The Best Lightweight Waterproof Jackets 2024

A good waterproof jacket is an essential part of your outdoor gear for almost any outdoor pursuit, especially in the UK, where the weather is so often unreliable. There are a whole range of different types to consider, from insulated jackets with waterproof fabric outers, to shell jackets designed to withstand the worst that the elements can throw at you. For many activities, however, it's not so much the weather protection or the warmth that you want to prioritise, but the weight.

Lightweight Waterproof Jackets - Why They're Useful

There are plenty of occasions where having a lightweight waterproof jacket that you can easily stash in your hiking backpack makes more sense than carrying a heavy-duty shell. If you're only going for a short walk, rather than a multi-day, long-distance hike, for example, you probably don't need a heavy duty shell designed for alpine ascents.

If you're rock climbing or bouldering, a shower usually means game over for the day. Again, unless your chosen crag is miles from your car, you're not going to be spending enough time in the rain to get soaked, so a waterproof that won't add too much weight to the rope, harness, quickdraws, and protection you're already carrying makes a lot of sense.

For trail runners, saving weight becomes even more important. Which is why many of the best lightweight waterproof jackets (including four of the ten models we've selected here) are designed primarily with trail runners in mind.

Lightweight Waterproof Jackets - What to Look for When Buying

Jackets designed for trail runners are generally a good place to start. But beware: some of the most lightweight trail running jackets, particularly cheaper ones, are merely water-resistant, rather than fully waterproof.

To be considered fully waterproof, a jacket should come with "hydrostatic head" waterproof rating (usually 10,000mm, 15,000mm or 20,000mm) and a breathability rating, which will be quoted in grams per square metre per 24 hours. (For more on what those ratings mean, read our waterproof jackets buyers' guide).

While most waterproof jackets are made from three-layer waterproof fabrics (which include a face fabric, a waterproof membrane, and a liner) lightweight waterproof jackets are sometimes made from 2.5 layer fabrics. These swap the liner for a thin "half layer".

We've selected four trail running options and some more generalist lightweight waterproof jackets at a range of different price points. Different brands have different definitions of what constitutes "lightweight," but we've put the cut-off point at 450g, with the added requirement that they pack down relatively small.

As with most waterproof garments (including waterproof shell jackets and waterproof over trousers), there are some trade-offs between breathability, weight, and levels of waterproofing. As a general rule, those that are lighter, more breathable, more waterproof, and more packable will cost more. And if you're willing to forfeit a few features like hand pockets, chest pockets, pit zips, an adjustable hood, or Velcro cuffs, you'll slash weight even further.

The Best Lightweight Waterproof Jackets: TL/DR Summary

The right waterproof jacket for you will depend on whether you prioritise weight, price, or protection.

If weight is of utmost importance, then you can’t beat the Inov-8 Raceshell HZ  Running Jacket listed below (our overall Editor’s Choice). However, if you’re looking for one lightweight waterproof jacket for all your outdoor needs then the Arc’teryx Beta LT ticks all the boxes for most outdoor pursuits and challenging terrain.

If you’re after a jacket that can double as an everyday rain jacket and a trail running shell, check out the Patagonia Storm Racer or the Montane Phase Lite. And if you’re constrained by a budget, why not try Decathlon’s Quechua MH150 Lightweight Waterproof Jacket?

Inov-8 Raceshell Half Zip Waterproof Running Jacket

RRP: £120
Weight:100g
Unisex

Pros: Ludicrously lightweight and takes up very little space when packed.
Cons: Not much in the way of features.

This unisex waterproof jacket by British trail running brand Inov-8, is one of the lightest we've ever held, weighing just 100g. Unsurprisingly, given the lack of bulk, it packs down absolutely tiny too. The waterproof and breathability ratings of this 2.5 layer shell are highly respectable: 15,000mm and 15,000 g/m2/24 hours, which is more than enough to deal with bad weather and heavy rain. The full seam taping offers extra protection too.

There's not much in the way of features here — no handwarmer pockets, or pit zips, or even a chest pocket for example — but that's all deliberate, because removing them helps save weight, and make it more easily packable. The same is true of Inov-8's decision to put a half zip instead of a full-length frontal zipper. For a rain shell which weighs this little, this is incredibly reasonably priced, too.

Buy Inov-8 Raceshell Half Zip Running Jacket: £129.99 at Ellis Brigham 

The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight Waterproof Jacket

RRP: £225
Weight: 433g
Men’s & Women’s Available

Pros: Slim fitting and versatile, ideal for all outdoor adventures and everything in between.
Cons: Not much in the way of features.

