great travel raincoats

15 Best Lightweight Rain Jackets for Travelers

By Rachel Chang and Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Nothing ruins your day like getting caught in the rain without the shield of a trusty rain jacket. As travelers, it's not always convenient to halt plans when a downpour strikes—a lightweight rain jacket can make all the difference the next time your afternoon hike or day of museum hopping gets interrupted by an expected shower. The best rain jackets for travelers are completely waterproof, windproof, and packable (bonus points if it stashes down into one of its own pockets). To help narrow your search, we rounded up 15 versatile and durable lightweight rain jackets to bring on your next adventure, whether you're anticipating some less-than-perfect weather or want something compact just in case.

Keep scrolling for our top lightweight rain jackets to wear this spring and beyond, from trusted brands like Patagonia, Columbia, Lululemon, and more. But first, let's answer some commonly asked questions you might be wondering while shopping for your new jacket.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

How do I wash a rain jacket?

While most rain jackets can be thrown in the washing machine on a gentle setting, always check the brand's website or the jacket's tag for any specific cleaning instructions. If you are machine washing, prevent ripping or damaging the waterproof coating by choosing a delicate cycle and limiting it to a quick wash if possible.

Are packable rain jackets worth it?

Jackets can be heavy, bulky, and take up a lot of precious packing space. Travelers will benefit from buying a lightweight, packable rain jacket that can be folded up tightly to fit inside a carry-on . Some options below can even be packed into their own pocket, like the Columbia Arcadia II and the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket.

How should a rain jacket fit?

It's a safe bet to buy your true size in a rain jacket, or slightly larger to accommodate layers. Ideally, your rain jacket should be fitted and snug enough to keep you warm and protected on its own, but roomy enough to wear a sweater underneath it on chilly nights.

Our top picks:

• Best everyday rain jacket: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket
• Best packable rain jacket: REI Co-op Rainier rain jacket
• Best for warm weather: FP Movement Singin' In The Rain packable jacket
• Best hiking rain jacket: Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket
• Best budget-friendly rain jacket: Columbia Glennaker rain jacket

Whether you're exploring a new city or heading into the office, the Torrentshell rain jacket is equally practical and polished. It features a two-way-adjustable hood and a micro-fleece-lined neck to deliver a comfortable waterproof yet breathable barrier. It packs up to fit in its front pocket, so you can easily toss it in your carry-on or weekender bag last minute. This bestseller is available in men's and women's sizes and various colors, including white, black, mauve, blue, green, and more.

The Columbia Arcadia II rain jacket has just the right dose of everything. Its Omni-Tech nylon fabric is sturdy enough to make you feel protected, but its breathable mesh lining prioritizes comfort whether you're on the trails or riding a bike—and the adjustable velcro cuffs and collar allow you to quickly make adjustments on the go. Plus, the whole thing zips into a pouch in one of the hand pockets.

This waterproof and wind-resistant jacket from FP Movement has got you covered on all of your outdoor adventures this spring and summer. Designed with breathable fabric and a sweat-wicking interior, this extra-long jacket keeps you cool and protected on warm yet rainy days spent hiking or camping. Our favorite thing about this oversized jacket (besides how good it looks) is that it packs down into its back pocket.

Available in both women's and men's sizes, the Rainier rain jacket is made for an adventurous day on the trails. At under 10 ounces, its plenty lightweight and yet can handle winds up to 60 MPH. Its made with recycled ripstop nylon and a durable water repellent finish that keeps you dry while still feeling breathable. It features two zippered hand pockets and two internal drop-in pockets so you can keep small essentials with you without needing to carry a bag. When it's time to throw it in your backpack at the end of the day, simply pack it down into its own pocket.

This packable men's half-zip is versatile enough to wear year-round and to wherever your travel itinerary takes you. It's an Amazon bestseller—racking up on average rating of 4.6 stars and mostly all positive reviews. It features a large front pocket, elastic cuffs, and a wind- and water-resistant coating. It shows off Champion's signature logo for a more athletic look and can be packed into its front pocket and easily tucked away. Plus, at under $50, it's affordable while still being a well-made, packable, and functional rain jacket.

I'm eyeing this lightweight zip-up for spring days spent playing pickleball or tennis. Made from mostly recycled materials, the Willow jacket features a heat-dissipating mesh and a durable water repellent finish to keep you dry and cool during active, rainy days. This sleek, water-resistant jacket also comes with welt pockets, a storm flap, and a drawcord that lets you adjust the hood.

A sturdy and reliable option loved by outdoorsy travelers, the Carharrt Rain Defender features a water-repellent coating that keeps you dry on rainy days. It's insulated and quilted to keep you warm without being too bulky to pack and it's great for layering over a sweater come winter. It features an adjustable hood, drawcord drop-tail hem for extra coverage, and a zippered storage pocket for stashing your phone or wallet.

If you're looking for a mid-thigh length jacket that offers plenty of coverage during rainy days outdoors, this waterproof and windproof option from Lands' End might just be the one for you. It features elastic cuffs to keep rain out, an adjustable hood, and a draw cord that cinches the waist for a flattering fit. And like all the best rain jackets for travelers, this one packs down into its pocket.

The best-selling Glennaker rain jacket is ultra-lightweight and packs down into its chest pocket, making it a great option to toss in your suitcase (you know, just in case). Made of waterproof nylon, it features a stowaway hood, zippered front pockets, and adjustable sleeve cuffs. It will certainly keep you protected and warm during a downpour, but it's versatile enough to not look out of place while hiking, biking, or sightseeing.

This sleek option from Lululemon proves rain jackets can be just as stylish as they are functional. Not only does this one look good, but it’s made with a windproof and waterproof exterior, and a sweat-wicking liner, making it a perfect year-round jacket. It has a classic fit and hits right at the thigh, offering more coverage than your average rain jacket. There are also several zippered pockets, a hidden phone sleeve, and a cinchable waist and hood to help ensure the perfect fit.

Ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities, this top-rated rain jacket features a WaterTight front zipper that prevents moisture from slipping through the cracks. Its snug fit blocks cold air from hitting your back and the sleeves are designed to offer a full range of motion. This waterproof and windproof jacket also features an adjustable hood and several zippered pockets.

Finding durability in a lightweight rain jacket can feel like an oxymoron, but Coalatree has found the secret in its self-healing HiloTech fabric. The Whistler Windbreaker shows off this magic: whether you've got a puncture or tear, just rub your fingers over the rip and the heat and friction will cause it to mend on its own. Even better, the unisex jacket is still DWR (durable water repellent) coated and weighs just seven ounces.

Danish brand Rains designed this rain jacket for an active lifestyle. The two-way waterproof zipper ensures all-around wind and rain protection, while the cap and adjustable hood and hem offer flexibility to cater to any condition. The neutral color options—black, navy, olive, or gray—will blend in with any outfit.

With a 100 percent recycled polyester shell, the Vuori Oahu rain jacket delivers seam-sealed waterproof protection. This jacket offers a power mesh lining, duckbill hood, and a durable exterior designed to withstand heavy rain. And not only is this packable jacket so sleek, it's ethically made, too.

This one is best for those extra chilly days or nights. Made from 100 percent recycled fabrics, the Antora jacket features a waterproof, windproof, and seam-sealed shell to keep you dry. It comes with an adjustable three-piece hood, elastic-bound cuffs, a drop-tail hem, and plenty of zippered pockets to hold keys, AirPods, or other small essentials.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The 15 Best Women’s Raincoats

For drizzle or downpours..

In this article

• Best overall
• Best A-line
• Best packable
• Best soft-shell
• Best hard-shell

Best poncho

• Best luxury

Alongside a windproof umbrella and your favorite pair of rain boots , a great raincoat will help you brave the elements and look good doing it. It’s an essential item to own, whether you’re encountering the occasional drizzly day or jumping over puddles for half of the year. And if you live in New York, as I do, you know that unexpected tropical rainstorms are a given throughout spring and summer. It helps to be prepared.

To find the best raincoats for women, I spoke with outerwear experts and stylish folks about their favorite women’s raincoats, then tried out their recommendations myself. Below, find nostalgic vintage-inspired anoraks, hardshell hiking jackets, and everything in between. While you’re here, I’ve also written guides to the best women’s parkas and rain boots .

What we’re looking for

Water resistance.

In order to be 100 percent waterproof, a raincoat must be constructed from an impenetrable material like vinyl, plastic, or rubber. This style of raincoat is perfectly appropriate for city commutes, but not so much hiking or other athletic activities. For those, I looked for lightweight and packable jackets treated with a durable water-resistant (DWR) coating as well as a few more environmentally sustainable alternatives that don’t make use of DWR “forever” chemicals. A water-resistant jacket should keep you dry in all but the most extreme cases, and it will pack down and breathe much better than a traditional rubber coat. For extra protection against the elements, I favored raincoats featuring reinforced seams, elasticized or velcro wrist cuffs, and covered zippers. For more information about the ins and outs of waterproofing, my colleague Jeremy Rellosa has written an extensive explainer on the topic.

Because your raincoat should keep you comfortable as well as dry, I looked for options with lots of (preferably zippered) pockets, underarm ventilation, and adjustable hoods. Eric Goodwin, outerwear designer and founder of Lathley , advised us to avoid insulated rain jackets for more versatility. “You can always add warm layers underneath your rain jacket,” he points out, “but if it’s a warm rainy day, you can’t take away the insulation built into the jacket.”

Weight and length

I sought out a range of coats, jackets, anoraks and ponchos in varying lengths and weights, from classy trench coats to hard shells with stormproof hoods. The raincoat you choose will depend on its intended use: A mid-length, mid-weight jacket is ideal for dashing between subway stations, but when hiking, you probably just want something lightweight and breathable.

Best women’s raincoat overall

Water resistance: Waterproof shell, welded seams | Comfort: Two pockets, underarm ventilation, drawstring hood | Weight and length: Mid-length, heavy-weight

When I first tried on the Stockholm, which is constructed from cotton that has been coated in a thick layer of synthetic rubber, I was surprised by how substantial the it felt. It’s quite the opposite of a packable shell jacket and considerably thicker than the popular Rains dupe recommended below. The rubberiness recalls a vintage fisherman’s slicker, and there’s also an undeniable Paddington Bear comparison to be made. Incredibly waterproof, a Stutterheim coat is also appealingly sleek looking, and it becomes part of your outfit without distracting from it. “The Scandinavian design will make you feel stylish, even in an unglamorous downpour,” confirms travel blogger and photographer Renee Hahnel . The rubber coating means that the jacket never clings or feels staticky, and it is easy to wipe down. Writer and performer Jess Latowicki says that even the dangerously bone-white colorway will retain its sheen after multiple seasons. Go a couple sizes down for a closer fit — the relative stiffness of this jacket doesn’t make for a flattering baggy look.

Best A-line women’s raincoat

The Strategist team loves Stutterheim’s Mosebacke raincoat, which is similarly waterproof and durable to our best overall pick, but with a less streamlined silhouette. Fittingly, Strategist writer Dominique Pariso purchased hers on a trip to Sweden , where the brand is based. A store attendant charmingly described it as flattering for “women of shape.” Pariso would tend to agree: “The slight A-line flare leaves some much-appreciated wiggle room around my hips and lets me comfortably button the coat all the way down.” I think the long version of this jacket looks particularly swish on the streets; sometimes I actually wish it would rain so as to have an excuse to wear it.

Best packable women’s raincoat

Water resistance: Waterproof shell, welded seams | Comfort: Two pockets, underarm ventilation, drawstring hood | Weight and length: Mid-length, mid-weight

I also tested out Stutterheim’s more packable Stockholm jacket, which is coated in a much thinner layer of rubber than the original. This makes it more scrunchable for storage and swishier in fit, draping against the body rather than hanging stiffly against it. It doesn’t feel nearly as substantial and protective, but the materials are definitely highly waterproof, and that classic Paddington Bear aesthetic is the same. Though I still prefer the rubberiness of Stutterheim’s original Stockholm, this lightweight version would be an ideal alternative for those who travel frequently or dislike wearing a stiff jacket.

Best less-expensive women’s raincoat

Water resistance: Waterproof shell, welded seams | Comfort: Two pockets, underarm ventilation, drawstring hood | Weight and length: Short length, light-weight  

Danish brand Rains has become ubiquitous on water-slicked city streets in recent years, and for good reason. It makes some of the most aesthetically pleasing raincoats around, and they’re much more affordable than the Stutterheims above, despite being similarly waterproof. Having worn both, I’ve found that Rains jackets are far thinner and swishier in fit — even more so than the lightweight version of Stutterheim’s Stockholm. Some more subtle design differences include a shorter length, hidden snap buttons, and colored drawstrings. China-manufactured Rains jackets are completely synthetic, whereas European-manufactured Stutterheims are constructed from waterproof cotton.

Best less-expensive A-line women’s raincoat

Pleating on the back adds slight flare to Rains’ take on an A-line raincoat, which otherwise repeats the same waterproofing features as its original jacket above. I find the straw-yellow colorway particularly appealing — it stands out on a gray day without being too garish.

Best asymmetrical women’s raincoat

Water resistance: DWR | Comfort: Snap cuffs, removable hood | Weight and length: Long length, light-weight  

I first heard about this Gore-Tex coat from a Strategist reader based in rainy Portland, who told me that she, alongside “nearly a dozen” friends and family members of all shapes and sizes, are happy wearers. I simply had to try one out for myself, and found the style to be lightweight and swishy yet highly protective. Its dual-length hem (shorter at the front, longer at the back) is flattering and make wearing this coat feel like less of an imposition — sometimes the silhouettes of the Stutterheim and Rains jackets above can be a little blocky. I also recommend this coat to anyone who hates the feeling of their raincoat hood slipping off all the time, as it comes with an adjustable buckle that keeps things more secure than a drawstring. To complete the look, Ilse Jacobsen also makes a great pair of rain boots .

Best women’s soft-shell jacket

Water resistance: DWR shell, zippers, and seams; elastic cuffs | Comfort: One pocket, adjustable hood | Weight and length: Short length, lightweight, packable

A soft-shell jacket offers rain protection while remaining fairly lightweight, making it ideal for hiking and other athletic outdoor activities. This very stashable one from Outdoor Research has elastic cuffs, water-resistant zippers, and an adjustable hood. Hahnel always travels with hers, saying that it “packs down to the size of a tennis ball, and keeps you dry for hours.”

Best less-expensive women’s soft-shell jacket

Water resistance: DWR shell, taped seams, velcro cuffs | Comfort: Two pockets, underarm ventilation, adjustable hood | Weight and length: Short length, lightweight, packable

At a lower price point is the Marmot PreCip, a classic of the raincoat genre for more than 20 years and a favorite amongst Strategist staffers. Pacific Northwest–based outdoor expert Holly Johnson , no stranger to rainy climes, says this “lightweight, packable, and affordable rain jacket” is perfect for “hiking, backpacking, travel, and everyday use.” She notes that it runs a little small and recommends sizing up.

Best sustainable women’s raincoat

Water resistance: Nontoxic water-resistant shell, taped seams | Comfort: Zipper pockets, adjustable hood, adjustable waist | Weight and length: Body length, mid-weight

All of the DWR-treated coats on this list use toxic perfluorochemicals, which can adversely affect human and environmental health. PFCs are commonly used in the outerwear industry, but California’s recent move to ban PFC-treated products by 2025 has forced many brands to reconsider their designs. The first generation of PFC-free jackets is hitting the market this season, with more undoubtedly on the way, and I’m keeping an eye on what’s next. For now, Goodwin particularly likes this relatively affordable option from Tentree, which is made from recycled polyester with a nontoxic water-resistant coating that comes close to rivaling traditional DWR. It’s an optimal length for keeping both your core and legs dry and includes thoughtful features like a cell-phone pocket and flattering drawcord waist.

Best (vintage-style) sustainable women’s raincoat

Water resistance: Waterproof recycled plastic shell | Comfort: Drawstring, two side pockets | Weight and length: Mid-length, mid-weight

Based out of Nova Scotia, Fairechild designs matching raincoats and rain pants for both kids and adults, utilizing a unique waterproof fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Yet the style of these raincoats is so nostalgic that you’d never expect their very modern environmental credentials. I heard about the brand’s boxy chore-style raincoat from Midcoast Maine-based photographer Bea Helman , who says its recycled fabric is “incredibly lightweight while being so waterproof — and it looks very classic.” She notes that it’s rare to find a vintage-style raincoat “that’s also outdoorsy,” but that this one looks cute and holds its own against the coastal elements. “My husband is an oyster farmer and everything gets covered in mud and salt. So for him, if he can’t have it last for years and years, there’s just no point. It’s useless to us.”

Best women’s waxed jacket

Water resistance: Water-resistant waxed-cotton shell | Comfort: Cotton lining, handwarmer pockets, optional hood | Weight and length: Short length, mid-weight

With heritage designs favored by Succession characters and British royals, Barbour’s waxed-cotton jackets happen to be forever-chemical free. While these classic olive-green coats aren’t completely waterproof, Goodwin notes, “They can definitely stand up to light rain,” and they’ll last forever, developing an attractive patina over time. Plus, “you can rewax them yourself if they start to lose their water resistance.” Unfortunately, you will have to separately purchase the brand’s hood for optimum rain protection — but former Strategist editor Anthony Rotunno attests that the extra $50 is well worth it.

Best women’s hard-shell jacket

Water resistance: DWR triple shell, reinforced zippers, velcro cuffs | Comfort: Two pockets, underarm ventilation, adjustable hood | Weight and length: Short length, mid-weight, packable

Hard-shell jackets are usually constructed from three layers of waterproofing fabric, where soft shells feature just one or two. They’re great if you know you’ll be out hiking in near-constant wind and rain. I’ve been wearing this Arc’teryx one for a couple of seasons and have found it to be exceptionally waterproof yet never stifling or sweaty; the fabric is crisp and light despite all that waterproofing tech. The fit is rather slim, so size up if you know you’ll be wearing several layers.

Best (less-expensive) women’s hard-shell jacket

Water resistance: DWR double shell, reinforced zippers, velcro cuffs | Comfort: Two pockets, hem ventilation, adjustable hood | Weight and length: Short length, midweight, packable

Here’s a considerably cheaper hard shell that’s highly packable. Outdoor Research’s Aspire raincoat, constructed from Gore-Tex, is ideal for those who “want to stay extra warm while they keep dry,” according to Jen Martin, who organizes adventure cruises to such far-flung locations as Antarctica and the Galápagos as the director of expedition development at Lindblad Expeditions . It features a two-layer construction as opposed to the Arc’teryx’s three, but still offers plenty of wind and rain protection.

Water resistance: Waterproof shell, welded seams | Comfort: Drawstring hood, button collar | Weight and length: Body-length, light-weight

Being free of zippers or other points of entry where water might penetrate, ponchos are ideal for throwing over your outfit in the event of a torrential downpour. This Rains one, which is cut in an A-line shape to increase mobility, is a favorite of stylists Neelo Noory , Courtney Madison , Leah Adicoff , and style writer Jessica Schiffer . Sure, it’s a little fancier than your standard disposable poncho — but “not everyone wants to look like they just got off the Maid of the Mist ,” Madison points out.

Best (less-expensive) poncho

Water resistance: Waterproof shell, reinforced seams | Comfort: Heat-reflecting | Weight and length: Mid-length, lightweight

If you’re happy to lean into the Maid of the Mist look, though, this affordable and reusable poncho is a “lifesaver” according to Matt Young, the head of marketing and e-commerce at Brooklyn-based outdoors store Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co. Weighing just 2.7 ounces, the waterproof, wind-resistant, and heat-reflective poncho can be packed up compactly enough to fit in your pocket, he says. “It’s ideal for unexpected downpours, rainy hikes, outdoor events — and serves as a warm and dry shelter in emergencies.” Plus, unlike plastic or polyester, the material is tear-resistant and quiet, so the poncho won’t rip or rustle while you walk.

Some more women’s rain gear we’ve written about

Our experts

• Leah Adicoff, stylist • Eric Goodwin, outerwear designer and founder of  Lathley • Renee Hahnel, travel blogger and photographer • Bea Helman, photographer • Holly Johnson, Pacific Northwest–based outdoor expert • Jess Latowicki, writer and performer • Courtney Madison, stylist • Caroline Maguire, fashion director, Shopbop • Jen Martin, director of product development, expeditions at Seabourn Cruise Line • Neelo Noory, stylist • Dominique Pariso , writer, the Strategist • Leilani Pelayo, co-founder and chief strategy officer, natureofthings • Jessica Schiffer, style writer • Matt Young, head of marketing and e-commerce, Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co.

