I review a lot of gear each year so I thought I would put together a selection of ‘Six of the Best’ waterproof and breathable jackets for trail running and hiking for 2020. I’ve got one for even the tightest of budgets, one to save the environment, one that’s my all round best and even one that glows in the dark ! I also steer you clear of one that is expensive and a bit…..meh.

All of the jackets in this guide have taped seams, waterproof and breathable fabrics and features like multiple pockets, hoods with drawstring and easy to pack down.

Best Value – Topo Designs Global Jacket

The Topo Designs Global Jacket is waterproof and breathable with some superb big side pockets you can use for vents to cool down if you get hot. This jacket has all waterproof zips, a fully adjustable hood with visor and excellent high collar to keep the rain off your face. Packs up super small using its hanging strap. A good fit to size with enough room left over for any layers beneath too for the worst of outdoor conditions.

At $189 this jacket is all high end features. A great quality jacket for a reasonable price for hikers, trail runners and climbers. I used this jacket continuously on my 9 day 340 mile Leatherman Loop last year. You can read the full review here.

PURCHASE $189

Save the Planet – Outerknown Offshore Rain Jacket

The Outerknown Offshore Rain Jacket ticks all the boxes for a Waterproof and Windproof jacket that is your first line of defense against the elements. It has a ton of pockets both on the outside and inside so that it can almost replace the need for a lightweight pack if you were out hiking for the day and as well as quality materials, assembly and waterproof taped seams this jacket is basically made from 15 recycled water bottles and assembled in a Fair Trade Certified workplace.

I think there are other jackets that are more breathable than this, and the front zip not being rubberized lets it down slightly, but I am still hard pushed to think of any jacket that’s under $200 that is as well made, good looking and feature packet that also has a sustainable ethos for materials and construction. Hikers, walkers and people on boats will not be disappointed with the result. You can read the full in depth review here.

PURCHASE $195

Best for Trail Runners? – Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket

A lot of runners rate the Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket but I’m not one of them. This jacket isn’t terrible but for the price I think Ultimate Direction could have done much better.

The mittens in the sleeves will drive you crazy every time you put it on, the lack of any pockets will drive you mad when you want to carry your car keys or phone and the material is ok for breathability and waterproofness but it isn’t the best I’ve used.

All in all this jacket is expensive for the features, its not terrible, its just not that great. For $30 bucks more the next jacket on the list does a much better job.

PURCHASE $189.95

The Lightest – Raidlight Hyperlight MP +Jacket

The Raidlight Hyperlight Jacket is incredibly lightweight at only about 3oz. Its a very stripped down jacket designed to take up as little space with as little weight as possible whilst still being waterproof and breathable enough to meet the criteria for any long trail race or hike. The material is strong and stretchy to make it comfortable and has the highest breathability and waterproof rating I’ve ever seen on a jacket. The zip is rubberized too to keep the rain out.

The jacket packs up small inside a pocket in the hood and it comes with a clear area on the sleeve so you can (in theory) still read your watch. I would suggest buying this one size larger than normal as it comes in ‘European’ sizing and you may want to wear more than one layer under this in winter. You can read the full in depth review here.

PURCHASE $220

Glows in the Dark – Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket

By day this jacket is a semi translucent/ grey running jacket with a slight ‘Blade Runner’ look. The zipper is waterproof too helping to keep the rain out. The jacket weighs in at only 8oz. It also packs up small.  There is a minimalist approach to this jacket but there is a decent sized pocket round the back for your phone and keys. A waterproof zip to that pocket helps keep valuables dry too. 

The entire fabric has a solar charged material woven through it that glows. It can be charged with the sun or even on a cloudy day in the USA. Its so reactive that shining a headtorch or phone torch on it close up allows you to draw or write messages on it.  Fully charged this jacket glows green and even after a few hours retains a ghostly white glow that lasts through the night. The maddest jacket in the lineup. Read the full in depth review here.

Best of the Best – Cortazu Hard Shell Jacket

This jacket has a higher waterproof and breathability rating than some of the most expensive top brands on the market and does this for half the price. The Cortazu Hard Shell is well tailored and flattering to wear, runs true to size with loads of waterproof pockets in and out for everything from keys to credit card, phone and goggles or sunglasses. I love the small waterproof pocket on the left arm cuff too.

The jacket packs up small, has a huge hood that can accommodate a helmet if needed and adjustable draw strings and cuffs to keep the worst of the weather out. It is the most expensive in my list but the jacket I grab when I’m outdoors all day. Read the full in depth review here.

PURCHASE $388

Verdict

That’s my list of the best waterproof and breathable jackets. I’ve also posted a link to Amazon below with some of the lowest price great value budget waterproof jackets as well.

If you liked the guide then why not take a look at my Ultra Runners Kit List Guide, Blister and Foot Care Guide or my Wild Camping Guide.