Quick answer: what is the best waterproof jacket for Glastonbury?
The Mountain Warehouse Exodus (~£40–£60) is the best-value dedicated waterproof for Glastonbury — genuinely waterproof, packable, and affordable enough that mud and field damage does not sting. For a premium pick that will last years: the Berghaus Deluge Pro (~£100–£130). For budget: Regatta Packaway II (~£25–£40). Bring a waterproof regardless of the forecast — Glastonbury weather is notoriously unpredictable and the consequences of getting it wrong are severe.
Glastonbury mud is famous for a reason. The festival takes place on Somerset farmland where the underlying clay soil turns to ankle-deep sludge in rain — and when it rains at Glastonbury, it rains hard. Even in good years, morning dew and cool evenings mean a waterproof jacket earns its place in your rucksack.
For the full waterproof comparison across every festival, see our best festival waterproof jackets UK guide.
Do I need a waterproof jacket for Glastonbury?
Quick answer: is it worth bringing a waterproof to Glastonbury?
Yes — always. Glastonbury has been hit by severe rain in multiple recent years including 2016, 2019, and others. Even in drier years the site is wet from morning dew, evening cool, and the sheer volume of people on the ground. A packable waterproof weighs almost nothing in your day bag and the cost of being caught without one — cold, soaked, potentially hypothermic on a wind-exposed hillside — is significant. This is non-negotiable kit.
Best waterproof jackets for Glastonbury by budget
Budget: under £50
Regatta Packaway II (~£25–£40) — packs into its own pocket, taped seams, 2,000mm HH rating. Adequate for showers and light rain. The right choice if you are on a tight budget or attending for the first time and want the minimum viable waterproof. Not the most durable for sustained heavy rain.
Mountain Warehouse Exodus (~£40–£60) — step up in waterproofing (5,000mm HH, fully taped seams), packs compactly, hood adjustable enough to work over a beanie or cap. The best-value genuinely waterproof option for Glastonbury. Affordable enough that you do not worry about it getting caked in mud.
Mid-range: £60–£120
Columbia Watertight II (~£65–£85) — Omni-Tech waterproofing, sealed seams, packable, reliable brand. A step up in breathability from budget options — noticeably better when dancing or walking long distances.
Berghaus Deluge Pro (~£100–£130) — 20,000mm HH, fully taped seams, excellent breathability. Will last multiple Glastonbury years. The right choice for regular festival-goers who want one jacket that works everywhere. British brand with strong warranty support.
Premium: £150+
Rab Downpour Eco (~£150–£180) — lightweight, highly packable, excellent in sustained rain. Recycled materials. For buyers who want a jacket that performs in genuinely bad Glastonbury weather and weighs almost nothing in a day bag.
Poncho as an alternative
Quick answer: should I bring a poncho or a waterproof jacket to Glastonbury?
Bring both if possible — a packable jacket as your primary and a disposable poncho as backup. Ponchos cover your day bag as well as you, which is useful in heavy rain. But ponchos are unwieldy in wind, do not keep your legs dry, and look chaotic in a crowd. A jacket is more practical for all-day wear. A £1–£2 disposable poncho in your bag costs almost nothing and is invaluable in a sudden downpour. Browse disposable ponchos on Amazon.
What to look for in a Glastonbury waterproof
| Feature | Why it matters at Glastonbury | Minimum spec |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrostatic Head (HH) rating | How waterproof the fabric is under pressure | 5,000mm minimum — 10,000mm+ for heavy rain |
| Taped seams | Seams are where water enters — taping seals them | Fully taped or at minimum critically taped |
| Packability | Lives in your day bag all day — needs to pack small | Packs into own pocket or stuff sack |
| Hood | Adjustable hood is essential — Glastonbury rain comes sideways | Adjustable, ideally helmet-compatible |
| Breathability | You will be active all day — a non-breathable jacket means you are wet from the inside | 5,000g/m²/24hrs minimum |
See our full festival waterproof jacket guide for a complete HH ratings explanation and full product comparison.
Glastonbury waterproof tips
- Pack your jacket at the top of your day bag — accessible in seconds when rain starts
- Re-proof your jacket with a Nikwax TX.Direct spray before the festival — DWR coatings degrade with washing and wear
- Wellies or waterproof boots protect your legs when a jacket cannot — see our best festival wellies UK guide
- Pack a spare dry base layer in a dry bag — being wet at 2am in a field is a genuine cold risk
Frequently asked questions
Does it always rain at Glastonbury?
Not always, but often enough that going without a waterproof is a genuine risk. The festival has experienced severe mud in multiple years. Even in drier years, morning dew, cool evenings, and the exposed site make a packable waterproof essential kit.
What is a good HH rating for Glastonbury?
5,000mm HH is the minimum for adequate rain protection. 10,000mm+ is recommended for a festival with Glastonbury’s rain history. Fully taped seams are as important as the HH rating — an unsealed seam lets water in regardless of the fabric rating.
Can I wear a poncho instead of a jacket at Glastonbury?
A poncho works as emergency backup but is impractical for all-day wear — unwieldy in wind, does not keep legs dry, and awkward in crowds. A packable waterproof jacket is more practical. Bring a cheap disposable poncho as a backup that covers both you and your day bag in heavy rain.
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