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10 Best Rain Jackets of 2024

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A quality rain jacket is a staple for any outdoor adventure: it will shield you from rain, wind, and cold, keeping you dry, warm, and comfortable. Our team of seasoned backpackers and dedicated gear buffs doesn’t just compare specs – we researched 80 models and have trail-tested more than 40 rain jackets over the past ten years from brands like Patagonia, Arc’teryx, REI, and Outdoor Research to see how they perform in real-world conditions.

From the rain forests of Oregon and the summer monsoons of the Rocky Mountains to the swampy and soggy Appalachians, we’ve put over 500 days of downpour to good use and whittled this list to the best of the best when it comes to rain protection.

If you prefer ponchos or umbrellas on trail, we’ve also picked out our top choices for each. And if you’ll be in really wet conditions, we recommend taking a look at our list of the top rain pants available. And if chilly days and nights are in the forecast, you’ll definitely want to layer up with one of our favorite fleeces or down jackets .

Quick Picks for Rain Jackets

Take a look at this quick list of our favorite rain jackets or continue reading to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Best rain jacket overall: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L – Men’s / Women’s ($179)

Best rain jacket for ventilation: Outdoor Research Foray II – Men’s / Aspire II – Women’s ($225)

Best budget rain jacket: REI Rainier – Men’s / Women’s ($100)

Super comfortable rain jacket : Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic – Men’s / Women’s ($230)

Best ultralight rain jacket: Montbell Versalite – Men’s / Women’s ($260)

Most protective rain jacket for wet conditions: Arc’teryx Beta – Men’s / Women’s ($400)

Breathable ultralight rain jacket: Zpacks Vertice – Men’s / Women’s ($299)

Lightweight & affordable rain jacket: Black Diamond StormLine Stretch – Men’s / Women’s ($180)

High value rain jacket: REI Flash Stretch – Men’s / Women’s ($169)

Most affordable ultralight rain jacket: Outdoor Research Helium – Men’s ($170) / Women’s ($180)

Affordable & versatile rain jacket: Marmot Precip Eco – Men’s / Women’s ($120)

After many drizzly desert mornings and massive mountain thunderstorms, we’ve updated our list:

• The Outdoor Research Foray II ( men’s ) / Aspire II ( women’s ) are top contenders for their unrivaled ventilation, quality construction, and cool colorways.
• The Arc’teryx Beta ( men’s / women’s ) earns a spot thanks to its durable and quiet fabric and an excellent hood design.
• We added the brand new and super comfy REI Flash Stretch Jacket ( men’s / women’s ), a great choice for 3-season hiking thanks to an oversized fit and quick-drying fabrics.
• The affordable and practical Marmot Precip Eco ( men’s / women’s ) gets the nod as a less expensive comfortable rain jacket.
• We added suggestions for ponchos for hiking based on comfort, versatility, and packed size as well as our picks for the best umbrellas for hiking .

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Best rain jacket overall

Price: $179

Weight: 14.1 oz. (men’s) / 12.4 oz. (women’s)

• Durable materials
• High-quality construction
• Deep pockets
• Stylish fit
• Strong hem & sleeve ties
• Packs small into its own pocket
• Hood rolls up
• Tons of colorways
• A bit heavy/bulky for extended backcountry trips
• A bit baggy in sleeves
• No external chest pocket

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ( men’s / women’s ) has been at the top of our list for many years, and for good reason. It’s one of our go-to rain jackets and all-time favorites. From 150-day thru-hikes of the CDT including torrential downpours, high-alpine blizzards, and drizzly fall weather, to trips skiing, camping, and hiking the local trails, this jacket is a durable, affordable workhorse.

The Torrentshell features laminated triple-layer construction that makes it protective in sustained rain, but still feels impressively lightweight on your body. The hood is adjustable and features a large visor to keep the rain out of your eyes and off your face, but it also rolls away easily with a cord and hook when not in use.

For a rain jacket, the Torrentshell is cozy. A soft microfleece lining at the neck adds a soft-to-the-touch feel and wicks away moisture with ease. This jacket has two hand warmer pockets as well as storm flaps – overlapping material that covers the main zipper and pit zips to help you stay dry.

Even though it’s a bit bulky, the Torrentshell still packs down small into the left hand warmer pocket and comes with a convenient carabiner loop so you can keep it easily accessible when the skies open up.

The only major complaint we have about the Torrentshell is its weight. At 14.1 ounces for the men’s version and 12.4 ounces for the women’s, there are other jackets on this list that are better suited for long-distance trips where shaving pack weight is important. So if you’re considering the Torrentshell exclusively for backpacking, we’d recommend other options on this list.

Though it’s not as airy or compressible as some, we highly recommend it for adventures when stormy conditions are inevitable. The Torrentshell is a versatile, reasonably affordable, and very durable jacket that we recommend for all-around use.

Outdoor Research Foray II / Aspire II

Best rain jacket for ventilation

Price: $225

Weight: 11.9 oz. (men’s) / 11.7 oz. (women’s)

• Extra-long pit zips for unrivaled ventilation
• Deep handwarmer pockets
• External chest pocket
• Supple, flexible material
• Many colorways
• A little pricey
• A bit tight for those with wide shoulders

Thanks to excellent ventilation and smart design details, the Outdoor Research Foray II ( men’s ) / Aspire II ( women’s ) earns a spot at the top of our list. This jacket offers some of the best ventilation on the market, top-tier wind and rain resistance, and a stylish cut. CleverHiker Managing Editor, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, has used the Foray II on dozens of day hikes from the iron skies of Michigan to the rugged high alpine of the Colorado Rockies, it’s one of his go-tos for wet weather, and it continues to perform season after season.

If you’re looking for a jacket with breathability, the Foray and Aspire take ventilation to the next level. We love rain jackets with large pit zips for their breathability, but these Outdoor Research models have zippers that extend from the armpit all the way to the bottom hem. This versatile design allows you to completely unzip the jacket down your torso for extreme, poncho-style ventilation, or very precisely control how much airflow you want to keep your entire upper body cool.

Details matter when it comes to performance gear, and the Foray and Aspire are no exception. A simple hood drawcord is well placed and easy to reach, and large hem drawstrings make micro-adjustments a breeze while on the move. We love that the Foray and Aspire’s cuffs offer both elastic and large Velcro tabs for use with bulky gloves.

We found the fit is a bit tight through the shoulders, so if you’ve got a broad or wide build, you’ll want to double-check sizing. And though this jacket is a little pricey, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better value for a relatively lightweight, super-breathable option. When the weather begins to turn and the skies open up, this jacket is a stellar option for staying both dry and well-ventilated. 

REI Rainier

Best budget rain jacket

Price: $100

Weight: 11.3 oz. (men’s) / 9.9 oz. (women’s)

• Lightweight
• Button at bottom of zipper flaps keeps rain out
• Lots of colorways
• Deep zippered handwarmer pockets
• Packs into itself
• Oversized hood
• Less durable than others
• A bit challenging to pack into stash pocket

The REI Rainier rain jacket ( men’s / women’s ) has been a favorite of hikers, backpackers, and our team at CleverHiker for a long time. For only $100, this jacket offers a stellar value: it’s well-designed and balances light weight and weather protection. The Rainier has been one of our favorite jackets as a team over thousands of miles on trail, from day hikes in the Cascades to weeks at a time in the Colorado Rockies, and it has performed extremely well.

The Rainier covers all the basics and adds small details we love. Articulated elbows offer a better range of motion with layers on, there are two internal drop pockets – unlike many jackets, which have one (or none) – and the hood is adjustable with a large Velcro tab that’s easy to manipulate even when your hands are wet and cold. Plus, it has pit zips and a practical drawstring hem.

The Rainier offers a slim but modern style, so it doesn’t look out of place whether you’re headed to the local brewery after walking the dog under dreary skies or backpacking on a stormy weekend. We appreciate that the newest version is a bit quieter thanks to a refreshed nylon blend, and the Rainier comes in an array of colorways, from brighter to muted and mellow for every style.

The cons of the Rainier are few. At its price point, it’s a little less durable than burlier models but we have gotten several seasons of use from different versions. It’s also a bit cumbersome to stash into its own pocket, although it makes for a fairly compact package once all the material is collapsed.

The Marmot PreCip Eco is almost identical to the Rainier. Both are great budget jackets, but we slightly prefer the Rainier for its wider availability, quieter fabric, slimmer fit, and better price point.

When you’re heading into drizzly and damp conditions, exploring a new route with friends, or knocking out a few dozen miles of backcountry trail, the Rainier is an excellent rain jacket at a stellar price.

Arc’teryx Beta

Most protective rain jacket for wet conditions

Price: $400

Weight: 10.6 oz. (men’s) / 9.5 oz. (women’s)

• Highest quality build
• Smart hood design
• Hipbelt compatible pockets
• Quieter fabric
• Excellent in downpours
• Very expensive
• No storm flaps over zippers
• Slim fit isn't for everyone

The Arc’teryx Beta ( men’s / women’s ) is a top choice for its superior waterproofing. From the rigors of everyday on-off wear to keeping you dry in the gnarliest, wettest rainstorms (or even alpine blizzards), this is the only shell you’ll need for staying dry in nasty weather.

If you’re undeterred by extreme wet conditions, the Beta jacket is for you. This model’s three-layer Gore-Tex fabric sheds water easily and feels durable in heavy rain, sideways sleet, and whipping snow – and the newly redesigned Beta is now produced without PFAS, which translates to less pollution during production and a more mindfully-made jacket. The drop hem at the back effectively directs and sheds water away from your body as you move. We also appreciate the ergonomic, oversized zippers that are easy to grasp even with bulky gloves on.

The Beta stands out for its dialed-in design: the fabric feels impenetrable, but the fit is roomy enough at the shoulders and elbows to move naturally with you. We find this athletic construction performs admirably on the toughest alpine days where every detail matters. CleverHiker Gear Analyst, Ian Krammer, has used this jacket as his go-to shell to climb hundreds of 13,000-foot Colorado peaks in frigid winter conditions and has also used it in soaking July thunderstorms while climbing in the Rocky Mountains. 

We also love the hood design of the Beta. Its high internal collar blocks wind and rain by locking in snugly under the chin, and helps retain a bit of extra warmth in cold, pressing wind. The overlapping hood adjustments fit precisely and snugly around your face, and the wide visor keeps even driving, sideways rain at bay. The hood is helmet-compatible, but it doesn’t feel floppy on its own.

The biggest downside of the Beta is its price tag. This is one of the most expensive jackets we’ve ever tested. The Beta is also bulky compared to other options on this list – it doesn’t pack down well, and this model certainly isn’t the lightest out there. 

That said, heft is a small con in the face of serious storms, and this is the jacket our team trusts most in severe rain and snow conditions. And if your use case is a little different, the Beta also comes in an insulated version ( men’s / women’s )  and lightweight version ( men’s / women’s ) . 

The Beta is worth the investment for those who need a rain jacket that will last season after season of hard use in wet weather. If you’re on the hunt for a technical rain jacket that can truly do it all, this is the one.

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic

Super comfortable rain jacket

Price: $230

Weight: 10.7 oz. (men’s) / 9.9 oz. (women’s)

• Stretchy & comfortable
• Large chest pocket
• Large pit zips
• 2 adjustable hem cords
• Packs small into itself
• Hood visor isn’t as wide or long as some
• Velcro cuffs are thin & less sticky

If comfort is your top priority, you’ll love the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket ( men’s / women’s ). This versatile coat offers soft-to-the-touch fabric, practical pockets, and excellent waterproofing for trekking rugged trails.

The Ozonic continues to be one of the most comfortable jackets on our list – that’s why it stays near the top. CleverHiker Gear Analyst, Heather Eldridge, has worn this jacket on hundreds of day hikes because the stretchy fabric is soft to the touch and gives a relaxed, unrestricted feel that’s easy to move in. And thanks to the breathable fabric, the material is impressively quiet – you can actually hear what your friends are saying with the hood up!

The Ozonic has all the key elements we look for in a rain jacket: hand pockets, two-way hood adjustment, and pit zips, so it’s great for just about any activity. We also love its low weight. At 10.7 ounces for a men’s medium, the Ozonic is near the front of the pack, making it easy to carry, wear, and stuff away.

That said, this Mountain Hardwear classic has a couple of quirks. We find the fit is a bit unusual: it’s baggy through the torso and the sleeves are on the shorter side. However, the major advantage of this looser fit is that it’s great for layering. If you love cooler-weather adventures where rocking a fleece and puffy is vital for comfort, you’ll have no trouble fitting warm layers underneath the Ozonic.

More than anything, we reach for the Ozonic because of its outstanding comfort, trendy profile, and trusty waterproofing. This jacket will shield you from windy, misty mountain summits and downpours alike.

Montbell Versalite

Best ultralight rain jacket

Price: $260

Weight: 6.4 oz. (men’s) / 5.8 oz. (women’s)

• Packs very small
• Highly adjustable hood
• Excellent feature set
• Stretchy & Velcro cuffs
• Hipbelt-compatible pockets
• No chest pocket
• Delicate material

When it comes to water resistance, the Montbell Versalite ( men’s / women’s ) is one of our all-time favorites for thru-hiking and ultralight adventures. This is CleverHiker Founder, Dave Collins’ go-to ultralight shell for backpacking and he’s used it for thousands of miles, from the Grand Sawtooth Loop in Idaho to the Glacier Peak wilderness. Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, also loves the Versalite, and it kept her dry and well-ventilated on a very soggy 273-mile thru hike of the Long Trail in Vermont.

If you’re looking for a truly airy shell to stay dry in short summer storms, this is the one. The men’s Versalite weighs a jaw-dropping 6.4 ounces, and the women’s is only 5.8 ounces. For perspective, that’s approximately the weight of two protein bars. And, it packs down to a very small package – about 3 by 3 by 5 inches – so this model easily slips into any pack without taking up much space.

Despite its incredibly low weight, the Versalite is as feature-rich as any jacket on this list. We love the three-way, super-adjustable hood and tall neck, the combination elastic and Velcro cuffs, and the extra long pit zips for dialed-in ventilation. The oversized hand pockets are higher up on the body to give unrivaled accessibility to pockets while wearing a climbing harness or thick backpack hipbelt, so you won’t have to unclip your backpack while walking to reach your chapstick or phone.

As with most ultralight gear, the Versalite sacrifices durability. It’s made with thin, featherlight materials, so you’ll have to be more careful with it than you would with a burlier jacket. It is also a little more crinkly and noisy than others. That said, we’ve been using this jacket for years without any notable issues and we think the dramatic weight savings makes it one of the best choices for long-distance backpacking.

While it’s on the spendy side, the Versalite is a very competitive price for a premium ultralight jacket. We highly recommend the Versalite to anyone who is looking for a minimalist layer with maximum functionality for a very low weight.

Zpacks Vertice

Breathable ultralight jacket

Price: $299

Weight: 5.75 oz. (men’s) / 5.7 oz. (women’s)

• Adjustable sleeves, hem & hood
• Hood rolls away
• Fit accommodates layers well
• Excellent coverage
• No handwarmer pockets
• Oversized hood works best with hat
• Less durable

The Zpacks Vertice ( men’s / women’s ) is one of the lightest rain jackets available. Despite its featherweight status, this shell performs: it provides excellent protection in pouring rain, but remains impressively breathable. CleverHiker Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, hiked the first 400 miles of the Colorado Trail in one of the wettest springs in the last decade and appreciated its long length and durability.

At about six ounces, the Vertice is in a league with the Montbell Versalite and the Outdoor Research Helium  for ultralight jackets. Like the others, this one packs up incredibly small, so it’s ideal for long day hikes and thru-hikes where space and weight are the top priority.

The length of the Vertice is what sets it apart: this model is long enough to cover your bum, which is convenient when taking breaks on wet rocks or logs. It also means the seat of your shorts or pants won’t bear the brunt of the runoff from your jacket, so you’ll stay a little warmer when it’s wet out, and hopefully dry a bit faster.

The Vertice doesn’t skimp on any details either: ZPacks includes long pit zips, simple drawcords on the wrists, hem, and hood, and a handy mechanism for rolling up the hood when storms pass. The Vertice is also one of the most breathable jackets on our list, so it won’t cause you to overheat immediately when backpacking through the early afternoon rain.

That said, the Vertice is built for function in the backcountry, not fashion in the city. It has a baggier fit, so it’s best for larger body types and those who like a longer jacket. We also miss not having handwarmer pockets and the hood is a little floppy.

Like most ultralight gear, the Vertice is also on the spendy side, but if you want the best balance of low weight, crazy packability, and excellent coverage – this one is hard to beat. As long as you give it the care and attention it needs, the Vertice will last for thousands of miles.

Full review: Zpacks Vertice

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch

Lightweight & affordable rain jacket

Price: $180

Weight: 11.3 oz. (men’s) / 9.5 oz. (women’s)

• Less expensive
• Internal collar
• High collar & helmet compatible hood isn't for everyone

The Black Diamond StormLine Stretch jacket ( men’s / women’s ) hits the nail on the head for a great balance of affordability, high-quality construction, and useful features. If you’re looking for a savvy all-around jacket for backcountry hiking, the StormLine is up for the task.

It’s full of simple details that give it exceptional value. The long pit zips help with ventilation and the stretchy Velcro cuffs make the jacket easy to use with gloves on. The helmet-compatible hood is simple to adjust, and the tall collar is excellent at keeping out drafts and drips. We also love the wide variety of colorways available for the StormLine – whether your vibe is neon, pastel, or more muted, there’s probably a color for you.

The StormLine’s material and fit are our favorite things about it. This model offers a regular-to-slim fit, with just enough stretch and gusseted armpits for mostly unrestricted big movements. The StormLine’s aesthetic is sleek enough to wear out to dinner on a stormy summer night, or for keeping you dry while setting up your tent in a misty frontcountry site.

However, this jacket is a bit further down the list largely because of its pocket design. We found the handwarmer pockets are a bit shallow, and positioned too low to access with a backpack or harness on. This model also doesn’t include a chest pocket.

Overall, the StormLine is a highly functional and attractive jacket that packs easily into an impressively small package for portability. Because of the thoughtful design and the affordable price point, the StormLine is one of the most well-rounded rain jackets on the market.

REI Flash Stretch

High value rain jacket

Price: $169

Weight: 17 oz. (men’s) / 14.5 oz. (women’s)

• Excellent stretch
• Easy to layer
• Chest zipper
• Long pit zips
• High zippers compatible with harness
• Baggy / oversized fit
• Short visor on hood
• Long sleeves
• Heavy / bulky for extended trips

The REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket ( men’s / women’s ) is an ultra stretchy and feature-forward jacket with a stellar balance of affordability and quality.

REI doesn’t skimp on any of our favorite features with the Flash Stretch: pit zips are plenty long enough to dump heat when you’re out of breath and moving through an afternoon rainstorm, and the hood offers three-way adjustments for a nuanced fit even while wearing a hat or helmet. It includes high-position handwarmer pockets for easy access while using a backpack, plus a large chest pocket for small storage. We also like that all the zippers have wide rain flaps to block the rain from dripping in.

We find the Flash Stretch is as cozy as rain jackets get. The polyester and spandex blend feels soft against the skin, and brushed polyester patches at the collar and chin are a nice touch when the hood is up and chilly wind is blasting. This jacket quickly became one of our go-tos for protection on short day hikes simply because it’s so comfortable. 

The fit is baggier compared to other jackets, so it’s best for those who prefer a relaxed fit. However, the Flash Stretch is a perfect candidate for adding insulation layers – there’s plenty of room for a puffy or mid-layer underneath, and you won’t sacrifice a bit of extra mobility for that added warmth. 

One drawback is that this jacket is one of the heaviest and bulkiest we tested. A smidge over a pound for the men’s Large makes the Flash Stretch one of our last picks for multi-day backpacking trips. That said, this REI model is a great option for daily wear and day hikes where weight isn’t a huge concern. 

However, between the soft material, durable build, and excellent waterproofing, the Flash Stretch is a great option for everyday wear, whether you’re at an outdoor concert or heading into a rainy weekend of camping.

Outdoor Research Helium

Most affordable ultralight rain jacket

Price: $170 (men’s) / $180 (women’s)

Weight: 6.2 oz. (men’s) / 6.3 oz. (women’s)

• Packs down very small
• Key clip in hand pocket
• Angled chest pocket
• Handwarmer pockets in women’s version
• Adjustable hood
• No pit zips
• No hand pockets in men’s version
• No cuff tightening systems

When it comes to ultralight jackets, the Outdoor Research Helium ( men’s / women’s ) is one of the most practical options on the market. While it weighs almost the same as the ZPacks Vertice and the Montbell Versalite – just over six ounces – it’s less expensive and offers many of the same features. 

