Best Waterproof Golf Jackets: Buyer's Guide and things you need to know
We have tested and reviewed the best waterproof and weatherproof jackets for golf to help you make a decision on which one is right for you this winter.
Best Waterproof Golf Jackets: Golf isn't just a summer sport. With the right gear, you can tee off even in the cold and wet months of winter.
In order to do so, though, you need suitable clothing, especially a reliable waterproof golf jacket. Ordinary layers won't cut it when the elements turn harsh.
To source the best and most durable options on the market, we've tested a number of jackets from the most recognised brands in the category, including Galvin Green and PING.
We've battled the wind and rain as well as put each jacket through a vigorous shower with a rather large water bottle in order to thoroughly test out just how well each of these jackets holds up when faced with the toughest winter conditions.
So, without further ado, let's get into it.
Best Waterproof Golf Jackets
Galvin Green Amos
Key Features:
- GORE-TEX C-knit fabric: provides unbeatable protection from wind and rain while also allowing for a full range of movement during the golf swing
- Lightweight construction: allows the jacket to be easily stored in a golf bag
- Hoodie: delivers additional defence against the elements
Pros:
- Sleek design is ideal for on and off course wear
- Fully waterproof construction provides outstanding protection from the elements
- The hooded design delivers additional defence from the wind and rain
Cons:
No notable cons
Colours: Navy, Forged Iron, Sharkskin, Blue
Material: DRYVR, GORE-TEX C-knit
Price: £369
Galvin Green stands as the pinnacle of waterproof golf attire, consistently setting the standard in the industry. Their latest offering, the Amos jacket, epitomises their commitment to excellence.
Featuring an adjustable hood for added protection, the Amos jacket effortlessly shields against the elements, even in the most relentless downpours. Surprisingly comfortable and unobtrusive during swings, the hood proves to be a game-changer.
Crafted with premium materials and thoughtful design, the Amos jacket boasts seamless functionality. Its GORE-TEX fabric ensures complete dryness, while adjustable wrists and strategically placed pockets enhance practicality.
The jacket's sleek, versatile design transitions seamlessly from the course to everyday wear, making it by far the most versatile jacket on this list.
With its impeccable construction and enduring style, the Amos jacket justifies its premium price tag. Offering unparalleled performance and timeless appeal, it's a worthy investment for any golfer seeking top-tier waterproof gear.
Galvin Green Ames
Key Features:
- Three-layer Pertex construction
- PFC free water repellent treatment
- Fully water and windproof
Pros:
- Provides unbeatable protection from the elements
- Excellent selection of colours
- Pertex really does stretch well to accommodate layering up
Cons:
- Design is a bit safe
Colours: Alaskan Blue/Navy, Navy/Red, Black/White, Cool Grey/Sharkskin, Navy/White, Navy/Cool Grey
Material: 90% polyamid/10% elastane with PU membrane
Price: £319
Galvin Green has long been known for premium weather wear, and the new Ames jacket is no exception. This Swedish brand, which typically uses GORE-TEX, has now introduced Pertex fabric in the Ames, offering more stretch while still being fully waterproof.
We tested the Ames over several rounds of golf and rainy dog walks. The jacket's design is simple but stylish, featuring block colors, white piping, and subtle branding. While it may not turn heads on the fairways, its understated look works well.
Functionality is where the Ames truly excels. It features Velcro cuffs, chest tabs, and a drawstring hem, allowing for easy adjustment. The ‘slide n glide’ interior fabric makes it effortless to put on over layers, and the quiet material avoids the noisy rustle common with some jackets. The stretchy Pertex fabric provides ample room for movement, even when wearing bulky layers underneath.
In terms of waterproof performance, the Ames lived up to Galvin Green’s high standards. Not a single drop penetrated the jacket during our tests, and the pockets are glove-friendly, offering secure storage for valuables.
Overall, the Ames jacket delivers excellent protection, comfort, and adjustability, making it worth the premium price for golfers facing unpredictable weather.
