15 Best Waterproof Jackets for Hiking in Australia 2025

15 Best Waterproof Jackets for Hiking in Australia 2025

Below are the 15 rain shells that stand out in 2025 for Australian hikers—ranked for storm resistance, breathability and bang-for-buck. Whether you’re replacing a tattered favourite or gearing up for a first multi-day trek, this list is built to help you buy with confidence.

From cracker-dry WA ridgelines to the leech-ridden mud of the Overland Track, Australian weather can swing from sauna to sleet in an afternoon. A good jacket must shrug off torrents, vent out humid air and still pack small enough to disappear in your daypack.

To separate marketing hype from trail-worthy kit, we combined lab numbers—hydrostatic head, moisture-vapour transfer, DWR tests—with weeks of feedback from local bushwalkers. Availability inside Australia, warranty terms, repairability and eco credentials also factored in. The result: fifteen waterproof jackets matched to real budgets, body shapes and climates. Scroll on, find your shell, and start planning the next soggy adventure.

We’ve included ultralight race shells, burly alpine options and sustainable mid-range picks, each with clear pros, cons and current Australian pricing. Use the quick comparison table or jump straight to the jackets that suit your style.

1. Macpac Resolution GORE-TEX Pro Jacket

Macpac’s flagship alpine shell is designed in Christchurch and tested on the storm-soaked ridges that both New Zealand and south-eastern Australia are famous for. The Resolution isn’t the lightest piece in the cupboard, but when the forecast promises horizontal rain and icy spin-drift, few jackets feel as confidence-inspiring. The cut is long enough to cover a harness, articulation is spot-on for scrambling, and every seam is micro-taped so water has zero entry points. Seasoned Tassie guides we spoke to call it “bomb-proof but still wearable”, which sums up the balance Macpac has struck between durability and day-to-day comfort.

Why it made the cut

• Built around the latest 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro membrane, giving expedition-level waterproofing without the bulk of older triple-layer fabrics.
• Macpac backs it with a lifetime warranty and an in-house repair service in Christchurch and Melbourne—critical for gear you intend to own for a decade.
• Small but telling touches: Cohaesive cord-locks you can operate in mitts, oversized chest pockets that sit clear of hip-belts, and a proper helmet-compatible hood that cinches without blocking side vision.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Fabric	3-layer GORE-TEX Pro (40 D face)
Waterproof rating	≈ 28 000 mm hydrostatic head
Breathability	≈ 25 000 g/m²/24 h (RET < 9)
Weight	~ 480 g (men’s M)
Sizes	Men’s S-XXL, Women’s 6-18

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Virtually indestructible face fabric shrugs off granite and scrub.
• Helmet-compatible, three-way adjustable hood with wired brim.
• Lifetime warranty plus affordable patch repairs extend service life.

Cons

• Premium price is a hurdle for casual walkers.
• Fabric feels crinkly until broken in after a few trips.

Ideal for

Alpine traverses on the Main Range, winter scrambles around Cradle Mountain, and weight-conscious minimalists who’d rather buy once and trust their kit everywhere.

Cost & where to buy

• RRP ≈ AUD 749
• Available direct from Macpac stores and macpac.com.au; Club members regularly see 20-30 % discounts, so waiting for a promo can save serious coin.

2. Kathmandu Heli Thermore EcoDown Rain Jacket

If your winter layering system always ends up bulky or you just hate stopping to pull on a puffy, Kathmandu’s Heli Thermore EcoDown offers a clever two-for-one fix. The shell combines a 2.5-layer waterproof membrane with 140 g of recycled Thermore synthetic insulation, so warmth is baked in from the start. Throw it on when those southerly fronts roll over the Victorian Alps and keep moving—no faffing with mid-layers, no cold shivers while you dig through the pack.

While purists might sniff at the extra grams, testers hiking the Bogong High Plains reported that the added warmth outweighed the weight penalty, especially during lunch stops at 1 800 m. The jacket also scores well on ethics: the insulation is 100 % recycled, the face fabric uses bluesign-approved dyes, and Kathmandu will repair or recycle it through their in-store programme.