CleverHiker Managing Editor, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, hiked the 3,000-mile Continental Divide Trail in this jacket and it held up well in most storms with plenty of room underneath for a lightweight down puffy. CH Gear Analyst, Heather Eldridge, also spent a week backpacking in Glacier National Park with this jacket and had no complaints – it kept both of them dry, comfortable enough, and it took up little space.

The Helium has a large chest pocket that makes access to small items easy and fast. This pocket is also the carrying case for the Helium, and it packs down into one of the smallest, most efficient packages on this list, perfect for backpacking and fastpacking.

This jacket is fairly thin and will wet out faster than others in really heavy rain, especially where backpack straps sit. Also, the men’s version doesn’t have handwarmer pockets, which we’ve found inconvenient on and off trail. This isn’t a dealbreaker for us, but we’d prefer the extra storage like the women’s version – instead, we bring waterproof gloves on cold, wet trips.

All-in-all, you cannot beat the price-to-weight ratio of the Helium. If keeping your overall pack weight low on long summer hikes is important to you, or you need a basic layer for cloudbursts and occasional summer storms, the ultra-packable Helium offers a stellar bang for your buck.

Full review: Outdoor Research Helium

Marmot Precip Eco

Affordable & versatile rain jacket

Price: $120

Weight: 11 oz. (men’s) / 9 oz. (women’s)

• Stowable hood
• Storm flaps over zipper help keep moisture out
• Higher pockets for hipbelt
• Internal laminate lining is less durable
• Hood isn’t as adjustable
• Zipper pulls are small
• Wets out faster than more durable options

If you’re looking for a less expensive jacket for summer storms, the Marmot Precip Eco ( men’s / women’s ) offers a practical design, reliable water protection, and stylish colorways.

This Marmot model has plenty of features we look for in a quality rain jacket. The wide storm flap over the zipper helps keep moisture out. The internal collar is tall, and the wrap-around hood design offers a bit of extra protection when wind and rain are picking up. The hood rolls up and stows away and like other jackets on this list, it packs up into itself.

Some jackets are simply too technical-looking to transition easily into everyday life, but not the Precip Eco. This stylish jacket fits right in on the sidelines of your kids’ soccer game or a morning coffee date, but still lends an efficient, water-resistant layer when storms are moving through. We love the retro colorways Marmot offers, but the Precip also comes in neons, solids, and muted shades to compliment any style.

It performs well in light and medium rain, which makes it ideal for three-season storms. CH Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, used the Precip on her thru-hike of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail and it saw a ton of use. She stayed reliably dry for the first 1,000 miles and then began to wet out faster than other jackets on this list.

The cons of the Precip mostly come down to long-term durability. We find the fabric of this Marmot model is a bit noisy, the laminate lining begins to crack and flake after a few seasons, and reapplications of DWR are needed sooner than later. That said, for only $120, this Marmot classic is wallet-friendly and still gets the job done on trail.

If you’re looking for a functional, no-frills rain jacket to stay relatively dry in summer storms around town and your local woods, the Precip Eco is a fine choice. We highly recommend it for those whose top priorities are saving weight, space, and money.

Product Comparison Table

What’s most important to you in a rain jacket.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors in wet conditions, paying a bit more for a rain jacket with an accurate, cozy fit and high-quality materials is well worth the cost. That said, there are many wallet-friendly jackets that will keep you dry and comfortable in most wet conditions. Below, we recommend rain jackets at a variety of price points to suit every budget.

Best value rain jackets

• Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Men’s / Women’s
• Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Men’s / Women’s
• Montbell Versalite Men’s / Women’s
• REI Flash Stretch Men’s / Women’s
• Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Men’s / Women’s

Best budget rain jackets

• REI Rainier Men’s / Women’s
• Marmot PreCip Eco Men’s / Women’s
• Outdoor Research Helium Men’s / Women’s

Best high-end rain jackets

• Arc’teryx Beta Men’s / Women’s
• ZPacks Vertice Men’s / Women’s

You don’t have to settle for an uncomfortable, restrictive, or plastic-feeling rain jacket. There are so many great options that are designed with fit, movement, layering, and next-to-skin comfort in mind. We highly recommend trying on as many rain jackets as you’re able to to find the right balance of comfort and functionality for you.

Most comfortable rain jackets

• REI Flash Stretch Men’s / Women’s  

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

When you’re hiking, it’s a good idea to carry a rain jacket even if the weather looks clear, especially when venturing into remote areas. In fair-weather conditions, an ultralight jacket that hardly takes up any room in your pack is all you need to provide emergency, “just-enough” protection. If the forecast calls for sustained rain or afternoon storms, and you’ll likely be wearing your jacket for much of the trip, a light- to mid-weight jacket can be worth the extra bulk and weight for peace of mind.

Best ultralight rain jackets

• Zpacks Vertice Men’s / Women’s

Best lightweight rain jackets

• Outdoor Research Foray II – Men’s / Aspire II – Women’s

Best midweight rain jackets

If low bulk and keeping your overall pack weight to minimum is your number one priority, ultralight rain jackets are the way to go. However, they tend to be more delicate than heavier options. Though durability, comfort, and bomb-proof weather protection come with a bigger weight penalty, a heavier-duty jacket may be more important when it comes to everyday wear or when you’re headed into particularly rugged backcountry terrain.

Most durable rain jackets

BREATHABILITY

Many rain jackets advertise that they’ve got the latest most “breathable” vapor barrier on the market, but the truth is, you’ll get hot and sweaty if you do vigorous exercise in any of them. That’s why we choose rain jackets with features that allow for excellent ventilation, like large pit zips and hem drawcords when we want a surefire way to release moisture and heat while staying cool on trail.

Best rain jackets with pit zips

• Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Women’s
• Marmot Precip Eco Men’s / Women’s

Marmot Bantamweight – Photo Credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch – Photo Credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

REI Rainier – Photo Credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

Photo Credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic – Photo Credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

Montbell Versalite – Photo Credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

Montbell Versalite – Photo Credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

REI XeroDry GTX – Photo Credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

Critical Rain Jacket Considerations

Number of layers.

The number of layers in a rain jacket correlates to price and long-term efficacy. Here is what you can expect with each layer:

2-layer jackets are the most common and affordable. They’re typically constructed with an outer shell coated in a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) combined with a breathable liner.

2.5-layer jackets are usually the lightest rain jackets and are made with the same DWR-coated outer as 2-layer options. The inner layer of a 2.5-layer jacket is typically a thin polyurethane coating that helps keep sweat and dirt from clogging the breathable pores of the jacket from the inside.

3-layer jackets are the most effective in heavy moisture and they incorporate all of these elements: they have a DWR-coated outer shell, a breathable and waterproof mid-layer, and a polyurethane lining for the innermost layer. They also tend to be the heaviest.

Zippered openings at the armpits, aka pit zips, are great for letting excess heat escape if you get too warm while hiking uphill or being active. It’s always nice to have the option for more airflow when you’re sweating through a tough ascent in a deluge or feeling a bit too warm during a misty afternoon on trail.

CONDENSATION

If you’re wearing a rain jacket on a cold, rainy day, condensation will almost certainly form on the inside fabric. This leads many people to think that their rain gear is failing, even though it’s still waterproof and very much doing its job. If your jacket is new or has been well-maintained over its life, don’t worry too much if you feel wetness forming inside your jacket. The chances are very high it’s just trapped condensation, and it will evaporate with your body heat as long as you’re wearing appropriate wicking layers underneath and you maximize the ventilation.

How To Stay Cool & Dry In A Rain Jacket

Getting hot and sweating when you’re working hard in a rain jacket is inevitable, and condensation build-up in chilly conditions is very normal and to be expected. Here are our top tips for staying cool and dry in your new rain jacket:

• Start cold – We recommend a single base layer under your rain jacket, especially if you hike quickly, or will be heading uphill right out of the gate. Using your go-to lightweight wool / synthetic t-shirt or base layer top under your rain jacket will feel cold at first, but you’ll find that it takes just a few minutes of movement before you start to warm up.
• Ventilate – You can quickly and easily dump heat through the pit zips, bottom hem, wrist cuffs, and front zipper. Finding the right amount of breathability is key, so consider taking a bit of time while hiking to make the micro-adjustments that will keep you cool and comfortable.
• Slow down – Moderating your pace will slow your heart rate and reduce sweating. If you find yourself a bit too warm or your jacket beginning to “wet out”, consider slowing your steps.
• Drink water – Drinking cold water regularly will cool you from the inside out. Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you don’t need to hydrate, so be sure to drink up while you trudge through that tempest.
• Shed layers – When you’re hiking, temperature regulation is simply a layering game. If you find yourself overheating – or getting too cold – consider taking off or putting on a hat and gloves or a wicking mid-layer.
• Use rain pants – No waterproof clothing system is truly complete without quality rain pants. Check out our guide to the Best Rain Pants for our favorites.
• Waterproof footwear – For wet days and soggy hiking adventures, you’ll want to be waterproof from head to toe. Consider picking up a pair of waterproof hiking boots ( Men’s / Women’s ), hiking shoes ( Men’s / Women’s ), or rain boots ( Men’s / Women’s ) to keep your feet dry.
• Umbrella – Consider using a hiking umbrella not as a replacement for a jacket, but in addition. This is a great way to mitigate how wet your outer layers become, helps direct unrelenting rain away from you while moving, and offers unrivaled breathability on moist, warm, and hot days.

Honorable Mentions

You never know if this diamond in the rough might be perfect rain jacket for you:

Frogg Toggs Xtreme Lite ( Men’s / Women’s )

The Frogg Toggs Xtreme Lite jacket is inexpensive and serviceable. As thru-hikers, backpackers, and peak baggers, our team of gearheads knows that sometimes the lightest, cheapest gear really is enough – and that’s the space where this jacket lives.

For only $60, the Xtreme Lite offers the core features we want in our top hiking rain jackets: handwarmer pockets, and adjustable wrists, hem, and hood. On top of that, this model packs into itself and weighs only 10 ounces. CleverHiker Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, carried Frogg Toggs as her outer shell for the northern 500 miles of the Arizona Trail. The Xtreme Lite functioned as a windbreaker in the cold wind, and a just-in-case layer for a rare desert downpour, and it was fine for both uses.

Though The Xtreme Lite is simply not as durable, breathable, waterproof, well-fitting, or feature-rich compared to the jackets above, it has its place. If you’re looking for an inexpensive jacket for mild conditions and arid places with occasional cloud bursts, Frogg Toggs are a solid option.

Best Ponchos

If your top priorities are full coverage and low weight, a poncho can be a great piece of gear. They are perfect when light or occasional rain is the norm. Though they can fall short when it comes to warmth and durability, a poncho might just be the right pick for you.

Outdoor Products Multipurpose Poncho

The Outdoor Products Multipurpose Poncho does everything we want a poncho to do. A simple drawstring hood cinches around your face, and a waterproof, seam-sealed, billowy body keeps your head and torso dry while offering plenty of breathability and freedom of movement for your arms. We like that the Multipurpose Poncho weighs nine ounces, folds down super small, and comes with a mesh zippered carrying case.

It’s fast to deploy and offers just enough coverage for your body when a downpour hits. Because this poncho is so lightweight, it also dries fast. For only $35, it’s a small and durable investment for the next time you’re caught in a brief rain shower or need a bit of extra coverage while setting up camp in the backcountry.

Packa Poncho

The Packa Poncho is a hybrid jacket, pack cover, and poncho. The Packa is a regular poncho – featuring a simple hood with the same extended material in front – but it adds a large, articulated back to also cover your backpack. For distance backpackers and thru-hikers dreaming of an all-in-one rain cover when rain storms hit, the Packa might just be what you’re after. 

Several impressive, unique details solve many common poncho problems: massive sleeves slip on easily over other layers (and feature massive 20-inch pit zips to throw heat), and the hem and wrists have drawstrings to prevent billowing material. We’re especially smitten with the fact that you can put on the entire poncho in less than 30 seconds without taking off our packs.

Though it’s a bit heavy and bulky to store – between 13 and 18 ounces, depending on the fabric you choose, and it’s a bit pricey for a poncho, it is a unique and dynamic product, that’s worth every penny.

Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape Poncho

For ultralight hikers who want the ultimate 2-in-1, the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape Poncho doubles as a shelter. This model is both a solid, reliable tarp that uses guy lines and a hiking pole for nights on the trail where protection is key, and a serviceable poncho for when summer rain storms start building and you’ve got miles to go.

However, combination gear always involves trade-offs. The Gatewood is made of a thin sil-nylon that’s prone to ripping and tearing, so you’ll need to be extra careful when wearing it near underbrush or places where it can snag. While we love the weight savings of the Gatewood Cape’s dual functionality, we learned the hard way that it is only a pro until you’re trying to set it up as a shelter while it’s raining. And, the Gatewood takes some practice to pitch, so you’ll want to have it down ahead of time.

We’ve seen the ultra-versatile Gatewood gaining traction out on the trails more and more over the last few years, and for good reason – when it comes to a rainproof option and lightweight shelter for a low price, the Gatewood Cape Poncho is tough to beat.

Best umbrellas

An umbrella is one of the most overlooked pieces of rain gear on the trail. Though it’s not a replacement for a quality rain jacket, it can be a real game changer when combined with one. Staying dry (and therefore warm) is essential to your well-being, and for a small weight penalty, you get incredible versatility from umbrellas like the ones below.

Though umbrellas fall short in high winds and lightning, they are a very worthwhile addition in both scorching desert heat and pouring rain.

Gossamer Gear Lightrek Umbrella

The Gossamer Gear Lightrek Umbrella is a robust ultralight umbrella with a shiny, sun-shielding exterior. CleverHiker Managing Editor, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, used the Lightrek on his thru-hike of the 3,000-mile Continental Divide Trail as a complement to his rain jacket and it was an absolute game-changer. It was a vital piece of gear not only for all-day protection from the sun but in the early season snow, heavy rain, and hail of the high Rockies.

We’re big fans of the Lightrek’s chromatic outer layer, which keeps intense UV rays and mid-day desert heat away from the user, and it can even help lower the temperature underneath. This umbrella also has pack attachment straps (sold separately) and stores narrow (but long) in your pack.

We’ve found the Lightrek excels in all conditions except for sustained high winds – but to be fair, it’s plenty durable for a 6.3-ounce umbrella. This thing will last for years if you take proper care of it, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for long adventures in rain or shine. For only $39, the Lightrek is a bargain.

Six Moon Designs Rain Walker Umbrella

At 5.5 ounces, the Rain Walker Umbrella is a low-bulk and efficient ultralight umbrella. If you’re looking for serious coverage at the lowest weight possible, the Rain Walker is a great choice: at full size, it easily covers one hiker and their backpack from the elements. CleverHiker Gear Analyst, Heather Eldridge, uses the Rain Walker for local hikes in Oregon.

Thanks to flexible, wind-resistant ribs, the closed umbrella packs up ultra-thin – barely the diameter of a quarter – and collapses down to about two feet. It’s easy to store, fast to deploy, and we love the soft EVA handle for holding over a long time. Plus, Six Moon also offers attachments for securing your umbrella to the shoulder strap of your backpack so you can hike hands-free.

The downside of the Rain Walker is it’s a bit less durable than other options on the market, and it doesn’t come with a reflective outer layer. If sun shade is a priority for your umbrella, we highly recommend the Silver Shadow or the Silver Shadow Carbon by Six Moon as well.

Zpacks Lotus UL Umbrella

The ZPacks Lotus has a strong and balanced construction. It also offers the widest diameter of these three umbrellas at a whopping 38 inches, which provides a ton of shade and rain protection.

We really like the attachment method (sold separately) for the Lotus umbrella. Instead of two stretchy ties, one of the “holsters” is a low-bulk clip that attaches directly to the strap of your backpack. We find that this design offers more stability for the umbrella, and needs less tweaking and adjusting over time. 

That said, the Lotus itself is the most flimsy in wind compared to the other umbrellas on this list. We find a sudden breeze can dramatically strain the ribs under the material. The handle is also small and less comfortable. However, the Lotus is an outstanding option for long-distance treks: its chromatic exterior will reflect the sun’s heat, it packs small and is under seven ounces.

Why trust us?

We understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously.

• Our recommendations are completely independent and based on hands-on experience.
• We test outdoor gear for a living – we’ve logged over 20,000 trail miles and 1,000 nights in the wilderness.
• Our team has thru-hiked some of the most iconic long trails, including the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Long Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Arizona Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, as well as extensive peak bagging, and international treks.
• We field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
• We travel to industry trade shows to stay up-to-date on product innovations.
• We continuously update our guides throughout the year and when new products launch.
• We treat recommendations to our readers as if they were for our family and friends.
• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to feedback. If you think we’ve missed a worthy product or got something wrong, we’d love to know about it.

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The Best Rain Jackets of 2024

Whether you're splashing about town or trekking through a monsoon, these are the best rain jackets of 2024.

We’ve all worn a trash bag in a pinch. And while almost anything is better than being soaking wet, nothing beats a purpose-built rain jacket with the right combination of features and price to meet your needs.

For more than five years now, we have shouldered close to 50 different rain jackets in just about every different name for rain — pulling together everything from the best rain jackets for bumping around town, to the best ultralight shells for long-distance thru-hiking, and even techy rainwear for the sport-specific demands of trail running, cycling, and climbing. Senior Editor Nick Belcaster leads our efforts, and never lets a good rain shower go to waste.

During testing, we aimed for the worst weather windows to challenge the waterproofing, livability, and rough-and-tumble durability of these jackets. We paid close attention to performance over entire seasons, and if the weather failed to materialize, we weren’t above busting out the garden hose. Every jacket was backpacked in, worn hard, and put away wet.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the jacket you’re looking for. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive rain jacket buyer’s guide , as well as our comparison chart . And if you still have rain jacket questions, take a look at our list of frequently asked questions .

Editor’s Note: We updated our Rain Jackets guide on April 2, 2024, to add the Outdoor Research Foray II Jacket — a shell with impressive built-in ventilation, as well as the updated Arc’teryx Norvan, and the new Mountain Hardwear Trailverse — built with PFC-free GORE-TEX ePE.

• Best Overall Rain Jacket: Outdoor Research Foray II Jacket
• Best Budget Rain Jacket: REI Co-op XeroDry GT X
• Best Value Rain Jacket: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
• Best Performance Rain Jacket: Arc’teryx Beta Jacket
• Best Ultralight Rain Jacket: Montbell Versalite Jacket
• Best Running Rain Jacket: Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket
• Best Breathability and Stretch: Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Jacket

Outdoor Research Foray II GORE-TEX Jacket

• Waterproof Membrane GORE-TEX Paclite 2L
• Waterproof Rating 28,000 mm/24 hours
• Breathability Rating 15,000 g/m²
• Pit Zips Yes
• Fit Regular
• Weight 11.8 oz.

• Full torso-length side zips for ventilation
• Proven GORE-TEX Paclite waterproofing
• Can be worn like a poncho over packstraps
• Available in a wide size range
• Membrane breathability on the lower end

Made to do (almost) all of it and do it well, the Outdoor Research Foray II GORE-TEX Jacket ($225) continues to impress us, and lands itself atop the list with a tried-and-true GORE-TEX membrane, a full-featured design, and the most novel mechanical ventilation solution we’ve ever seen. Newly updated this spring, the Foray and its female cut — the Aspire — both shed the yoke of forever chemicals entirely, and lose no performance for it.

The use of GORE-TEX’s uber-packable Paclite 2L membrane tells you a good bit about what the Foray II should be used for: hiking, backpacking, and anything where compact waterproofing is at a premium. And while this textile does trade protection for breathability, the Foray has a trick up its sleeve for that — adding TorsoFlo zips that run a full two feet from the elbow to the hem, meaning that venting the zips feels like throwing open all the windows in the house.

That poncho-like ability adds a new dimension to rainwear, and while it’s unlikely to be the most stylish cut on the AM train, the Foray is perfectly happy between mediums — city to summit. And now as the most eco-friendly apparel piece in OR’s line-up, it’s a forward-thinking shell as well — we tested the waterproofing of the new PFC-free DWR, and while it’ll need to be refreshed more frequently, it performs just as well.

While zips down is our preferred mode of transport, some conditions do require closing the storm shutters, and when working hard in the Foray like this, the Paclite membrane does tend to wilt after some hard work and condensation starts to build on the interior of the jacket. For the money, we’re one to make do, but if you jump up to a higher price tag 3-layer jacket, like the Arc’teryx Beta or Mountain Hardwear Trailverse , you can stave it off for even longer.

Rounding out the Outdoor Research Foray II is a three-way adjustable hood with buried cordlocks, YKK Aquaguard zippers (further guarded by storm flaps), and two torso pockets that are large enough to stuff the jacket into for storage. There is also a left-hand pocket on the chest, and an elastic drawcord hem. For most folks, this is the rain jacket to snag.