This no-frills Futurelight Jacket from the North Face is built for hiking, hill walking and everyday adventures. It has a clean design and slim fit to further save on weight and bulk, and benefits from TNF’s waterproof, windproof, and breathable three-layer Futurelight fabric construction. This soft-feel fabric has a comfortable stretch and boasts excellent breathability. It’s built with a lightweight, adjustable hood and has an inner security pocket for essentials.

Buy The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight Jacket: £225 at Ellis Brigham

OMM Halo+  Waterproof Jacket

RRP: £150 
Weight: 130g
Men’s & Women’s Available

Pros: Light, small, and decent value for the spec.
Cons: Not as hard-wearing as some thicker jackets.

When it comes to making ultralight jackets—and all kinds of other lightweight gear, for that matter—OMM has an impeccable pedigree. The initials stand for 'Original Mountain Marathon'—the gear brand was spun out of the event of the same name, now in its 54th year.

Designed to help competitors tackle the legendary two-day trail running challenge, this packable waterproof jacket boasts a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm and a breathability rating of 10,000g/m2/24 hours, as well as fully taped seams. The OMM Halo+ weighs just 130 grams, and stuffs into a sack the size of a tennis ball—making it a brilliant rain jacket not just for trail running, but for a whole range of outdoor activities where speed and weight reduction are priorities.

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Buy OMM Halo+ Jacket: £125.96 at Alpinetrek

Helly Hansen Loke Waterproof Jacket

RRP: £120
Weight: 325g
Men’s & Women’s Available

Pros: Good value given the brand, and excellent build quality.
Cons: Entry level in terms of price, sure, but also in terms of performance.

Founded in 1877 by the eponymous Norwegian sea captain and his wife, Helly Hansen has a long history of producing brilliant waterproofs of all weights—aimed at everyone from fishermen and sailors to alpinists and skiers.

The Loke comes in towards the bottom end of their line in terms of price, but its 2.5 layer Helly Tech Protection face fabric offers respectable waterproof and breathability ratings of 5,000mm and 5,000g/m2/24 hours. At just 325g, it weighs very little, and while it doesn't pack down as small as the OMM jacket (see above) if you're looking for general purpose lightweight waterproof layer, this is a great option.

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Buy Helly Hansen Loke Jacket: From £84 at Helly Hansen

Decathlon Quechua MH150 Lightweight Waterproof Jacket 

RRP: £44.99 
Weight: 425g
Men’s Only

Pros: Amazing value, as always with Decathlon.
Cons: Pretty heavy compared to its competitors, and not the best build quality.

French company Decathlon have made themselves into a global player in the outdoor market by producing functional gear at a fraction of the price. This lightweight waterproof jacket is a classic example. Part of Decathlon's Quechua brand, which they use on their tents and hiking gear, the MH150 is a three-layer waterproof jacket with fully-taped seams, and a hydrostatic head waterproof rating of 25,000mm. All of which is impressively technical. 

It's not the lightest jacket on these pages (a men's medium is 425g), nor does it pack down as small as the models by Inov-8, or OMM, for example. In addition, Decathlon kit doesn't, in our experience, last as long as gear made by other brands. 

But if you need a rain jacket that works and you're on a budget, this is still a great option—you won't find lightweight waterproof jackets with this tech spec, for that kind of price, anywhere other than Decathlon.

Buy Decathlon Quechua MH150 Lightweight Waterproof Jacket: £44.99 at Decathlon

Berghaus Deluge Pro 3.0 Waterproof Jacket

RRP: £120
Weight: 340g
Men’s & Women’s Available

Pros: The fact that it's no frills keeps the price down.
Cons: Not as light as some of its competitors.  

As the name of this lightweight waterproof from British company Berghaus suggests, it's made for dealing with heavy rain showers. The face fabric is the brand's signature Hydroshell material, a 2.5 layer shell fabric with their own waterproof membrane (rather than one from a third-party 'ingredient' brand, like GORE-TEX).

Using this helps keep the costs down, making this a great jacket for outdoor generalists on a bit of a budget. It's designed primarily for hiking, with a fully-adjustable hood, including a fitted peak, zipped hand pockets, and pit zips. And while those features do add a bit to the overall weight of the jacket compared to some of the trail running models listed above it's still very lightweight, especially for the price.