Why it made the cut

• Waterproof shell plus EcoDown eliminates the need for a separate insulator—perfect for cold, wet shoulder seasons.
• Thermore fill retains loft when soaked and dries faster than down.
• Adjustable hem, cuffs and hood seal out drafts without compromising mobility.
• Kathmandu’s broad size range (women’s 6–22, men’s XS–XXL) makes fit simple for most hikers.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Fabric	2.5-layer NGX waterproof membrane
Insulation	Thermore EcoDown 140 g (recycled)
Waterproof rating	10 000 mm HH
Breathability	10 000 g/m²/24 h
Weight	~620 g (men’s M)
Sizes	Men’s XS–XXL, Women’s 6–22

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Warm straight out of the pack—no extra fleece needed.
• Ethical fill and repair scheme tick the sustainability box.
• Fleece-lined hand pockets double as mini-muffs.

Cons

• Heavy and toasty for summer missions or humid FNQ tracks.
• Only partial mesh venting; no pit-zips means heat can build.

Ideal for

Cold-wet winter hikes in the Grampians, shoulder-season overnighters on the Larapinta, and urban commuters who want one jacket that covers station platforms to summit plateaus.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 399. Watch for Kathmandu Club promos—40 % off sales drop several times a year, pushing the price closer to AUD 240. Available online and in 100+ Australian stores, so sizing swaps are painless.

3. The North Face DryVent Apex Flex 3

Slip this on and the first thing you notice is how un-rain-jacket-like it feels. The Apex Flex 3 wraps a genuine three-layer DryVent membrane inside a smooth, slightly stretchy face fabric that drapes more like a hoodie than a crinkly shell. Yet lab numbers still point to serious storm chops—20 000 mm waterproofing and 18 000 g breathability—so you’re not trading protection for comfort. Testers wore it through spring storms on the Six Foot Track and reported zero clamminess, even while grinding uphill with a 15 kg pack. If you’ve been put off by the stiff feel of traditional hard shells, this could be the gateway piece that finally makes you love wearing waterproof jackets for hiking.

Why it made the cut

• Hybrid of soft-shell stretch and hard-shell weather resistance; moves with your body on scrambles and bike commutes.
• The North Face’s DryVent 3L construction is fully seam-taped and finished with a PFC-free DWR for improved eco credentials.
• Fully featured: pit-zips, microfleece chin guard, and hand-warmer pockets you can still access under a hip-belt.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Membrane	DryVent 3-Layer
Waterproof rating	20 000 mm HH
Breathability	18 000 g/m²/24 h
Weight	~ 540 g (men’s M)
Fabric stretch	~8 % four-way
Sizes	Men’s S–XXL, Women’s XS–XL

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Brushed interior feels soft against bare arms—no chilly plastic vibe.
• Stretch fabric plus articulated elbows equal unrestricted reach.
• Hood adjusts quickly and sits snugly in gusts.

Cons

• Slightly warmer than pure alpine shells—can feel toasty in the NT build-up.
• Brim isn’t wired; glasses wearers may want a cap underneath during heavy rain.

Ideal for

Technical day walks in the Blue Mountains, scrambling in the Grampians, daily city wear when you want one jacket that covers both office and escarpment.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 499. Widely stocked at The North Face stores, Anaconda and SurfStitch; seasonal sales often knock 20 % off. Keep an eye on end-of-winter clearances to snag the best deal.

4. Arc’teryx Beta AR

When gear nerds argue about the “best bang-for-gram” in alpine shells, the Beta AR nearly always pops up. Born in the wet mountains of British Columbia and refined over two decades, this jacket packs expedition reliability into a sub-500 gram package—lighter than most ski shells, tougher than many ultralight options. Arc’teryx keeps the design deliberately clean: no gimmicky vents or phone-specific pockets, just dialled patterning that moves with you and watertight zips that never snag. On a wind-lashed traverse of Mount Feathertop our testers stayed bone-dry, yet never felt boxed in while front-pointing the final ridge. If you’re done burning money on disposable rainwear, the Beta AR is a long-term investment that flat-out works.