Read Review: OR’s Most Eco-Friendly Shell Has a Trick Up Its Sleeve: Outdoor Research Aspire II Jacket Review

REI Co-op XeroDry GTX

• Pit Zips No
• Weight 12.5 oz.

• Budget price

Breathability

• Not ideal for city use

REI often focuses on gear to help folks get into the outdoors, especially those on a budget or who are dabbling on a first excursion. But even at its budget price, the Co-Op’s XeroDry GTX jacket ($179) performs more like a veteran piece.

The two-layer GORE-TEX Paclite membrane provides a stout barrier against wind and moderate rain, though it suffers a bit when it comes to breathability — rated at 15,000 g/m². Thankfully, REI anticipated the issue and fitted the XeroDry with pockets that are mesh-lined, which double as core vents for moving moisture out when the pace picks up. Smart.

We also appreciated how the XeroDry stands up to scuffs, scrapes, and abrasion — all thanks to the tough Bluesign-approved polyester face fabric and DWR finish. The smaller fit and finish details of the jacket, like the zipper pulls, cord locks, and hook-and-loop cuffs, are all on the lighter-duty side, but we found them in testing to be perfectly functional for the price.

Most impressively, it manages all of this at under 13 ounces. At an approachable price, this $169 shell is meant for backpacking, with hip belt-friendly hand pockets that double as core vents to help dump heat. Plus, the XeroDry GTX carries both Bluesign and Fair Trade certifications.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

• Waterproof Membrane Proprietary H₂No 3L
• Waterproof Rating 20,000 mm/24 hours
• Breathability Rating Unpublished
• Weight 13.9 oz.

Sustainability

• Plastic-y feel
• Fluorinated DWR finish

Recently updated, Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L Jacket ($179) gained a three-layer H2No waterproof membrane, something that many other jackets at the price point can’t match.

Many will also appreciate the number of sustainable choices Patagonia made when creating the new Torrentshell, such as the 100% recycled nylon ripstop face fabric, the Fair Trade sewing, and a PU membrane that employs 13% biobased content. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find another rain jacket that provides the same level of performance, which is why the Torrentshell was our Runner-Up choice.

While we previously deducted a few points from the Torrentshell for sporting a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that still contained PFCs, Patagonia has made good on its promise to continue to cut the forever chemicals out of the rain jacket mix, and now produces the Torrentshell with a full PFC-free build. We did find the face fabric to be a bit crinkly and bulky, something we attribute to working out the kinks in using recycled nylon, but it did soften some with use.

When you consider that Patagonia has the Torrentshell 3L Jacket priced under $180, you’ve got a budget- and resource-friendly rainwear option that’s just as at home on the trail as it is kicking around town.

Read Review: A Classic Shell Jacket Gets New Tech: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket Review

Arc’teryx Beta Jacket

• Waterproof Membrane GORE-TEX ePE 3L
• Breathability Rating (RET) <13 RET
• Fit Active/Slim
• Weight 13.2 oz.

• Burly construction
• Lightweight design
• High-quality fit and finish
• Non-PFC GORE-TEX ePE membrane
• Fabric crinkle

From your morning commute to a coastal deluge, the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket ($400) ticks the boxes for our needs when it comes to a rain jacket that can simply do it all. And freshly updated, the Beta follows in the footsteps of the Beta Lightweight shell and adopts the GORE-TEX ePE membrane — which incorporates zero forever chemicals in its construction.

Arc’teryx’s Beta line of jackets are made for ‘All-Around’ activities, and we can confirm that this jacket will just about do most of it. Utilizing a high-power GORE-TEX 3-layer ePE membrane and a durable face fabric, this is the shell for serious outdoors folk who need absolute protection, no matter the price. Our own testing has taken the Arc’teryx Beta to places that other rain jackets shudder to dream of. Through it all, this jacket came out ready for more.

The Beta certainly isn’t cheap. At its premium price point, it’s better thought of as a long-term investment piece that’ll be around far into the future. But at a 28,000mm waterproof rating, know that you’ll be protected from the rain for the long haul. During testing around British Columbia’s Squamish, we came to greatly appreciate this heightened waterproofing, as well as the trim fit that worked equally well cutting through downtown as it did getting up close and personal with a few waterfalls.

One downside of the über waterproof fabric is the distinct crinkle of fabric on fabric, which can become a drone on repetitious missions like ski touring. And since this is the lower end of the Beta line, this jacket does without pit-zips. If some added mechanical ventilation is high on your list, check out the Beta LT ($450).

One benefit of the buy-once-cry-once ethos is getting access to brands that are pushing innovation. Arc’teryx works closely with GORE-TEX to produce leading-edge fabric technologies, and if the leading edge is where you spend most of your time, the Arc’teryx Beta is up to the task. It’s probably the best rain jacket money can buy today, without stepping up to something more mountain-savvy like a hardshell jacket.

Montbell Versalite Jacket

• Waterproof Membrane GORE-TEX INFINIUM 2L
• Waterproof Rating 30,000 mm/24 hours
• Breathability Rating 43,000 g/m²
• Weight 6.4 oz.

• Full-featured at UL weight
• Impressive breathability
• Smart patterning reduces seam lines
• Three-way adjustable hood
• Interior can feel slick
• Left hand zipper

At a claimed 6.2 ounces (and even less on our own scales), Montbell certainly had weight on the brain when they crafted the Versalite Jacket ($260). Part of the brand’s UL Hiking selection , the Versalite impressed us during testing not only with the weight it lacked, but also the features it’s studded with.

While GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER isn’t marketed as being a fully waterproof membrane, by incorporating fully taped seams and a DWR-finished face fabric, Montbell has been able to whip up a rain shell that sports water resistance that keeps up with the best, and puts up breathability numbers that knock many out of the running.  

In the wilds, our initial fears over using a “windshell” material were quickly salved. Make no mistake, the Versalite can hang in a good rain. And the benefit to using GORE INFINIUM shows when the grade steepens or a thick mist rolls in: this jacket breathes like it’s got a set of lungs stashed away somewhere, and you don’t have to be knocking out 30-mile days to appreciate that.

For the weight, the Montbell Versalite is simply feature-packed. Compared to other jackets of the same, or even more weight, the Versalite boasts the full complement: a three-way adjustable hood that rolls up and stows away, two zippered hand pockets with ample space, and 16.5-inch pit zips for easy venting.

As with any specialized piece, the tech-heavy styling isn’t going to win you any awards, and at 10-denier the face fabric will require more care than your average knock-around rain jacket. But put to the task, the Versalite excels in its lane, jamming in many extra features that jackets of the same ilk can’t claim.

Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket

• Waterproof Membrane GORE-TEX 3L
• Breathability Rating 17,000 g/m²
• Weight 6.7 oz.

• Ultra-thin 13-denier face fabric keeps things light
• C-KNIT backer helps move moisture
• RECCO reflector bumps up safety factor
• Trim fit for active running
• No pit zips or front snap for venting

Dialed in for trail running, the Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket ($400) is a whisper to wear and we had to do a double take when we saw that it sports a full 3-layer GORE-TEX membrane. This rain jacket scrunches down into the size of an apple when compressed, and provides the full measure of protection for when the skies open up on your long run of the week.

The predecessor to this jacket (the Norvan SL) was a fan favorite for trail running, but with the GORE Shakedry membrane being retired, runners instead get the 3L variety in the new Norvan, specced out with an ultra-thin 13D face fabric, and a C-Knit backer. This knit backer has a much softer hand than traditional tricot variations, and also sports better breathability thanks to its looser weave. 

The fitted cut does double duty in both staying low profile for trail running (no flapping here), as well as keeping the membrane closer to your body, which helps build the pressure gradient needed to keep moisture moving out. We did miss the addition of pit zips (or a front snap) for added ventilation, but during trail running we’re more interested in keeping warm rather than totally dry.

Rounding out the feature set is a RECCO reflector, a technology typically used in ski resort search and rescue, but seeing new applications in wilderness rescues. The lightweight and full protection of the Norvan will also appeal to alpine climbers looking for a packable shell that doesn’t give up much in the protection department, but there is, alas, no stuffable pocket to park the shell on your harness.

For those looking for a trail running jacket with more bells and whistles, the Norrøna Senja GORE-TEX Active Jacket ($549) has plenty, from a zippered back pocket that turns into a belt to carry the jacket, to underarm zips (unheard of in a GORE Active piece) and a wrist watch zipper. The higher price point keeps it from winning our running award, but it’s an excellent choice for the runner who wants it all.

For runners who pine for the most protection in a lightweight silhouette, however, it’s hard not to lean on the Arc’teryx Norvan as our recommendation. Trail running is a tough nut to crack when it comes to staying dry, but keeping cold rain off your body is the primary concern, and the Norvan does this with ease. If you run in particularly warm but wet locales, look to The North Face Superior FUTURELIGHT Jacket as a shell landing further on the breathability side of the equation, but for everything else, the Norvan is where it’s at.

Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Jacket

• Waterproof Membrane Proprietary Proflex 3L
• Waterproof Rating 10,000 mm/24 hours
• Breathability Rating 35,000 g/m²
• Weight 14.9 oz.

• Impressively stretchy
• Comfortable fit
• Durable face fabric
• Made with climbers and mountaineers in mind
• No pit zips
• Low waterproof rating
• On the heavier side

Rab has been producing high-quality outdoor gear out of Britain for decades now, and the Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Jacket ($310) is no exception. With an unrivaled stretch and impressive breathability numbers, this shell feels more like a softshell than a rain jacket.

Designed for use in the alpine while mountaineering or rock climbing, the Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is one of the comfiest rain jackets we’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing. With the feel of a softshell, Rab’s proprietary ProFlex fabric manages to be both breathable and durable. A 2-way YKK Aquaguard front zip provides easy access to your harness and equipment, adjustable Velcro cuffs accommodate gloves of all sizes, and the hood is helmet-compatible without feeling too bulky. 

The Kinetic Alpine 2.0 shines in environments where you’d want your waterproof layer to double as a wind jacket, and where durability would be key. During a stormy ridge scramble in Arizona, our tester managed to stick himself with two jumping cholla cactus pods, and was surprised at the end of the day to not be able to find where the needles penetrated the fabric!

On the flipside, the 10,000 mm hydrostatic waterproof rating is one of the lowest in our rain jacket buyer’s guide, so we wouldn’t recommend this jacket for multi-day downpours or heavy snow like we would with the Arc’teryx Beta or the Outdoor Research Foray II . We were also disappointed that there are no pit zips, so mechanical ventilation is limited to the front 2-way zipper. 

Overall, the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 makes a great addition to the closet for the desert hiker, mountaineer, or climber looking for a 2-in-1 waterproof layer that feels and acts like a softshell. 

Norrøna Falketind Paclite Rain Jacket

• Waterproof Membrane GORE-TEX Paclite Plus 2.5L
• Weight 9.1 oz.

• Front chest ventilation zipper works well to move moisture
• Climbing helmet compatible hood
• More articulated fit than many other jackets on our list
• Only a single napoleon chest pocket

Blurring the line between rain jacket and their more climbing-oriented cousins, the Norrøna Falketind Paclite Rain Jacket ($349) is a hardshell jacket in everything but the membrane, meaning you get all of the mountain-ready cut and features, with a lighter packed weight and compressed size — perfect for taking with you anywhere.

The 2.5-layer GORE-TEX Paclite Plus membrane used is a notch above the typical Paclite, in that it incorporates a less slick backer and printed dots on the interior to better move moisture out of the jacket. The breathability will still be on the lesser side when compared to other GORE-TEX membranes at 15,000 g/m², but the waterproofing is just as strong at 28,000 mm.

In lieu of typical under-arm pit zips, Norrøna went with a novel solution that we haven’t seen before, and that’s zippered front chest ventilation. This zipper (separate from the full closure zipper) runs a full 12 inches and opens up the jacket to fresh air, all without splitting the jacket entirely and leading to a floppy shell. During testing, our reviewers found that this moved air nicely through the jacket.

With a technical fit, this jacket doesn’t flap about in strong winds, and retains much of the technical articulation needed to pull off any move necessary — be it on the glacier or on the trail. The hood is sized to accommodate a climbing helmet, and adjusts with a single pull on the back of the head.

Compared to the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket , the Falketind Paclite does have a few advantages. For one, the Falketind implements mechanical ventilation into the build, which is something the Beta is missing out on. The Falketind also slides in $50 cheaper, though it does miss out on the twin hand pockets, and better 3-layer GORE-TEX membrane that the Beta has.

If you’re looking for a jacket that will stand up to the rough stuff, but is still packable enough to make it into your bag on every outing, the Norrøna Falketind Paclite puts up the good fight.

Mountain Hardwear Trailverse GORE-TEX Jacket

• Breathability Rating (RET) <13
• Weight 1 lb., 1.4 oz.

• Zero PFC construction
• Retains high waterproofing rating of 28K mm/24 hours
• All water-resistant zippers
• Packs into its own chest pocket
• 75-denier material feels a bit stiff, not very packable
• Breathability suffers a bit

You’re looking at the crest of a new wave here: Making use of the new GORE-TEX ePE membrane, the Mountain Hardwear Trailverse GORE-TEX Jacket ($420) is one of the first through-and-through rain jackets to adopt the entirely PFC-free membrane, and as such is the culmination of almost a decade of advances toward a more sustainable rain jacket future.

We anticipate that by next year, many GORE-TEX rain jackets will be some blend of ePE and as such, we wanted to get to know the new recipe better. Rest assured — those 10 years of development weren’t for nothing. Whereas traditional GORE-TEX is an expanded PTFE material (the F stands for ‘fluoro’), GORE’s new membrane instead pivots its expansion technology to polyethylene, and in doing so strips out the PFCs from within the membrane.

So the verdict? If you hadn’t told us it was a new blend, we wouldn’t have been much the wiser. The classic 28,000 mm waterproofing is still as stout as always, and while the breathability is a bit on the lower end (at a RET of <13), it feels similar to the classic 3L GORE in practice. Hiking uphill, you’ll still want to leverage mechanical ventilation to keep moisture moving, but in fit, form, and function, it’s nice to see ePE living up to the name.

The jacket itself is well-deserving of the membrane as well, with a more full-featured design that includes a dual-direction front zipper, side torso ventilation vents, and waterproofed chest pockets. A tall collar also helps to bolster the weather-proofing and allows us to tuck away in windy conditions without needing to pull up the full hood.

If you’re looking to get into the new GORE-TEX at a lower price point, Mountain Hardwear also rolled out the LandSky Jacket ($250), a shell with a slightly lesser feature set and thinner 50D material. We find the less-lifestyle cut of the Mountain Hardwear Trailverse to be more amenable to backpacking, and we’re excited to continue testing to see the long-term performance of this new waterproof-breathable technology. If initial impressions hold, ePE looks like a winner.

Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Jacket

• Waterproof Membrane Pertex Shield 2.5L
• Breathability Rating 20,000 g/m²

• Feature-rich
• Less intuitive left-hand zipper
• 2.5-layer membrane needs pit zips down for added breathability

They say you can’t have your cake and eat it too, but the Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Jacket ($180) sure does get close. Combining an admirable balance of waterproofness/breathability, features, and price, this Rab rain jacket strikes a near-perfect balance across the spectrum and is easily among the best in our testing.

The Pertex Shield 2.5-layer waterproof membrane sports what we believe is just about the perfect balance of waterproofing to breathability: 20,000 mm to 20,000 g/m², and generous pit zips help to avoid perspiration when the difficulty really ramps up. There are certainly other rain jackets that fill special niches better than the Downpour, but few tick more boxes across the range.

In our own testing, we were consistently impressed by the well-thought-out features that round out this shell. During a trail ride on Washington state’s Galbraith mountain, we battled on-again, off-again showers with the Downpour, and were keen on the roll-away hood, which easily tucked away for the rip down, as well as the drawstring hem which kept mud from going where the sun don’t shine.

There are a few stumbles: such as the sometimes difficult-to-manage left-hand zipper, and the need to mechanically vent to avoid interior slickness typical of 2.5-layer waterproof membranes — but we’re willing to look past these minor flaws for the sheer utility the Downpour provides.

The Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 is one of the most well-rounded rain jackets we’ve tested, and at the price (less than $200), it’s an easy go-to for anyone looking for a shell to do almost everything.

Read Review: Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 Jacket Review: A Versatile Shell That’s Ready for All 50 Names for Rain

Patagonia Storm10 Jacket

• Material Construction 20D 3L H2No Performance Standard
• Waterproof Rating (mm) 20,000
• Breathability Rating (g/m²) Unavailable
• Pockets Two handwarming, one chest pocket
• Weight 8.3 oz.
• Best For Dry climates, volcano skiing, alpine rock climbing

• Very lightweight for a 3-layer membrane jacket
• Great packability with hang loop
• Built-in RECCO reflector
• Simple but effective hood adjustability
• Thinner face fabric
• Breathability can be overwhelmed by high-output activities

Built for moving through the mountains, the Patagonia Storm10 jacket ($329) is the beefed-up sibling of the Torrentshell, making use of the same 3-layer H2No membrane, but in a much more packable and capable profile. This jacket lands squarely in between a hardshell and a rain jacket, but with a sub-10-ounce weight, you’d hardly guess that it’s got such chops.

The Storm10 sits among the more technical rain jackets on our list, with the Arc’teryx Beta just edging it out in overall burl-factor. Both jackets sport a 3-layer membrane, but the Beta has a slightly thicker skin (30-denier to the Storm10’s 20D), and a slightly higher waterproof rating. In testing, we found these jackets both excelled in the same use profile: perfect for off-trail, mountainous adventures where you’ll need every ounce of protection.

On top of the high-quality 20,000 mm waterproofing, the Storm10 adds a number of savvy features that ensure the jacket isn’t held back when you want to push into new territories. The hood is helmet-compatible, meaning it’ll fit over a climbing or ski helmet, and it also sports a RECCO reflector. And when you want to stash the jacket away, it stuffs into its own chest pocket, and has an integrated hang-loop for clipping to the back of a climbing harness.

Alas, it can’t all be roses, and the rain jacket is unfortunately lacking in the pit zips department. During our testing in a particularly rainy Pacific Northwest spring, casual hiking was manageable while fully zipped up, but turning up the cadence did cause some moisture pile-up. We’ll add it to the wish list for now, which is mighty short otherwise.

Ideal for those who want a rain jacket to do it all in, the Patagon ia Storm10 offers an adaptable shell that has the muscle to back it up for when the skies open.

Outdoor Research Helium Jacket

• Weight 6.3 oz.

• Ultra-packable
• Lightweight
• Tough Diamond Fuse textile tech
• No hand pockets
• Can wet out

Having now gone through a number of revisions over 12 years, it’s easy to say that not only does the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket ($170) have staying power, but it also continues to get better. This weight-conscious shell tips the scales at a scant 6.3 ounces, and still manages to not leave too many features on the cutting room floor.

While our use of the previous generation of Helium is extensive (we’ve carried it on over 2,000+ miles of thru-hiking), the newest iteration pushes the needle even further with the addition of a new version of Pertex Shield membrane with Diamond Fuse technology . Instead of increasing the denier for strength, this weave utilizes diamond-shaped yarns that interlock with one another to bulk up the tear resistance.

OR claims this adds up to a 5x more tear-resistant jacket over its predecessor, and while we haven’t dove into the brambles to prove it, a strong tug across the fabric does yield a more confidence-inspiring feel. During a recent trip to Joshua Tree National Park, the Helium jacket performed admirably when pressed against the sharp granite boulders of the desert.

Other improvements come in the form of the single napoleon pocket on the left chest, which has been enlarged for easier stuffing of the jacket into itself. There is also a hidden key clip to keep your keys close at hand, and YKK water-resistant zips on both the main and pocket zips.

When compared to its contemporaries, the Helium exists in sort of a middle-ground between the Zpacks Vertice and the Montbell Versalite , where the former offers higher breathability (and higher price), and the latter boasts more features and better livability, all at the same weight. As with many Pertex Shield jackets, we did find that breathability wasn’t quite what we’d like to see, and that the slick interior can feel clammy once you’ve pushed the jacket past the brink.

Choosing between the three will mean weighing your goals and going with the best fit, but for any discerning thru-hiker, alpine climber, or trail runner, the Helium rain jacket easily makes the grade.

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket

• Waterproof Membrane Dry.Q 2.5L
• Breathability Rating 10,000 g/m²
• Weight 10.5 oz.

• Whole body stretch
• Soft material feel
• Mesh-lined pockets
• Simple hood
• Stretch fabrics require more frequent DWR treatments

The Stretch Ozonic Jacket from Mountain Hardwear ($230) takes the phrase moves with you to heart, incorporating a four-way stretch across the entire jacket that not only makes pulling the move easier, but it also does so quietly and with a super soft hand.

