Nothing is more unpleasant than getting soaking wet when trying to enjoy a hike. Hikers have tried various ways to stay dry over the years, but it wasn’t until the advent of GORE-TEX that a practical, comfortable, waterproof rain jacket was available.
Often called rain shells, you can now buy lightweight, waterproof coats that can be worn both while enjoying walking in the backcountry and everyday life. This type of raincoat has no insulation but is designed to be worn over layers. The material used is windproof and waterproof while also being breathable. Ideally, the jacket can be folded down and packed away when not in use.
Recently, many companies have experimented with new technologies, and the range of options available when deciding which rain jacket to buy can be confusing. Trying to compare how waterproof and breathable the different materials are can be challenging. Below, we’ve picked our favorite rain jackets and compiled all the essential data so you can make an informed choice.
Editor’s note: This article is part of our guide to the very best waterproof rain jackets for hiking, be sure to check out the rest of this guide for our top buying tips:
Arc'teryx Beta LT | Black Diamond StormLine | Outdoor Research Helium Rain | Marmot PreCip Eco | Arc’teryx Beta | Marmot Minimalist | Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 | The North Face Venture 2 | Columbia Watertight II | The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight | |
Buying Options | ||||||||||
Our Awards | Best Women's Performance | Best Stretchy | Best Ultralight | Best Men's Performance | Best Womens | Best Mens | Best Budget | |||
Weight | 13.9 oz. | 11.3 oz. | 6.3 oz. | 10.6 oz. | 10.6 oz. | 13 oz. | 13.2 oz. | 11.6 oz. | 13 oz. | 12 oz. |
Waterproof | 3L Gore-Tex | 2.5L BD.dry | 2.4L Pertex | 2.5L NanoPro | 3L Gore-Tex | 2.5L Gore-Tex | 2.5L Pertex | 2.5L Dryvent | 2L Omni-Tech | 3L Futurelight |
Pockets | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand | 2 Zippered Hand | 2 Zippered Hand | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest | 2 zippered chest | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand pockets; 2 internal drop-in pockets | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest |
The 7 Best Waterproof Rain Jackets for Men
Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket
Best Men’s Performance Rain Jacket
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Very waterproof
- Comfortable to wear
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- No pit zips
- Not very stylish
See the Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket in more detail:
One of the most notable things about the Arc’teryx Beta rain jacket is how comfortable it is. The GORE C-KNIT feels soft against your skin, and the articulated cut that Arc’teryx uses means you can move freely. This comfort is married with outstanding waterproofness. The 3-layer GORE-TEX is guaranteed to keep you dry, and Arc’teryx’s intelligently designed hood and zippers will also keep the rain out. There are no pit zips, but this version of GORE-TEX has outstanding breathability, so you won’t miss them unless you are working extremely hard. This jacket has all the usual features you would expect but slightly improved. The Velcro tabs to adjust the cuffs are narrow but effective; the drawcord in the hem can be adjusted from both sides so it isn’t lopsided; and the hood is easily adjusted at three points with just one easy pull of the cord. Whereas many manufacturers limit pockets, this jacket has three.
The two waist pockets are high enough to be useable even when wearing a harness or rucksack while still being comfortable to slide your hands in. The small internal chest pocket is laminated to provide extra protection for valuables. The only thing that lets it down is its appearance, which could be smarter. You will pay more for this raincoat, but it is a worthwhile investment as it is durable and made to a high standard. The Arc’teryx Beta rain jacket is ideal for anyone looking for a fully-featured coat to keep dry and comfortable in all conditions. Read our full review of the Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket here.
Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Rain Jacket
Best Men’s Rain Jacket
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Excellent breathability
- Multi-features not usually seen at this price point
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- The DWR isn’t as good as some others in our round up
See the Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Rain Jacket in more detail:
The Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 rain jacket is a fantastic rainshell with many features you wouldn’t expect to get at this price point. It gets the essentials right, too. Although the primary material is 2.5-layer Pertex Shield, it will keep you dry in all but the most extreme downpour. It has fantastic breathability with generously sized pit zips to increase ventilation when needed. It is very comfortable to wear with a soft lining and a good range of movement. The hood has three adjustment points and is big enough to fit over a helmet. The YKK Aquaguard zips, the brushed tricot back neck patch and chin guard, and the polymer peak in the hood are nice extra touches. The two pockets are placed high enough to be comfortable but still accessible when wearing a harness or rucksack. An intelligent feature is a tab on the collar that allows you to fold down the hood and secure it neatly. The only negative we found was the DWR isn’t very good. As part of Rab’s commitment to sustainability, they use a fluorocarbon-free DWR, which could perform better. Despite this, the Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 rain jacket will suit anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors while staying dry and comfortable in all weathers. Read our full review of the Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Rain Jacket here.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Best Budget Rain Jacket
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Affordable price
- Stain-resistant Omni-Shield coating
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Not as waterproof
- Not as breathable as some
See the Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket in more detail:
The Columbia Watertight II rain jacket is one of the best budget rain shells on the market today. It’s composed of a 2-layer Omni-Tech fabric, which will keep you dry in normal rainfall but isn’t very breathable. However, while not suitable for extreme conditions, this rain shell is perfect for occasional walkers who want something to protect them from showers. Our favorite feature of this raincoat is the DWR coating, which, as well as shedding water efficiently, is also stain-resistant. There are also other welcome features that you wouldn’t expect to get on a budget raincoat, including two mesh-lined pockets, an abrasion-resistant chin guard, and an adjustable hood with a stiffened brim. The flaps over the central zipper and the pockets help to keep out the rain and give it a neat, modern look. The thin, flexible material makes this a comfortable jacket to wear, and it packs down easily and tucks away into a pocket. Overall, the Columbia Watertight II rain jacket is a practical, fully-featured raincoat at a very affordable price. Read our full review of the Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket here.
Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Jacket
Best Stretchy Rain Jacket
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Good range of movement
- Packs away into a pocket
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- 5-layers make it a bit less robust and high-performing than 3-layers
- The hood is large and doesn’t keep rain off your face as much
As the name suggests, the Black Diamond StormLine Stretch rain jacket is a flexible rain jacket with a wide range of movement. The BD.dry fabric used is more stretchy than similar material used by other manufacturers. While 2.5-layer material will never be as high-performing as 3-layer, this rain shell will protect you from wind and rain in normal conditions. Its breathability is average and can be aided by the pit zips. The BD.dry fabric is lightweight, making the raincoat more durable and comfortable to wear. It also makes it easy to pack it away into the right-hand pocket that has a carabiner so you can clip it onto a harness or backpack. The helmet will fit over a helmet and can be adjusted, but the design is not very effective at keeping rain off your face.
There are two hand pockets that are well-protected with flaps. There are plenty of different colors to choose from, and it is smart enough to wear every day as well as when hitting the trail. The Black Diamond StormLine Stretch rain jacket is easy to wear and has some great features. Read our full review of the Black Diamond StornLine Rain Jacket here.
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Best Ultralight Rain Jacket
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Very lightweight
- Packs down into a small pocket
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Not very breathable
- Elastic cuffs let wind and rain in
The Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket is very lightweight, but it will still protect you from wind and normal rainy conditions. The 2.5-layer Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric has a DWR coating and is surprisingly tough and durable. This is one of the lightest rain jackets we have found, but it still includes a generously sized adjustable hood. It looks quite stylish, with discreet logos and lots of colorway options. Its thinness means it packs down easily into a very compact bundle. The men’s jacket has just one pocket on the chest that the packed coat can be zipped into. A handy feature is the clip inside the pocket that can keep your keys safe and attach the packed jacket to a harness or backpack. To keep it light, this rain shell has no pit zips, so it isn’t very breathable. The cuffs are elasticated instead of having the standard adjustable Velcro tabs so the wind and rain can get into the sleeves. However, the Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket is the perfect choice if you are looking for a practical, ultralight rain jacket. Read our full review of the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket here.
Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Jacket
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Affordable Price
- Hood folds away
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Not as waterproof in heavy rain
- Zippers are fiddly to use
The Marmot PreCip Eco rain jacket is versatile, with many features not usually seen on budget rain shells. It is made of 2.5-layer NanoPro fabric, which can cope with all but the heaviest rainfall. Unusually for raincoats at this price point it has pit zips to increase breathability. Other unexpected features include a chin guard, adjustable cuffs with Velcro tabs, and two pockets. The hood is large but can be easily adjusted, and when not in use, it can be folded away into the collar. If you were looking for something to nit-pick, then the zippers are fiddly with small pullers that can be difficult to use with cold hands or if you are wearing gloves. Apart from that, the Marmot PreCip Eco rain jacket is one of the cheapest and lightest rain jackets available, with many features not usually found on a budget coat. Read our full review of the Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Jacket here.