Why it made the cut

• Uses next-gen GORE-TEX Pro with a mix of N40r (body) and beefier N80r (shoulders/hood) so high-wear zones shrug off pack abrasion.
• Arc’teryx’s “e3D” pattern places micro-articulation at elbows and underarms for zero hem lift on steep moves.
• Trim, athletic fit layers comfortably over a light puffy without the sails-in-the-wind effect common to boxier shells.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Fabric	GORE-TEX Pro 3-Layer (N40r / N80r)
Waterproof rating	28 000 mm HH
Breathability	RET < 9
Weight	≈ 455 g (men’s M)
Sizes	Men’s S–XXL, Women’s XS–XL

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Precise tailoring minimises bulk yet preserves full reach.
• Micro-taped seams (6 mm) shave grams and improve packability.
• RECCO reflector adds passive search-and-rescue safety.

Cons

• Eye-watering RRP; bargain hunters will need patience or a pro-deal.
• Limited colour runs hit Australia, so popular sizes sell out fast.

Ideal for

Gear minimalists chasing one shell for everything, multi-climate expeditions where failure isn’t an option, and mountaineers who count grams but still demand armour.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 949. Stocked at Paddy Pallin, Bogong and select alpine specialists. End-of-season promos sometimes shave 10–15 %; otherwise the best tactic is to join retailer loyalty clubs and pounce the moment stock lands.

5. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Patagonia spent years tweaking the humble Torrentshell and the 3-layer version finally gives the jacket the ruggedness bushwalkers always wanted. The face fabric is NetPlus®, spun from discarded fishing nets collected in coastal communities; underneath sits a PFC-free H₂No Performance Standard membrane and a soft tricot backer. The upshot is a shell that stands up to sideways rain on the South Coast Track yet still folds into its own pocket and clips to a harness. Add Patagonia’s iron-clad repair policy and you have one of the most planet-friendly waterproof jackets for hiking that you can buy without flattening the credit card.

Why it made the cut

• NetPlus® 100 % recycled nylon diverts plastic nets from the ocean and feels burly for 50 D.
• True 3-layer build means better abrasion resistance and longer DWR life than earlier 2.5 L designs.
• Fair Trade Certified sewn, bluesign approved materials, and backed by Patagonia’s Worn Wear repair program.
• Streamlined feature set—micro-fleece chin guard, two-way adjustable hood, and water-tight zips—keeps weight to about 400 g.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Membrane	H₂No 3-Layer
Fabric	50 D NetPlus® recycled nylon
Waterproof rating	20 000 mm HH
Breathability	20 000 g/m²/24 h
Weight	~ 400 g (men’s M)
Sizes	Men’s XS–XXL, Women’s XS–XL

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Packs into hand pocket; carabiner loop ready for quick access.
• Fabric softens after a few wears and stays quiet in wind.
• Eco story is class-leading for a mid-priced rain shell.

Cons

• Stiffer than stretch shells until broken in.
• Hood isn’t large enough to clear climbing helmets.

Ideal for

Everyday bushwalkers, travellers, and gram-counters who want reliable storm protection with minimum environmental guilt—think rainy Tassie day hikes, Milford side-trips or just keeping dry on the school run.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 279. Widely available through Patagonia stores and major outdoor retailers; end-of-winter sales often dip to the low AUD 200s. Keep your receipt—repairs under the lifetime guarantee are free and quick within Australia.

6. Mont Odyssey GORE-TEX C-Knit

Created by Canberra’s own Mont Adventure Equipment, the Odyssey is a home-grown answer to high-end alpine shells from overseas. The magic ingredient is the GORE-TEX C-Knit backer: a circular-knit lining that glides easily over base layers and feels noticeably quieter than the crunchy 3-layer jackets of old. On a damp five-day push through the Western Arthurs our test group appreciated how the fabric shed relentless drizzle yet never felt plasticky against bare forearms when the sun finally popped out. If you want premium performance without the ski-resort logo tax, the Odyssey deserves a spot on your shortlist of waterproof jackets for hiking.