Billed as a front-to-backcountry do-it-all shell, this jacket oozes movement and adds a nice amount of stretch to Mountain Hardwear’s 2.5L Dry.Q waterproof membrane. The membrane itself specs out at a respectable 10,000 mm waterproofing and 10,000 g/m² breathability, and in a live-fire environment, we found the Stretch Ozonic to be ideal for lighter precip environments where motion is king, such as trail running, scrambling, or bumping around the city.

As a surprise, one of our favorite features of this jacket is hidden away: mesh-lined pockets. In terms of easy methods to add physical venting to a jacket, mesh is high on our lists (we’re surprised more jackets don’t incorporate this). There will be a slight durability ding with using a lighter material, but we’ve yet to see it pan out that way in our experience.

The hood of the Stretch Ozonic is fairly boilerplate, with a single drawcord adjustment at the rear of the head to keep it out of your eyes. No wire-stiffened brim here, but we did enjoy the soft microfleece chin guard for when the rain really let loose and we had to retreat inside the hood.

As with many stretch-infused jackets, you’ll need to keep up on the DWR treatments, as this is an area of tradeoff for the impressive flexibility of the membrane. But for when the occasional storm brews up, this jacket certainly will make the cut for folks who want a shell that will flow with them.

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket

• Waterproof Membrane Proprietary Vertice 3L
• Waterproof Rating >20,000 mm/24 hours
• Breathability Rating 56,000 g/m²
• Weight 7 oz.

• Impressively light weight
• High breathability
• Full waterproof front zipper
• Hood aperature is a bit small
• Fit and finish is a little rough

From the minds of thru-hiking gurus Zpacks, the Vertice Rain Jacket ($299) aims to be in the company of the “lightest possible choices,” and at 7 ounces it certainly lands among them.

The standout headline of the Vertice is Zpacks’ proprietary membrane, which boasts an impressive claimed 56,000 g/m² breathability rating that stacks up strongly against the new wave of hyper-breathable membranes, such as The North Face’s FUTURELIGHT membrane.

This jacket is no slouch when it comes to waterproofing either at 20,000 mm, which typically will suffer when seeking out high breathability numbers. Compared to the lab numbers, we found during testing that we stayed dry for multiple hours of Pacific Northwest rainfall.

The finish of the Vertice is decidedly cottage industry, and you can tell that an actual human went to work on this jacket. We actually became fond of this fact, and there aren’t any sewing issues that would compromise the integrity of the jacket, but this is certainly a piece for the function-forward among us. There’s a reason thru-hikers look so goofy.

The hood of this jacket, unfortunately, left something to be desired, feeling more like looking through a porthole than anything else. In our estimation, adding a few more inches to this aperture would greatly improve the liveability on days when the precip doesn’t yield. For your next thru-hike or ultralight mission, the Vertice trims the fat but maintains the protection.

Black Diamond StormLine Stretch

• Waterproof Membrane Proprietary BD.dry 2.5L
• Weight 11.3 oz.

• Packability
• Not ideal over layers

A solid blend of packability, stretch, weight, and value, Black Diamond’s StormLine Stretch ($180) provides a solid option for traveling and daily getaways. And available at below $200, it’s a reasonable option from a trusted brand.

Underarm gussets pair with four-way stretch to allow greater freedom of motion, while Black Diamond’s proprietary BD.dry membrane seals out the elements. The StormLine packs into its own pocket and has adjustable cuffs, and also has a climbing helmet-compatible hood. Plus, the jacket weighs just 11.3 ounces, which means you’ll hardly register that it’s hanging from your climbing harness or stashed away in your pack.

While not the best suited for layering, the StormLine is just the jacket for when a shower surprises you halfway up a climbing route.

Rain Jackets Comparison Chart

How We Tested Rain Jackets

Our team of testers has braved storms from the rain-drenched foothills of the Pacific Northwest to the mountains of Colorado for half a decade now to review and publish rain jacket guides for men and women. The GearJunkie crew isn’t afraid of a poor forecast, and our gathered rain jacket knowledge is pulled together here to guide your rain jacket choice. While we might be a bit wet behind the ears, it’s not for a lack of experience.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is no stranger to a little precip, and is the principal tester for this guide. Living and playing in the state of Washington requires either a lot of patience in waiting for the weather to change, or a lot of gumption to get outside anyways. Belcaster has also thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, and has previously professionally equipped alpine climbers for whatever conditions they might encounter, including week-long deluges.

For this guide, we considered a broad range of uses for rain jackets, and included selections for both city and outdoor use. We consulted online resources, talked shop with brands, and then hit the field to pull our hoods up and let the skies open. From time spent on long trails to running laps on ice climbs, rain shells are often put to the test in a wild variety of conditions, and we aimed to review them in a broad spectrum of environments.

Our rain jacket testing occurs year-round, but mostly during the wettest months of the autumn in the Pacific Northwest. Belcaster, along with a crew of dedicated trail hounds, have been pulling on waterproofs and treading out into uncertain weather patterns for more than 5 years — collectively testing nearly 50 different rain jackets. Our testing aims to challenge these jackets, and looks at waterproofing over 24-hour periods, breathability during hill climbs, and durability against dense Cascadian bushwhacks.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Rain Jacket

There are a lot of rain jackets on the market. And while having options is great, it can be overwhelming to choose. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll explain the most important factors to keep in mind when deciding on the best rain jacket for your needs.

Rain Jacket Categories

Everyday Use

It’s true; when it rains, it does always seem to pour, and if you live somewhere where it does so frequently, you’ll need a rain jacket that’s ready to take on day-after-day deluge and cover you on your commute or expedition to the mailbox.

A rain jacket meant for everyday use will prioritize ease of use over much else, which often means a casual cut meant to toss over anything you’re already wearing. Because of this, they may weigh a little more than their backpacking cousins, but make up for it in durability. Thicker denier face fabrics are often employed to up the wear factor, which also prolongs the time it takes the jacket to wet out.

Functional features such as Velcro wrist closures, hand warming pockets, and hoods with some adjustability are all standard, though you won’t often see more sport-specific features such as helmet-compatible hoods, or two-way front zippers. One of our favorite do-it-all jackets is the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L , a shell that doesn’t demand much for the protection and everyday use it provides, but we also lean on the REI Co-op XeroDry GTX , Rab Downpour Plus 2.0 , and Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic as everyday rain jackets.

Hiking and Backpacking

Rain jackets for hiking and backpacking take their jobs a bit more seriously, and need to contend with a rapidly filling backpack to ensure they make the cut. You’ll likely be hiking off into more remote locales for longer periods of time, and should look for a rain jacket with a waterproof membrane to match. Consider shells of 2.5- or 3-layer layups, which will stave off wetting out for longer, and often sport higher breathability numbers.

When hiking in a rain jacket, we like shells that combine mechanical and membrane breathability to continually move moisture out as we huff uphill. While their overall waterproofing numbers may be a bit lower, polyurethane membranes often move moisture at a better rate over their 2-2.5-layer GORE-TEX counterparts. Aim for a number north of 20,000 g/m² if you plan on hiking in your rain shell often. For day hikes, we often reach for the Outdoor Research Foray II , Patagonia Torrentshell 3L , and Mountain Hardwear Trailverse .

Packability, too, is in high demand, and certainly so for backpacking rain jackets. Here you may encounter more ultralight rain jackets, which leverage high-performance membranes, light denier face fabrics, and minimal feature sets to disappear into your backpack. The Montbell Versalite always finds its way into our thru-hiking packs, with the Zpacks Vertice and Norrøna Falketind not far behind.

Performance

This is the realm of sport-specific rainwear, and where you’ll likely find jackets that are fine-tuned for heading further into terrain that’s whipped by rain on a constant basis. Rain jackets of this ilk are more similar in many aspects to hardshell jackets, which is rainwear with extra durability baked in for treading into mountainous terrain and activities. 

You’ll pay for the performance, but the tradeoff comes in tougher shell materials, highly breathable waterproof membranes, and feature sets that make them more amenable to action while wearing, rather than hiding away inside. Hoods are often much more adjustable, with multiple corded zones to dial in your fit, and may also be oversized to fit over a climbing or ski helmet.

Exterior pockets typically are set higher on the torso, which allows access to them while wearing a backpack hip belt or climbing harness. The interior of these jackets, too, will have a bit more of a premium feel to them, with high-quality linings that are meant to protect the membranes for longer and promote water wicking.

The Arc’teryx Beta makes a strong case for its price tag here, and the 3-layer GORE-TEX it utilizes is top-of-the-line when it comes to rainwear, but don’t count out the Zpacks Vertice or Patagonia Storm10 , both jackets built with impressive tech.

Waterproofness

Given enough time and pressure, nothing is truly waterproof. Even the yellow rubber slickers that swaddle fisherfolk will eventually yield to enough H₂O, which means a little science is needed in order to understand relative water resistance in rain jackets.

Waterproofness is measured by the amount of water that can pile up on fabric before it leaks over a period of 24 hours. The minimum standard to call something waterproof is 1,000 mm, which should generally be capable of handling everyday front country use, like walking your dog around town in a light drizzle. But for outdoor adventures with severe weather, you’ll want to find a jacket with a waterproof rating between 5,000 mm and 30,000 mm.

Pressure can also lower the waterproofness of your rain jacket, and can be introduced from backpack straps or heavy snow. It is important to note that waterproofness and breathability are two metrics pulling in opposite directions of one another, and that superior water resistance will require some concessions in the breathability department.

• 5,000 mm: Where technical rain outerwear for outdoor adventures begins
• 5,000-10,000 mm: Waterproof under light rain or snow and no pressure
• 10,000-15,000 mm: Waterproof under many conditions, except under pressure
• 15,000-20,000 mm: Waterproof under heavy rain and snow
• >20,000 mm: Waterproof under heavy rain, snow, and pressure

As humans, we tend to perspire as we run, hike, or climb in our rain jackets, so having a shell that is breathable should be highly valued. Measured most often by the Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) test, higher values in g/m² denote a better ability to allow perspiration to pass out of a jacket.

Jackets intended for high-output activities will have a breathability rating of 20,000 g/m² or more, while lesser ratings between 10,000 and 15,000 will suffice for in-town use or when packability is the primary goal.

MVTR and RET Testing

The Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate, or MVTR, is the most commonly used test for measuring the breathability of waterproof membranes. This rate can be measured through a number of different tests, but the most common metric used is given in g/m²/24 hours. Higher values on the MVTR test give you a better idea of the jacket’s ability to pass moisture, but it isn’t the end-all say as other factors such as ambient humidity play a large role as well.

Budget-minded jackets like the  Black Diamond StormLine Stretch   sport an MVTR rating of 10,000 g/m², which isn’t quite at the standard of 20,000 g/m² rating we like to see in jackets meant to be used during high heart rate activities. At the other end of the spectrum, specialized shells like the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0  boast impressive values of 35,000 g/m².

The RET, or Resistance to Evaporation rating has been gaining steam in recent years, with high-end GORE-TEX membranes being notable adopters. This rating uses a simulated perspiration test, and values here are the inverse of the MVTR, with lower values showing a higher ability for moisture transfer. 

A jacket with a RET value of <6 will really pump out perspiration and is rated as extremely breathable on the RET scale. Fabrics with a RET score of between 6 and 12, like the Norrøna Falketind Paclite Rain Jacket , land in the highly breathable camp, and ratings of >12 are only moderately breathable. 

​​Fabric Layers

About as simple as simple gets, two-layer jackets utilize a waterproof membrane and outer face fabric to guard against scuffs and scrapes. These jackets often require hanging mesh linings to protect the waterproof membrane from abrasion, which ups the bulk and weight factor, but can also keep the cost down on entry-level pieces.

Without a full barrier protecting the interior of the jacket, the pores of the membrane can become clogged with time, and 2-layer jackets will need to be washed more often to keep them in fighting shape. The original formulation of GORE-TEX was a 2-layer layup, which boasted high breathability and waterproofing numbers but suffered in terms of durability as the membrane degraded with use. Today, all GORE membranes protect the interior of their membrane to prolong its life.

Jackets made with 2.5-layer fabrics incorporate a very thin protective lining to the inside of the waterproof membrane, which is typically laminated, screen printed, or sprayed on, and eliminates the need for a mesh lining and the bulk and weight that comes with it. These linings often increase the longevity and breathability of the jacket by decreasing the body oils and dirt that can clog the pores of the membrane.

One unfortunate drawback to these jackets is that they often feel clammy against the skin in continuous rain, and lack the moisture-wicking of three-layer jackets. Many may believe that their rain jacket has given up the ghost, when in fact it is the breathability that has been overwhelmed and caused a back-up of moisture coming from their own bodies.

By adding a third wicking textile to the interior of the membrane, three-layer jackets benefit from a significant bump in moisture management, but also typically in price. This is the realm of true all-day-deluge performance jackets, and most often use the big name-brand membranes that have come to dominate the industry, such as GORE-TEX or eVent.

This third layer also adds a good bit of durability to the jacket as it protects the waterproof membrane from abrasion, but will add some bulk over 2.5-layer jackets. Because they are more complex, 3-layer membranes often land in the performance category of rain jackets and carry higher prices to boot.

Waterproof Membranes

Waterproof membranes come in a number of flavors these days, but all operate on a similar principle: keep the rain out and keep perspiration from building up inside the shell. The construction of these membranes is often as mechanical as they are chemical, and the two big players today are ePTFE and polyurethane membranes, with air-permeable membranes on the rise.

Best thought of as a piece of plastic stretched very thin , ePTFE are specialty materials (polytetrafluoroethylene, to be specific) that are expanded, creating micropores that act as a filter to inhibit water penetration, but allow water vapor to be expelled. These ePTFE membranes have over 9 billion pores per square inch, each 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule. This allows the membrane to resist water from the elements, but diffuse perspiration as it builds within the shell.

Most ePTFE waterproof membranes today also include a thin polyurethane coating or tricot backer on the inside to stop contaminants such as body oils from clogging these pores. The other majority share of waterproof membranes are made using a very thin sheet of polyurethane, which is naturally hydrophilic and maintains breathability through diffusion. These membranes have historically been monolithic, meaning that they lack any pore structure, but new technologies are producing air-permeable membranes that pass air freely.

Because they depend on diffusion to move perspiration from the inside, PU membranes require you to work up a bit of a sweat before they’ll really start to move moisture, which can lead to a slick interior if some mechanical ventilation isn’t employed.

New to the market in recent years and somewhat of a blend of both previous technologies, air-permeable membranes take the waterproof nature of polyurethane and create a matrix that allows for gaseous vapor transfer, as opposed to pure diffusion. Opening up the membranes in this way has led to great leaps in breathability, with membranes like The North Face’s FUTURELIGHT boasting a rating of 75,000 g/m².

GORE-TEX PACLITE and PACLITE PLUS

PACLITE is widely used in hiking and backpacking rain jackets, as it offers a high waterproofing rating, but strips out the textile backer of 3-layer membranes and applies a layer of polyurethane and carbon on the interior. This makes a hanging mesh lining unnecessary, and creates rainwear that is impressively packable. This layer is less thin than the bonded interior materials of 3-layer membranes, and as such is known as a 2.5-layer technology.

When even more packability is needed such as during backpacking, Gore’s PACLITE PLUS is a membrane that cuts down on bulk even further by spraying a layer of polyurethane that is much thinner than regular PACLITE to increase durability. Because of this, we regard PACLITE PLUS as a 2-layer membrane, and at >28,000 mm/24 hours of water resistance, this technology is plenty waterproof — but its breathability suffers some at 15,000 g/m².

GORE-TEX ePE

Currently a fledgling on the market, the new ePE membrane from GORE-TEX is bound to spread into most garments that currently use the 3-layer version. Urged on by manufacturers who wanted a PFC-free version of the legacy membrane, GORE-TEX was able to strip out the fluoro from its ePTFE membranes by supplanting polyethylene in its place. The material is still expanded like the original recipe and nails the 28,000 mm water resistance rating that 3L GORE-TEX is known for.

The trade-off is in breathability, which is on the lower end of the spectrum at a RET rating of <13. This will mean that jackets made with ePE will need to lean more on mechanical ventilation to keep moisture moving throughout the jacket.

GORE-TEX Pro

Used in higher-end hardshell jackets where maximum protection from wild conditions is needed, Gore’s three-layer Pro membrane is made of several ePTFE membranes bonded together, and uses a Micro-Grid backer that cuts down on overall bulk.

A >28,000mm water resistance and 24,000 g/m² breathability put GORE-TEX Pro jackets at the top of the heap. In recent years, multiple versions of GORE-TEX PRO have been produced , including Most Rugged, Most Breathable, and Stretch.

Because of the overall price associated with GORE-TEX Pro (hardshells begin at around $350, and rocket all the way to $900), it isn’t often that you see it utilized in rain jackets meant for everyday conditions.

GORE-TEX Active

The airiest of the GORE-TEX offerings, this variation of the GORE membrane boasts a higher breathability rating than other styles, making it ideal for high-exertion activities where moving water out is more important than keeping it out.

Exterior face fabrics are between 13-30 denier, and the backer is a lightweight C-Knit material, which all aids in creating less of a barrier for moisture to move through during high-exertion activities. Few companies currently use the Active textile, with Norrøna and GORE WEAR currently creating trail running and cycling jackets utilizing it.

Pertex Shield+

Using a polyurethane film membrane, Pertex Shield+ is able to achieve a good balance of water resistance and breathability at 20,000 mm and 20,000 g/m², respectively. Produced as a 2.5-layer fabric, jackets made with these membranes can sometimes be overwhelmed by perspiration and feel slick to the touch.

Proprietary Membranes

These include numerous specialty textiles that are created directly for manufacturers to their specifications, which allows them to fine-tune their membranes as well as keep overhead costs down and produce more affordable rainwear. Examples include Outdoor Research’s AscentShell technology, Black Diamond’s BD.dry, and many more.

We’ve found that rain jackets made with proprietary membranes are often significantly less expensive than jackets using name-brand membranes.

Durable Water-Repellent Finish (DWR)

The first line of defense for a rain jacket, a durable water-repellent finish (DWR) is a hydrophobic coating that gives it that ‘duck’s back’ look of rain beading away harmlessly. This keeps water from overwhelming the waterproof membrane and prolongs its ability to stay waterproof.

DWR coatings also affect the ability of the jacket to breathe, as a wetted-out face fabric will inhibit the jacket’s ability to expel moisture. Abrasion, oils, and trail funk can all degrade the coating, so keeping your rainwear clean and re-waterproofed is the best way to ensure that your jacket continues to function at peak performance, as we discuss below.

Historically made from environmentally harmful chemicals known as perfluorocarbons (PFCs), many companies are now working on using PFC-free DWR finishes in their rain jackets. Patagonia has pledged to use a PFC-free DWR in all of its outerwear by 2024, and REI recently announced that it would soon no longer carry products from brands that continue to use the chemicals. We are happy to see this trend spreading throughout the industry.

It’s important that your rain jacket moves comfortably with you and does not overly restrict your movement. A comfortable rain jacket will keep you dry without feeling annoying or cumbersome.

A growing trend has been incorporating built-in stretch into rain jackets, which greatly increases their abilities where high mobility is needed. Jackets we reviewed like the Black Diamond StormLine Stretch and Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket incorporate stretch and will move with you outdoors.

Small features usually define the overall comfort of a rain jacket. For example, a hood that fully blocks peripheral vision will not be comfortable to use. Ideally, your rain jacket will minimally limit your range of motion, and the interior lining will feel good against your skin.

Weight & Packed Size

Most people agree weight is an important consideration for any piece of outdoor gear. If you’re going to be carrying your rain jacket in a pack when it isn’t in use, you want it to be as light and compact as possible — without sacrificing usability. Many lightweight rain jackets, like the Montbell Versalite or Patagonia Storm10 , weigh less than a pound without sacrificing durability and functionality.

Many rain shells stuff easily into their own pockets and become barely larger than a baseball. Once packed down, it’s nice to have an external clip-in loop on the stuff sack — especially for multi-pitch rock climbing or backpacking. If your rain jacket packs down conveniently, you’re more likely to bring it along and have it when it’s needed most.

Zippers, Pockets, and Seams

It’s nice to have a well-placed pocket or two in your rain jacket. However, more pockets mean more material, and more material means increased weight and decreased packability.

Pockets also create seams that may decrease the waterproof capability of the jacket. Still, it’s nice to at least have two hand pockets to keep your hands warm and dry in a storm. Waterproof zippers on pockets and front zippers can add increased water resistance and protect your valuables inside. Also, rain jackets will often incorporate underarm zippers to increase ventilation.

