Best Lightweight Golf Jackets
There's nothing worse than getting caught in the rain on the golf course. Trying to play golf when you're soaked through is a nightmare, and speaking from experience, it pays to be prepared. From our perspective, having a lightweight waterproof jacket is an essential item that every player should have in their wardrobe. While the best golf rain jackets deliver excellent warmth and protection, they can sometimes be a bit heavy, clunky and unnecessary if you're just playing through a light shower.
For that reason, it's good to have a go-between that you can store in your golf bag and pull out whenever the rain comes down. That's where a lightweight golf jacket comes in handy, with these options keeping you both warm and dry on the course without any bulk or weight that can hinder the golf swing. In fact, many of our favorite options included in this guide are both great for the golf course, but can also be used out and about in your daily life. They all blend style and performance to help you look smart and stay dry in whatever you're up to. So, if you're looking for a new lightweight golf jacket, check out some of the excellent options we have tested below. If you're after something a little more robust though, then we've got plenty of other fantastic jackets on our guides to the best golf waterproofs and the best golf rain gear.
Best Lightweight Golf Jackets
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Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 6
+ Thin and stretchy fabric
+ Keeps water and wind out
+ Practical features aid comfort
- Doesn’t offer warmth on cold outings
Updated with some fresh colors and stylish details, this lightweight Armstrong jacket from Galvin Green continues to impress. Not only does it keep water and wind at bay with consummate ease, but it also has those important design details that ensure you can swing in total comfort - such as the Velcro cuffs, zipped pockets and the elasticated drawstring at the waist.
The thin Paclite stretch material ensures you’re able to swing unimpeded and also allows you to fold it away compactly for easy storage. Perhaps most importantly, it’s up there as one of the best-looking golf rain jackets around, so you’ll look great in the rain, and just about anywhere.
Sizes: XS-2XL
Colors: 2 (black, collegiate navy)
+ Addition of the hood
+ Extremely lightweight
- Doesn’t feel as thick as non-hooded model
This Hooded rain jacket from adidas looks absolutely fantastic, and is versatile enough to be worn literally anywhere. The new design feels a lot lighter and the materials aren’t as thick as the previous Rain.Rdy Jacket, so on those colder days it does need to be paired with more layers. However this is no issue given it didn’t take up a lot of room in my bag, and added next to no weight.
The waterproof protection hasn’t been compromised either as I was caught in several downpours in testing and it performed brilliantly. It also felt comfortable and I liked the adjustability of the hood and elasticated cuffs. It would be great if more colors were available though.
Sizes: XS-4XL
Colours: 2 (Black/Black/White or Midnight Navy/Midnight Navy/White)
+ Surprisingly warm
+ Totally noninvasive
- No hood
Next up is the Tour Essential Jacket from Nike a firm favorite of ours in testing. It is surprisingly warm given how lightweight and thin the fabric construction appears to be. For example we were only wearing this on top of a Nike Floral Polo, and a particularly windy day felt like a mild summer evening. This fabric moved well during testing as well, at no point did it feel restrictive to the body thanks to the slightly stretchy material.
The incredibly large pockets will split opinion, as will the double pulley zip. The lack of hood does hold it back compared to some of its rivals in this guide, but overall it is still a high-quality jacket which is excellent value for money.
Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 7 (Airforce, Evergreen, Blue, Navy, Gunmetal, Camo, Silver)
+ Lightweight feel and waterproof
+ Adjustability everywhere
- Is the design a bit bland?
Sitting atop the tree in Sunderland’s AW range is the Whisperdry Pro-Lite, a very good rain jacket thanks to its overall protection and design features. First it is ultra-lightweight and stretchy which made it very easy to swing in, and it stored away easily because it folds up well.
Whilst this does mean more layers are needed in colder weather, the lightweight fabric didn’t compromise on waterproofing. Water beaded off excellently thanks to the seam-sealed construction and I loved all the other adjustable features too including the inner storm flap, chin guard and cord-adjusting high neck, and the Velcro adjusters at the cuffs and waist.
The only negatives for me were the pockets were a touch small, and the design could probably be described as a bit bland. However that does also make it versatile so that’s a subjective point.
Sizes: S - XXL
Colors: 2 (Black, Rainfall)
+ Super-flexible, lightweight jacket that still provides plenty of protection
+ Flattering shape and style
- No internal pocket
In recent years, the need for golf to have its very own clothing styles and patterns has diminished. There is now greater demand for apparel that can be used in a wider setting, and Peter Millar has been a key player in this.
The Winter Wind Gust Jacket is a perfect example, one that can be worn and enjoyed anywhere. Its comfort comes from a thin, gridded, fleecy interior which weaves its magic without adding to the bulk, and the material has a 4-way stretch and is water-resistant.
I can easily wear this over a polo shirt or a mid-layer, or potentially even under a waterproof jacket. I have been a golfer for 40 years, and it is a real pleasure to find clothing that I can enjoy playing in, but which doesn’t label me as a golfer.
Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 2 (Black, Grey)
+ Lightweight
+ Luxurious feel and camo styling
- Water resistant, not waterproof
G/FORE is known for making products that really stand out and this Camo Performer jacket is a highlight on this list. That being said we do think it does have some restraint given the camo design is not an all over print, with the sleeves boasting just a plain grey colorway.
That aside, the super soft, luxurious material is both lightweight and provides good warmth in chilly conditions. It is brilliant at keeping out the wind for that reason. The jacket is water resistant and features ‘AquaGuard’ waterproof zippers, but it’s not designed to keep out the heavy stuff. If that's your number one priority, we recommend taking a look at the best golf rain jackets.
Read our full G/FORE Camo Performer Jacket Review
Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 4 (Black, Navy, Cool Grey/White, Navy/Cool Grey
+ Excellent protection
+ Ideal for light showers on colder days
+ Versatile, stylish design
- Quite loose fitting
The Leonard is the perfect golf top for those that play in some of the worst weather but don’t enjoy the feel of a waterproof jacket. The warmth comes from the padded middle section while the Interface-1 fabric on the arms provides the freedom of movement as well as the protection from the elements. In fact, water beads off the arms extremely quickly barely leaving any trace behind, although the same isn’t quite true of the center section.
The mesh pockets are comfortable and convenient and also have zips to keep items secure. The fit comes up larger than other garments in Galvin Green’s range, which works if you want to combine it with other layers underneath, but might mean it looks baggy unless you go down a size.
Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 3 (Blue Poppy, Grey, Balsam)
+ Lightweight but offers good protection from the elements
+ Exceptionally comfortable
- Not fully waterproof
This is an update to the Hyperlight Merge jacket that we gave an Editor's Choice award to in 2022 and a refreshed design, new colors and a zippered chest pocket make a great product even better. The Merge Elite is made from a premium performance fabric and delivers a lightweight feel but superb warmth. It is both wind and water-resistant and delivers ample protection against most showers.
As with the previous version, the Elite’s sleeve length was perfect - not too long, that it would bunch up on your arm over a shot but not too short either that it would restrict your swing. It is suitable for on and off course wear and is one of the most versatile garments we’ve tested.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 1 (Navy)
+ Stylish jacket can be worn on and off course
+ Water repellent coating
- Sporty styling will put some off
One of the most versatile brand’s that we feel very comfortable wearing away from the course is Penguin. Its Heritage Track Jacket is a perfect example of a piece of golf clothing that looks fantastic blended with a pair of jeans and sneakers.
The full-zip design, stretch-zip collar and sleeve colors all combine to create a modern-looking garment.
The stretchable fabric works well with the golf swing and it is nicely fitted around the cuffs to prevent any interference when you grip the club. What’s more the fabric itself has a water repellant coating that should help to keep you dry in light rain showers, but is perhaps not the best option for torrential downpours.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2 (Black, Navy)
+ Incredibly warm and soft
+ Excellent wind protection
- Not fully waterproof, but can withstand a light shower
If you're after a warm, premium golf windbreaker it's hard to look past this offering from Puma. The Cloudspun fabric gives added weight and warmth to the jacket, while the Primaloft Quilting retains the heat and provides some good protection from the wind. The quilting also looks fantastic and gives a very trendy look on the course.
These two technologies work fantastically together and it kept us at very comfortable temperature throughout our testing. We really liked the drawstring at the waist which helped us loosen and tighten the jacket and really enjoyed the pockets on offer here too!
Read our full Puma Cloudspun WRMLBL Jacket review
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 1 (Navy)
+ Clean, versatile design
+ Thin, lightweight material
- Not overly warm
The best lightweight golf jackets need to offer protection while being playable and the Castore Golf Zip Through jacket does an excellent job of this. The premium feel of the moisture-wicking fabric is excellent to the touch and once the main zip is fastened, the lightweight and minimalistic feel becomes more obvious.
The fabric is thin, meaning your swing won't feel restricted but it also means it will not provide the warmth many of the best golf jackets deliver. That being said, layers can easily be added underneath. The tailored fit means excess material doesn't intrude and the smart, clean styling means it can be worn easily away from the course. It lacks the customization options some of the best waterproof jackets offer, like Velcro cuffs or an elasticated hem, but this didn't seem to detract from the playing experience.
Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 2 (Charcoal, Navy)
+ Keeps you very warm in cold conditions
+ Excellent mobility and super stylish
- Drawstring at the rear can be distracting
For those wanting to play through the winter months, the ThermoSeries hybrid jacket looks to be a compelling mid-layer option. Cold weather is a real killer for your morale on the course and the warmth on offer here is simply outstanding. It promotes mobility in the swing too via a stretchy pair of sleeves which delivers a stylish woven tire finish to them. It also comes with an adjustable collar, which can be loosened or tightened via the elasticated cord at the back.
For such a warm garment, its most noticeable plus point is how lightweight it is and it's very thin too despite the woven quilted sections on its front.
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 2 (Storm, Blue)
+ Great comfort and cuffed wrists
+ Water and wind resistance
- Only comes in two colors
The Ping Norse S4 Zoned jacket is extremely warm, very comfortable to wear and flexible, plus it has been designed to be water resistant. It’s a full zip design with two excellent zipped hand pockets that are fleece-lined. There’s plenty of stretch to it so it’s very easy to play golf in. We’re big fans of this jacket and love the arms in particular, which are extremely thin but surprisingly warm.