Why it made the cut

• Aussie-designed for Aussie conditions—long drop-tail keeps rain off when you’re hunched under a pack and generous pit-zips dump heat fast on humid climbs.
• C-Knit lining is 15 % more breathable than standard 3-layer Pro while remaining just as waterproof.
• Mont’s repair shop in Canberra can replace zips, patch abrasions and re-tape seams, extending the life of a spendy shell.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Membrane	GORE-TEX C-Knit 3-Layer
Waterproof rating	25 000 mm HH (lab-tested)
Breathability	RET ≈ 7
Weight	~ 410 g (men’s M)
Venting	35 cm pit-zips
Sizes	Men’s S–XXL, Women’s 8–18

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Silky lining slides over fleece without bunching.
• Extra-long hem and storm flap keep crotch and hip-belt area dry.
• Huge internal drop pockets swallow gloves or a map.

Cons

• Athletic cut runs roomy; some hikers need to size down.
• Price edges into Arc’teryx territory, though discounts are rarer.

Ideal for

Week-long bushwalks on the AAWT, ski-tour transitions where quiet fabric is gold, and anyone chasing a durable shell that won’t sound like chip packets in high wind.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 629. Available through Mont’s Canberra and Sydney stores, plus specialist retailers like Trek & Travel. Online orders ship free nationwide, and Mont often throws in a complimentary DWR wash kit during winter promos.

7. Outdoor Research Foray II / Aspire II

On humid climbs where even “breathable” shells end up clammy, the Foray II (men’s) and Aspire II (women’s) feel like cheating. Outdoor Research kept the proven GORE-TEX Paclite recipe but added TorsoFlo zips that run from hem to biceps. Crack them open and the whole front of the jacket swings away, turning a standard rain shell into a poncho-style vent that dumps heat in seconds. Close everything back up and you still get a fully seam-taped barrier that laughs at 100 mm-an-hour rain forecasts common in Far North Queensland’s wet season.

Trail testers on the Thorsborne Trail rated the design a “game-changer” for leech avoidance—venting without stripping layers means fewer stops and less blood donation. Despite the clever hardware, weight stays reasonable and the jacket scrunches into its own pocket, making it popular with cycle tourers and thru-hikers watching pack volume.

Why it made the cut

• Unique TorsoFlo side-zips create unbeatable airflow—perfect for sticky tropical tracks or steep fire-road grinds.
• Lightweight GORE-TEX Paclite 2.5-layer keeps pack weight low while delivering big-league waterproofing.
• Updated II version adds more sustainable bluesign fabrics and a PFC-free DWR finish.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Membrane	GORE-TEX Paclite 2.5-Layer
Waterproof rating	28 000 mm HH
Breathability	RET ≈ < 9
Weight	~ 420 g (men’s M)
Venting	Full-length TorsoFlo zips
Sizes	Men’s S–XXL, Women’s XS–XL

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Industry-leading ventilation without removing the jacket.
• Adjustable cuffs and hem seal quickly when weather flips.
• Price undercuts most 3-layer shells with similar ratings.

Cons

• Paclite face fabric is thinner—abrasive sandstone or pack straps can scuff it faster than burlier 3-L options.
• Brim lacks wire; heavy rain may drip onto glasses unless paired with a cap.

Ideal for

Tropical Queensland downpours, multi-day bike-packing, shoulder-season trail runs, and any ultralight setup where every gram must earn its keep.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 339. Stocked by Wildfire Sports, Trek & Travel and other specialist retailers; end-of-summer clear-outs often drop pricing below AUD 270. Free nationwide shipping is common, so shop around before hitting checkout.

8. Marmot Minimalist Paclite Plus

If you’re after a “just right” balance of weight, price and durability, the Marmot Minimalist keeps popping up in trailhead conversations. At around 400 g it’s not the lightest jacket in this list, yet it feels far sturdier than most sub-300 gram race shells. The latest revision swaps in GORE-TEX Paclite Plus, which gains a softer backer that doesn’t clam up against bare arms and resists the dreaded “plastic bag” crinkle. A tester who wore it for nine straight days on the Larapinta reported zero wet-out and, more importantly, no chafe under a 70 L pack.

