The Best Waterproof Jackets for Walking, Hiking and Trail Running in New Zealand
A waterproof jacket is one of the most essential pieces of clothing you'll own in New Zealand but the right one depends entirely on what you're doing. Wear a heavy hiking shell on a trail run and you'll overheat within a kilometre. Pull on a lightweight running jacket for an exposed ridge walk and you'll be underprepared when the weather turns. And whatever your activity, a quality waterproof that lasts season after season is always the smarter investment.
We've selected our top Rab waterproof jackets across three categories: walking and everyday wear, hiking, and trail running so you can find the right match for how you explore the outdoors.
Why Waterproof Performance Matters in New Zealand
New Zealand's weather can change so quickly and with areas experiencing heavy rainfall throughout the year. The West Coast receives several metres of rainfall annually, Fiordland sees rain on more than 200 days a year, and even in drier regions like Canterbury and Otago, alpine conditions can shift from clear to dangerous in under an hour. A waterproof or rain jacket here isn't optional. It's a safety essential. The main question is which one is right for your activity.
Understanding the Key Specs
The technical numbers on a waterproof jacket can feel overwhelming. Here's what they actually mean in practice before you read the picks.
|
Spec |
What it measures |
What to look for |
|
Hydrostatic head (HH) |
This measures how waterproof the jacket is. |
20,000mm+ for sustained heavy rain; 28,000mm+ is the standard for GORE-TEX and technical mountain jackets |
|
Breathability (MVTR) |
Grams of moisture vapour transmitted per square metre of fabric in 24 hours, higher numbers mean more sweat vapour escapes |
20,000g/m²/24hrs is the active-use benchmark; look for this or higher on any jacket worn during hiking or running |
|
2.5-layer construction |
Waterproof membrane bonded to the outer face fabric, with a printed pattern on the inner surface to protect it, no separate bonded lining |
Lighter and more packable; ideal for everyday wear and trail running |
|
3-layer construction |
Waterproof membrane fully laminated between the outer fabric and a bonded inner lining, all three layers move as one |
More durable and structured; better for sustained mountain use and pack/harness abrasion |
|
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) |
The outer chemical treatment that causes rain to bead off the face fabric rather than soaking in if DWR fails, the outer wets out and breathability drops even if the membrane is intact |
All jackets in this guide use fluorocarbon-free (PFAS-free / PFCec-free) DWR, eliminating persistent environmental chemicals |
|
Pertex Shield |
A premium waterproof-breathable membrane using a PU film construction prioritises lightness, packability, and breathability |
Rated at 20,000mm HH / 20,000g MVTR; the preferred membrane for running and fast-hiking jackets including the Phantom, Downpour, and Firewall |
Best Waterproof Jackets for Walking and Everyday Wear
For weekend walks, daily commutes, and casual time outdoors, you need a jacket that's light enough to carry daily, comfortable enough to wear anywhere, and reliable enough to handle whatever the New Zealand sky throws at you. We have two recommendations:
Rab Downpour Jacket: Best everyday waterproof
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Fit: Regular
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Weight: Men 352.5g/ Women 323.5g (depending on size)
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Fabric: Pertex® Shield 2.5-layer, fluorocarbon-free DWR
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Waterproof rating: 20,000mm HH
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Key features: Underarm vents, adjustable hood with flexible polymer peak
The Downpour is your go to everyday jacket. The soft 2.5-layer Pertex Shield fabric is comfortable against skin with no clammy inner lining. Underarm vents on an everyday jacket let you open up ventilation the moment the pace picks up without fully unzipping in the wind. It’s light enough to carry on every outing, tough enough for New Zealand's shower-then-sun-then-shower conditions. The ideal waterproof jacket for anyone spending regular time outdoors.
Shop Womens Downpour Jacket
Shop Mens Downpour Jacket
Rab Namche GORE-TEX Jacket: Best everyday GORE-TEX waterproof
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Fit: Regular
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Weight: Men 364g/ Women 318g (depending on size)
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Fabric: 75D Recycled 3-layer GORE-TEX, PFCec Free DWR
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Waterproof rating: 28,000mm HH
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Key features: Articulated sleeves, hood optimised for increased weather protection, taped seams throughout for complete waterproof protection
This is the jacket for anyone who wants one waterproof that handles Monday's commute and Saturday's hill walk without compromise. The Namche brings full 3-layer GORE-TEX performance into an everyday jacket, the same membrane standard used in serious mountain gear. The 28,000mm hydrostatic head and GORE-TEX waterproof guarantee give you complete confidence in sustained heavy rain. The fully articulated sleeves mean natural movement whether you're striding out on a flat track or scrambling over some rocks.
