If there is anything I would recommend you invest in for everyday outdoor wear, I suggest you look for the best waterproof jackets for walking. These can be a lifesaver whether you are on your daily walk with your dog or exploring a secluded trail. They can keep you protected from the elements.
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Continue below to find the best products you can find in the market today as well as valuable tips about which features to choose and prioritize. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down for more!
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Top Waterproof Jackets for Walking
To help you jumpstart your search for the best waterproof walking jacket, here are my top nine favorites that you might like! I pre-picked these according to the factors to consider that will be explained later in the article. Let’s get started!
Portwest S440 Classic Rain Jacket
First on our list is the Portwest Classic Rain Jacket, which promises to keep you safe and dry even under harsh weather. Made with a nylon material and a taped seam construction, this jacket is waterproof, protective, and durable.
It features two large hip pockets and flaps that ensure your valuables stay protected as well. The main zipper along with an inner storm flap helps seal water out and prevents it from seeping through the zippers.
In case the jacket gets too warm, you can simply open a vent at the back to get the air flowing and allow sweat to evaporate.
The drawstring hood and hem let you adjust the jacket for a perfect fit and also pull it close to your body for a tight seal. Elasticated storm cuffs prevent the sleeve from riding up and letting cold wind or water in.
You can get this jacket in black, gray, navy, olive, orange, or yellow.
Portwest US440ORR5XL Classic Rain Jacket
Another great product from Portwest, the US440 Classic Rain Jacket offers more than just waterproof protection. It also features a UPF 50+ sun protection rating to keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays that can cause cancer.
This rain jacket is a durable and practical companion during bad weather conditions. Aside from the waterproof body, this jacket even has taped seams to keep water from seeping through the stitching.
It has two pockets for storing small items and your valuables somewhere safe but accessible. Because it is made with lightweight and non-bulky materials, you can easily fold it, roll it up, and store it when not in use. With its amazing features, it gives amazing value for your money.
The Classic Rain Jacket even comes in a wide range of colors including black, olive, orange, yellow, blue, and navy.
JINIDU Men’s Waterproof Rain Jacket
Made with 98% polyester and 2% nylon for supreme water resistance, the JINIDU Men’s Waterproof Rain Jacket offers breathable and lightweight protection to keep your body comfy and dry during your walks.
It features a classic design with a large hood, a half zip up design, and a big front pocket for storing and carrying your things. It is made with lightweight environmental fabric which makes it easy to store and wear.
The back pocket also doubles as a storage pouch for when the jacket is folded, allowing you to easily pack it into your traveling bag, handbag, or suitcase. It is great for use during all seasons and for a variety of outdoor activities.
The clean, non-trench coat, minimalistic design only has covered front buttons and no belt for a simple yet stylish look. There are also 11 colors to choose from!
SoTeer Women’s Waterproof Rain Jacket
From SoTeer, a professional clothing company for ladies, comes this Women’s Waterproof Rain Jacket that combines both protection and comfort. Available in many beautiful colors, this jacket is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face no matter how gloomy the weather can be!
Perfectly sized two front pockets can hold all kinds of your essentials and things like your keys, gadgets, and snacks.
This jacket is made with waterproof, breathable, skin-friendly, and quick-drying material made of 5% Spandex and 95% Polyester for optimum performance under all kinds of weather and during all seasons. Elastic cuffs seal off the rain and wind and also prevent the sleeves from riding up.
The drawcord adjustable hem and front zip closure make for a perfect, secure fit. The adjustable hood helps keep you dry as well. You can buy this jacket with 15 different color combinations.
Gioberti Men’s Waterproof Rain Jacket
Gioberti proudly presents this rain coat with the promise of doing its job properly. It is made with 100% polyester material that is both breathable and waterproof so you can enjoy your walk and outdoor activities in comfort.
It features the latest waterproof technology that wicks moisture away upon contact and a fully seam-taped inner lining to ensure that water will not seep in. These will keep you dry even under wet weather.
