountain-loving climbers, with features designed for technical use. This includes RECCO reflectors in case of avalanche, while the pockets and main zip, for example, have been deliberately positioned so as to not interfere with a climbing harness and the arms are articulated to allow high, unhindered reaches. You also get a 3D-adjustable peaked hood and underarm ventilation. The sleeve cuffs feature adjustable toggles and elastic sleeve ends, so they can be worn over the wrist or as little thumb loops to help the sleeves stay put.

The Klättermusen Allgron 2.0 is made from Ultramid Biomass Balanced Polyamide, which is a more sustainable way to produce synthetic fabrics. It also has a PFC-free durable water repellent coating. The fabric has a slight bit of stretch to it but it also feels hardy. During our tests, this was able to stand up to most abrasion and we expect it to last a long time.

Our tester said, “If you’re a genuinely diehard mountain person who loves clipping into harnesses and getting a bit extreme now and then, this waterproof jacket will more than justify the extra spend.”

Full Specifications

Unisex XS-XXL / 3L Cutan made from 50% Ultramid Bio-Mass Balanced Polyamide and 50% Polyamide / bluesign approved fabric / PFC-free / water column rating: 20,000 mm, MVTR: > 20,000 g/m/24h / fixed adjustable peaked hood / venting zips underarms / RECCO reflector.

Read our full Klättermusen Women’s Allgron 2.0 jacket review.

Buy The Klattermusen Allgron 2.0 £330 at Absolute-snow.co.uk

Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket

OM tester Jazz is pictured here testing the Cielo jacket in North Wales. Photo: Dave MacFarlane.

Price: £88.50
Weight: 340g
Best for: Day-to-day hiking, everyday use
Key attributes: Eco-friendly design, peak to pub versatility

This PFAS-free waterproof jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester and offers up to 10,000mm of waterproof protection. It’s got a straightforward design with solid protection from light rain. While not geared towards technical use, it’s a great around-the-town jacket that works well for casual spring and summer walking too.

“The Cielo comes in a regular fit which, from my experience, is nice and roomy”, said OM tester Jazz, “I’m roughly 5 foot 6 with a stocky and curvy build and I tried the jacket in a size XL. For most of my hikes so far, I’ve paired the Cielo with both a base layer and a mid layer fleece and haven’t felt too restricted.”

“The fabric has a durable and flexible feel to it which I appreciated on some steep ascents out in the Rhinogydd. I’m yet to really thrash the jacket about, but so far it’s fared well against snaggy branches and light rock abrasion. The jacket does ride up if you’re doing any upward reaching which is a bit annoying but shouldn’t be too much of an issue for its targeted uses.”

Full Specifications

100% recycled polyester / 2.5-layer breathable membrane with C0 DWR finish / full seam taping / one-touch hood adjustment / two zippered hand pockets / large zippered chest pocket / hook-and-loop cuff adjustment / encased elastic at hem for secure fit / waterproof rating: 10,000 mm / 24hr breathability rating / regular Fit

Read our full Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket review.

Buy The Cotopaxi Cielo Jacket: £175 at Uk.cotopaxi.com

How to Look After Your Waterproof Jacket and Make it Last Longer

Not so long ago, nearly all waterproof jackets came treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) containing strong, persistent chemicals called PFCs. These chemicals helped the outer fabric on waterproof jackets to bead away water, keeping the material dry, preventing saturation and ultimately maintaining the overall breathability and humidity within the shell. The problem with these chemicals, however, is that they’ve been found to be bad for the environment and potentially human health too and, as such, brands are moving away from using them in order to enhance their overall sustainability.

While this is good for the environment, many would argue that eco-friendly replacements for these PFC-free DWRs just aren’t up to scratch and jackets are now becoming saturated at a much faster rate than they used to. There’s a solution to this however, and it comes in the form of home reproofing products – those offered by Nikwax being a good example. With the UK brand’s TX.Direct solutions, you can restore your jacket’s water resistant coating over and over again, simply by adding it to a cycle in your washing machine or applying one of their sprays.

Here’s OM editor Will’s quick video walk through showing how to reproof your jacket at home.