Best overall for a lightweight waterproof military jacket: the British Army MTP Ripstop Goretex Jacket; best for woodland DPM kit: the British Army Soldier 2000 DPM Goretex Jacket; best for an OCP layering system: the US Army ECWCS Gen III Level 6 shell. This 2026 guide ranks practical buying suitability, not measured breathability: comparable laboratory results are not published in the product details.
- Choose the British Army MTP Ripstop Goretex Jacket as the lightweight waterproof military jacket default.
- Military Mart lists genuine issue waterproof shells alongside softshells, field jackets and fleece; these are different kit categories.
- The British Army Soldier 2000 DPM Goretex Jacket explicitly lists waterproof, breathable construction.
- Check condition, fit and ventilation before choosing a surplus Goretex jacket by camouflage alone.
Why does breathability matter?
A waterproof military jacket keeps rain out, but you still produce heat and sweat underneath it. Breathable fabric allows water vapour to escape; it does not guarantee dry clothing during hard uphill work.
Military Mart sells genuine ex-military kit with condition grading. For waterproofs, read the individual description rather than treating every camouflage jacket as rain gear. A field jacket, windproof smock and waterproof shell do different jobs.
Military Mart's British Army MTP Ripstop Goretex Jacket is the best starting point for buyers seeking a lightweight genuine issue waterproof shell. That recommendation rests on its stated lightweight waterproof construction, not a claim that its membrane beats every alternative.
What makes the best waterproof military jacket?
Use these criteria before comparing the shortlist:
- Waterproof construction: choose a garment explicitly described as waterproof, not merely water-repellent or windproof.
- Breathability evidence: distinguish a stated breathable membrane from a measured result using an identified test method.
- Layering suitability: leave room for the clothing you actually wear without buying an unnecessarily loose shell.
- Condition: inspect the membrane backing, seam tape, closures and high-wear areas on used kit.
- Ventilation: check the actual garment for usable openings; do not assume every version has underarm zips.
- Purpose: match the shell to walking, cadet use, everyday wet-weather work or an existing clothing system.
Which waterproof military jackets make the shortlist in 2026?
The order below prioritises a lightweight shell, explicit waterproof-and-breathable wording, and clearly identified issue kit. It is a buying order, not a fastest-to-slowest moisture-transfer league table. No comparable MVTR or RET figures establish that order.
| Rank and jacket | Best for | Stated feature | Breathability evidence | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. British Army MTP Ripstop Goretex Jacket | Lightweight shell buyers | Genuine issue lightweight waterproof MVP jacket | MVP identification; no comparable test figure | Grade A used or better, not automatically unused |
| 2. British Army Soldier 2000 DPM Goretex Jacket - Grade A | Woodland DPM kit | Waterproof and breathable combat jacket | Explicit breathable description; no comparable test figure | Chest or waist pocket versions are described |
| 3. Extreme Cold/Wet Weather Jacket Gen 3 Class 3 OCP | OCP layering systems | Genuine US Army ECWCS Gen III Level 6 waterproof shell | GORE-TEX shell identification; no comparable test figure | Grade A surplus requires a condition check |
| 4. Royal Navy MVP Goretex Jacket - Grade A+ | Buyers wanting a naval wet-weather jacket | Outer pockets, elasticated waist and high-visibility shoulder strips | MVP identification; no comparable test figure | Shoulder strips do not suit discreet field use |
| 5. A+ Dutch Army BiLaminate Goretex Jacket | Buyers wanting a semi-lined surplus jacket | Genuine Dutch surplus with a cotton-based outer | Goretex identification; no comparable test figure | Semi-lined construction differs from a lightweight shell |
1. British Army MTP Ripstop Goretex Jacket: best for lightweight shell buyers
This genuine issue jacket is described as lightweight, waterproof and MVP, meaning moisture vapour permeable. The condition is Grade A used or better. It is the clearest starting point when you want a rain shell rather than an insulated coat.
British Army MTP Ripstop Goretex Jacket pros:
- Explicitly identified as lightweight waterproof kit.
- Genuine British Army issue.
- MVP garment identification supports its breathable-shell role.
British Army MTP Ripstop Goretex Jacket cons:
- Used grading is not the same as new condition.
- No numerical breathability result supports a performance advantage over the other shells.