The North Face Venture 2 Rain Jacket
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Affordable price
- Fully featured
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Not as durable as more expensive jackets
- Doesn’t stay dry in extremely heavy rain
See The North Face Venture 2 Rain Jacket in more detail:
The North Face Venture 2 rain jacket is a fully-featured, multi-purpose rain shell. The 2.5-layer DryVent material does an above-average job of providing protection from wind and rain, but it won’t cope with heavy downpours. Despite being a budget raincoat, you get decent breathability along with pit zips for added ventilation. You also get Velcro sleeve fastenings, two hand pockets, and an adjustable hood. This lightweight jacket is comfortable to wear and gives you a good range of movement. It is very easy to pack it into a pocket, and there is a loop attached so you can clip it onto a rucksack or harness when you’re not wearing it. While it may not be the most durable raincoat, the North Face Venture 2 rain jacket is an affordable rain shell with good breathability and all the features you need on a hike. Read our full review of The North Face Venture 2 Rain Jacket here.
The 3 Best Waterproof Rain Jackets for Women
Arc'teryx Beta LT Rain Jacket
Best Women’s Performance Rain Jacket
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- High Breathability
- Lightweight
- 3 Layer Gore-Tex
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive
- Doesn’t pack into a pocket
The Arc’teryx Beta LT rain jacket is one of the best available. It is intelligently designed and made from high-quality materials, so you can be confident it will never let you down. It feels lightweight and comfortable to wear with an excellent range of movement. The hood is one of its most popular features. It is big enough to fit over a helmet when needed, but it easily adjusts to a smaller size that still looks good, keeps you dry, and doesn’t interfere with your peripheral vision. This rain shell has two pockets at waist height that can be accessed even when wearing a harness or backpack. The zippers, Velcro wrist adjusters and hem drawcord are the usual high standard you would expect from Arc’teryx and this price point.
The primary material is 3-layer GORE-TEX, so you know you will stay dry whatever the weather. The breathability of the raincoat can be increased by opening the pit zips when needed. If the weather improves, the jacket packs down easily into an impressively small bundle. It comes in a fitted cut that looks good but still provides you with a wide range of mobility. For women especially, this is one of the few rain jackets that seems designed for the female figure. Read our full review of the Arc’teryx Beta LT Rain Jacket here.
Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket
Best Women’s Rain Jacket
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Great waterproofing
- Three good-sized pockets
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Less breathability than some other models
- Doesn’t pack down very well
See the Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket in more detail:
The Marmot Minimalist rain jacket looks stylish while keeping you dry. It has a modern, streamlined look with flaps over the pockets and zippers. There’s a good range of colors, and the logos aren’t too noticeable. As well as looking good, it also has GORE-TEX Paclite to keep you dry in all but the most extreme weather conditions. It has pit zips to improve breathability when needed. The hood isn’t designed to go over a helmet and can be adjusted using the drawcord. You get three good-sized pockets, although using the waist pockets might not be easy if you are wearing a harness. The fabric used for this rain shell is a little stiffer than usual, which makes it look smarter but means it doesn’t pack down very well. However, if you want a stylish all-rounder that keeps you dry and comfortable, the Marmot Minimalist rain jacket would fit the bill. Read our full review of the Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket here.
The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight Rain Jacket
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Excellent breathability
- Comfortable against skin
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- DWR isn’t as good as some other models
- The hood doesn’t protect as much of your face
See The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight Rain Jacket in more detail:
The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight rain jacket is an outstanding weatherproof coat. It is light, thin, and comfortable to wear. Known for its exceptional breathability rating, the use of Futurelight fabric means pit zips are not needed on this rain shell. It is waterproof in normal conditions but may struggle to keep you dry if it starts raining heavily, especially as the non-PFC DWR isn’t very effective. Welcome features include three pockets, including an internal one at chest height, that are well-protected with flaps. Unlike most raincoats, the hood isn’t designed to keep rain off your face, but instead, it closes closely around your face to keep your head dry. When the weather improves, it will pack down easily and fold away into a pocket to make a compact parcel. The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight rain jacket is a versatile coat that would suit anyone wanting to stay active when it is raining. Read our full review of The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight Rain Jacket here.
Waterproof Rain Jackets Buying Guide
When you are deciding which rain jacket to buy, there seems to be a vast array of features and information to look at. It can be daunting to try and work out what you need. While everyone’s needs will differ, below are the main criteria you should consider when buying a rain jacket.
Type and Style
Some rain jackets are designed specifically for hikers, whereas others may be aimed more at skiers or climbers, and others are more for everyday use. Often, the manufacturer will give some indication who the raincoat would be best suited to.
