Keep dry in outerwear that’s been put through its paces in showers indoors and out

I didn’t think it was possible for my cat to respect me less. That was until he caught me testing a waterproof jacket in the shower. Him, motionless in the hallway, a textbook look of feline disapproval painted across his face. Me, slowly rotating behind a glass screen like a Gore-Tex doner kebab.

What he doesn’t understand is that modern rain gear makes braving the elements far less miserable. Gone are the clammy rubberised raincoats of old. Today’s lightweight shell jackets incorporate clever fabric technologies that keep the rain sealed out without leaving you steaming inside.

Best overall waterproof jacket:
Montane Torren
_{£300 at Montane}

Best Gore-Tex waterproof jacket:
Arc’teryx Beta SL
_{£450 at Arc’teryx}

Best sustainable waterproof jacket:
Páramo Velez
_{£263.50 at Crib Goch Outdoor}