Rain is inevitable on the Emerald Isle, so a trusty waterproof jacket is essential no matter what you’re doing. We’ve rounded up eleven of our favourite waterproof jackets for men guaranteed to keep you dry.

Rain is a fact of life in Ireland, and a good waterproof jacket is the difference between tackling the elements head on and a hasty retreat to the car. The jackets we’ve picked cover most budgets and all have what it takes to survive a downpour. That means a waterproof shell – whether it be Gore-Tex, Pertex,  a coated fabric, durable seams, or a serious hood.

These jackets are designed to keep you dry first and warm second – though the two are not unrelated. In the colder months, you may need to pair some of these jackets with warm base layers and/or mid-layers.

1. Rab Kangri GTX Jacket

From: €340

waterproof jackets

Rab is known for creating gear made for the mountains. If you’re looking for a waterproof that’s going to withstand an Irish winter in the hills, then you’ll need something high end. The Rab Kangri GTX Jacket will stand up in alpine adventures on the continent and the Macgillycuddy Reeks in the dead of winter.

Made from hardwearing 70D GORE-TEX®,  this jacket is flexible and fitted with a large 2-way pit zips for controlling ventilation. The hem and hood of the jacket can be quickly adjusted with one hand, sheltering your face and body from the wind and rain. And for a touch of luxury, there’s a soft chin guard and a fleece-lined collar.

Available from: Great Outdoors

2. Mountain Equipment Men’s Rupal GORE-TEX® Jacket

Price: From €325

 

If you are looking for a premium lightweight and breathable jacket that looks good then the Men’s Rupal jacket from Mountain Equipment is the way to go. This is one of the better jackets and suitable for a wide range of mountaineering activities and weather conditions.

Available from: The Outdoor Shop

3. Columbia OutDry™ Ex Reign Jacket

Price: €150

waterproof jackets

OutDry™ is one of the most game-changing technologies to hit the outdoor market. Featuring waterproof fabric on the outer of the jacket with a breathable, wicking fabric inside. This jacket will not soak out in torrential rain like a lot of its Gore-Tex competitors that use interior waterproof membranes which don’t allow for airflow and that have a water-repellent coating that tends to degrade over time. The Columbia Outdry Ex Reign, which retails at €150 performs way beyond the relatively modest price tag.

Available from: Great Outdoors

4. Columbia Men’s Inner Limits II Jacket

Price: €100

A fantastic value for money jacket and perfect for those days where you’re questioning whether or not you need to bring a jacket as it folds up into a small hand pocket that will fit snugly in your backpack. Not only that but it is also waterproof and breathable with its Omni-Tech technology.

Available from: The Outdoor Shop

5. Sprayway Men’s Vihar GORE-TEX® Jacket

Price: €180

This is one of the more comfortable jackets on the list using a mesh and taffeta lining for long lasting comfort. As well as comfort, this 2-layer GORE-TEX® jacket also offers great protection from the elements.

Available from: The Outdoor Shop

Women’s waterproof jackets: 10 of the best

6. Mountain Equipment Lhotse Jacket

Price: From €467

waterproof jackets

If you’re looking for a jacket for life, then things can get a bit more expensive. The Mountain Equipment Lhotse jacket provides total protection for mountaineering in all weathers. This award-winning Lhotse Jacket remains the best-selling GORE-TEX PRO jacket by Mountain Equipment. If you have the money, then this is one of the top performers when it comes to function, weight and durability.

Available from: Great Outdoors

 7. The North Face Stratos Jacket

Price: From €155

waterproof jackets

The North Face is always a brand you can rely on. Their Stratos Jacket is fitted out with DryVent™ technology, so will keep you protected from the elements. The two-layer shell is waterproof, windproof and breathable so perfect for when you’re out exploring Ireland’s landscape.

Available from: Great Outdoors

8. Salewa Puez Aqua Powertex Jacket

Price: From €85

best rainjackets

Salewa is a brand born in the mountains. We are big fans of their Powertex jacket. It’s a waterproof and breathable shell jacket made for bad-days in the mountains. It’s simple, stylish and performs perfectly in unpredictable mountain conditions.

Available from: Great Outdoors

9. Helly Hansen Men’s Seven J Jacket

Price: €110

waterproof jackets

Helly Hansen is a brand associated with the sea, so you’re pretty much guaranteed that they’ll have nailed waterproofing jackets! The Seven J is a popular and versatile option with full water and wind protection and one of the cheaper options out there.

Available from: The Outdoor Shop

10. Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Waterproof Jacket

Price: From €158

waterproof jackets

Perfectly named for the occasion, Rab’s Downpour Plus 2.0 is a versatile waterproof shell for hill walks, weekend scrambles and mountain treks. If sustainability is something that ticks an extra box for you, then it’s worth knowing that the jacket is made from recycled 2.5L Pertex Shield® fabric.

The helmet-compatible hood is easily adjusted and can stand up to strong winds The large zipped A-line pockets are raised to keep clear of your pack straps or harness. It also is super lightweight so can easily be packed away when the sun comes out.

Available from: Great Outdoors

 11. Portwest Men’s Dunmore Rain Jacket

Price: €56

waterproof jackets

We are aware that this list is a bit on the pricey side, so if it’s just a standard rain jacket for daily pottering you’re after, then you can’t go wrong with a Portwest jacket. Their Dunmore Rain Jacket is both waterproof and breathable and you can’t beat its price tag!

Available from: The Outdoor Shop

 

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