Shop Mens Rab Namche Gore-Tex Jacket
Shop Women’s Rab Namche Gore-Tex Jacket
Best Waterproof Jackets for Hiking
Hiking puts waterproofs through their paces in ways everyday wear doesn't. Sustained rain on exposed terrain, pack straps grinding across the shoulders, long climbs that demand real breathability, and hoods that need to protect your face in wind-driven rain not just look the part. We have two recommendations:
Rab Kangri GORE-TEX Jacket: Best hiking waterproof
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Fit: Regular
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Weight: Men's 438g / Women's 391g (depending on size)
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Fabric: 70D 3-layer GORE-TEX Performance Products with ePE membrane, PFCec Free DWR
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Waterproof rating: 28,000mm HH
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Key features: Two-way underarm zips, backpack-compatible hand pockets, internal zipped secure pocket, fleece-lined chin guard, adjustable hood with stiff peak, drawcord waist, hook-and-loop cuffs.
The Kangri GTX is a perfect waterproof for hiking. Built with 70D 3-layer GORE-TEX Performance Products and a next-generation ePE membrane that is completely free of fluorocarbons, it delivers hardwearing, windproof, waterproof protection in the demanding conditions New Zealand's mountain trails produce.
Every feature is designed around a full day on the trail. The mountain hood closes tightly around the face in driving rain, with a fleece-lined chin guard that removes the cold and friction of bare metal against your neck. The hand pockets are cut high to clear a pack hip belt, a small detail that makes a big difference when you're wearing a loaded daypack.
Shop Mens Kangri Gore-Tex Jacket
Shop Womens Kangri Gore-Tex Jacket
Rab Firewall Waterproof Jacket: Best hiking waterproof for durability
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Fit: Regular
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Weight: Men's 495.5g / Women's 445g (depending on size)
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Fabric: 40D Pertex® Shield 3-layer, fluorocarbon-free DWR
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Waterproof rating: 20,000mm HH | Breathability MVTR 20,000g/m²/24hrs
- Key features: YKK front zip with external and internal storm guards, snap closure ventilation, fully adjustable mountain hood, 3-layer construction comfortable next to skin
The Firewall is the jacket for hikers who are out regularly and need something that holds up over years of hard use. The 40D Pertex Shield 3-layer fabric is built to survive pack abrasion, scrambling contact, and sustained rough-weather use without degrading. The 3-layer construction sits comfortably against skin, so it wears well on longer days when you're moving between effort levels.
The snap closure on the front zip is a practical, reliable ventilation option in gusty conditions when a full unzip isn't possible. The mountain hood is fully adjustable with a proper rain-shedding peak, and the storm guards on the main zip are sealed for wind-driven rain.
Shop Men’s Firewall Waterproof Jacket
Shop Women’s Firewall Waterproof Jacket
Best Waterproof Jacket for Trail Running
Trail running waterproofs live by different rules. Weight is everything! Grams you wear for hours add up fast. Breathability matters more than maximum protection because your body generates far more heat while running. And the jacket has to move with you, not against you. A heavy hiking shell is not a trail running jacket, regardless of what the label says. Our recommendation:
Rab Phantom Jacket: Best waterproof jacket for trail running
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Fit: Slim
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Weight: Men 116.5g/ Women 104g (depends on size)
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Fabric: 7D Pertex® Shield 2.5-layer, fluorocarbon-free DWR
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Waterproof rating: 20,000mm HH, Breathability MVTR 20,000g/m²/24hrs
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Key features: Packs into its own hood (palm-sized), roll-away ventilating hood, full-length zip, slim running fit
The 7D Pertex Shield fabric is genuinely close to weightless in use, soft, quiet, and breathable. When conditions improve, it packs into its own hood, a palm-sized bundle that fits in a vest hipbelt pocket.
The slim fit eliminates the drag and billowing that ruin a heavier jacket on the run. The roll-away hood ventilates efficiently on uphills and deploys instantly when rain arrives. Everything else has been stripped away, this is exactly the features a runner needs, and nothing more.
For events like the Kepler Challenge, Tarawera Ultra, or the Motatapu, it's the jacket that belongs in your vest alongside your mandatory gear.
Shop Mens Phantom Waterproof Jacket
Shop Women’s Phantom Waterproof Jacket
For more on what to wear and carry on the trail, see our Trail Running Essentials guide.
How to Make Your Waterproof Last
A quality waterproof jacket is an investment and how you care for it determines how long it performs. DWR treatments wear over time with use and washing, but they can be fully restored with the right care. For step-by-step guidance on washing, drying, and reproofing your waterproof, head to our Waterproof Care Guide. Your jacket will thank you for it.
Need help choosing? The Outfitters team is always happy to talk through what you need. Get in touch or explore the full waterproof jacket range on the website.
Disclaimer: Product specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change. Always verify current specifications on the Outfitters website before purchasing. Outfitters accepts no liability for decisions made solely on the basis of information published in this guide.
