Whether it’s pouring on the trail or dumping on the mountain, the right protection keeps you moving. Waterproof clothing helps keep moisture out while letting heat and vapour move away from the body, so you can stay focused despite drizzle, downpours and snow. For hiking, alpine travel, trail running and snowsports, Arc’teryx waterproof clothing delivers durable, breathable protection in demanding conditions.

From rainproof clothing to skiwear: waterproof gear for all seasons

Rainproof and waterproof clothing varies by fabric, construction and how hard you expect to work in it. Softshell outdoor clothing options, like our Gamma collection, offer lightweight, packable weather resistance for passing showers, but the focus is on stretch, freedom of movement and breathability, not full weather protection.

Hardshell clothing featuring GORE-TEX ePE protection is waterproof, windproof, breathable and free from intentionally added PFAS. C-KNIT backers make for a softer, more flexible feel for high-output movement in heavy rain and snow. GORE-TEX PRO ePE offers a similar level of weather protection with added abrasion resistance against rock, pack wear and demanding alpine missions.

A waterproof jacket is often the foundation of a wet-weather kit, but full protection depends on the system around it. On the trail, waterproof trousers add coverage when rain is persistent or ground cover is soaked, while waterproof footwear helps keep feet dry through mud, wet grass and puddles. On the slopes, ski trousers and bib salopettes with more rugged shell protection keep out the snow, whether you’re carving resort laps or charging through powder in the backcountry. And a waterproof backpack offers protection for your gear through changeable conditions.

Frequently asked questions about rainproof and waterproof clothing

What are waterproof clothes?

Waterproof clothes are garments built to stop external moisture passing through the fabric. Technical rainproof clothing uses a membrane such as GORE-TEX® with pores so small they prevent water droplets from entering, but large enough to let water vapour escape, so it remains breathable when hiking, running or moving uphill.

What is the best waterproof clothing?

Look at the garment’s waterproof rating, which measures in millimetres how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before leaking. Men’s and women’s waterproof clothing should have a rating of at least 10,000 mm to offer moderate protection. A rating of 20,000+ mm ensures protection from heavy rain and snow.

What fabric is 100% waterproof?

Fully impermeable materials such as PVC can provide 100% waterproofing, but lack the breathability needed for active mountain use. Arc’teryx hardshell outerwear uses GORE-TEX ePE with a waterproof rating of 28,000 mm, balancing a high level of waterproof protection with breathability to help internal moisture escape in demanding alpine conditions.

What is the best 100% waterproof jacket?

Look for a jacket with a high waterproof rating and construction details like a hood and sealed seams to help keep water out. Our Alpha SV jacket is built to withstand the harshest mountain weather and terrain, for committed alpinists.