Marmot trims the feature set to essentials: a two-way adjustable hood, microfleece chin guard, and hand pockets that double as core vents. You won’t find wire brims or pocket-inside-pocket gimmicks, and that simplicity keeps both weight and price in check. For many Australian hikers wanting a single shell that works from muggy coastal day walks to snow-dusted alpine tracks, the Minimalist is the Goldilocks option.

Why it made the cut

• GORE-TEX Paclite Plus molds long-proven waterproof tech with a softer, more breathable lining.
• Storm flap over the front zip protects when water pressure climbs above 20 000 mm.
• Hood cinch adjusts with one hand—handy when you’re gripping trekking poles.
• Widely stocked across Australia; replacement or warranty claims are painless.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Membrane	GORE-TEX Paclite Plus 2.5-Layer
Waterproof rating	28 000 mm HH
Breathability	RET ≈ 9
Weight	~ 400 g (men’s M)
Sizes	Men’s S–XXL, Women’s XS–XL

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Softer backer feels comfy in short-sleeve weather.
• External storm flap shields zip—rare at this weight.
• Price competes with lesser-known membranes.

Cons

• Pit-zips are shorter than some competitors’, limiting airflow.
• Lower pockets sit under a climbing harness or wide hip-belt.

Ideal for

Weekend bushwalkers and travellers chasing one do-everything shell; emergency rain protection for back-country skiers; budget-minded hikers upgrading from entry-level raincoats.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 329. Regularly discounted to the high $200s at Macpac, Anaconda and Amazon AU; watch EOFY sales for the sharpest deals and free shipping offers.

9. Rab Downpour Plus 2.0

Rab built its reputation outfitting gritty UK hill-walkers, so it’s no surprise the Downpour Plus 2.0 punches above its price when rain settles in for days. By switching to Pertex Shield—Rab’s house membrane that balances a 20 000 mm waterproof rating with identical breathability—the shell stays light, quiet and noticeably softer than most Gore-based alternatives. At 385 g it slides into fast-packing kits without drama, yet the cut is long enough to keep a hip-belt from funneling water into your waistband.

Testers on Queensland’s Wet Tropics trails loved the huge pit-zips, calling them “air-con on demand” during humid climbs, while Tasman Peninsula walkers praised the supple fabric that moves more like a wind-shirt than a crunchy hard-shell. Add the included stuff sack and you’ve got a tidy, pack-friendly solution for travellers hopping between climates.

Why it made the cut

• Pertex Shield 2.5-layer fabric rivals premium membranes for breathability at a friendlier cost.
• Full-length pit-zips (hem to biceps) give ventilation usually missing at this price and weight.
• Soft drape and minimal seam taping keep noise down and comfort up on long mileage days.
• Packs into its own ultralight stuff sack—handy when space is at a premium.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Membrane	Pertex Shield 2.5 L
Waterproof rating	20 000 mm HH
Breathability	20 000 g/m²/24 h
Weight	~ 385 g (men’s M)
Venting	Full pit-zips
Sizes	Men’s S–XXL, Women’s 8–16

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Fabric feels quiet and pliable—not a walking crisp packet.
• Stuff sack protects other gear from damp after a downpour.
• Competitive pricing undercuts many big-name waterproof jackets for hiking.

Cons

• DWR needs regular refresh to maintain beading.
• Slim UK cut; broad-shouldered hikers may need to size up.

Ideal for

Fast-packing missions, multi-country trekking where weight allowances are tight, and wet-season running or pack-carry training sessions.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 299. Widely available at Paddy Pallin, Wild Earth and specialist online stores; look for mid-season promos that drop street price to around AUD 240 with free shipping.

10. Black Diamond StormLine Stretch

Plenty of shells promise mobility, but Black Diamond’s StormLine Stretch actually delivers. The in-house BD.dry membrane is laminated to a four-way stretch nylon that moves like a soft-shell yet still blocks driving rain on the Larapinta’s exposed ridges. At just over 300 g it lives happily in a hip-belt pocket, and the minimalist feature set means nothing flaps or snags when you’re high-stepping on sharp sandstone. If you’re sick of jackets that feel like rustling cling-wrap, this is one of the comfiest waterproof jackets for hiking under $300.