The interior has a full mesh lining for utmost comfort and breathability. This material allows heat and moisture from sweat to escape efficiently.
A velcro flap protects the full-length front zipper for an extra layer of protection. It also has a hooded cap, two side zippers with flap overlaps, velcro sealing cuffs, and lock in pull strings on the hemline and hood. All of these features contribute to providing the perfect fit, sealed in protection, and waterproof function.
Choose among thirteen available colors to find a perfect match for your personal taste and style!
Columbia Men’s Glennaker Lake Rain Jacket
The Columbia Men’s Glennaker Lake Rain Jacket’s design and functionality were inspired by classing mountaineering. It features a tried-and-tested truly waterproof fabric made of 100% lightweight nylon material. This jacket is also comfortable, stylish, and efficient in providing ample protection against rain and wind.
The lining is also water-resistant and made with 100% polyester mesh that ensures breathability and comfort. The zipper closure is convenient and durable.
If you need protection from heavy rains, simply expose the hideaway hood. Otherwise, you can keep it stowed away and use the jacket during the summer or under a more amiable weather.
The adjustable cuffs provide additional sealing against water and cold winds while the zippered side-entry pockets located at the hips offer a safe storage space for your valuables.
Choose among 16 different colors to find the one that suits you best!
Charles River Apparel Women’s New Englander Jacket
Made exclusively by Charles River Apparel, this Women’s New Englander Jacket could be your next favorite essential rainwear. It is waterproof and windproof with heat-sealed seams to make sure rain and wind stays out.
A polyurethane shell fabric is combined with a woven backing for extra fabric strength and durability. The inside is mesh-lined for optimum airflow while the sleeves are made with taffeta nylon so you can easily put it on and off. It also has a front chest vent and underarm vents for breathability in case things get too hot.
Both the open hem and hood are equipped with a shock cord drawstring for adjustability. The cuffs can also be adjusted using a hook and loop system for a proper fit to seal the elements out.
Aside from all these, Charles River Apparel boasts of their clothings’ contemporary design, innovative technologies, and amazing quality. You can buy this jacket in 19 different cool and cute colors.
Portwest S460 Lightweight High-Vis Waterproof Rain Jacket
The Portwest S460 Lightweight High-Vis Waterproof Rain Jacket is a popular choice among street workers and traffic enforcers. It is Certified to an EN343 Class 3:1 and EN471 Class 3:2 according to the European Standard for protective clothing. This means that it meets or surpasses the minimum safety and protection standard against wet weather.
This jacket was specifically designed to keep the wearer highly visible under low light conditions and foul weather. It is also waterproof and extremely practical since it shields against rain like a raincoat.
With the help of taped seams and a detachable hood, you can prevent rainwater or the cold winds from seeping into the interior.
Multiple storage pockets provide space for keeping your valuables safe. A studded storm flap adds a layer of protection over the front pockets.
It is made with a 100% Polyester material, polyurethane coated, 300D Oxford Weave with a Stain Resistant finish. Despite its efficiency, it is not bulky and in fact can be easily rolled up to be stored.
Get amazing value for your money by choosing this jacket!
Abollria Women’s Rain Jacket
Last but not the least, we have the Abollria Women’s Rain Jacket, another comfortable and functional choice. It is made with 95% Terylane and 5% Spandex material for superior waterproof protection, flexibility, durability, and breathability.
The material used is also thin, lightweight, wind-resistant, and quick drying. Therefore, you can use this jacket under both nice and harsh weather. You can also always bring it with you in your bag without it occupying too much space.
Two front pockets feature a button zipper so you can keep your things dry and organized. A button-down pocket, on the other hands, provides safety for your things.
The simple and unique design of this jacket also allows you to wear it casually during the winter, autumn, summer, and spring. Choose among the seven colors including navy blue, yellow, and black!