Rain jackets also come in different cuts. Some are fitted while others are looser. You need to consider how you will wear the jacket and which cut will best suit you.
Price
The price range of rain jackets is vast. Excellent budget raincoats can be found for under $100, while high-performance ones retail for around $500. If you are only going to wear your rain shell a few times a year, then you probably don’t need to get a top-of-the-range one. However, it would be worth investing in a fully-featured, top-of-the-range jacket if you are an outdoor enthusiast.
Water Resistance
The essential feature of a rain jacket is to keep you dry. While all raincoats will keep you dry to some extent, their effectiveness varies. The waterproof rating is one way to determine how rainproof a coat is. While only some manufacturers give this rating, you can find websites that have run tests independently. Generally speaking, you need a minimum waterproof rating of 10,000 mm, as anything lower will only fully protect you from light rain. Waterproof ratings between 10,000 mm and 20,000 mm will keep you dry in normal conditions, but they will struggle after a couple of hours if it is very heavy rain. Anything rated 20,000 mm can cope with just about any weather conditions. Below is a table showing the waterproof rating of our pick of the best rain jackets.
The waterproof rating of the material is not the only factor you need to look at when choosing a jacket to keep you dry. Most manufacturers add a DWR (durable water repellent) coating that makes the raindrops bead up on the fabric and run off. When water no longer stands up on your coat’s material, it is then soaking into it. The longer the DWR works, the longer you will stay dry. Most manufacturers are moving towards using DWRs that are not as destructive to the environment. However, most environmentally friendly DWRs do not work as well as the traditional versions.
You should also look for taped seams. Seams are always a weak point, and usually the first place water will start to leak through. Having tape on your seams helps to reinforce them and make them more waterproof. Another weak point is the zippers. High-quality reverse coil zippers, such as YKK, are water-resistant, but they are never 100% waterproof. Having a flap over the zip can help make it more watertight.
It may seem obvious, but you also need a hood to keep dry. Depending on what activity you partake in, you may need a hood big enough to fit over a helmet. The essential thing is that the hood is easy to adjust to fit your head. Other helpful features are stiffened brims that keep the rain out of your eyes. It helps to have a collar that zips up high enough to cover your mouth, and ideally, there would be a soft fabric chin guard. A good hood would also turn with your head and not block your peripheral vision.
Rain Jacket | Waterproof Rating |
Arc’teryx Beta | 28,000 mm |
Arc'teryx Beta LT | 28,000 mm |
Marmot Minimalist | 28,000 mm |
Outdoor Research Helium | 20,000 mm |
Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 | 20,000 mm |
The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight | 15,000 mm |
The North Face Venture 2 | 15,000 mm |
Columbia Watertight II | 10,000 mm |
Marmot PreCip Eco | 10,000 mm |
Black Diamond StormLine Stretch | 10,000 mm |
Breathability
Breathability is another essential consideration. This is a way to describe the moisture that builds up inside your jacket when you are sweating. One of the welcome innovations of GORE-TEX is the way the fabric prevents rain from getting in but lets sweat out. Most modern materials used to make rain jackets also wick sweat too. There is a breathability rating that is commonly used, but not all manufacturers release the figures, so we are reliant on independent testers. Below is a chart with the breathability ratings of the rain jackets we recommend.
It isn’t easy to compare the breathability of raincoats as many factors influence how much moisture builds up inside them. Individuals sweat at different rates, so what works well for one person may be inadequate for another. What you wear under your rain shell will also have an effect.
A recent innovation to help with breathability is the addition of pit zips. These are located under your arms, and you unzip them when you exert yourself. Pit zips can vary in length, and the cheaper and more lightweight rain jackets tend not to have them.
Rain Jacket | Breathability Rating |
The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight | 75,000 g/m2/24hrs |
Arc’teryx Beta | 20,000 g/m2/24hrs |
Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 | 20,000 g/m2/24hrs |
Outdoor Research Helium | 20,000 g/m2/24hrs |
Arc'teryx Beta LT | 17,000 g/m2/24hrs |
Marmot PreCip Eco | 17,000 g/m2/24hrs |
Marmot Minimalist | 15,000 g/m2/24hrs |
The North Face Venture 2 | 12,000 g/m2/24hrs |
Black Diamond StormLine Stretch | 10,000 g/m2/24hrs |
Columbia Watertight II | 10,000 g/m2/24hrs |
Comfort and Mobility
It goes without saying that you want your rain jacket to feel comfortable and let you move freely. Features to look out for are articulated cuts that allow you to move your arms without the jacket riding up or pulling across your shoulders. You also need to consider how many layers you plan to wear under your raincoat and if there is enough room for them.
