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Best Waterproof Golf Jackets 2024: Keep the rain out | Today's Golfer

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Best Waterproof Golf Jackets 2024: Keep the rain out | Today's Golfer

While adequate protection from the wind and cold is important, they can at least be mitigated somewhat by layering up with one of the best golf base layers or golf mid-layers. There is no substitute however when it comes to waterproofing, and to ignore this for a less-robust water-resistant or water-repellant jacket will likely leave you cold, damp, and uncomfortable in persistent rain.

Best overall waterproof: Galvin Green Armstrong Golf Jacket | Buy Now – UK | Buy Now – US

Best for convenience: PUMA DRYLBL Rain Jacket | Buy Now – UK | Buy Now – US

Best waterproof guarantee: Sunderland Matterhorn Golf Jacket | Buy Now – UK | Buy Now – US

Best overall ladies waterproof: Footjoy Ladies HydroKnit Golf Jacket | Buy Now – UK | Buy Now – US

The biggest brands in the game constantly innovate to engineer high-performance multi-functional golf jackets that are waterproof, windproof, thermal, breathable, and most importantly provide unrestricted freedom of movement.

And while a new waterproof golf jacket is a substantial investment, it is worth remembering that you will likely get more wear from your jacket off the course than you do on it, making a golf jacket one of the best value-for-money garments in your wardrobe.

For more golf wet weather essentials, check out our guides to the best waterproof golf shoes and the best golf umbrellas. But for now, let’s crack on and reveal our best waterproof golf jackets of 2024.

A premium high-tech and practical golfing jacket.

A versatile waterproof with an excellent warranty

A sustainably constructed water and windproof jacket.

A weather-defying waterproof to keep your score on track.

A lightweight, breathable jacket that's 100% waterproof.

A sustainable choice of waterproof that's lightweight and breathable.

A convenient and stylish waterproof that packs down into a handy pouch.

A waterproof that caters for performance, playability, and style.

All-weather protection and performance with versatile styling.

A true flyweight jacket with heavyweight waterproof credentials.

A lightweight and convertible stormproof jacket for all seasons.

A storm-tested waterproof that looks the business.

A first-class waterproof that can be picked up for a bargain.

Top-performing lightweight golf waterproof from the footwear giant.

A great all-rounder providing robust protection with style.

A classic in the world of women's golf jackets.

Whether you live in a seasonal climate or one that is relatively consistent all year round, one thing we have in common is that we will likely get wet during a few rounds every year. To help you make the most informed buying choice when it comes to waterproof golf jackets, we’ve put together this short guide to make sure you pick a winner that will keep your score on track when the rain sets in.

Note, that water resistant does not mean waterproof. The most robust waterproof, jackets will have a rating of over 10,000 mm. We have only included jackets in this guide that are considered fully waterproof by the manufacturer, which typically means ratings above 2,000 mm. This means that during testing, the material can withstand this level of water pressure without it penetrating the fabric. The higher the rating, the more tolerance the jacket will have as the severity of the rain increases.

There are lots of excellent articles exploring this subject further, but if you play in an area with high rainfall like me (Wales!), then strong waterproofing should be a key consideration.

Unless you live in a tropical climate, rain usually comes with cold and windy conditions that can really impact your enjoyment if you are not well prepared. Ensuring your new waterproof has good thermal qualities that can resist wind chill and maintain your core body temperature will make all the difference. If you regularly play on courses wide open to the elements or in cold winter months, then you may wish to opt for something with wind-penetrating fabrics and enhanced insulation. There are plenty of great models that do just this.

It’s worth ensuring any jacket you’re eying up has an appropriate level of ventilation incorporated into its design. They provide increased airflow, helping you to remain comfortable without the need to remove it. Commonly, you will be playing in mild but rainy conditions where you require protection without overheating.

This is critical otherwise your waterproof golf jacket may as well be, well…a jacket. Thanks to the prevalence of high-stretch fabrics used in the latest models, it’s rare to find a quality jacket that falls short in this department. Without sufficient freedom of movement, you may feel like you can’t quite access your full range of motion, which will inevitably have consequences for shots with high swing speeds. We strongly suggest you have a few practice swings in your preferred jacket, ideally over a mid-layer, and make sure you can reach the top of your backswing and end of your follow-through without restriction.

With quality golf jackets retailing at premium price points, we believe you should feel just as comfortable wearing them in a variety of social and professional settings, not just on the course. The more wear you can get from your waterproof off the course, the better value for money you will receive, and this is something we suggest factoring into your budget for any item of golf clothing.

What should I look for in a waterproof golf jacket?

First and foremost you should check the waterproof rating of your preferred golf jacket. The higher the rating, the more waterproof the garment will be. A rating below 2,000 mm will only provide protection in very light rain and is classed as water-resistant but not waterproof. Once you are happy with the waterproof rating, consider the typical conditions you encounter and decide on your ideal balance of warmth, breathability, weight, and windproofing. Not forgetting your preferred styling of course.

What is the best waterproof golf jacket?

As with all golf clothing, there is not one brand that produces significantly better waterproof jackets than the rest of the marketplace. All of the big players including TravisMathew, Galvin Green, FootJoy, Under Armour, Nike, and Adidas produce excellent waterproof models that will keep you swinging in warmth and comfort when the heavens open.

Are waterproof golf jackets expensive?

A quality waterproof golf jacket will usually come with a price tag upwards of $100/£100, making them one of the more expensive golf items in your wardrobe. Golf jackets are very versatile however and you should expect to get just as much wear off the course as you do on it which massively improves the cost-per-wear ratio of the garment. For this reason, you should make sure you would be happy to wear the jacket in a variety of social and active settings to get the best value for money.

How should a waterproof golf jacket fit?

When considering what size you should opt for with a waterproof golf jacket we suggest referring to the manufacturer’s website to see how the garment typically fits. Ideally, you should try the jacket on before committing to a purchase and have a few practice swings. Any golf jacket must strike a balance between being snug enough to provide warmth, whilst being loose enough to not interfere with your swing.

Ross Tugwood is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in data, analytics, science and innovation. He’s also an expert in golf apparel and has a keen interest in sustainability.

Ross is passionate about optimizing sports performance and has a decade of experience working with professional athletes and coaches for British Athletics, the UK Sports Institute and Team GB.

He has post-graduate degrees in Performance Analysis and Sports Journalism, enabling him to critically analyze and review the latest golf equipment and technology to help you make better-informed buying decisions.

Ross lives in Snowdonia National Park with his wife and 40 kg Bernese Mountain dog! He is a member of Porthmadog Golf Club with a handicap index of 15.4.

Away from golf, Ross enjoys hiking, trail running, and supporting the mighty Bristol Bears.

Ross uses a Cobra King SZ Speedzone driver, Titleist TSi2 3-Wood, TaylorMade Sim2 Rescue, Callaway Apex Pro irons (4-PW), Cleveland 588 RTX wedges (52°, 58°), TaylorMade Spider Ex putter, and a TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball.

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Best Waterproof Golf Jackets 2024: Keep the rain out | Today's Golfer

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