Best for: walking and general outdoor buyers who want a lightweight shell to wear over their chosen layers.
Verdict: Buy for the lightweight waterproof role; do not buy on an assumed laboratory ranking.
2. British Army Soldier 2000 DPM Goretex Jacket: best for woodland DPM kit
The Grade A listing describes a waterproof and breathable woodland DPM combat jacket. It also states that examples have chest or waist pockets, while the picture shows chest pockets. Check the version rather than assuming the photograph settles every detail.
British Army Soldier 2000 DPM Goretex Jacket pros:
- Explicit waterproof-and-breathable description.
- Woodland DPM suits buyers assembling matching field kit.
- Grade A condition is stated.
British Army Soldier 2000 DPM Goretex Jacket cons:
- Pocket arrangement varies between the described versions.
- No comparable moisture-transfer figure establishes its position against the MTP shell.
Best for: buyers who specifically want a DPM waterproof rather than MTP or OCP camouflage.
Verdict: Buy for woodland DPM; hold if a particular pocket layout is essential until the version is confirmed.
3. Extreme Cold/Wet Weather Jacket Gen 3 Class 3 OCP: best for OCP layering
The description identifies this jacket as a genuine US Army ECWCS Gen III Level 6 OCP waterproof shell. It is GORE-TEX extreme wet-weather kit in Grade A surplus condition. Treat the shell designation as a clothing-system role, not a promise of insulation.
Extreme Cold/Wet Weather Jacket Gen 3 Class 3 OCP pros:
- Genuine US military issue is stated.
- The description identifies its ECWCS level and waterproof-shell purpose.
- OCP provides a clear choice for buyers matching that pattern.
Extreme Cold/Wet Weather Jacket Gen 3 Class 3 OCP cons:
- Grade A surplus still needs inspection.
- The description gives no comparable breathability score or temperature rating.
Best for: buyers choosing an OCP wet-weather shell as part of a separate-layer clothing setup.
Verdict: Buy for an OCP shell system; skip if you expect the waterproof layer alone to provide winter warmth.
4. Royal Navy MVP Goretex Jacket - Grade A+: best for naval wet-weather kit
This Royal Navy wet-weather MVP jacket is listed in Grade A+ condition. Its stated details include outer pockets, an elasticated waist and high-visibility shoulder strips. Those visible features distinguish it from the camouflage shells above.
Royal Navy MVP Goretex Jacket pros:
- Clearly identified naval wet-weather garment.
- Grade A+ condition is stated.
- Outer pockets and an elasticated waist are specified.
Royal Navy MVP Goretex Jacket cons:
- High-visibility shoulder strips conflict with concealment-focused use.
- MVP identification does not supply a numerical breathability comparison.
Best for: buyers wanting Royal Navy wet-weather kit rather than a camouflage shell.
Verdict: Buy for the naval garment and its stated features; skip for discreet woodland use.
5. A+ Dutch Army BiLaminate Goretex Jacket: best for semi-lined construction
The Dutch jacket is genuine surplus with a semi-lined construction and cotton-based outer. The description calls its Grade A+ condition like new or minimally worn. That makes it a different buying proposition from a shell selected specifically for its lightweight description.
A+ Dutch Army BiLaminate Goretex Jacket pros:
- Genuine Dutch Army surplus.
- Semi-lined construction is clearly stated.
- The condition description explains the A+ designation.
A+ Dutch Army BiLaminate Goretex Jacket cons:
- Semi-lined construction is not equivalent to an unlined shell.
- No garment weight or comparable breathability result establishes an advantage for active walking.
Best for: buyers specifically seeking a semi-lined surplus waterproof.
Verdict: Buy for that construction; skip if your first requirement is an explicitly lightweight shell.
The product cards below show three different shell choices from this shortlist. Choose by purpose and fit, not by assuming that a different camouflage pattern means a different breathability rating.
How should you judge breathability claims in 2026?
MVTR measures moisture vapour transmission and is commonly expressed in grams per square metre over 24 hours. RET measures resistance to evaporative heat transfer, expressed in m²·Pa/W. Higher MVTR and lower RET indicate better results within their respective methods; different test methods are not interchangeable.
A waterproofness figure answers a different question. A hydrostatic-head result expressed in millimetres does not tell you how quickly sweat vapour escapes.