Manufacturers often add extra touches to make their jackets more comfortable. One of the main contributing factors is the lining of the rain shell. Some jackets have mesh linings or no lining at all, and the outer material can feel cold and clammy against your skin. Ideally, your raincoat should have soft fabric against your skin, such as GORE-TEX C-Knit. Sleeves that are long enough to cover your wrists also increase the comfort of a jacket, especially if they have adjustable Velcro tabs to tighten the cuffs and keep the wind and rain out. The zipper should also come high enough to cover your lower face, and it helps if there is a chin guard to reduce friction.
Materials
While GORE-TEX was the innovator in waterproof materials, there are many similar fabrics available today. They come in 2, 2.5, or 3 layers. Typically, there will be an outer layer made of polyester or nylon. This is bonded to a membrane, which is what actually keeps the water out. If it is a 2.5-layer material, a print is usually sprayed onto the inside so it feels nicer against your skin. 3-layer fabrics have a lining attached to the inside of the membrane. 3-layer material is the best option for waterproofing, but it tends to be heavier and stiffer than a 2.5-layer fabric. New technologies, such as nano-spinning, are producing lighter and thinner materials.
The higher the denier of the outside layer of the material, the tougher and more durable it will be. Ripstop nylon or polyester is woven in such a way that it is more resistant to wear and tear.
While the material is the primary part of a rain jacket, you also need high-quality zippers and drawcords. YKK makes some of the best zips you can get. Reverse-coil zips are best suited to raincoats. You should also check the quality of the drawcords and toggles.
Appearance
The appearance of your rain jacket may not seem essential, but it should be given consideration. If your coat looks stylish, you can wear it every day and not just when hiking in the hills. Traditionally, rain jackets came in bright colors to make you more visible on the trail. Often, they had clashing, garish colors with large logos on every side. Thankfully, you can now get rain shells with unobtrusive logos in tasteful colorways.
Durability
The durability of rain jackets varies greatly. Some rain jackets may feel thin and flimsy, but the technology used to make them means they are actually hard-wearing. Generally speaking, 3-layer fabric is better than 2.5-layer. Ripstop polyester or nylon and stain-resistant coatings also increase durability. More flexible materials tend to rip less. A well-cut jacket that allows for a good range of movement also puts less stress on the material and reduces the risk of tearing.
A good indication of how durable a raincoat might be is how good the warranty is. Some manufacturers offer cover for the lifetime of the rain jacket. Some also have repair services and refurbish and resell used products.
Weight and Packability
The first waterproof materials were very heavy, but technological advances mean that rain jackets can be extremely light while still keeping wind and rain out. Whether you are going on a short hike or heading out on a backpacking trip into the backcountry, having a lightweight raincoat is an advantage. Since the primary function of these jackets is to provide protection from rain, when the weather is pleasant, you don’t want to keep wearing it. It is helpful, therefore, if your rain shell can be packed down and compressed into a neat package. The thinner and more flexible the fabric is, the smaller and more compact a bundle it can be squeezed into. You often find rain jackets are designed to fold into a pocket with a two-way zip to secure it and sometimes a loop or carabiner so it can be clipped onto a harness or backpack.
What Is the Difference Between a Rain Jacket and a Hard Shell?
As the name suggests, a rain jacket is primarily designed to keep you dry in rain showers and light precipitation. It is typically made from waterproof materials such as nylon or polyester with a water-resistant coating or membrane. Rain jackets are lightweight and packable, making them convenient for everyday use and outdoor activities like hiking or camping. They often have a breathable design to allow some air circulation, but they may not provide adequate protection in extreme weather conditions.
On the other hand, a hard shell is a more robust and versatile piece of outerwear. It is constructed with advanced waterproof and breathable materials, which are highly effective in keeping you dry in heavy rain, snow, and harsh conditions. Hard shells are designed to be windproof, waterproof, and durable, making them suitable for activities like mountaineering, skiing, or backpacking in challenging environments.
Rain jackets are suitable for light rain and everyday use, while hard shells are built to withstand extreme weather conditions and demanding outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best waterproof rain jacket for hiking is the one that suits your specific needs and budget. There are many factors to consider, and you need to decide what features are essential for you. The good news is that there are lots of choices available nowadays so you can find the rain jacket that is perfect for you.
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