FootJoy HydroTour
Key features:
- Additional rain protection from a DrySeal Technology Collar
- Storm-proven waterproof & breathable 3-layer fabric
- Added breathability thanks to Under Arm Zip Venting
Pros:
- Thoughtful and comfortable fit
- Fleece-lined pockets are an excellent added feature
- DrySeal Collar is a well-thought-out design choice
Cons:
- I would like to see a splash more colour on the all-black design
Colour: Slate/Navy/Primrose, Navy/Black/Red, Black/ Navy
Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
Price: £249
FootJoy’s new HydroTour jacket is designed to deliver premium performance during wet and cold conditions. Available in four color options, it features a simple design with a black body and arms, accented by white zippers. While understated, the jacket is sleek and functional, with FootJoy branding adding subtle detail.
The fit is comfortable, with elasticated cuffs and a design that reduces fabric bulging when swinging. It also includes two standout features: zippered underarm vents for breathability during warm, wet weather, and a DrySeal collar that keeps water from dripping down your neck by channeling it through eyelets at the back.
Another highlight is the fleece-lined pockets, offering extra comfort during cold rounds.
In our test at Bearwood Lakes, the HydroTour performed excellently in torrential rain, keeping midlayers completely dry. The jacket also comes with a three-year waterproof warranty, providing additional peace of mind.
Overall, the HydroTour jacket is a top choice for golfers who regularly play in harsh weather. Its thoughtful design details, combined with reliable waterproofing, make it an essential piece of gear for staying dry and comfortable on the course.
Pro Quip Ultimate HTX
Key Features:
- Reflective metallic lining transfers heat to the lower back and trunk
- Four-way stretch fabric
- Storm cuffs keep wrists and forearms free of excess moisture
Pros:
- The warmest jacket we've tested
- Good adjustability
- Provides excellent protection from both wind and rain
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than other jackets we've tested this year
Colours: Black, Black/Magnetic Blue, Black/Zinc Grey
Material: Polyester 100%
Price: £140
ProQuip's latest offering, the Ultimate HTX jacket, is built for cold, wet weather. The jacket features a metallic lining that reflects body heat, keeping you warm even in dropping temperatures.
Testing the Ultimate HTX during a cold, rainy round at Mannings Heath Golf and Wine Estate proved it to be a solid performer. The jacket is slightly bulkier than others but offers a sleek fit for easy swinging, thanks to its design, the jacket has excellent adjustability, including side adjustor tabs and a fully adjustable shock cord drawstring for best fit at the waist.
The jacket excels in warmth, easily one of the warmest waterproofs available, blocking wind and retaining heat. It can be comfortably worn with just a polo underneath, making it ideal for the coldest winter rounds.
In terms of rain protection, the HTX jacket held up against heavy downpours, with sealed zips ensuring no moisture got in. Priced at £140, the Ultimate HTX offers great value, especially with ProQuip's three-year waterproof warranty. It’s perfect for golfers facing cold, harsh conditions.
PING Taran 3L
Key Features:
- 100% waterproof & breathable 2.5-layer bonded fabric with fully taped seams
- Zip pockets on the side for your hands
- Adjustable bottom hem & cuffs for a custom, secure fit
Pros:
- Very lightweight and easy to pack away in a golf bag
- Offers excellent adjustability
- Solid performer across the board
Cons:
- Could be a bit more interesting to look at
Material: Polyester 100%
Colours: Blue, Black
Price: £240
PING’s new Taran 3L waterproof jacket is made from three-layer stretch fabric, the suit features a fully seam-sealed construction for optimal waterproofing, along with adjustable cuff tabs and a shock cord hem for a customisable fit.
In terms of style, the Taran 3L is simple, with an all-black design broken up by grey detailing on the pockets and logos. A blue jacket is also available for those wanting a bit more colour. The athletic fit offers plenty of room for layering, though taller individuals may want to size up for added comfort under the arms.
On the course, the jacket performed excellently, keeping me dry and warm in wet, windy conditions. With a waterproof rating of 20,000mm, it’s more than sufficient for British weather.
While the design may be understated, PING’s Taran 3L jacket excels in functionality and is a reliable option for golfers seeking new waterproof gear this winter.