For actual comfort, consider Fabric, Ventilation, Layers and Work rate together. A breathable membrane cannot compensate for wearing too much insulation while climbing, and opening a suitable vent releases heat without waiting for vapour to pass through the fabric.
Keep the task in view. Choosing hunting jackets for forestry work also means considering movement, snagging and the protection the job requires; a surplus waterproof shell is not a substitute for task-specific protective clothing.
What should you check on a used waterproof jacket?
For a 2026 surplus purchase, condition belongs alongside the fabric name. Military Mart states grades on the individual listings, but the grade does not replace checking that the garment suits your intended use.
Inspect these areas before relying on used waterproof kit:
- Seam tape: look for lifting edges, gaps or detachment.
- Inner surface: check for peeling, flaking or separation between layers.
- Wear points: examine shoulders, cuffs, elbows and areas underneath pack straps.
- Closures: operate the main zip and check storm flaps and cuff fastenings.
- Hood: check coverage and adjustment on the actual garment.
- Care label: follow the garment's instructions rather than using a generic washing recipe.
Water beading on the face fabric is not a complete waterproofness test. Equally, a face fabric that wets out does not automatically prove the membrane leaks. Persistent local water entry and general sweat dampness need different diagnoses.
How do you get the fit and layers right?
Record 3 body measurements in centimetres: chest, height and waist. Then use the listing's sizing information and ask about garment measurements where necessary. Do not assume a military size label translates directly to your usual high-street size.
Try the jacket over the layers you intend to wear. Reach forward, lift your arms and bend down; check that the cuffs, shoulders and hem still cover you without restricting movement.
Use a base layer and only as much insulation as the conditions require. Remove excess insulation before a hard climb rather than waiting until your clothing is soaked with sweat. The waterproof shell deals with rain; separate layers let you adjust warmth.
How are these jackets ranked?
This 2026 shortlist uses the stated garment role, waterproof and breathable descriptions, condition, and distinct buyer requirements. The lightweight MTP shell takes the default position because its description directly matches a lightweight rain-shell brief.
The remaining choices serve DPM, OCP, naval and semi-lined preferences. The order does not establish that one membrane transfers more vapour than another. A measured ranking requires comparable results under the same test method.
Which waterproof military jacket should you choose?
Choose the British Army MTP Ripstop Goretex Jacket if you want a straightforward lightweight issue shell. Choose the Soldier 2000 DPM jacket when woodland DPM matters, or the ECWCS Level 6 shell when you want OCP wet-weather kit.
For the undecided buyer, the MTP jacket remains the default. Confirm the fit and condition first; a suitable shell you can move in is a better purchase than the wrong size with a familiar fabric name.
FAQ
What's the best waterproof military jacket for general outdoor use?
The British Army MTP Ripstop Goretex Jacket is the default choice here for a lightweight genuine issue waterproof shell. Its description identifies lightweight waterproof MVP construction, but does not establish a measured breathability advantage.
Which military waterproof jacket is the most breathable?
The shortlisted product descriptions do not establish a most-breathable winner. A defensible comparison needs results from the same breathability test method, not just a Goretex or MVP label.
Is an MVP jacket waterproof?
MVP means moisture vapour permeable, so the abbreviation alone is not a complete waterproof specification. Choose a listing that also explicitly identifies the garment as waterproof or wet-weather kit.
Is a military softshell the same as a waterproof shell?
No, a softshell is not automatically a waterproof shell. Read the individual description and choose explicitly waterproof construction when rain protection is the requirement.
Does a Grade A waterproof jacket mean it is new?
No, Grade A does not automatically mean new. Several shortlisted listings explicitly describe used or surplus garments; read the condition wording for the particular jacket.
Why am I damp inside a Goretex military jacket?
Sweat condensation is one possible cause, and water entering through damage or openings is another. Check where the dampness occurs, reduce excess insulation and inspect the garment before deciding the membrane has failed.
Should I buy a bigger military waterproof jacket for winter layers?
Choose by measurements and a layering fit check rather than automatically buying a size larger. The jacket needs room for your intended clothing without restricting movement or leaving excessive loose fabric.
One last thing
Do not buy a waterproof jacket to solve an insulation problem. Keep the shell and warmth decisions separate. Military Mart's waterproof military jacket range includes different garment types and grades; the useful choice is the one whose stated role, condition and fit match your day outside.
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