Sewing together a rain jacket introduces hundreds of holes into the fabric, so most incorporate taped or bonded seams to ward off leaks. Seam tape can be added to all seams, or sometimes only essential seams, in order to save weight.

Some rain jackets have hoods that double as a convenient stuff sack. Generally, if it’s raining hard enough to warrant a rain jacket, you’ll probably also have the hood up.

A well-designed hood should be strategically designed to offer full protection without limiting peripheral vision. Adjustments can include a simple drawstring at the rear of the hood to pull the crown out of your eyes, as well as side profile adjustments for peripheral coverage, and wire-stiffened brims to keep rain from draining into the hood.

Finally, it’s also important to ensure that your hood will fit over any helmet you may be wearing. Typically seen in more sport-specific or hardshell jackets, helmet-compatible hoods provide a bit of extra internal space to accommodate your protective headwear.

Extra Features

Ultimately, a rain jacket’s sole purpose is to keep moisture out. However, some jackets also include some extra features that add further value.

Some jackets come with features such as handwarmer pockets, large pit zips, and a roomy cut that allows space for warm layers underneath. These can be important to consider, as often rain jackets will be tailored to a certain range of uses.

For example, a rain jacket that is crafted for city use will likely forgo pit-zips and instead provide some roomy hand pockets — while a shell meant for all-day hiking should sport an accommodating profile and adjustable hood cinches.

In striving to create the most waterproof membrane, the outdoor industry created a number of unsustainable practices which are slowly beginning to be rectified: using recycled materials, PFC-free DWR finishes, and ensuring sustainable practices are used during production.

Being Bluesign certified means that the fabric used in the jacket has passed an independent approval process to ensure that they are safe for the environment and consumers. A similar process is used in being Fair Trade Certified, where producers must ensure sustainable livelihoods for textile workers.

The most sustainable rain jacket in our review was the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket , which utilizes a 100% recycled face fabric, is Fair Trade Certified sewn, and is Bluesign approved.

Durability and Caring for Your Rain Jacket

A rain jacket is designed to be exposed to the elements, and a good one will do its job without falling apart. As rain jackets become lighter, users should expect a dip in durability, too.

However, on this list, we’ve included rain jackets that are both lightweight and reliable. A jacket that is abrasion-resistant will have much greater overall longevity. Purchasing a shell that utilizes a higher denier face fabric, such as the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket , will greatly increase its durability over time.

Often overlooked, regular upkeep of your rain jacket is essential to keeping the waterproof membrane happy and working as it was designed. When body oils and grime clog the interior pores, the breathability suffers, and a worn-away DWR finish does little to keep a jacket from wetting out. A quick and easy way to breathe some life into your DWR is a brief cycle in the dryer on medium heat.

When a more thorough cleaning is in order, begin by washing your rain jacket with a detergent that is made for waterproof fabrics, such as Nikwax Tech Wash . We’ve found that this will cleanse the waterproof membrane and allow it to function as designed.

You can go a step further by reapplying a fresh coat of DWR such as GEARAID Revivex Durable Water Repellent Spray , and then turning the jacket inside-out and drying it on high heat to set. This is a common fix and with frequent reapplication, it will keep water beading off your jacket when it counts.

The best waterproof jacket is one that fits well, meets your needs, and provides reliable waterproofing. On this list, we have included several high-quality rain jackets.

When deciding which one to purchase, consider factors including the jacket’s waterproof rating, weight, durability, and extra features.

GORE-TEX is the gold standard for waterproof fabric. When undamaged and in good shape, GORE-TEX-treated fabrics will keep out any liquid water that lands on the surface.

However, over time, the quality of the waterproofing of GORE-TEX will degrade, and it will no longer perform like new. Most GORE-TEX materials have a waterproof rating of 28,000 mm.

It’s wise to always go into the outdoors prepared with a rain jacket. Many rain jackets are light and packable, so you’ll hardly notice them in your pack during the hike. In wet and cold conditions, a good rain jacket can keep you comfortable and safe.

Waterproof membranes in rain jackets degrade slowly, but are sensitive to becoming dirty and clogged with sweat and dirt. Often, a jacket still retains much of its original waterproof ability, and only needs to be cleaned with a waterproof fabric-safe detergent and re-waterproofed with a new DWR finish.

Wetting out occurs when the face fabric of a rain jacket becomes overwhelmed by water from the outside, saturating the outer face and limiting the ability of the waterproof membrane to do its job.

This can occur when a DWR finish has worn out, or external pressure from a heavy pack presses the moisture into the fabric. Frequent washing and re-waterproofing is the best bet to avoid wetting out.

Rain jackets are designed to keep water out while still allowing your body’s moisture to escape as vapor. Unlike a trash bag or plastic poncho, rain jackets are semipermeable and designed to keep you both cool and dry at the same time.

Still, a rain jacket is certainly less breathable than other kinds of layers, and you can expect some heat and moisture to get trapped underneath.

Strictly speaking, rain jackets are not usually designed with insulation. Most of the jackets we’ve recommended on this list are not insulated. The main job of a rain jacket is to protect you from rain, snow, wind, and other adverse weather. While rain jackets will add a little warmth, other layers such as fleece jackets and puffies provide much more and can easily be worn underneath a rain jacket.

The Best Hardshell Jackets of 2024

Whether you’re getting good sticks in hero ice or traversing the snowfields of some foreign range, a good hardshell jacket will have your back. After months of testing in the harshest of conditions, these are the best hardshell jackets to brave the alpine with in 2024.

The Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Whether you’re skiing in sunny or stormy conditions, here are our top picks for the most durable, protective, and comfortable ski jackets of 2024.

Austin Beck-Doss is a Staff Writer at GearJunkie. Austin has been writing about climbing, hiking, and snowsports for 6+ years. Prior to that, Austin worked as a rock climbing and wilderness guide.

Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.

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The Best Men’s and Women’s Rain Jackets and Raincoats

By Zoe Vanderweide and Jackie Reeve

We’ve all been bested by the rain: drenched in a sudden downpour, let down by a leaky trench, or soaked through at a kid’s soccer game. But if you’re armed with the right outerwear, wet weather needn’t dampen your spirits.

Since 2019, we’ve researched 196 raincoats and rain jackets and tested more than 50.

We’ve found four standouts—suited for a range of tastes, sizes, and budgets—that keep you comfy and dry when the skies open up.

Our picks include a well-priced, packable nylon shell ; a classic fisherman-style slicker ; a wear-anywhere women’s raincoat ; and a polished, mid-length men’s raincoat . With one of these in your corner, you might even find yourself wishing for showers.

The research

A well-priced, packable shell: columbia women’s arcadia ii jacket, columbia men’s watertight ii jacket, a classic fisherman-style slicker: helly hansen moss raincoat, a wear-anywhere women’s rain staple: l.l.bean women’s h2off mesh-lined rain jacket, a polished mid-length men’s raincoat: vuori palisades long rain jacket, other good rain jackets and raincoats, how we picked and tested, care and maintenance, the competition.

Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket

Sporty and practical.

This packable nylon shell repels water as effectively as jackets that cost three times as much, and it comes in the most sizes and colors of our picks. It has a mesh lining that’s airy and breathable, but—despite its active vibe—lacks armpit zips for venting.

Buying Options

Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket

If you’re looking for a casual rain jacket that won’t break the bank, this Columbia shell (available as the Women’s Arcadia II Jacket and the Men’s Watertight II Jacket ) ticks all the boxes. Its lightweight nylon is well suited for active adventures and moderate climates; it can also be worn over warmer layers. The Columbia rain jacket comes in a wider range of sizes and colors than any of our other picks. One panelist said, “It may not light anyone’s world on fire, but it won’t disappoint.”

It really is watertight. We wore the Columbia rain jacket under a running shower for three minutes, and not a drop penetrated the two-layer construction (which uses Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Tech waterproof technology). The jacket has storm flaps covering its zippers, and it’s fully seam-sealed to prevent water from penetrating tiny stitch holes.

The hood got mixed reviews. Some testers noted that it directed water away from their faces without reducing visibility. But it’s smaller than the hoods on our other picks, and its length isn’t adjustable, so its efficacy is fairly head-dependent.

The material moves and breathes. Rain jackets are often stiff and confining, but the Columbia rain jacket is silky and fluid. “My range of motion in it is great,” said one tester. “My arms and shoulders feel free and loose.”

Panelists praised the soft and airy mesh lining. One tester who’s had the men’s version since 2019—and said it’s holding up great—wears his for outdoor work. “It’s breathable, and it doesn’t [make me] clammy.” (Another tester disagreed, claiming the jacket created “a moist, chilly microclimate.”)

The Columbia rain jacket doesn’t have armpit zips for releasing heat. None of our testers missed them—even while mowing the lawn—but if you’re active, you may prefer a shell with more ventilation.

It’s practical and packable. This jacket isn’t fancy, but its basic features get the job done. Testers liked the Columbia rain jacket’s roomy, well-positioned vertical zippered pockets. The zippers operate smoothly, thanks to long pulls, and its hood and bottom hem cinch via elastic cords. The velcro-style closures at the cuffs and over the front zipper didn’t impress us—they’re noisy and look cheap—but they’re quicker than snaps.

The Columbia rain jacket is the lightest of our picks and packs down into its own left-hand pocket. The process (video) is somewhat onerous (and instructions are not included), but the result is a totable 8-by-6-inch parcel.

It’s casual and outdoorsy. It comes in over a dozen solid colors and has a trim, hip-length silhouette that can go from grocery store to trailhead. “Even though it’s sporty, it doesn’t scream ‘performance,’” said one tester. Still, it’s decidedly casual—we wouldn’t wear it to work or a nice restaurant.

It’s flattering and size inclusive. This jacket is neither overly boxy nor especially body conscious, and testers of different heights and sizes responded well to its cut. “You can see the shape of the person inside it,” said supervising style editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson.

One tester (5-foot-2, women’s size XL) remarked, “The fit is perfect, with room for a hoodie underneath.” Another (5-foot-9, men’s size M) gave the fit high marks but noted that the shoulders felt a touch narrow. We found the fit true to size, though you may want to size up if you’d like more room for layering.

This jacket is offered in the widest size range of any of our picks: The women’s version comes in regular and plus sizes, and the men’s is available in regular, big, and tall sizes.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The hood is on the smaller side, and its length isn’t adjustable.
• The jacket doesn’t have armpit zips for venting.
• Its Velcro-style closures are scratchy, loud, and unattractive.
• The mesh lining in the pockets catches on things like rings and keys.
• Packing the jacket into its pocket can be tricky.
• Sizes: Arcadia II women’s XS–XXL, plus 1X–3X; Watertight II men’s S–XL, big 1X–6X, tall LT–5XT
• Colors: 12+
• Variants: none
• Material: outer 100% nylon; lining 100% nylon; mesh lining 100% polyester
• Weight: Arcadia II is 11.2 ounces; Watertight II is 13 ounces
• Care : machine wash cold, tumble dry low
• Returns and warranty: 60-day returns, limited lifetime warranty for defects

Helly Hansen Women’s Moss Raincoat

Stylish and squall-proof.

This well-made mid-length coat has a charming retro appeal and is terrific for commuting. Made from polyurethane that has a pleasantly rubbery feel, it’s PFC-free and 100% waterproof, but it’s not as breathable as our other picks.

Helly Hansen Men’s Moss Raincoat

The Helly Hansen Moss Raincoat ( women’s , men’s ) has classic fisherman coat styling, with a long, straight cut and plenty of old-school charm (think: Singin’ in the Rain ). It’s made from pleasantly rubbery PFC-free (perfluorochemical-free) polyurethane, so it’s waterproof in the heaviest rain, and it has a satisfying heft that’s welcome in cooler climes. But it’s not particularly breathable; we’d choose a different coat for warm weather or strenuous activities.

It’s retro cool. The Moss Raincoat is a quintessential slicker, inspired by Helly Hansen’s original fisherman coats from the 1950s. “It feels nostalgic, but in a stylish, in-the-know way,” says Ingela.

Its fabric is totally waterproof, but it traps heat. This raincoat’s polyurethane exterior and welded seams offer exceptional rain and wind protection. The fabric itself is completely waterproof—no moisture seeped in during our shower testing—and unlike most rain jackets, it doesn’t rely on forever chemicals (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, aka PFAS or PFCs) to repel liquids.

The downside of polyurethane: It isn’t breathable. “I got clammy after about 10 minutes of just sitting,” said one tester. Vents in the polyester lining and a rear cape vent provide some airflow, but this isn’t the jacket for warm, humid conditions or cardio.

It has a unique, rubberized texture. Most testers loved the Moss Raincoat’s slightly stretchy, rubbery material. It has an elegant matte finish and a light, flexible drape. “The fabric is incredibly comfy,” said a panelist. “It feels sturdy, but it’s soft and easy to move in.”

It’s long and roomy. This coat has a straight, slouchy cut that leaves room for layering. “It’s just oversized enough,” says senior style editor Jennifer Hunter (5-foot-9, women’s M). Our 6-foot-tall women’s S tester complained about the proportions—particularly the “three-quarter-length, Audrey Hepburn sleeves,” declaring, “This isn’t for tall people.” The sleeves on the men’s version are 2 inches longer. The women’s version also comes in a more limited size range than our other picks—up to an XL. The men’s version goes up to 2XL.

This is the longest women’s coat we recommend, falling just above the knee on our 5-foot-6, size M tester. The men’s Moss jacket is 3 inches shorter but was still upper-thigh length on our 5-foot-9 tester. (Our longest men’s pick is the Vuori Palisades Long Rain Jacket .)

It gets most details right—but not the pockets. The Moss Raincoat feels durable and well constructed. The hood kept us dry without blocking our view; its length isn’t adjustable, but it can be cinched via old-school drawstrings. The YKK zipper runs smoothly. And the coat comes with a thoughtful repair kit in case you ever need a polyurethane patch.

Alas, the pockets are a miss. Awkwardly located on the front of the coat and covered with flaps that are pinned down on the sides, they keep your stuff dry, but they’re hard to wriggle into. Also, the storm flap and cuffs are secured by snaps rather than Velcro. Snaps are a little fussy, and because each cuff has only one setting, you may not get a tight seal.

• The polyurethane material isn’t breathable.
• The size range is less inclusive than our other picks.
• The pinned pockets are annoying.
• The cuffs and storm flap are secured by snaps; Velcro is easier.
• Sizes: women’s XS–XL; men’s S–2XL
• Colors: women’s version has three; men’s version has two
• Variants: short rain jacket ( women’s , men’s )
• Material: outer 100% polyurethane (PFC-free); lining 100% polyester
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Care : machine wash warm, air-dry
• Returns and warranty: 30-day returns, one-year warranty against defects

L.L.Bean Women’s H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket

Versatile workhorse.

This durable, waterproof polyester raincoat is a utility player, equally well suited for an office commute, outdoor adventure, or evening excursion. Its hourglass shape, pleated back vent, and mid-thigh length were particularly popular with curvy testers, but not everyone loved the cut and fit.

If you’re after one women’s raincoat that can do it all, the light-to-medium weight L.L.Bean Women’s H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket is about as adaptable as it gets. Functional and cute, it can pass for casual, outdoorsy, or work-ready. It has an hourglass silhouette that curvier testers especially loved; others didn’t find the cut as flattering, but everyone agreed on its quality and versatility.

The H2Off jacket is also available in a winter-ready PrimaLoft-lined version and a longer, mid-thigh-length model .

It’s a style chameleon. Some rain jackets are emphatically sporty; others would look nice at the office, weird on a nature walk. But the H2Off can shape-shift. “It’s functional enough for hikes or weekend errands, and it has enough stylish details to wear out to dinner,” said one tester.

It’s more waterproof than it looks. Although the H2Off’s satiny polyester exterior looks like regular fabric, it has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish , and the jacket’s interior membrane is fully seam-taped to keep water out. An airy mesh lining feels soft and cool against the skin. This coat is warmer than our shell pick from Columbia but more breathable than our heavier Helly Hansen pick.

The H2Off jacket kept us dry in our three-minute shower test. No water penetrated the inner membrane, but the exterior fabric did start to absorb moisture under the heavy water pressure; as this coat “wets out,” it gets less breathable.

It’s functional and user-friendly. Testers dug the H2Off’s large, protective hood, which is adjustable with elastic cords around the face and a Velcro back tab. The coat also has a two-way zipper, so you can make fit adjustments if you need more range of motion or room to sit.

The H2Off has an interior zippered pocket—it’s large enough for a phone or slim wallet—a handy (and curiously rare) feature for a raincoat. The in-line hand pockets are roomy and well placed, but they don’t have closures, so they’re not very secure or watertight.

This coat has snaps (versus more user-friendly Velcro) for securing the storm flap that covers its zipper and for tightening the cuffs. As one tester put it, “Snaps are a nuisance.”

It has an hourglass silhouette. The H2Off is cut generously up top, with a closer-fitting waist that can be further cinched with interior elastic pulls. A pleated back vent flares subtly around the hips and rear. “I like the slight curve at the waist, and I love the just-past-the-hip length,” said one tester (5-foot-5, size XL). “And it’s roomy enough to accommodate a large bust.”

The H2Off jacket comes in an inclusive range of regular, plus, and petite sizes. Even so, it didn’t work for all of our panelists. The proportions were comically off on our 6-foot-tall, size S tester: “It looked like an empire-waist minidress with sleeves 4 inches too short. They should make this coat in tall sizes!”

It’s well made. The coat’s stitching is neat and reinforced in the right spots, and the YKK zippers and Prym snaps are high quality. One panelist has owned her H2Off for five years and said it doesn’t have noticeable wear and tear, even after numerous washings.

• The outer fabric “wets out” in heavy rain, which makes the coat less breathable.
• The hand pockets have no closures.
• Sizes: women’s XS–XL, petite XS–XL, plus 1X–3X
• Colors: five
• Other options: mid-thigh length , PrimaLoft-lined hip length , PrimaLoft-lined mid-thigh length
• Material: outer 100% polyester; lining 100% nylon
• Weight: 1.44 pounds
• Care : machine wash warm, tumble dry low
• Returns and warranty: one-year satisfaction guarantee

Vuori Palisades Long Rain Jacket

Long and lean.

A tailored fit, considered details, and great wet-weather performance make this thigh-length men’s raincoat a stylish and functional choice. It’s beautifully constructed, but it’s pricey—and it only comes in black.

It’s surprisingly hard to find an elegant, thigh-length men’s raincoat with a hood. (So we’ve learned.) Luckily, we found the Vuori Palisades Long Rain Jacket , a durable polyamide coat that blends functionality with handsome good looks. It’s refined enough for the office, yet not too formal to complement casual outfits. “This is the only high-performance coat I’ve tried with a fashionable cut,” enthused one tester. “It’s also the only one that says: ‘Hey, let’s keep this dude’s butt dry.’”

It’s stylish and thigh-length. The Palisades jacket looks urbane and put-together. “It’s something you’d wear to the office or on a date,” said a panelist. It’s available in black only; we’d prefer more options.

The recycled polyamide fabric (a close cousin of nylon) has a matte finish and a tight, smooth weave that feels slightly stiff. Although this coat wouldn’t be our first choice for higher temps—it’s not as lightweight as our Columbia shell pick —it’s breathable enough for spring showers.

This is our longest men’s pick, hitting our 5-foot-11, size M tester around mid-thigh. The jacket’s length gives it a dressier feel; it also offers more protection from the elements. “I normally like a shorter jacket, but with a raincoat, it makes sense to have that coverage,” said a panelist.

It has a tailored, slim cut. This is notably trimmer than the other men’s raincoats we tried. “I like the [slightly snug] feeling in the chest,” said one tester (5-foot-7, size M). Observed another, “It doesn’t feel big or bulky.”

The armholes are cut high, which contributes to the Palisades jacket’s tailored silhouette and should offer better range of motion. But one tester (5-foot-10, size XXL) found them too tight, complaining, “I can barely move.” Also, the sleeves are cut long: Our 6’0”, size M panelist thought they were “perfect,” while two others found them too long.

It repels water and wicks sweat. The coat’s polyamide exterior is DWR-coated , and the seams are fully taped; the Palisades jacket kept us dry in the shower. The pitched, close-fitting hood directed water away from the face without blocking the view. (The length isn’t adjustable, but none of our testers thought it was necessary.) The Palisades jacket has a storm flap that snaps closed over its front zipper as well as snap adjustments at the cuffs; Velcro in those spots would’ve been more user-friendly, though less sophisticated.

The coat’s smooth tricot lining is comfortable and sweat-wicking, so we never overheated while wearing it.

