Top 10 Best Hiking Jackets in the UK 2021 (The North Face, Berghaus and More)

Without further ado, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. In the section, we’ll be looking into the different characteristics brought to the table by various styles, technologies and functionalities. While buying a hiking jacket might seem daunting, with just a little bit of extra knowledge you’ll be well-placed to make an informed decision. 

First up, you’ll want to consider the style of jacket. While there are many variations, we’ve decided to narrow it down to the most common three. Below, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each of them. 

This style of waterproof jacket is many people's go-to layer when the heavens open. They're generally small and lightweight and most of the time they're packable too, either fitting into their pocket or an accompanying pouch. This makes them an ideal choice if the climate is known to change frequently. 

When it comes to these jackets, the lighter and the smaller they are the better, as you’ll want them to take up as little space in your pack as possible. 

They do have a downside though, which is that they’re not very warm. So, if you're walking in the chillier seasons you’ll need to sort yourself out with a reliable layering system in case the temperature drops. 

The classic year-round garment, a 3-in-1 is essentially two jackets: a waterproof outer and an inner fleece lining. They offer brilliant value for money as they can be utilised in three different combinations – the fleece when it’s cool but dry, the shell when it’s wet but mild and the two combined when it’s rainy and cold. 

With a good base, this is practically a full layering system and due to the changeable weather conditions they can accommodate, they tend to be a favourite for hiking in the UK. 

The only issue is that they are fairly bulky, so if you take the full jacket you’re going to hope the weather stays the same while you're out. 

Down is often considered nature's best insulator, as it’s capable of providing real warmth in frosty conditions. Not only is it warm, but it’s also super lightweight and breathable, giving it a great warmth-to-weight ratio. Hence, it's the ideal material for those looking for a cosy, heated hiking jacket.

However, down coats do have their issues. Firstly, and importantly for the UK, they don't work as well when wet, as the moisture will cause the feather filling to clump together and lose its insulating properties. This could also cause long-term damage to the jacket. 

Owing to this, they're also difficult to care for in terms of washing and drying, and finally, they tend to be on the pricier side.

There are countless different technologies used for waterproofing jackets, so many, in fact, that it can get pretty confusing. So, we’ve tried to break it down for the everyday man and women. Generally, waterproofing can fall into three categories. 

Outsourced membranes such as Gore-Tex, eVent and Nikwax will offer the best functionality as they will be waterproof and windproof. However, what sets them apart is their exceptional levels of breathability, which is due to their use of tiny holes that allow air out but don’t allow water particles in.

All of the top outdoor brands have their own versions, such as Jack Wolfskin's Texapore and The North Face's HyVent. Without getting too techy, they aren’t considered standalone membranes, but use a coated fabric with a layered system that functions as a membrane. They often have great wind- and waterproofing, however, they don't excel at breathability.

 
A coated fabric, meanwhile, won’t have a membrane at all. Instead, it will use a DWR (durable water repellent) or a PU (polyurethane) coating to protect the wearer. This means the jacket will be breathable, but its water-repellency will only stand up for so long and has nowhere near the same effectiveness as membrane technologies. 

A great addition to consider, pockets are not there just for keeping your paws warm but will also keep valuables safe. A decent rain jacket will have a minimum of two front pockets and one interior. 

The more technical the jacket, the more chance of a higher number of pockets. This can be extremely useful if you’re out for a long hike as you don’t want to be taking off and opening your backpack every half an hour to get snacks, a GPS, or another camera lens. 

A good hood is essential for extra protection, after all, it wouldn’t be wise to ascend Snowdon with a brolly. Look for a hood that offers complete coverage, ideally with the option of being adjusted so you can ensure it fits snugly. 

Some options even come with wire peaks and a high chin fitting. Although not crucial, these do offer that extra bit of shelter that could make a big difference if you’re out hiking for a long time. 

Many jackets will also come with adjustable hems and cuffs to trap the warm air in and keep the biting wind out. Whilst pretty much any jacket worth its salt has these, it’s always worth double-checking. To save you the time, we’ve popped it in the specification table underneath each product.  

Now you have a better idea of what features you think are more pertinent to you and your hiking habits, here are our recommendations of some of the best available jackets available to buy online today. We have five men’s and five women’s jackets, so there’s something for everybody! 

And here are our women's recommendations, including reliable and respected brands such as Columbia, Berghaus and the Canadain powerhouse Arc'teryx! 

With your jacket sorted, it's time to consider whether there are any other bits of gear you need to guarantee a warm, dry, and comfortable hike. We have some footwear suggestions below, as well as our ten favourite Thermos flasks – because what's a good walk without a mid-way cuppa?

So there it is, our comprehensive guide to finding the perfect hiking jacket. We believe that if you follow our advice and take into account what each style of jacket has to offer and which high-performance fabrics you'd like, you'll find the perfect one for you and your adventures. Here's to some cosy winter walks!  

Author: Lewis Clark