Why it made the cut

• Four-way stretch fabric gives climber-grade freedom without compromising the waterproof rating.
• BD.dry construction uses a PFC-free DWR and fully taped seams for eco-friendlier storm defence.
• Harness-friendly chest pockets sit higher than standard hand-warmers, avoiding hip-belt conflict.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Membrane	BD.dry 2.5-Layer Stretch
Waterproof rating	10 000 mm HH
Breathability	10 000 g/m²/24 h
Weight	~ 320 g (men’s M)
Fabric Stretch	8 % four-way
Sizes	Men’s S–XXL, Women’s XS–XL

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Superb mobility for scrambling and climbing moves.
• Under-arm gussets prevent hem lift when you’re reaching high.
• Packs into its own right pocket and clips to a harness loop.

Cons

• 10 k waterproof rating lags behind alpine rivals—fine for showers, less ideal for multi-day deluges.
• Hood brim is unstructured; add a cap if rain really sets in.

Ideal for

Grampians granite scrambles, ultralight thru-hikes where comfort matters, and climbers wanting one shell that doubles for city downpours.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 259 but often discounted to around AUD 210 at Wild Earth, Bivouac and other Black Diamond dealers. All colours ship free Australia-wide when total cart value tops $150.

11. Columbia OutDry Ex Reign

Columbia rewrote the rule-book with OutDry Extreme, flipping the waterproof membrane to the outside of the jacket and ditching the usual DWR coating. The result? When persistent rain soaks every other hiker on the Overland Track, the Reign still beads water because there’s no face fabric to “wet-out”. The feel is admittedly a little rubbery, but if you’d rather stay dry than win a fashion award, this is one of the most dependable waterproof jackets for hiking under $250. Large under-arm vents and an airy mesh lining stop things getting steamy when you’re slogging up a fire trail, while simple hook-and-loop cuffs seal fast as the weather turns feral.

Why it made the cut

• Membrane on the outside means no DWR to fail and no re-proofing hassles.
• Generous 30 cm pit-zips dump heat quickly on muggy coastal tracks.
• Abrasion-resistant face shrugs off bush-bashing better than many 2.5-layer rivals.
• Wallet-friendly price makes true three-layer protection accessible to new hikers.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Membrane	OutDry Extreme 3-Layer
Waterproof rating	20 000 mm HH
Breathability	20 000 g/m²/24 h
Weight	~ 420 g (Men M)
Venting	Pit-zips + mesh lining
Sizes	Men S–XXL, Women XS–XL

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• No DWR upkeep—just rinse mud off and keep walking.
• Oversized hood fits most helmets and wide-brim hats.
• Competitive price often dips below AUD 200 in sales.

Cons

• Shiny “raincoat” look and crinkly feel aren’t to everyone’s taste.
• Fabric is noisier than soft-hand competitors on windy ridges.

Ideal for

• Multi-day walks in Tasmania’s wet months
• Canoe camping or SUP expeditions where constant splash is the norm
• Budget-minded hikers who prioritise durability over style

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 249; frequently on promo at Columbia outlets, Snowys and major chains—watch clearance racks for sub-$190 bargains with free Aussie shipping.

12. Salomon Bonatti WP 2.5L

Salomon built the Bonatti for mountain runners who count every gram, yet plenty of fast-and-light hikers now swear by it as their emergency rain shell. Tipping the scales at around 200 g, it disappears into a side pocket and still meets most Australian trail-race mandatory gear lists (10 k waterproof rating, fully taped seams and hood). The minimalist build means no bulky flaps or toggles—just elasticated cuffs, a half-micro brim and a single chest pocket that doubles as the stuff sack. When the humidity spikes on North Queensland singletrack you’ll feel the limits of 2.5-layer breathability, but for short, sharp downpours it punches well above its weight class.