The little things make it sing. From afar, this looks like any nice black coat. Up close, the well-considered touches come into focus. Elastic cords for cinching the hood are hidden within the collar, preserving the clean aesthetic. Gray-and-cream lining tape inside the storm flap provides a welcome visual pop. A two-way zipper with matte black metal pulls allows you to make fit adjustments around the hips and thighs. The jacket has an interior zippered pocket that fits a phone or slim wallet. And the snapped cargo pockets conceal comfortably placed vertical hand pockets with zippers.

This is our priciest pick, but all of our panelists gave the Palisades jacket high marks for quality.

• It’s only available in black.
• The fabric is stiff and a bit crinkly, though it feels high quality.
• For one size-XXL tester, the slim fit across the chest and the higher-cut armholes felt constricting.
• It’s pricey.
• Sizes: S–XXL
• Colors: one
• Other options: men’s short rain jacket , women’s hip-length rain jacket
• Material: outer 100% recycled polyamide; lining 100% recycled polyamide
• Weight: 1.56 pounds
• Care : machine wash cold, line dry
• Returns and warranty: 120-day return policy

Women’s and men’s styles

If you want a splurge-worthy, next-level Gore-Tex shell: The sleek, lightweight Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket ( women’s , men’s ) is, at around $450, wildly expensive. It’s also outstanding. Its three-layer, ultra-breathable Gore-Tex construction seals out warm rains without overheating. Layered over a sweater or fleece, it keeps chilly winds at bay. While it’s equipped to handle the backcountry—it has two-way armpit zips for releasing heat, a fully adjustable hood that’s large enough to fit over a ski helmet, and easy-to-use cinches at the wrists and bottom hem—the fitted, flattering cut is stylish enough to turn heads in any city. Meticulously executed details, such as smoothly gliding laminated zippers, a microsuede lining at the chin, and well-placed hand pockets, make this jacket a pleasure to wear. At this writing, the Beta LT is available to purchase while supplies last; however, the design is being phased out in favor of the PFC-free Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight ( women’s , men’s ). Though we opted not to test this jacket—at $500, it’s just too expensive—we did try the new, PFC-free version of the company’s popular Beta Jacket (read on).

If you want a PFC-free Gore-Tex shell (and don’t mind some extra crinkle): The Arc’teryx Beta Jacket ( women’s , men’s ) is one of the first premium Gore-Tex jackets out there to be made without PFAS and PFCs (aka forever chemicals) —a pretty exciting development. Compared with the Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket (above), the Beta has a longer, boxier cut, with more room for layering; it also has a smaller hood (which can’t accommodate a snow helmet) and lacks armpit zips. On the plus side, it weighs even less than the already light LT, has larger hand pockets, offers a tougher (though not quite as smooth) front zipper, and sports a handy interior pocket. And it’s $50 cheaper. The most important difference, however, lies in the material: The Beta’s three-layer construction consists of a PFC-free Gore-Tex ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane, sandwiched between a durable nylon outer fabric and a soft, breathable knit backing. Like traditional Gore-Tex, the ePE membrane seals out the heaviest rain and wind while still allowing water vapor (read: your sweat) to escape. But the Beta’s fabric is notably stiffer and noisier than the LT’s, and it feels less luxurious. It’s not quite as loud and papery as the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L—another PFC-free option—but it’s close.

If you want an iconic, buy-it-for-life waxed cotton jacket: The corduroy collar. The tartan lining. That waxed cotton finish. The Barbour jacket has been around since 1894. Today, it looks equally at home in Brooklyn and Balmoral Castle . We tested the Beaufort Waxed Jacket , a classic men’s shooting jacket; the Bedale Waxed Jacket , a shorter, lighter men’s riding jacket; and the Beadnell Waxed Jacket , a women’s version of the Bedale jacket (along with matching hoods , sold separately). Panelists praised the jackets’ style and comfort—“It’s just as amazing as I imagined,” said a Beaufort jacket fan—though one tester found the fabric oily and off-putting. ( Upkeep and price are factors to keep in mind.) In our shower test, the Beadnell style kept us unexpectedly dry, though some dampness penetrated the outer layer; waxed cotton isn’t nearly as waterproof as our picks. So although we adore these Barbour models, we consider them less rain jackets than terrific jackets that can be worn in the rain.

If you want a sporty, PFC-free shell that’s ecologically responsible (but stiff and noisy): The lightweight Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket ( women’s , men’s ) is a packable, breathable, waterproof shell. It’s made in a Fair Trade Certified factory from recycled nylon that’s free of PFAs and PFCs (aka forever chemicals) , and it has a well-fitting adjustable hood and armpit zips for venting. The Torrentshell 3L was previously a pick in this guide, but upon retesting it, we found it baggier and less flattering than our Columbia shell pick. Also, we couldn’t get past its bewilderingly stiff material, which felt more like rough paper than fabric and rustled loudly as we moved. But if buying from a company with leading environmental initiatives is a top priority—and the fabric doesn’t bother you—it’s a solid, attractive jacket.

Women’s styles

If you want a sleek, stylish, and soft women’s raincoat that can be dressed up or down: The Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket is a buttery-soft, lightweight polyester coat with a graceful, mid-thigh-length silhouette. Our panelists found it flattering and comfy. The Rain Rebel Jacket has very long sleeves—when cuffed, they reveal reflective Lululemon logos—an adjustable hood, a cinchable waist, a two-way zipper, and zippered pockets (including an internal one). It comes in women’s sizes 0 through 20, but at the time of testing, it was out of stock in sizes over 14, so we weren’t able to assess the fit on a range of body types. At the time of publication, it’s offered in black and off-white.

Men’s styles

If you want a heavyweight men’s workwear-style rain jacket: The Carhartt Men’s Storm Defender Loose Fit Heavyweight Jacket is made from tough wind- and waterproof nylon. It kept us warmer than any other jacket we tried, and it passed our shower test with flying colors (while remaining breathable). Testers appreciated the generous fit, workwear styling, abundant pockets—three exterior and one interior—and standout features, including stretchy storm cuffs and a detachable hood. Its reasonable price was a pleasant surprise, too. But the Storm Defender jacket is oddly specific: It’s too heavy for spring and summer rains, yet not insulated enough for weather below about 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Still, for a cool, stormy day—especially one spent toiling outside—it’s spot-on.

Since this guide was first published in 2019—and then fully updated in 2024—we’ve researched nearly 200 raincoats and rain jackets and tested more than 50. In 2024 alone, we considered 71 women’s, men’s, and unisex options, and we tried 22.

Note: For the purposes of this guide, we’re defining “jackets” as shorter, waist and hip-length options; “coats” are longer.

A panel of testers wore the coats and jackets and provided detailed feedback. It consisted of five women (ranging in height from 5-foot-2 to 6 feet, women’s sizes S to XL) and five men (5-foot-7 to 6 feet, men’s sizes M to XXL). Not every panelist wore every model, but all of our picks were tested by at least five individuals.

We judged each garment according to the following criteria:

• Rain protection: A raincoat has to keep you dry. Its ability to do so is determined by various factors (fabric, features), but we wanted proof. So the guide author wore each 2024 contender under a running shower for three minutes—the equivalent of being doused with 7.5 gallons of water . When the weather cooperated, we also wore the jackets in the rain.
• Style: We scoped out a variety of styles and lengths—from sporty shells to polished longer coats to ponchos—but whatever the genre, we wanted the garment to look good. We only tested options with hoods (sorry, trench lovers) and excluded water-repellent winter coats, since they’re a category unto themselves.
• Comfort: The properties that make rain gear waterproof can also make it an unventilated hotbox. Panelists assessed each jacket for breathability, comfort, and ease of movement under different conditions. We also rated the fabrics and liners.
• Fit: We looked for jackets that fit and flattered people of varying sizes and body shapes.
• User-friendliness: We hunted for jackets with intuitive features that would be a pleasure to own, and tested hoods, closures, pockets, adjustments, packability, and more.
• Quality: We looked for durable, high-performing fabrics; neatly finished, fully taped seams; and well-made, functional hardware. We also checked warranty policies.
• Price: There’s no right price for a raincoat—climate, budget, and how highly you value rainwear all matter. We sought out inexpensive options that could meet our criteria and also entertained some spendy ones, capping our budget at $450 (because that’s plenty for something fantastic).

What about PFAS and PFCs in raincoats?

Most rain gear owes its effectiveness to water-repellent chemical compounds known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)— also referred to as PFCs (perfluorochemicals; PDF) or forever chemicals. PFAS have been linked to health risks including cancer, pregnancy complications, and weakened immune function.

PFAS are very common—they’re found in everything from furniture and cookware to drinking water and soil. Experts say that limited use of any single product is unlikely to expose you to dangerous PFAS levels; the risk is due to continued, cumulative exposure from many sources.

If you want to limit your exposure , we have some PFAS-free options in this guide. One of our top picks, the Helly Hansen Moss Raincoat , is made of polyurethane. And the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket , the waxed-cotton Barbour jackets , and the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket —featured in the “ Other good rain jackets ” section—are also free of PFAS.

The majority of rain jackets have been coated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that breaks down gradually and needs to be refreshed periodically. (When that happens depends on how frequently you wear and wash your coat and the type of DWR finish it has.) If you notice water seeping into the surface of your coat, rather than beading up, then it’s time.

You can try a couple methods to restore your coat’s finish. To determine which is best, check your garment’s care instructions, since it varies by material. You can reactivate the DWR with heat, by tossing the coat in the dryer or ironing its exterior. Or, you can apply a new layer of DWR with a product like Nikwax TX Direct .

Note: Not all rain jackets use a DWR coating. Waxed cotton jackets, like the ones from Barbour , must be periodically re-waxed to remain waterproof. Others, like our polyurethane Helly Hansen pick , don’t require refinishing.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide, just what’s still available.

Unisex styles

We tested two options from Danish rainwear specialist Rains: the knee-length Long Jacket and poncho-style Cape . Both are constructed from a polyurethane-coated polyester that made us instantly sweaty, and it smelled—alarmingly—like fish.

The recycled polyester Rainkiss Rain Poncho is a voluminous, one-size-fits-all calf-length poncho that comes in assorted mood-lifting patterns. It’s strangely delightful—our 6-foot-tall women’s tester gave it a resounding “ponch-hell-YES”—but most panelists were deterred by its overwhelming proportions. And since it’s a pullover, you’ll get wet as you take it off.

The Stutterheim Stockholm Lightweight Raincoat , a PVC-coated polyester coat with a thigh-length, Scandi-minimalist silhouette, was the most fashionable garment we tested. But its open pockets filled with water in both our shower test and the actual rain.

The Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket ( women’s , men’s ) is a sporty recycled polyester shell; it has a PFC-free DWR finish and a fun, color-blocked design. But we found it boxy and unflattering.

The PFC-free recycled nylon Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket ( women’s , men’s ) is a slim, trail-ready jacket with nice features—including an adjustable hood and armpit zips—that our similar Columbia pick lacks. But the Marmot jacket comes in fewer sizes, costs around $20 more, and made us feel clammy.

We liked the comfy mesh lining of the polyester REI Co-op Trailmade Rain Jacket ( women’s , men’s ); we weren’t fans of the shell’s wide, shapeless cut. The REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket ( women’s , men’s ), a recycled nylon shell, was more streamlined, but the unlined interior made us sweat.

The mid-thigh-length polyester Eddie Bauer Women’s Girl On The Go Insulated Trench Coat is a former pick. Its button-in liner makes it better suited for cold than our women’s L.L.Bean pick , but it’s not as stylish or water repellent, and the cuffs can’t be cinched.

The cotton-nylon blend, hip-length Eddie Bauer Women’s Charly Jacket wasn’t breathable and offered less tush coverage than the L.L.Bean Women’s H2Off Mesh-Lined Rain Jacket.

The mid-thigh-length cotton/nylon Ellos Snap-Front Hooded Raincoat is cute, but the upper arms were so tight, we could barely move.

Everlane’s The ReNew Anorak , which is knee-length and recycled polyester, was the least waterproof coat we tried—we were soaked through after less than a minute under the shower.

The hip-length nylon Lands’ End Women’s 3-in-1 Squall Jacket has a bulky, uncomfortable fleece insert. Even without it, the jacket was tight in the arms.

Testers struggled to find their correct fit with the mid-thigh-length, recycled nylon L.L.Bean Women’s Trail Model Rain Coat ; also, they were expecting higher quality.

Some testers were into the workwear look (and the four large front cargo pockets) of the nylon Duluth Trading Company Men’s No-Rainer Jacket , others found it “too young.” Everyone disliked the unlined interior.

The L.L.Bean Men’s Trail Model Rain Jacket looks similar to our Columbia shell pick , but it comes in fewer sizes. Some customers complained that it runs small.

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.

Meet your guides

Zoe Vanderweide

Zoe Vanderweide is a senior staff writer reporting on style and accessories at Wirecutter. She has been wearing things for over three decades, and she has spent years covering streetwear, luxury, art, and design. Off the clock, you can find her painting the town rainbow with her (devastatingly stylish) daughter.

Jackie Reeve

Jackie Reeve is a senior staff writer covering bedding, organization, and home goods at Wirecutter since 2015. Previously she was a school librarian, and she’s been a quilter for about 15 years. Her quilt patterns and her other written work have appeared in various publications. She moderates Wirecutter’s staff book club and makes her bed every morning.

Further reading

The Best Winter Jackets and Raincoats for Dogs

by Mel Plaut

We used seventeen dog jackets on dozens of walks. The WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Premier Free Parka Deluxe Dog Coat is the best for keeping your pup warm and dry.

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks of March 2024

by Wirecutter Staff

Here are the 100 things our readers loved most in March, including rain jackets, sports bras, luggage, eclipse-viewing gear, and more.

Getting Outside on a Rainy Day

by Kit Dillon

This is the gear we’d use during—and after—a rainy-day outing.

How to Clean Your Rain Jacket

by Eve O'Neill

An easy at-home wash and re-waterproofing can make an old raincoat work like new.

Best Women’s Rain Jackets of 2024

We break down the top women’s rain jackets, from casual pieces for around town to hiking-specific models and technical designs.

Switchback Travel

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

Let’s face it: It rains, and sometimes it pours. Thankfully, a good rain jacket can provide a solid layer of defense against the elements. The women’s options here range from $75 to $500 and run the gamut from everyday models with urban styling to breathable jackets for hiking and more. We’ve divided our picks into three categories—daily use, hiking, and performance—but regardless of their end use, all of these rain jackets have what it takes to perform well in a rainstorm: waterproof membranes, seam sealing and DWR coatings, and secure hoods. Below are the best women's rain jackets of 2024. For more information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. We’ve also compiled a list of the best rain jackets , which covers both men’s and women’s styles.

Editor's note: We updated our women’s rain jackets round-up on March 29, 2024, to add the latest REI Co-op Rainier and Outdoor Research Aspire jackets, both of which were recently updated. We also removed the REI XeroDry GTX and Patagonia Storm10 due to limited stock at the time of publishing (keep an eye out for new versions this fall).  

Our Team's Rain Jacket Picks for Women

• Best Overall Rain Jacket: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
• Best Performance Rain Jacket: Arc’teryx Beta LT
• Best Budget Rain Jacket:  REI Co-op Rainier
• Best Casual Rain Parka:  Outdoor Research Aspire Trench
• Best Stretchy Rain Jacket: Black Diamond StormLine Stretch

Best Overall Women’s Rain Jacket

1. patagonia torrentshell 3l ($179).

The best overall rain jacket balances premium weather protection, versatility (for both everyday use and hiking), and great quality and durability—all at an affordable price point. By all measures, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L stands out among the crowd. On one hand, the Torrentshell is clearly intended for casual wear with a reasonable $179 price tag, durable 50-denier face fabric, roomy fit, and feature set that doesn’t skimp on convenience. On the other, it boasts a 3-layer H2No Performance Standard construction, putting its weather protection on par with true performance pieces. And with a recent update, the Torrentshell 3L is now fully PFC-free (including both the waterproof membrane and the DWR finish), highlighting Patagonia's commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.

The Torrentshell 3L is remarkably versatile, but it’s certainly not the most technical option here. You don’t get hipbelt-compatible pockets or sleek water-resistant zippers, and the 12.4-ounce weight is on the heavy end. Plus, while the fit of the Patagonia is trimmer than full-on casual models such as the REI Co-op Rainier below, it’s noticeably roomier than performance-focused jackets like Arc'teryx's Beta LT. But for $179, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more protective and breathable jacket that looks this good. Keep in mind the Torrentshell 3L is available in a parka-length version , too ($249), which offers even more coverage and has great urban styling...  Read in-depth review See the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Best Performance Rain Jacket for Women

2.  arc’teryx beta lt ($450).

Based in British Columbia’s rain-soaked coastal mountains, it should come as no surprise that Arc’teryx specializes in waterproof clothing. Their Beta LT is a high-end offering that blurs the lines between the hardshell and rain jacket categories. Featuring a high-end, 3-layer Gore-Tex construction, the Beta LT delivers trustworthy all-around protection for 4-season backcountry exploration. But with a trimmed-down and relatively thin 40-denier face fabric, small packed size, and useful features like pit zips, it can pull double duty for casual hiking, travel, and even around town (especially in a rainy area like the Pacific Northwest). And as we’ve come to expect from the brand, all of the Beta’s details are nicely sorted, with premium seam taping and a fit that is reasonably trim but roomy enough for layering.

What’s not to like with the Beta LT? Most significantly, the price: At $450, it’s one of the most expensive rain jackets here (second to the Beta Coat below) and arguably overkill for many summer backpacking scenarios. By opting for the more casual Torrentshell 3L above, you save around $270 with only small compromises in protection and long-term durability. But the Beta does undeniably offer a number of performance-related benefits and useful extras like a water-resistant front zip and a helmet-compatible hood. For those who get out a lot and aren’t wanting to spring for a full-on Gore-Tex Pro hardshell, it's a nice middle ground. Finally, casual users will want to check out Arc’teryx’s Beta Jacket ($400), which checks in at just 10.6 ounces and features a 3-layer Gore-Tex with a C-Knit backer, low-profile hood, and more relaxed fit. See the Arc'teryx Beta LT

  Best Women's Budget Rain Jacket

3. rei co-op rainier ($100).

Almost every manufacturer here offers an entry-level rain jacket that clocks in around the $100 price point, and REI Co-op’s Rainier is the best-executed of the bunch. This is a great value for penny pinchers who don’t want to sacrifice too much performance, with ample moisture protection and wind resistance via a 2.5-layer HydroWall membrane and nylon ripstop shell, pit zips to keep air flowing, and nice touches like a packable build and fleece-like liner at the collar. It’s certainly not the lightest or most streamlined jacket here, but for just $100 (and less if you hold out for one of REI’s popular sales), the Rainier is truly a steal.

That said, there are a number of shortcomings that come baked into such a budget-oriented design. Most significantly, REI’s in-house membrane is no match for Gore-Tex, meaning that the Rainier suffers in terms of breathability and is quicker to wet out in sustained rainfall. What’s more, most women will find the Rainier to be rather roomy (and even boxy), while premium jackets from brands like Arc’teryx and Patagonia feature more tailored patterning that’s both more flattering and better for mobility. Finally, it’s not the cheapest jacket in REI’s lineup: The Trailmade is just $70, although it makes noteworthy compromises in protection and material quality. In the end, for light showers and quick errands in a downpour, the Rainier is our favorite budget pick. For a step up in performance, REI’s new Flash Stretch is less of a value at $169 but comes with upgrades like integrated stretch and a standing collar. See the REI Co-op Rainier

Best Casual Women's Rain Parka

4.  outdoor research aspire trench ($249).

For those who live in wet climates like Washington’s west side or the coast of Maine, a rain jacket is a wardrobe staple for at least half the year. While some women appreciate the versatility and savings of a one-quiver design like the Torrentshell 3L above, others will find the added coverage and style of a thigh-length jacket to be well worth the investment. Unless we’re counting ounces or need to stay highly mobile, we love the extra protection for walking in the rain, sitting down on wet surfaces, and pairing with clothing like bulky sweaters, blazers, and dresses. And despite their casual intentions, many parka-style jackets don’t sacrifice much in the way of performance, with fully waterproof constructions and high-quality finishes. 

With many of the same top-notch performance features as their popular Aspire II jacket below, Outdoor Research’s Aspire Trench is our favorite parka-style raincoat of the season. The styling of the Aspire is top-notch, with a trendy mid-thigh cut (36-in. center back length), flattering shape with waist cinch, snap wrist cuffs, and a simple hood and collar. The contoured hem with side snaps is great for sitting without fabric bunching in your lap, and the jacket holds its own in terms of technical features with a premium Gore-Tex Paclite membrane, supple yet durable (50D) face fabric, and 12.7-ounce weight (impressive for the amount of coverage you get). You can save a lot of money with a jacket like the REI Rainier Long Line ($139), but for the best mix of elegance and performance, the OR Aspire Trench gets our vote. And if you’re looking for something a little longer, check out the Kühl Jetstream Trench or The North Face City Breeze below. See the Outdoor Research Aspire Trench

Best Stretchy Rain Jacket for Women

5. black diamond stormline stretch ($180).

