The best waterproof shooting jackets

The best waterproof shooting jackets will keep you in the field all year round. No matter how heavy the rain, if you’re wearing one of these you’ll be able to get on with the job in hand. (If you’re looking to keep the water out all over, have a look at our list of the best waterproof trousers.)

If your jacket isn’t waterproof and you’re caught in a downpour it really is going to spoil your plans. Instead of being shrug off the weather you’ll get increasingly wet and bothered. During the winter, good waterproofing will make the difference between having a comfortable day out or heading home at the first opportunity because you are cold and chilled.

All the coats below will keep you dry. Whilst we are big fans of tweed (for the best tweed shooting coats see here) you’ll find plenty of less traditional offerings here designed with shooting in mind that look a bit more modern. (Find our list of the best shooting jackets here.)

As for footwear, here’s our list of the best shooting boots. 

We asked a keen Shot what you should look for in waterproof shooting jackets. Jack Gregorie, Product Manager at Farlows said: “When choosing a good field coat, there are several important aspects to consider. First and foremost is going to be weather protection. Here in the UK, we aren’t always blessed with the best weather, so it’s important to choose one that’s fully waterproof, or that has a substantial amount of water-resistant properties. Other important points to consider are warmth for the colder days out in the field, durability of parts and outer fabric, and finally what space and movement the coat offers you when worn. The fit is really important, given you need to have sufficient room for extra layers underneath, but the coat still needs to allow your arms to move freely and with ease, for quick and effortless gun mounting.”

How to choose waterproof shooting jackets

Look out for:

• Plenty of pockets
• Waterproof lining
• Silent material (essential for deer stalking)
• Portability (useful if they can pack into a rucksack)
• Quick drying
• Windproof
• Sturdy zips
• Tearproof

1. Seeland Woodcock II Jacket Waterproof Windproof Breathable Shaded Olive Coat 

Seeland Woodcock II Jacket

Best for the shooting field

+ Updated version of a classic

+ Matching trousers available

– Plain styling

• Size: 38-50
• Colour: Shaded olive
• Fabric: SEETEX® 2 layer membrane

This updated version of the already popular Woodcock shooting jacket is a multi-purpose and exceptionally lightweight coat made for long days outdoors in mind. Large cartridge pockets with a quick load function and a large rear game pocket with Oxford lining for storage make this a great pick when out game shooting. An optimised Seetex two-layer membrane makes this fully wind and waterproof, while retaining breathability and a detachable hood with a peaked visor and storm protection around the face keeps you covered up in severe weather conditions.

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2. Harkila Mens Orton Packable Coat Jacket Willow Green – Waterproof Sprayproof 

Best for portability

+ Packs into own pocket

+ Quiet

• Size: 38-46
• Colour: Willow green as shown
• Fabric: 100% Polyester full stretch

This innovative coat is designed to conveniently pack into itself so it can be easily put away when shooting in changeable conditions. This doesn’t detract from its wind and waterproofing, making it a popular choice for fieldsports enthusiasts. The jacket is mesh-lined to ensure freedom of movement and high moisture wicking on active days and the 100 per cent polyester material is quiet, which makes it a great choice for stalkers. The Orton comes with plenty of storage pockets, including large ones in the front with drain holes to keep your kit dry. There is also a two-way centre front zip, providing additional freedom of movement.

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3. Fjallraven Men’s Brenner Pro Jacket M Sport Jacket 

Best for stalking

+ Generous cut allows for base layers

+ Good value

– Dry clean only

• Size: S-3XL
• Colour: Green as shown
• Fabric: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton

Created from robust but silent fabric this is an ideal waterproof jacket for hunting. It is also windproof. Zipped pockets allow secure storage for cartridges whilst large fleece-lined chest pockets keep your hands warm while on the move.

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4. Men’s Musto HTX Keepers Jacket

Best for versatility

• Mesh lined for extra insulation and breathability
• Waterproof and hardwearing
• Shell: 52% polyamide, 48% polyester.
• Lining: 100% polyester
• Sueded finish
• Handy pockets and outer hanging hook

This is the jacket that will take you from the garden to deer stalking, from the hill to gamekeeping.

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5. Beretta Mens Lite Packable Aria Jacket 

Best for value

• Waterproof and breathable membrane
  Lightweight and packable
  Removable and adjustable hood
  Warm microfleece neck area
  Large front pockets and handwarmer pockets
  Zip closure with flap and snap buttons

Warm, comfortable and practical, this is ideal year round jacket which you can layer according to the season.

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6. Farlows Litchfield Loden waterproof field coat 

Best for beautiful design and function

+ Soft and luxurious feel

+ Practical and hardwearing

– Dry clean only

• Size: S-XXL
• Colour: Loden green as shown
• Fabric: Merino wool and Alpaca mix

This beautiful shooting coat from Farlows is fully waterproof thanks to the breathable drop liner which will keep you completely dry. It has a heavy duty, two-way zip and a full collar that can be worn up or down. There are two large cartridge pockets and silenced snaps that are rubberised to protect gun stocks from scratches.

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7. Harkila Men’s Retrieve Waterproof Shooting Jacket – Warm Olive 

The Harkila Retrieve jacket is completely waterproof, surviving a wallow in a pond and a hose down

Best for keeping clean

• Windproof and waterproof
• Easily hosed clean

Harkila call this a ‘traditional shooting coat’. It is shorter than other shooting jackets, with side vents that allow the wearer to sit down comfortably and remain fully zipped up. The pockets will hold a good handful of cartridges or a training dummy.

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Best classic shooting jacket

• Waterproof
• Thornproof
• Silent outer shell
• Soft Cordura fabric

This new version of the Ptarmigan Classic is claimed by Schoffel to be the best all-round shooting coat it has ever made.

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Top tips for buying a waterproof shooting jacket

There is no escaping the weather when out on a shoot and those skies can be rather fickle at times, so you want to make sure you are fully covered when the sun vanishes and the rain begins to pour. A decent waxed jacket will keep you dry, but if you want something that will also keep the wind from your bones and ensure breathability then look for a coat made with one of the many specially developed membranes – such as Gore-Tex, Seetex or Musto’s BR1 and BR2. A detachable hood is also a bonus – it will keep your head dry when you need it and set aside when you don’t.

Discover our recommendations for the best wellies for shooting and the best waterproof boots for shooting.  

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This piece was originally published in 2018 and has been updated.