Why it made the cut

• Sub-200 g weight and fist-size packed volume suit ounce-pinching runners and thru-hikers.
• AdvancedSkin Dry 2.5L membrane hits the waterproof/breathable standard most trail events demand.
• Hood fits snugly without draw-cord faff; reflective details boost night-run safety.
• Simple, athletic fit works for both women and men (unisex sizing).

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Membrane	AdvancedSkin Dry 2.5 L
Waterproof rating	10 000 mm HH
Breathability	10 000 g/m²/24 h
Weight	~ 200 g (Size M)
Pack size	Stuffs into own chest pocket
Sizes	XXS–XXL unisex

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Feather-light and race-compliant.
• Reflective logos remain visible after multiple washes.
• Slight stretch in the fabric aids arm swing.

Cons

• Thin face fabric is prone to pack-strap abrasion.
• No pit-zips; can feel steamy on extended climbs.

Ideal for

Trail running events, fast-packing, ultralight hikers needing an “always-there” backup shell.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 259. Stocked at Salomon AU, Rebel Sport and major running retailers; look for end-of-season sales where prices slide under AUD 200 with free nationwide shipping.

13. Berghaus Fellmaster 3-Layer Shell

Berghaus might be best known for keeping British hill-walkers dry, yet the Fellmaster translates surprisingly well to Australia’s four-season tracks. The house Hydroshell membrane delivers bona-fide three-layer toughness at a mid-range price, while the face fabric feels soft enough to wear all day without sounding like you’re wrapped in chip packets. Our testers lugging 18 kg packs on the Great Ocean Walk praised the long hem and huge chest pockets that swallow laminated maps, gloves and muesli bars in one hit. At roughly 460 g it’s no featherweight, but durability and comfort more than make up the handful of extra grams.

Why it made the cut

• Hydroshell Elite 3-layer tech balances 15 000 mm waterproofing with 20 000 g breathability—impressive at this price.
• Soft, matte face fabric drapes like a soft-shell yet resists scrub and sandstone.
• Two cavernous Napoleon pockets sit clear of hip-belts; perfect for topo maps.
• Bluesign-approved materials and PFC-free DWR tick the eco box.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Membrane	Hydroshell Elite 3-Layer
Waterproof rating	15 000 mm HH
Breathability	20 000 g/m²/24 h
Weight	≈ 460 g (men’s M)
Venting	30 cm pit-zips
Sizes	Men’s S–XL, Women’s 8–16

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Soft hand-feel; quiet when bush-bashing.
• Oversized map pockets double as core vents.
• Sustainable fabric story without premium tax.

Cons

• Hood draw-cord is fiddly with gloves.
• Limited colour and size range available in Australia.

Ideal for

Misty Great Ocean Walk sections, damp spring circuits in the Budawangs, and backpackers wanting a reliable shell that won’t blow the gear budget.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 349. Stock fluctuates but can be found at specialist online retailers and occasional pop-ups on Wild Earth. Mid-season sales often dip below AUD 280 with free shipping across Australia.

14. Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0

When a forecast warns of 100 km/h gusts and sleet hammering the Main Range, the Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 is the jacket you pull from the gear cupboard. Helly Hansen’s expedition flagship was built alongside mountain guides from Chamonix to Norway, but Aussie testers on Mt Anne and the Bogong Alpine Plateau reckon it feels purpose-built for our worst high-country tantrums. The three-layer Helly Tech Professional fabric posts a staggering 30 000 mm hydrostatic head—one of the highest ratings of any waterproof jackets for hiking—and still shifts sweat at 20 000 g. At 520 g it’s no ultralight, yet every gram earns its keep through durability, clever pocket placement and guide-friendly details.

