A good waterproof jacket usually isn't cheap, so it's fair to ask how long one should actually last before it's time to replace it.

The short answer: a well-made jacket, looked after properly, should last 5 to 10 years of regular use. Some go even longer. But a few things make a big difference to where you land in that range.

It depends on how you use it

A jacket worn for the odd rainy commute will outlast one that's out on the fells every weekend. Frequent use means more wear on the seams, zips, and fabric coating, so keen hikers and runners will naturally get through jackets faster than occasional wearers.

The first thing to fail is usually the DWR coating

Every waterproof jacket has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating on the outer fabric. This is what makes rain bead up and roll off rather than soaking in.

Over time, and with washing, wear, and exposure to dirt and oils, this coating wears thin. When it does, the outer fabric starts to "wet out": it looks and feels damp on the surface, even though the waterproof membrane underneath is still doing its job.

This doesn't mean the jacket is broken. DWR can be reapplied, and doing so regularly is the single best way to add years to a jacket's life.

Proper care goes a long way

A lot of jackets get replaced too early simply because they haven't been looked after. A few habits go a long way:

• Wash it regularly with a proper technical wash, not standard detergent. Dirt and body oils clog the fabric and stop it breathing properly.
• Reproof after washing if the water stops beading on the surface.
• Dry it properly, following the care label. Some jackets benefit from a spin in a tumble dryer on low heat, as the heat helps reactivate the DWR coating.
• Never use fabric softener as it can damage the waterproof coating.

We've got a full guide on washing a waterproof jacket if you want the details.

Signs it's time for a new one

Even with the best care, jackets don't last forever. Look out for:

• Water soaking through the fabric itself, not just wetting the surface
• Seams that have started to peel or let water through
• A worn-out or broken zip
• Patches of fabric that have thinned or delaminated

If you're only seeing surface wetting and the inside stays dry, reproofing will likely sort it. If water is genuinely getting through to your base layers, it's probably time to start looking at something new.

In summary

Treat your jacket well, wash it properly, and reproof it when it needs it, and you can reasonably expect 5 to 10 years from a quality waterproof. Look after it, and it'll look after you.