A warm and waterproof jacket is essential for winter. Join us as we explore a selection of our top-notch waterproof coats designed to provide all-encompassing protection for your entire family.
When winter comes, you need a nice warm coat to keep the cold at bay. But with so much choice out there, how do you know which one is the most comfortable, or the warmest? Which will keep you dry? And how do you avoid looking like a giant marshmallow? After all, we want to look stylish too, right?
The cold wet weather shouldn’t stop us from getting outdoors. Fresh air has so many health benefits, so with a good winter coat, there’s no need to be cooped up inside as the temperature starts to drop. We’ve put together a list of the warmest waterproof coats for winter to help keep the whole family toasty and dry this season.
As winter approaches, finding a jacket that keeps you both warm and dry is important, and with so much out there, it can get difficult to find the right fit for you. From the insulating powers of down to the resilience of synthetic materials and the crucial aspect of fill power, we'll guide you through the essentials to help you make an informed choice for your winter wardrobe.
Down insulation
Down consists of the soft, fluffy feathers found beneath the outer feathers of ducks and geese. Jackets insulated with down are generally the warmest, excelling in heat retention, and they're often the lightest as well. However, they tend to be more expensive than jackets with synthetic filling and may not perform as well in wet conditions.
Synthetic Down
Synthetic fills are an excellent choice for cold and damp conditions. They handle moisture better than down because the fibres are treated to be hydrophobic, resisting water absorption. This means they maintain most of their insulating properties even when wet. Additionally, they dry much quicker than natural down jackets and are easier to clean.
Fill Power
When shopping for an insulated jacket, it's important to check the fill power of the down. A higher number indicates more loft and greater warmth. For everyday use, a jacket with a fill power around 500 should suffice. However, if you're more outdoorsy and require protection from severe cold, opt for a jacket with a fill power of 600 or higher.
Staying warm means staying dry, which is a fundamental aspect of finding the best warm waterproof jacket. A well-insulated winter coat is essential, but the effectiveness of the outer shell is just as critical in determining how warm or cold you'll feel, and not all materials are capable of protecting you from the rain. It's important to note that water-resistant is not the same as waterproof. A waterproof jacket will keep you dry in heavy rain and snowfall, whereas a water-resistant shell offers limited protection, only effective in light drizzle.
A premium winter coat should be a reliable barrier against wet weather, keeping the wind at bay to preserve your body heat. Rain, be it a slight drizzle or a heavy pour, can ruin a day out or a weekend getaway, highlighting the importance of a warm, waterproof coat. The right jacket can dramatically change your experience, raising the question: what makes a good waterproof jacket?
Look for a coat that's not only well-made but also practical. Essential features include a waterproof and windproof hood, water tight pockets, and a warm lining. While lightweight waterproof jackets are convenient for their compactness, fitting easily into a backpack, they may not be sufficient for winter warmth. However, layering a trusted light waterproof jacket over a warm down jacket is a viable option.
The level of waterproofing a jacket offers is determined by its rating. The higher the rating, the longer the fabric will remain waterproof. For a comprehensive understanding, be sure to explore our guide to waterproof ratings.
Jackets with a rating below 2,000mm are ideal for everyday activities such as shopping or casual walks. They're also suitable for light walking and camping, provided you don't anticipate heavy rain. For more demanding weather conditions, a rating of 5,000mm or higher is recommended, making them a solid choice for serious treks in adverse weather. The best warm waterproof jackets typically have higher ratings, offering not just protection from the rain but also breathability, making them perfect for moderate to high levels of outdoor activity.
The resistance of a fabric to a water pressure expressed in mm of water column is measured (test based on the ISO 811 standard). The higher the pressure, the more waterproof the fabric. A component with an impermeability of 2000 mm therefore resists the pressure exerted by 2000 mm of water (which corresponds roughly to a downpour of 2 hours).
The water repellency of a fabric is its ability to let water run off its surface without absorbing it. This means the textile does not soak up water and remains light, breathable and warm. Water repellency is obtained by a treatment applied to the outer face of the fabric. This treatment needs to be renewed during the life of the garment (we recommend every 3 washes). All Quechua rain jackets have a water repellent treatment.
The different jackets are validated in a shower test under a certain number of litres of water / m² / hour for several hours (depending on the requirement). This test reproduces the conditions of a more or less severe thunderstorm in the mountains.
The product's ability to release water vapour produced by the body. In addition to the breathability of the fabrics used, Quechua is developing technical solutions (zips, vents, mesh, etc.) that improve the overall ventilation of all of its jackets designed for hiking. These ventilation systems both regulate the temperature inside the garment and facilitate the evacuation of perspiration generated by the body during exercise.