Buy Berghaus Deluge Jacket: £71.70 at Amazon

Patagonia Storm Racer Waterproof Jacket

RRP: £270
Weight: 204g
Men’s & Women’s Available

Pros: Lightweight, versatile and packs into its own zipped chest pocket.
Cons: Not much storage.

While the Storm Racer is primarily designed as a trail running jacket it’s also intended to be a multi-activity waterproof. Ideal for stashing in a pack on any adventure, it packs down small into its singular pocket on the chest and weighs in at just 204g (Men’s medium).

It’s light on features to keep the weight low, with elastic in place of adjustors on the cuffs and around the face of the hood. The hood does have a lightweight peak for keeping the rain off your face, and a quick pull adjustment on the back to keep it secure when you’re moving at pace.

All Patagonia’s waterproof jackets must uphold their H2NO standard which ensures waterproofness, breathability and durability and we found the Storm Racer was no exception. What’s more, you can rely on Patagonia’s eco-conscious credentials and recycled materials.

Buy Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket: £229.46 at Alpine Trek

Rab Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE® Waterproof Jacket

RRP: £220
Weight: 364g
Men’s & Women’s Available

Pros: Highly protective with an impressive hydrostatic head waterproof rating.
Cons: At the heavier end of the scale.

We’d recommend the Rab Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE® for spring and summer mountain hikes, hill walks and everyday use. Tough enough to withstand a deluge, but lightweight and packable for stowing away while the weather is fair.

Built with 75D GORE-TEX PACLITE® in a 2.5-layer construction, it’s durable, waterproof and breathes efficiently when the trail steepens. The feature set has been kept to a minimum to save on weight, but the hood offers great protection with a two-way adjustment and stiff peak.

It has a regular fit for layering up underneath and with an impressive HH of 28,000mm, you can be sure you’ll stay dry when the storm clouds roll in.

Buy Rab Namche GORE-TEX PACLITE® Waterproof Jacket: £220 at Ellis Brigham

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Arc’teryx Beta LT Waterproof Jacket

RRP: £400
Weight: 395g
Men’s & Women’s Available

Pros: Multi-use with a full feature set including a helmet compatible hood for more adventurous pursuits.
Cons: Very pricey.

If you’re looking for a premium lightweight waterproof jacket, look no further. Sure, the price tag might make you gulp, but the Beta LT is more than enough waterproof jacket for most active people with an impressive feature set for such a low weight. The Arc’teryx Beta LT is one of the brand’s most identifiable products with an impeccably tailored, slim cut (size up for layers underneath) and three-layer GORE-TEX, fully taped construction. It’s ideal for everyday wear, mountain hikes and hill walks, and even suitable for more challenging mountain activities, like scrambling, climbing, alpinism and resort skiing or snowboarding.

It's built with a helmet compatible hood that can be adjusted at both the front and back, with a high collar and soft chin guard. It’s the only jacket on this list that has managed to incorporate pit-zips for easy ventilation, giving it different utility to some of the ultralight options.

Buy Arc’teryx Beta LT Waterproof Jacket: £320 at Ellis Brigham

Montane Phase Lite Waterproof Jacket

RRP: £325
Weight: 300g
Men’s & Women’s Available

Pros: Very breathable for moving fast and light.
Cons: Minimalist design lacks extra features.

The Montane Phase Lite jacket is billed as lightweight waterproof protection for fast paced adventures. It prioritises weight and breathability over features, making it a minimalist jacket for fast-moving mountain days. Whether you’re trail running or fast-packing, the 2.5 layer GORE-TEX Active is designed to offer weather protection while breathing efficiently, letting moisture vapour escape easily so you stay dry. It’s soft to the touch and feels comfortable next to skin, ideal if you’re using it as an outer layer over a vest or tee.

The Phase Lite is not Montane’s lightest waterproof jacket, but it strikes a great balance between protection and weight. Ideal for stashing in your pack on a mountain adventure or for grabbing at the door on any rainy day.

Buy Montane Phase Lite Waterproof Jacket: £325 at Ellis Brigham

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Best lightweight waterproof jackets: Conclusion

Listing four trail running jackets alongside six more generalist jackets might seem strange, but it gives a good idea of the trade-offs between weight, waterproofing, and price that will dictate which jacket is ultimately right for you.

If you perhaps want the extra durability that comes from having a three-layer fabric, and you're happy to carry a little bit more weight, take a look at our overall list of the best waterproof jackets from this year.

Our gear experts have also reviewed other products you may find useful, including the best family-sized tents, the best water bottles for walkers and the best hiking backpacks. 

Happy shopping!