Characteristics of a Good Waterproof Jacket for Walking
To help you understand the features better, here are the important characteristics you should look for in the best waterproof jackets for walking:
Waterproof
Waterproof jackets should have a waterproof material with sealed or taped seams in order to be correctly defined as waterproof. This waterproof material can be a membrane, laminate, coating, or any similar waterproofing technology. Taped seams prevent water from entering through the stitching.
The degree of being waterproof is measured using the hydrostatic head, which is the maximum height of water in a tube placed over the fabric without the water penetrating through. For example, a 10000HH jacket offers better waterproof protection than a 5000HH jacket.
Some manufacturers indicate the hydrostatic head rating of their product while some will only tell you that it is 100% waterproof. This usually means that it has a hydrostatic head rating of 10,000HH or more.
Sometimes, an outer fabric is used to protect the inner waterproof membrane of a jacket. Often, this outer fabric is coated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. This finish lets the water form into beads and slide off rather than seep through. However, jackets with DWR finish might need proper maintenance to stay waterproof.
Breathable
Another key feature of a jacket for walking is breathability or moisture-wicking so you can stay cool and dry when wearing it. More often than not, waterproof materials have a plastic feel that prevents sweat from evaporating, causing discomfort and a clammy feeling.
Therefore, look for materials that are known to repel liquids but also allow air to flow and moisture to escape. An example of this is Gore-Tex, the most popular choice among manufacturers. This material is a thin layer of fabric containing micropores that are small enough to repel water molecules but large enough to allow free movement of air molecules. Other brands may use membranes like the DryVent and event.
These membranes are typically more expensive and are better for when you want to for more than just a gentle, short walk. If you do not plan to engage in much activity or movement, cheaer waterproof jackets may be a more practical choice.
If you do plan to also go hiking or running using your jacket, look for zip-up vents to prevent overheating and excessive sweating. These vents are usually located under the pits to help regulate your body temperature, allow moisture to evaporate, and encourage airflow within the jacket.
Materials
The materials used in making a jacket will determine its performance and durability. So, look for high-quality fabric, zippers, cords, and flaps. Some of the best waterproof jacket materials are covered with a layer of polyurethane, a versatile elastomer typically used in making sports clothes.
PU-coated fabrics have a high load bearing capacity, which means they can resist tension, tears, and compression better. This protects your jacket from damage due to sharp or abrasive objects.
High-quality zippers also save you from the headache of dealing with jammed, broken, or defective closure for your jacket.
Fit
No matter how functional and great a jacket may be, it cannot be the best if it does not fit you properly. So, look for a jacket size that is not too large but has enough allowance for layering clothes underneath.
The hem should also go low enough to cover your back at all times, even when you lift your hands. It should also allow you to have an unrestricted range of motion.
Generally, a tighter fit will prevent fabric flap and improve breathability. However, a more relaxed fit will be more comfortable, and allow you to move more freely and wear more layers during the cold months.
Reasonable Price
As with any outdoor gear, the saying “you get what you pay for” also applies to waterproof jackets for walking. A higher price usually means higher quality materials and better performance or protection. Cheaper options may not be as waterproof or may lack certain features like breathability and adjustability.
If you want to be totally protected during your walks, I suggest that you spend a little more on a better quality jacket. This will also serve its purpose for a longer period of time and help you save money in the long run.
However, note that this also depends on the purpose of your jacket. Of course, you won’t need a high-end product if you only plan to use it for your daily commute or for walking your dog.
Other Features to look for
- Taped seams to avoid leaks and add an extra level of protection.
- An adjustable hood for extra wind and rain protection.
- Storm flaps to protect the zippers and closures as well as prevent water seepage
- Pockets for storing your valuables
- Adjustable elastic cuffs and hems for a snug fit and to seal wind and water off
Conclusion
The best waterproof jackets for walking should be breathable, good-fitting, reasonably priced, and made with high-quality materials. With the nine products mentioned here, you are off to a great start towards finding the perfect walking jacket!
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