Is the FootJoy HydroTour Jacket the Best Rain Top in 2027?

By James Langmead on November 5, 2026

FootJoy HydroTour Jacket Review: Is It Worth £219?

Which one is right for you?

Find your player type and see how the footJoy HydroTour jacket fits.

Jump to our verdict ↓  ·  Who it suits ↓

Key specs

The overview

Winter golf in the UK rewards players who turn up prepared. The FootJoy HydroTour Men’s Waterproof Golf Jacket is FootJoy’s answer for golfers who refuse to let the forecast decide their Saturday. It combines a 20,000mm waterproof rating with a stretch fabric that moves with the swing, which is a rarer pairing than you might expect.

At £219, it sits in the upper tier of our men’s waterproof golf jackets, so it needs to earn its place. FootJoy is one of the most trusted names in rainwear, and the HydroTour is built for players who want serious protection without feeling wrapped in cardboard.

In this review, we cover what the jacket does well, where you might want to think twice, and who should buy it. We also compare it with two alternatives, including the lighter FootJoy HydroLite X, so you can judge the price against what you actually need.

It is worth saying early that waterproofs are a system rather than a single garment. If you are building a full wet-weather outfit, the matching waterproof trousers and a decent pair of waterproof golf shoes matter just as much as the jacket.

What we like

Five things stand out when you look closely at how the FootJoy HydroTour jacket is put together. Each one solves a specific problem that golfers meet when the weather turns.

Waterproofing you can rely on

FootJoy pairs the 20,000mm rating with a DWR finish, which makes water bead and roll off the outer fabric. The FootJoy Hydrotour jacket also uses YKK Aquaguard zips, designed to resist water getting in through the closures. Together, these details mean the jacket tackles rain from several angles rather than leaning on one feature.

The adjustable wrist cuffs and internal storm flap round off the protection. Wet-weather golf is often about the small gaps, such as the wrist when you reach down to a ball or the zip line when the wind drives rain sideways. Sealing those gaps is what separates a good waterproof from a merely adequate one.

Freedom to swing

This is where the FootJoy HydroTour jacket earns its keep. Many waterproofs protect well but fight the swing, pulling across the shoulders at the top. The combination of the 3-panel pattern and four-way stretch avoids that. A customer review on our site describes it as light and effective without restricting movement, which matches the specs.

Golfers who struggle with stiff outerwear will notice the difference. If you want to compare other layering options for colder rounds, our guide to winter golf trousers is a useful companion read.

Practical touches

Two secure side pockets keep a glove, tee or pitch repairer within reach, and the rubber outline logo on the back and left collar keeps the look clean. It comes in two colours, Navy and Black, which pair easily with most golf outfits. The three-year limited waterproof warranty under normal use adds confidence for a jacket at this price.

Worth knowing

No jacket suits everyone, and a few points are worth weighing before you buy. None of these is dealbreakers, but they help set expectations.

It is an investment

At £219, the FootJoy HydroTour jacket costs noticeably more than entry-level rainwear. If you play only a handful of wet rounds each year, the lighter HydroLite X at £159 may cover your needs for less. The HydroTour makes most sense when you play in poor weather regularly.

Check the fit before you commit

Stretch fabrics are forgiving, but a waterproof still needs room for a mid-layer in winter. We suggest checking the size chart on the product page and thinking about what you will wear underneath. If you sit between sizes and layer heavily, our PGA professional team can advise before you order.

Breathability is not quoted

FootJoy lists the waterproof rating for this jacket but not a breathability figure in the product details we hold. The underarm vents help manage heat, yet very active players on warm days may prefer a jacket with a published breathability number, such as the HydroLite X.

Pros and cons

Who it suits

The FootJoy HydroTour jacket appeals to a wide range of golfers, but different players will value different things. Here are three typical profiles and our advice for each.

How it compares

The FootJoy HydroTour jacket does not exist in a vacuum, so here is how it stacks up against two alternatives at different price points. Our pick depends mostly on how often you play in the wet and how much you want to spend.

HydroTour or HydroLite X?

The HydroLite X shares the same 20,000mm rating and costs £60 less. It is a 2.5-layer jacket with a quoted breathability of 15,000g/sqm and engineered knit panels. Choose it if budget matters or you want a lighter feel. Choose the HydroTour for the 3-panel cut, sealed seams and DrySeal collar.

FootJoy HydroTour Jacket or Galvin Green Aston?

The Galvin Green Aston uses GORE-TEX ePE fabric and offers waterproof, windproof protection with a mesh lining. It suits golfers who prefer the GORE-TEX name. The HydroTour counters with its stretch fabric and underarm venting. It costs £10 more than the Aston, so the choice comes down to fabric preference rather than price.

If you are still browsing, our guide to the best lightweight golf waterproof jackets covers more options.

Technology explained

Waterproof labels can read like jargon, so here is what the main technologies in the HydroTour actually do on the course.

All of this is backed by FootJoy’s three-year limited waterproof warranty, which covers normal use. For more on keeping the rest of your kit dry, see our guide to golf umbrellas.

Our verdict

★★★★★ 9/10

The FootJoy HydroTour jacket is a confident, well-judged waterproof. It protects properly, it moves with the swing, and it carries the sort of sealing details that keep you dry when the weather really turns. For golfers who play through the winter, it is easy to recommend.

The main hurdle is the price. At £219, you are paying for protection and freedom of movement, and if you play rarely in the wet, the HydroLite X at £159 is a smarter buy. For everyone else, the HydroTour is the jacket you will reach for whenever the forecast looks grim.

Our score of 9/10 is our own editorial assessment based on the specifications and customer feedback, and reflects strong all-weather performance held back only slightly by cost.

Your questions

Is the FootJoy HydroTour jacket fully waterproof?

Does the jacket restrict your golf swing?

What colours does the FootJoy HydroTour Jacket come in?

How do I care for the jacket?

Is there a warranty?

What if the jacket does not fit?

Why buy from us

Complete your setup

• Waterproof trousers – complete your wet-weather defence with trousers that match the jacket.
• Golf shoes – keep your feet dry with waterproof shoes built for slippery fairways.
• Golf umbrellas – extra cover between shots and on the practice green.
• FootJoy gloves – maintain grip in damp conditions with rain-ready gloves.
• Golf bags – a waterproof bag keeps your clubs and kit protected too.

For more on the rules that shape every round, including when play can be suspended for weather, see the official guidance from The R&A.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, and availability are accurate as of publication but may change. All FootJoy products featured are genuine products from an authorised retailer. Product performance may vary based on individual use and care.

60-Day Returns Policy: If you are unhappy with any product, you may return it — unused, unopened, and in its original packaging — within 60 days for a full refund. Free UK Standard Delivery: Every order over £30 from The Golf Shop Online comes with free standard UK delivery. For the latest pricing, availability, and product specifications, visit our website or contact our team on 0800 3681097. The Golf Shop Online has served golfers since 2002, with award-winning customer service backed by 29,000+ verified reviews across Reviews.co.uk, Trustpilot, and Google.

 

About James Langmead

The Golf Shop Online takes immense pride in its extensive selection of high-quality branded golf equipment, all available at exceptionally affordable prices. In addition to this, the shop offers valuable insights and guidance from PGA professional golfers. Their team is led by the esteemed resident professional, James Langmead. James previously earned the prestigious title of Callaway club fitter of the year and was a vital member of the Callaway CFS testing panel. At The Golf Shop Online, customers can expect not only top-notch products but also expert advice from seasoned professionals in the golfing industry. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to refine your game, their knowledge and expertise are readily available to assist you in making informed choices for your golfing needs.