Mizuno 20k Waterproof Jacket
Key Features:
- 20,000 grams of moisture transfer
- Popper side pockets
- Adjustable back straps
Pros:
- Lovely block colour design
- Very lightweight
- Great value
Cons:
- Lacks technical features
- Poppers on pockets are quite fiddly
Colours: Black, Blue
Material: Polyester 100%
Price: £139
The Mizuno 20k waterproof jacket, Mizuno's premium offering, combines lightweight design with durability to handle challenging weather conditions. Featuring a split-panel design with Mizuno's signature blue accents and branding, it stands out visually among primarily black competitors. However, the fit runs large, so sizing down is recommended. Adjustable velcro tabs at the back and sleeves allow for some customisation.
While the jacket excels in packability and water resistance, it is thinner and less insulated than some rivals, making it less suitable for cold rounds. Functionality takes a hit with the choice of popper-closure side pockets, which are less secure and harder to use than zippers.
Priced at £139, it’s a more affordable option compared to higher-end brands like FootJoy or Galvin Green, but it lacks some of their advanced features. Overall, the Mizuno 20k waterproof jacket offers good value for golfers seeking a simple, stylish, and effective waterproof solution that won’t break the bank. However, for those prioritising warmth, technical performance, or convenience, alternative models may be more appealing.
Testing Waterproof Golf Jackets
To evaluate waterproof golf jackets, we conduct comprehensive assessments. These tests cover not only rain protection but also warmth and insulation.
Our primary focus is on assessing how well these jackets perform in harsh, rainy conditions. This is critical for providing you with accurate insights into their strengths and weaknesses, especially in typical winter weather.
In order to thoroughly test each jacket, we not only played multiple rounds wearing each one, but we also laid them out and poured water all over them to thoroughly test how waterproof they were.
Warmth and Comfort
When you're out on the golf course during the colder months, staying warm is crucial for both your performance and enjoyment. A waterproof golf jacket should be more than just rain protection; it should also provide insulation to keep you comfortably warm.
The PING SensorDry 2.5 Graphene Suit, for example, uses cutting-edge Graphene technology to maintain thermal conductivity, ensuring you can play your game in cold weather without feeling discomfort or restricting your swing.
Waterproof Performance
The primary function of any waterproof golf jacket is right there in the name - it must be waterproof. When the rain pours down, you want your jacket to repel water effectively, ensuring it doesn't penetrate and reach your skin. A reliable waterproof golf jacket should not only keep you dry for a short while but also maintain its waterproofing capabilities over the course of several rounds.
Keep in mind that the level of waterproofness often corresponds with the price. Investing in options like the Galvin Green Axley Jacket can ensure you stay dry and warm for an extended period, even when the rain keeps falling.
Lightweight and Mobility
Waterproof golf jackets tend to be thicker and heavier than typical mid-layers or jumpers, but that doesn't mean they can't offer a lightweight and comfortable feel. When trying on a new waterproof golf jacket, make sure it feels as comfortable as any other light layer.
A good waterproof golf jacket should provide relief on cold and wet days without burdening you with unnecessary weight.
Freedom of Movement
Apart from weight, freedom of movement is another vital factor to consider. Your swing should remain fluid and unhindered regardless of adverse weather conditions. The jacket you choose should accommodate your movement as much as possible.
It's a good idea to explore jackets with various size options, allowing you to select one that permits your arms to move freely, just as they would without the jacket.
Budget vs. Quality
While it's true that more expensive waterproof golf jackets often deliver superior performance, a lower price doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing quality. Much like choosing golf clubs, the price usually correlates with the overall quality and features.
However, there are exceptions. Jackets like the Galvin Green Axley jacket and the Abacus PDX jacket offer an excellent balance between performance and value. Consider the qualities and features of different jackets relative to their prices to determine which one provides the best value for your specific needs.
How often should I change my waterproof golf jacket?
Wondering when to swap out your waterproof golf jacket? It's simple: Keep it if it still keeps you dry and cosy. But if it's been a few years and the protection is waning, it's time for a new one.
Remember, investing more upfront often means greater durability. Holes or gaps? That's a clear signal for a replacement.
As for timing, no strict schedule applies. Let the jacket's condition be your guide. And if you're outgrowing it – it's time for an upgrade!
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Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
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