If you’re going to a British festival this summer, the chances are it’s going to rain. It’s unfortunate, but the summer months on these isles are nothing if not unpredictable.
And because no-one wants to have their favourite band’s set ruined by being soaked through to the bone, it’s important that you invest in a waterproof jacket. And we’ve only included jackets that are actually waterproof – none of those “showerproof” pretenders that will barely see you through a lashing of drizzle.
Elsewhere we’ve looked for breathability, comfort and any other welcome bonuses – like good-sized pockets, or being able to be packed away into its own pocket. We’ve included a range of prices, from ones that will do just for the summer, to others that are long-term investments, which you’ll still be wearing once the memories of mud and cider have faded.
1. Helly Hansen Voss Jacket: £50, Cotswold Outdoor
This jacket from the ever-reliable Norwegian outdoor brand is at the lower end of the price range for a waterproof jacket, but does everything you need a no-nonsense festival jacket to do. The PU fabric is breathable – a must for a summer festival – but the presence of Helox+, Helly Hansen’s own technology that has been developing since the 1940s, means it remains fully waterproof. It’s lightweight with a drawstring hood for any rainstorms and the pockets are big enough for your valuables. Comes in a bright, festival-appropriate red or yellow, or the more understated black or blue.
2. Sherpa Lithang Jacket: £240, Sherpa
If you appreciate a well-pocketed jacket – we know we do – then you’ll love this from Sherpa, the adventure gear brand. The two breast pockets are large enough, but it’s nothing compared to the two side pockets, which are positively humongous, basically covering the whole torso. Designed for use on the mountains, it’s entirely waterproof and we found it was extremely breathable, too, with the side vents only aiding that. Its smooth interior is very comfortable. It’s probably the most outdoorsy-looking one on our list, but we think in this bright colour scheme it will fit right in at a festival – and at this price, it’s an investment that will last for years.
3. Patagonia Men’s Torrentshell Pullover: £90, Patagonia
This pullover jacket is incredibly lightweight and, as a result, hugely comfortable and unrestrictive. The chest zipper comes midway down the torso, which means it’s well ventilated, and the front zipped pocket is excellent for storing snacks and supplies. It’s waterproof, and the DWR-coated outer doesn’t interfere with the breathable mesh, meaning it remains just that. Patagonia is one of our favourite sustainable brands, and the fabrics used here are all Bluesign-approved, meaning the dyes and production methods are safe for both the workers and environment. We’re fond of this bright colourway for festivals too.
4. Finisterre Guy Cotten Jacket: £95, Finisterre
This is a collaboration between the outdoor brand Finisterre and Guy Cotton, which specialises in marine and agricultural attire. The jacket is more loose-fitting than most of the others on the list, but thanks to the elasticated cuffs, drawstring hood and fully waterproof finish, it’ll keep you dry when the heavens open. The fastening on the well-sized pockets is Velcro, but the large flaps that cover it should keep the rain out. Available in either navy or khaki.
5. The North Face Dryzzle Gore-Tex Jacket: £170, House of Fraser
This may be one of the most expensive jackets on our list, but such is the quality of The North Face’s products, it will last you far beyond festival season. It’s made using Gore-Tex – the perennial waterproofing favourite of outdoor enthusiasts – and is extremely lightweight (102g). It’s meant to be used as an outer shell, which means it’s perfect for a top layer when the weather’s still warm. The zipped chest pocket will store your wallet and phone. Available in either black or grey.
6. Rains Poncho Hooded Jacket: £89, Asos
The Danes are no strangers to the rain – some parts of the country have to deal with it 250 days of the year – so it makes sense that this Denmark-based brand makes quality waterproof attire. The relaxed fit of this waterproof poncho, with sides that are easily unpopped, means that your boogying won’t be restricted when the downpour starts. The large hood has a handy billed front, helping to keep the rain out of your face. If you’re looking for something with pockets, though, this isn’t the one for you.
7. Regatta Levin Jacket Seal Grey Gold: £35.95, Regatta
Regatta has a solid reputation in the outdoor community for good value products that come at a good price – perfect for festival gear, then. While this may not be the most stylish on our list, it’s perfect if you’re looking for something that excels functionally – with large, zipped pockets to store your valuables and side vents for extra ventilation. Helpfully, it comes in a large range of sizes too, all the way up to XXXL.
8. Adidas Terrex All Outdoor Printed Wandertag Jacket: £89.95, Adidas
This jacket uses Adidas’ waterproof Climaproof material – the same one used everywhere from its backpacks to its golf jackets – which means it’ll survive the showers. We’re big fans of the dark navy blue camo design, which is offset by the bold white zip. More subtle are the zipped side pockets, which will store your sunglasses, wallet and the like (a more secure option is the handy inside pocket). It’s not as lightweight as the others, so may best for your night-time jaunts when the temperature drops.
9. Joules Packaway Waterproof Jacket: £49.95, Joules
Here’s another straightforward jacket that does exactly what you need at a festival – keep the rain out and then packaway neatly when it’s not in use. It’s extremely lightweight, both when you wear it and when it’s stowed away, as it packs up into the left pocket. The side pockets are a good size, and it’s available in navy or sea blue. It’s fully waterproof. All boxes ticked, then.
10. Columbia Men’s Watertight Casual Jacket: £70, Cotswold Outdoors
Primarily an outdoor brand, Columbia has made forays into lifestyle territory – it’s got a Manchester United-themed range, for example. This, as the name suggests, is another of the more casual offerings, but is still fully functional, with full waterproofing thanks to the brand’s Omni-TECH material. You can pack it away into a hand pocket – a massive help – which themselves are zippered, adding a welcome extra layer of protection. Available in three muted colours, leaving you to add the festival flair elsewhere.
The Verdict: Men’s waterproof festival jackets
We’re big fans of Helly Hansen, and think its Voss jacket is ideal for a simple but effective festival jacket. Those bright colours are spot on, too.
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