To find out if a fabric is breathable, we measure its evaporative resistance RET (test based on the ISO 11092 standard). The lower the resistance, the more the fabric allows the water vapour generated by the active body to escape, and the more breathable it is.
The coating is like a paint applied to the inside of the fabric which makes the component waterproof while remaining breathable. It is often less expensive than a membrane, and requires a liner to protect it. The membrane is a kind of very thin plastic film (polyurethane) which makes the component waterproof while remaining breathable.
It has the advantage of being more flexible, lighter, more durable and often more breathable than the coating.
The warmest waterproof jacket for you will depend on your activity. A coat to wear for the school run will likely be very different to one worn for hiking or skiing. And cold weather runners or cyclists will have different requirements too. We’ve put together our list of the best warm waterproof coats for men, women and children, to keep the whole family warm and dry this winter.
Remember, when it comes to size, it’s usually a good idea to go one size up to fit any extra layers.
Embark on your next adventure with our men's 3-in-1 trekking jacket. Designed for versatility, it features a waterproof outer layer and a warm padded inner jacket that keeps you comfortable down to -10°C. Wear each layer separately or combine them to suit varying weather conditions and maintain optimal comfort.
Features we love:
✓ Modularity: 3-in-1 design featuring removable padded lining
✓ Waterproof: 10,000 mm H2O rating, withstands 3-hour storm
✓ Pockets: 6 secure zip pockets and two on the padded jacket
✓ Ventilation: Zipped underarm openings
✓ Mobility: Stretch inserts in padded jacket
Introducing your ultimate companion for challenging treks. Crafted for durability and comfort in cold weather down to -10°C, this jacket combines RDS-certified down with mesh material for superior weatherproofing. This women's waterproof jacket is ideal for trekkers seeking a practical yet stylish all-weather solution.
Features we love:
✓ Warmth: Filled with RDS down
✓ Compact: Easily packs into your backpack
✓ Water repellent: Outer fabric is surface-treated to prevent water ingress
✓ Tear-resistant: Featuring outer fabric with reinforced mesh
Gear up your young adventurers with our kids’ parka, designed to tackle even the harshest winter conditions. Stylish and robust, this kids' waterproof jacket provides exceptional warmth and comfort down to -23°C, making it ideal for winter expeditions and snowy adventures.
Features we love:
✓ Warmth: Double-thickness chest wadding
✓ Waterproof: 5,000 mm H²O rating and taped main seams
✓ Snow protection: Anti-blizzard hood with removable fur, protective sleeves and double zip
✓ Windproof: Outer fabric coating
✓ Pockets: Two outer flap packets, an inner zipped pocket and two net pockets
Stay warm, dry, and mobile on the pitch with our Football Parka, designed specifically for training in cold, wet, or windy conditions. This practical, long, and waterproof parka comes with a hood, multiple pockets, and an adjustable zipper for a perfect fit. It's the ideal choice for football players and enthusiasts who don't let the weather stop their game.
Features we love:
✓ Warmth: Padded lining for temperatures down to -5°C
✓ Ventilation: Underarm zips for increased airflow
✓ Waterproof: Outer fabric resists water
✓ Mobility: Hem zip is adjustable
✓ Pockets: Two zip-up pockets, two open chest pockets and one inner rip-tab pocket
Brace yourself for cold-weather hikes with our waterproof winter hiking jacket. Specially designed to keep you warm down to -10°C, this jacket combines advanced insulation, waterproofing, and practical features to make your winter excursions comfortable and enjoyable.
Features we love:
✓ Warmth: Inner flap under the zip prevents cold air from entering, and toggle tightening at the hem
✓ Waterproof: Coating rated 5,000 H²O (Schmerber) with 100% taped seams
✓ Snow protection: Adjustable hood and sleeves with rip-tab, and a drawstring at the jacket hem
✓ Pockets: Two warm hand pockets lined with fleece and one secure outer chest pocket
Hit the slopes in comfort with our Ski Jacket 500, designed for regular skiing in cold weather. This jacket offers exceptional warmth thanks to its synthetic fibre insulation, and its waterproof membrane and taped seams provide excellent protection against adverse weather conditions.
Features we love:
✓ Warmth: Insulated with synthetic loose fibres, suitable for temperatures as low as -9°C
✓ Waterproof: 15,000 mm membrane (Schmerbers) and fully taped seams
✓ 5 Pockets: Two for hands, one for a ski pass, one internal, and one mesh goggle pocket
✓ Adjustable: hood
✓ Breathability: Breathable fabric and a ventilation strip on the back
✓ Snow Protection: Automatic snow skirt and cuff fastenings to prevent snow entry
Stay cosy and dry on the slopes with our down ski jacket. Designed for those who feel the cold, this jacket features a down filling, a waterproof membrane, and heat-sealed seams, making it perfect for skiing in any weather. Its ventilation zips also ensure excellent breathability.