The Norse S4 Zoned jacket is remarkably warm for what is a lightweight, thin garment - it’s seriously impressive. Some golfers may find themselves getting an awful lot of wear out of it, off the golf course too. The only downsides we’d pick out would be the styling - a one-color all over look would have been preferred and unfortunately it only comes in two different colorways.
Sizes: Small-XXL
Colors: 3 (Blue, Navy, Grey)
+ Can be worn on and off the course
+ Good warmth
- Only three color options
A stylish, warm and protective jacket, the Revo is an excellent windbreaker and waterproof that looks good both on and off the course. Testing this jacket was a dream and we thoroughly enjoyed the mobility it provided us in our golf swing.
As we've come to expect with Under Armour, the brand delivers quality in all the products they produce and that is certainly visible here. If you like this coat then you should also take a look at our guide on the best Under Armour golf shoes.
It has three zipped pockets to keep all of your valuables safe and protected from the elements. The fit is just as you’d hope so we’d recommend going for your usual size. It comes in blue, navy and grey and looks great when twinned with a pair of chinos or smart golf trousers.
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 2 (Black, Navy)
+ Very lightweight
+ Wind and water resistant
- Would need an additional mid-layer for very cold temperatures
This is an ideal lightweight jacket to have stored in your golf bag for when the weather turns sour on the course. It is perhaps one of the most lightweight offerings on this list, meaning you'll barely notice it's in your bag as you walk around the golf course. It does come as a pull-over jacket, which may not be to the tastes of some players, but for us was a fantastic option, delivering both warmth and mobility in the swing.
There is some excellent tech in this too, with it's elasticated cuffs and hem and a very pleasant fleece inside collar. It would be fair to say that at this price point there may be more that some would be looking for in a jacket, but this is a clear top performer for what it promises - which is wind and water resistance in a lightweight jacket.
How we test
When it comes to testing lightweight jackets, and indeed all apparel, our ethos and methodology revolves around putting the gear on, and using it out on the golf course, in different conditions. Obviously to test waterproofing we game the apparel in wet conditions, and we have also gone to extreme measures before, like pouring water all over the jackets to test how seam-sealed they are.
We think the best way of actually testing golf products is to use them thoroughly on the golf course, over a number of rounds, but we also try them off the golf course too because some models are extremely versatile. We then use these experiences to create reviews and buying advice content. Speaking of which we should make very clear, no manufacturer can buy a good review from us, we tell it how we see it.
How to choose a golf jacket
So what are some of the factors you need to consider when trying to find the right lightweight golf jacket for you? Let's take a look.
1. Waterproofing
Obviously the most important thing is waterproofing. If a jacket doesn't keep the rain at bay, regardless of strength and duration, then it isn't worth having. Thankfully pretty much all of the models above will protect you from the rain in excellent fashion largely because they have been designed specifically for that purpose.
In terms of specifics, when doing your research be aware of the phrase 'water resistant' because this does not mean the jacket is completely waterproof, and also check if jackets have been seam-sealed because this is usually a great barometer of how waterproof a jacket is. We would also recommend checking if some models have a waterproof warranty, as well as having a look at our best golf rainwear guide.
2. Protection
A good waterproof jacket will also help you in the wind and cold too. The best models stop the wind penetrating the fabric and making your core cold, and also have nice features like fleece lined pockets to give you some respite from the poor conditions.
3. Color
If you are wearing it, you have to like what it looks like. No longer are golf rain jackets drab and boring to look at because now there are designs for all fashion senses. It is just a case of picking a design and color you like.
4. Freedom of movement
With all this protection, occasionally rain jackets can be large and cumbersome but in modern golf design this is no longer the case. Most really good models stretch and move with the body freely so that your swing isn't hindered despite having a few layers on.
5. Budget
Finally be aware of your budget as the best golf jackets don't come cheap! Importantly, we've listed several models above that come at both premium and value price points so there is something for everyone.
If you're perhaps looking for more golf apparel ideas, then why not check out our guides to the best golf windbreakers, best golf polo shirts, or best golf pants.
FAQs
What makes a good golf jacket?
There are several elements to a good golf jacket, with the first being warmth. A jacket needs to deliver warmth and protection from the elements otherwise you'll get soaked and uncomfortable on the course. Next is flexibility. It needs to provide you with comfort and a full range of movement. And the last is being lightweight - no body want's to be weighed down by heavy golf gear.
Should I always carry a lightweight golf jacket in my bag?
It is advisable to carry a lightweight waterproof golf jacket in your bag as you never know when the weather will turn on the course. While you may be concerned about that weighing your bag down, there are plenty of options in this guide that way next to nothing and are unnoticeable in your bag.
Can you play golf in a padded down jacket?
Yes you can! Some of the options in this guide are padded, yet you may want to be careful when playing in padded down jackets. These can have a tendency to rip as their material can be quite fragile. For that reason I'd personally avoid playing in down jackets, despite the warmth they can deliver.
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