Why it made the cut

• Among the very few consumer shells boasting 30 k waterproof / 20 k breathable lab numbers without resorting to stiff GORE-TEX Pro.
• Reinforced shoulders, elbows and hip zones handle years of pack rub and granite chimney shuffles.
• Pocket layout sits above a hip-belt and below sternum straps, and the chest vents double as stash spots for gloves or a radio mic.
• High-visibility colour options improve safety in white-outs, while the helmet-compatible hood cinches down tight for cap-only days.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Fabric	Helly Tech Professional 3-Layer
Waterproof rating	30 000 mm HH
Breathability	20 000 g/m²/24 h
Weight	~ 520 g (men’s M)
Reinforcements	shoulders, elbows, hips
Sizes	Men’s S–XXL, Women’s XS–XL

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Feels bomb-proof in sideways sleet and wet snow.
• Vent-through chest pockets dump heat without opening the main zip.
• Brighter colourways aid visibility for SAR teams.

Cons

• Heavier than fast-and-light alternatives.
• Premium RRP stretches many budgets.
• Euro athletic fit means some Aussies need to size up for mid-layers.

Ideal for

Winter alpine ascents on the Main Range, ski-tour skin tracks, professional guides who live in their shell, and bushwalkers who refuse to gamble on weather windows.

Cost & where to buy

RRP ≈ AUD 899. Limited stock in Helly Hansen’s Sydney flagship and selected online retailers; occasional mid-winter sales shave 15 % off. Given the investment, keep the proof of purchase—Helly’s repair centre in Victoria handles patching and seam retaping, extending the jacket’s life well beyond the warranty.

15. Mountain Designs Stratus (Anaconda Exclusive)

You don’t always need a $700 alpine beast to stay dry on the track. The Mountain Designs Stratus proves a wallet-friendly shell can still tick the waterproof, breathable and packable boxes most day walkers care about. The in-house Performance Membrane is rated to 15 000 mm, the cut runs slightly long for extra bum coverage and—rare at this price—you get full 30 cm pit-zips for on-the-go cooling. Because it’s an Anaconda house brand, stock is plentiful across Australia and discounts pop up like mushrooms after rain, regularly dropping the sticker price well under $200.

Why it made the cut

• Brings genuine 2.5-layer protection to first-time hikers and school groups without blowing the gear budget.
• Generous pit-zips and a three-way adjustable hood are features usually reserved for pricier waterproof jackets for hiking.
• Simple design keeps weight to about 380 g, so it disappears in a day-pack until the clouds crack.

Key tech specs

Spec	Detail
Membrane	Performance Membrane 2.5-Layer
Waterproof rating	15 000 mm HH
Breathability	10 000 g/m²/24 h
Weight	~ 380 g (M)
Venting	30 cm pit-zips
Sizes	Men’s S–XXL, Women’s 8–18

Real-world pros & cons

Pros

• Sale price often slips below AUD 199—great value.
• Long pit-zips dump heat fast on steep climbs.
• Hood adjusts at crown and brim for decent storm seal.

Cons

• Face fabric wets-out sooner than premium shells; DWR needs regular refresh.
• 70 D fabric is less abrasion-proof than 3-layer rivals.

Ideal for

New bushwalkers, Duke of Ed expeditions, family day trips, and travellers needing a just-in-case rain layer.

Cost & where to buy

RRP AUD 219, but Anaconda’s perpetual promos frequently cut 20–30 %. Exclusive to Anaconda stores and online, with free shipping on most orders Australia-wide.

Your next trail adventure starts dry

Choosing the right shell is really a three-way juggle:

• Climate & terrain – sticky Far North Queensland? Prioritise high ventilation like the Foray II. Heading for blizzard-prone peaks? A 30 k jacket such as the Odin 9 Worlds has your back.
• Trip length – ounce-counters on overnight fast-packs can save grams with the Bonatti, whereas week-long Tasmanian epics reward the toughness of a GORE-TEX Pro build.
• Budget – from the sub-$200 Stratus to four-figure alpine armour, there’s reliable waterproofing at every price. Decide how often you’ll use it, then spend accordingly.

Dial those factors in and any of the 15 waterproof jackets for hiking above will keep spirits high when the sky unloads.

Before you lock in the cart, consider rounding out your weather kit with dry bags, gaiters and trekking poles—small extras that turn a soggy suffer-fest into a type-one fun memory. You’ll find them all in the outdoor section at Ami Mall, shipped free anywhere in Australia. Happy (and dry) trails!