Features we love:
✓ Waterproof: 10,000mm rated membrane with taped seams and waterproof main zips
✓ Warmth: Filled with 75% down and 25% feathers, plus wadding on the shoulders and cuffs for extra insulation
✓ Breathability: Breathable fabric and includes two chest ventilation zips
✓ Water Repellent: Outer fabric to prevent waterlogging
✓ Adjustable: Adjustments at the hood, jacket hem, cuffs, and snow skirt
✓ 4 Pockets: two for hands, one for a ski pass, one internal, and one net for goggles
✓ Comfortable: High collar, warm and soft, guarantees both protection and comfort
✓ Ease of Use: Detachable hood for versatile wear
Embrace the cold and even the slopes in style with our women's ski jacket, tailor-made for comfort in the chilliest of conditions. Featuring a waterproof component and an enveloping hood, this high-collar jacket is your best ally against harsh weather, ensuring a cozy and dry ski experience.
Features we love:
✓ Warmth: Double layers of wadding, suitable for temperatures down to -15°C
✓ Waterproof: 10,000 mm membrane (Schmerbers) for excellent water resistance.
✓ Snow Protection: Snow skirt and cuff fastening to prevent snow from getting inside
✓ Pockets: Four convenient pockets – two for hands, one for a ski pass, and one internal pocket
✓ Adjustable: Removable fur trim on the hood for versatility and style
Weather the cold with our women’s ski jacket, perfect for skiers who brave the Alpine elements. This jacket combines a stand-up collar, double-fleece hand pockets, and extra wadding insulation, providing you with excellent warmth and protection in a stylish, waterproof design.
Features we love:
✓ Warmth: Enhanced with double layers of wadding, suitable for temperatures down to -18°C
✓ Waterproof: 10,000 mm membrane (Schmerbers) and taped main seams for robust waterproofing
✓ Ease of Use: Removable straps for wearing the jacket over the shoulders
✓ Pockets: Large multi-compartment pockets, including a hand warming area and secure pockets for your essentials
Equip your child for outdoor adventures with our kids’ hiking jacket. Designed for both warmth and style, this jacket ensures your child stays comfortable in temperatures as low as -3.5°C, making it ideal for winter hikes and outdoor play.
Features we love:
✓ Warmth: 150 g/sqm chest wadding for a comfort temperature of -3.5°C
✓ Waterproof: Coating of 5,000 mm H²O (Schmerbers) and sealed main seams
✓ Snow protection: Fleece-lined hood (220 g/sqm), cuff tightening, and an elasticated jacket hem help prevent snow entry
✓ Windproof: Resistant outer fabric coating keeps wind out
✓ Ease of use: Zippers come with easy-to-grasp zipper pulls for convenient handling
When it comes to staying warm and dry during your outdoor adventures this winter, look no further than Decathlon's very own Quechua brand. Established in 1997, in the stunning backdrop of the French Alps, Quechua has spent over two decades dedicated to perfecting hiking and camping gear for our valued customers. Their commitment to innovation and design has allowed them to craft some of the finest warm waterproof jackets on the market. With cutting-edge technology and a passion for creating high-performance outerwear, Quechua ensures that you're ready to conquer the elements, no matter where your adventures take you.
Wedze, also part of the Decathlon family, brings over two decades of expertise to the table, guaranteeing that you'll be well-equipped for your cold-weather escapades. Their dedication to crafting the perfect blend of fashion and function results in some of the most stylish and effective warm waterproof jackets available. With Wedze, you can expect innovative technology that not only keeps you cosy but also ensures you look your best while exploring the great outdoors. Say goodbye to winter chills and hello to a blend of fashion-forward design and high-performance gear that will elevate your winter adventures.
When it comes to finding the ultimate warm waterproof jackets for your outdoor escapades, it's all about diving into the intricacies and selecting a style that perfectly suits your needs. Should you opt for an insulated jacket, ensuring it boasts water-resistant properties is essential. And if you're seeking a game-changer, consider the remarkable advantages of synthetic insulation, which excels in handling moisture. But why stop there? Picture yourself in a versatile 3-in-1 coat, complete with a removable inner jacket that guarantees warmth throughout the seasons. At Decathlon, the options are endless, spanning a diverse range of styles and features. This winter, rest assured that you'll discover the flawless fit to elevate your outdoor experiences to new heights.