Black Diamond’s performance rainwear collection has seen jackets come and go, but the StormLine Stretch continues to be a popular favorite throughout the years. The jacket's hallmark is its flexible 2.5-layer construction that offers a soft next-to-skin feel and more “give” than standard (read: non-stretchy) designs. We’re seeing more stretch-woven waterproof shells hit the market each year and are big fans of this added tech for active pursuits like hiking, backpacking, and fishing. True to its adventure-ready intentions, the StormLine Stretch also comes well-equipped with two hand pockets, a coated front zipper, a helmet-compatible hood, and adjustable cuffs and hem.

Despite its impressive resume in terms of materials and features, the StormLine Stretch is still competitively lightweight (our women’s XS was 8.3 oz.), and the price is right at just $180. In terms of fit, our female tester thought the shell was “spot-on,” with just enough room for layers and slightly long sleeves that offer great coverage and mobility for biking (on the other hand, our male tester found the men’s jacket to be notably large and boxy). Keep in mind that you give up a bit of breathability with BD’s 2.5-layer proprietary membrane, but unlike more streamlined jackets, you do get pit zips for venting. For a small step down in price ($165) and weight (8.5 oz.), we also like Outdoor Research’s new Stratoburst Stretch , although the lack of helmet-compatible hood is limiting for performance use... Read in-depth review See the Black Diamond StormLine Stretch

Best of the Rest

6. marmot minimalist ($220).

A versatile rain jacket at a great price, the Marmot Minimalist has hovered near the top of our list for years. The shell has a premium look and feel that immediately sets it apart from entry-level designs, and you get a substantial hood and bill that can withstand heavy rain and wind. On the inside, the lining is less plasticky than most and doesn’t feel as clammy if you start to get warm while walking or hiking. And just about all of the features are reliable and trustworthy, from the burly and confidence-inspiring zippers to the thick cinch cord and easy-to-use toggles at the hem and hood. Finally, it’s worth noting that the Minimalist features a 100%-recycled polyester face fabric and PFC-free DWR, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing a sustainable design.

All that said, the Minimalist has started to show its age, especially among newer jackets like the Patagonia Torrentshell and BD StormLine Stretch above. We would prefer a water-resistant main zipper at this price (you even get one with the $180 StormLine Stretch), and the Minimalist’s fit is much more similar to the Rainier above (read: boxy and loose) than most trim, modern designs. Finally, while the Minimalist got an ounce lighter with the most recent update, it’s still too much jacket for most weight-conscious hikers. But for a tough, outdoor-ready rain shell that wears well every day of the week, the Marmot has proven itself reliable, year after year. For a step up, check out the Marmot Minimalist Pro ($275), which features lighter and more durable Paclite Plus technology along with a water-resistant front zip. See the Marmot Minimalist

7.  Kühl Jetstream Trench Coat ($219)

You can spend upwards of $350 on a parka-length rain jacket, but the KÜHL Jetstream Trench Coat can get the job done for just $219. This jacket checks the boxes for casual users, including high marks for both style and performance. With a 2.5-layer construction, taped seams, and a DWR finish, you get ample protection from steady rain, and features like a two-way zipper and split hem offer great mobility whether you’re sitting, standing, or riding a bike. Kühl also nailed the fashion part of the formula with the Jetstream, which features an elegant drop-tail hem, cinchable waist, and 34-inch length that falls just above the knee.

What do you give up with the low-priced Jetstream Trench Coat? Most notably, the Kühl can’t match jackets like the Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Parka and Arc’teryx Beta Coat (below) in terms of premium finishes, and its materials fall short with a generic 2.5-layer membrane. This translates to compromised weather protection and breathability, although most casual users will find the Jetstream to be fully sufficient for running errands or commuting in the rain. Finally, we appreciate the ability to tailor the waist cinch, which means the Kühl should accommodate a variety of body shapes. All told, the high-value Jetstream offers a great combination of both style and protection for daily use. See the Kühl Jetstream Trench

8. Patagonia Granite Crest ($279)

Patagonia’s Torrentshell gets our top spot for its mix of premium materials, everyday versatility, and price, but it falls short for performance use. Hikers and backpackers will want to take a look at the Granite Crest here, which offers a more technical feature set, including hipbelt and harness-compatible pockets, a chest pocket, and watertight zippers. What’s more, its thinner 30-denier ripstop nylon face moves and breathes better than the Torrentshell’s 50-denier shell, and pit zips help to dump heat during muggy hikes (the Torrentshell also has pit zips). All told, the Granite Crest is a low-bulk and high-function alternative to our top pick, and Patagonia’s most purpose-built rain jacket for the trails.

Like the Torrentshell, the Granite Crest stays true to Patagonia’s environmental values, with 100%-recycled nylon (made from discarded fishing nets) and a fully PFC-free design. It’s also available in a range of colorways (six at the time of publishing) and sizes (XXS to XXL). The biggest downside is price: At $279, the Granite Crest is a full $100 more than the Torrentshell, and despite its backcountry-ready personality actually checks in a tad heavier (12.6 vs. 12.4 oz.). But hikers will love the trail-ready storage, and the thinner shell will be a welcome substitute on mild days or during heart-pumping climbs. For a more streamlined alternative that splits the difference between the Torrentshell and Granite Crest, check out Patagonia’s new Boulder Fork ... Read in-depth review See the Patagonia Granite Crest

9. Outdoor Research Aspire II ($225)

Outdoor Research’s Aspire Trench above is our favorite thigh-length design and great for around-town use, but the standard Aspire is much more of an all-rounder. Recently updated, the latest “II” retains most of what we loved about past versions, including a trustworthy 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite construction and slight performance slant. Compared to more casual alternatives like the Marmot Minimalist above (which also uses Gore-Tex Paclite), the OR is both lighter and sleeker, with quality additions like a water-resistant front zipper. The truly unique feature is the jacket’s TorsoFlo system, which comprises full-length side zips that extend the pit zips all the way to the bottom hem. When fully unzipped, this creates a poncho-like opening that can ride over your backpack hipbelt, allowing unencumbered ventilation while still retaining full waterproof coverage.

The Aspire was recently updated with modernized colorways, a stronger sustainability focus, and availability in a larger range of sizes (from XS to 4X). All told, it slides into a nice middle ground in terms of cost and design, offering a much more performance-oriented feature set than budget models without the premium price point of jackets like the Beta LT. It’s true that 2-layer Paclite construction is still slipperier and more prone to clamminess than a 3-layer shell, and we found the fit of the latest version to be decidedly boxy (especially around the midsection). But apart from these relatively minor complaints and the polarizing nature of the TorsoFlo vents, the Aspire II is a great value and an excellent quiver-of-one jacket for backpacking, spring skiing, and daily use. Outdoor Research also makes the Aspire Super Stretch ($300), which adds a stretchy Gore-Tex panel at the back for greater mobility... Read in-depth review See the Outdoor Research Aspire II

10. The North Face City Breeze Rain Parka II ($180)

If the OR Aspire Trench and Kühl Jetstream above caught your eye, it’s also worth checking out The North Face’s City Breeze Rain Parka II. This is a much-loved parka-length design from a respected outdoor brand, merging performance and protection with everyday appeal. The City Breeze features a similar cut (35.75 in. vs. the Aspire Trench's 36 in. and the Jetstream’s 35 in.), along with classic touches like front patch pockets with flap closures, elastic at the back waist, and an oversized placket covering the front zip. It all adds up to a super stylish and decidedly casual design for rainy days around town.

The City Breeze Rain Parka II is a steal at just $180 (and even less on Amazon at the time of publishing), but it’s important to know what you give up with such a budget design. In this case, the primary sacrifice is breathability: The 2-layer DryVent membrane can’t compete with higher-end offerings from Gore-Tex, and the jacket’s hanging polyester liner further impedes airflow away from your body. Further, the jacket will be much more prone to wetting out in consistent rain than some of the more premium designs here. As a result, we wouldn’t recommend the City Breeze for anything more than casual walks around the block, nor is it a great choice for rainy days in warmer climates like Hawaii or the south. But for wet and cold commutes, errands, and dog walks, it’s all the protection most people need in a stylish, easy-going design. See the Women's The North Face City Breeze II

11. Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite ($349)

Norrøna flies a little under the radar in the U.S., but make no mistake: This Norway-based brand has a competitive collection of high-end shells built for rugged backcountry use. Their Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket is a case in point and was quick to impress on a backpacking trip in Southern Patagonia. Dubbed the brand’s lightest and most packable waterproof jacket, the Falketind offers trustworthy protection and an alpine-ready feature set in a diminutive, 7.8-ounce package. True to its minimalist intentions, the Falketind uses a thin but tough 20-denier shell, keeps storage to a minimum with just one chest pocket, and boasts simple adjustments at the hood, hem, and cuffs. All told, we’ve found the design to be extremely practical for weight-conscious pursuits that still warrant dependable weather protection. 

The Falketind costs a whopping $349, which is unquestionably steep—especially for a 2-layer rain jacket. As expected, breathability isn’t a strong suit, making the Falketind a poor choice for high-output activities. Norrøna did include a mesh-backed vent at the chest, but standard pit zips are far more effective at dumping excess heat. Still, there’s a lot to love about the design—especially if you avoid working up a sweat. In fact, we found ourselves reaching for the Falketind over Patagonia’s similarly light Storm10 (currently unavailable but returning this fall) while alpine climbing in Patagonia due to its longer and harness-friendly cut, larger chest pocket, and boost in comfort and mobility (the Storm10’s 3-layer design was a little stiffer by comparison)... Read in-depth review See the Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite

12.  Marmot PreCip Eco ($120)

Like REI Co-op, Marmot is known for offering solid quality and performance at reasonable prices. Slotting in as their top entry-level design, the PreCip is hugely popular among hikers, backpackers, and everyday wearers. The formula is simple but practical, including a 2.5-layer construction that can handle light to moderate moisture, full seam taping, and a competitive weight. Unlike many other budget-friendly designs, the Marmot also includes technical features like pit zips, a stuff pocket, and an adjustable hood. Finally, the aptly named PreCip Eco features a 100%-recycled nylon shell and PFC-free DWR finish—a nice nod to Marmot’s ongoing sustainability focus. The $120 price tag is the cherry on top.

Where does the PreCip Eco fall short of the also-budget-friendly REI Rainier above? The two jackets share a good number of features, including similar hood designs, pocket layouts, and even smaller touches like mesh-lined pockets and Velcro covering the center zipper. We give the edge to the REI for its more substantial face fabric and fleece-like collar lining in a $20-cheaper package, but it’s a close call between the two, and many hikers will prefer the Marmot’s lighter and quick-drying build. Again, keep in mind that you get what you pay for with these budget designs—those prioritizing features like breathability, durability, and fit will need to spend up. But for an affordable daily driver that’s proven itself time and time again, it’s hard to go wrong with the PreCip Eco. See the Marmot PreCip Eco

13. Arc’teryx Beta Coat ($500)

We can always count on Arc’teryx for top-notch rain gear, and their urban-inspired jackets are no exception. The Beta Coat here merges foul-weather-ready 3-layer Gore-Tex waterproofing with a stylish parka-length design, giving you the utmost in protection for rain-soaked days close to home. Unsurprisingly, the finishes are impeccable, including Arc’teryx’s premium StormHood, watertight zippers, and articulated patterning for great mobility and fit. And with a tricot backer (Gore’s C-Knit), the Beta Coat is soft next to skin and surprisingly easy-wearing, especially compared to the more plastic-y feel of many rain shells.

Like many Arc’teryx products, the Beta Coat is no small investment at $500. And while it’s hard to knock the premium feel of 3-layer Gore-Tex, it’s decidedly overkill for most casual uses, and you can save a lot of money by going with a 2- or 2.5-layer design like the Aspire Trench, Jetstream, or City Breeze above. What's more, with no taper or cinch at the waist, the Beta Coat sits somewhere in between a casual and backcountry piece—some women might like the more performance-y look in the city, but it’s certainly not for everyone. But for uncompromised protection in a thigh-length design, the Arc’teryx is a standout. See the Arc'teryx Beta Coat

14. The North Face Antora ($110)

If pinching pennies is your top priority, The North Face’s Antora is well deserving of a closer look. But the jacket has more going for it than just savings: The Antora is 100% recycled and styled after The North Face’s iconic Mountain Light jacket, with slanted handwarmer pockets and a bold two-tone theme (solid versions are also available). It’s worth celebrating this kind of creativity at its $110 price point. And the Antora is decently durable too, with a 70-denier face fabric that will hold up to a lot of wear and tear.

Compared to the 2.5-layer Marmot PreCip Eco and REI Rainier above, the 2-layer Antora uses a hanging (rather than attached) liner, which results in increased bulk and a cheaper overall feel. It also has our least favorite hood design among the competition, with less coverage at the top of the head and a flimsy bill. But it’s hard to be too demanding of a $110 rain jacket, and what the Antora lacks in performance it makes up for with a dose of retro style and modern sustainability. And for a more breathable option from The North Face (complete with a 2.5L membrane and pit zips), check out the hiking-oriented Alta Vista Jacket . See the Women's The North Face Antora

15.  Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket ($180)

At a scant 6.3 ounces, the Helium Rain is the lightest jacket here, geared toward performance athletes whose main objective is to move fast and light. As expected, the design is also highly packable: the Helium Rain stuffs into its hand pocket—great for hanging from a harness—and easily disappears into a corner of your pack when not in use. We’ve tested various iterations of this jacket over the years and have been impressed with how well the Pertex Shield membrane and water-resistant main zipper keep the elements at bay. All in all, the combination of protection and minimalism make the Helium Rain an attractive option as an emergency layer for weight-conscious hikers and backpackers, climbers, mountain bikers, and more.

Outdoor Research uses Pertex Shield with Diamond Fuse technology, which adds significant tear-resistance to the Helium Rain's thin, 30-denier shell. But the jacket's streamlined nature still has its fair share of downsides, namely in the form of features and breathability. With a decidedly "less is more" mentality, the barebones design includes a single-pull hood adjustment and simple elastic cuffs, and the lack of pit zips or vents and 2.5-layer construction mean the Helium Rain can get clammy in a hurry. Notably, the most recent update swaps the chest pocket for two hand pockets (the men’s version sticks to the single-pocket layout), which is either good news or bad news, depending on the user. Given these drawbacks, we’ll stick with a more traditional rain jacket like the Black Diamond StormLine or OR Aspire II above when rain is in the forecast, but the feathery OR has its place as a dedicated just-in-case layer. See the Outdoor Research Helium Rain

16. Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 ($310)

If you’ve just about had enough with clammy rain jackets or crinkly shells, it’s worth checking out Rab’s Kinetic Alpine 2.0. This is one of the softest and most supple rain jackets we’ve ever worn: The thin (20D) stretch-knit Proflex fabric offers the feel of a softshell (unlike other rain jackets, you can wear this one next-to-skin) and is highly breathable, too. And with a healthy amount of give, it moves as you do, without any of the rigidity common to waterproof shells. Tack on hip belt-compatible hand pockets, an interior chest pocket, an adjustable helmet-compatible hood, and a two-way front zip, and the Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is ready-made for activities like hiking and climbing.

Throughout our testing, the Kinetic Alpine 2.0 performed excellently in light rain and offered a serious barrier against wind, but it showed its weaknesses in sustained wet weather. During a heavy downpour, the stretch-knit face fabric (by nature, more porous than non-stretchy nylon) began to absorb water, forming wet spots on our midlayer underneath. It’s also worth noting that the jacket does not have pit zips (that said, most softshells don’t), and is very trim-fitting—if you plan on layering anything substantial underneath, we recommend sizing up. All told, the Kinetic Alpine 2.0 isn’t as reliable as most of the standard rain jackets here, but if the added comfort and breathability appeals to you, it’s certainly an intriguing option and will get the job done in light moisture. For a step down in price, we also like Rab’s Downpour collection , which lacks the technical feature set and fabrics of the Kinetic Alpine but still checks the boxes for hiking and daily use... Read in-depth review See the Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0

17. Columbia Arcadia II ($75)

The final women’s rain jacket to make our list this year is Columbia’s Arcadia II, which goes head-to-head with the REI Rainier and Marmot PreCip Eco above as a leading budget design. While it can't hold a candle to the more performance-focused options on our list, the full seam sealing and trustworthy construction make the Arcadia a viable choice for everyday wear or as a backup when conditions are mostly favorable. You also get several features that are typically omitted at this price point, including Velcro cuff adjustments, zippered hand pockets, an adjustable hood, and a stuff pocket. It’s also available in a wide assortment of colorways and sizes, including plus sizes up to 3X.

How does the Arcadia II compare with designs like the REI Co-op Rainier above? With the Columbia’s even cheaper construction, you get 2-layer waterproofing rather than the REI’s 2.5 layers, which translates to more bulk and less breathability and durability. Further, while the Rainier has a clean interior that slides smoothly over layers, the Arcadia’s hanging mesh liner has a distinctly budget feel and is more prone to snagging. But we wouldn’t recommend either jacket for heavy, sustained rain, and it’s hard to argue with the Columbia’s price. See the Columbia Arcadia II  

Women's Rain Jacket Comparison Table

About our testing process.

The Switchback Travel team has tested hundreds of rain jackets over the years, putting them through their paces in rough weather from the Pacific Northwest down to the southern tip of Patagonia. Former senior editor Jenny Abegg originally compiled this guide in 2021, choosing our initial selection of 19 women’s designs. An avid ultrarunner and mountaineer, Jenny has spent countless days in rough and rowdy alpine conditions throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Managing editor Sarah Nelson took over this guide in 2024 and has continued the tradition of using and abusing new additions to the list on backcountry adventures and climbing trips from the Mountain West to her home base in Lake Tahoe.

The list of 17 jackets you see today is a product of our experiences, as well as feedback from our testers and the online hiking community. When we test rain jackets, we evaluate protection by exposing them to inclement weather from light moisture to heavy precipitation. We assess breathability by working up a sweat in the shells, and we keep an eye on how the fabric and smaller components (e.g., drawcords and zippers) hold up over time. As new women’s rain jackets hit the market, we’ll continue to test them and add any standouts to the list above.  

Women’s Rain Jacket Buying Advice

Rain jacket categories.

• Durable Water Repellent (DWR)
• Waterproof Membrane
• Fabric Layers: 2L, 2.5L, 3L

Breathability

Weight and packability, fit and sizing, rain jackets with built-in stretch.

• Softshells and Hardshells
• Rain Jacket Care  

If you’re in the market for a rain jacket, chances are you have a pretty good idea of how you want to put it to use. Whether you’re planning for a summer backpacking trip, looking to replace your daily driver, or intrigued by the weight-savings you can get by stepping down from a hardshell, there's a variety of rain jackets well suited for the job. To help you narrow down your choice, we’ve broken down our picks into three separate categories: daily use, hiking, and performance. Most of the rain jackets here fit into more than one category, which can be good news for those looking for a versatile shell.   

Daily Use For those who live in wet regions like the Pacific Northwest or New England, a rain jacket is a critical piece in your daily wardrobe. For day-to-day activities like commuting, running errands, or walking the dog, we look for a casual, relaxed fit that can accommodate layering underneath, along with handy features like hand pockets and Velcro cuff adjustments for sealing out wind. Your exposure to precipitation is bound to be brief, so many—but not all—daily use jackets use cheaper membranes and materials that prioritize affordability over all-out protection, and weight-savings and breathability can suffer here too. On the other hand, we often see thicker and more durable shell fabrics in these designs, great for withstanding day in and day out use. Our favorite daily use jacket is the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L , which crosses over nicely into the hiking as well. We also include parka-length jackets in this category, which offer a great combination of style and protection but don’t parlay as well into backcountry use.   

Hiking Rain jackets designed for hiking are similarly abundant, from budget-friendly options like the Marmot PreCip Eco ($120) all the way up to Arc’teryx’s $450 Beta LT. Compared to more casual and everyday-friendly models, hiking shells are generally lighter and more packable (great for stuffing down and carrying in a pack). Protection is also generally solid, even in sustained rain and heavy winds—especially if you opt for a proven Gore-Tex design or a 3-layer Patagonia shell. Fit can be a bit more streamlined than designs in our daily use category (less fabric means less weight) and breathability is generally good—much better than daily use designs but not totally up to snuff with the performance shells below (most models include pit zips, which helps). For day hikes and the odd overnight trip, these shells are a nice middle ground of price and performance.  

Performance Performance-focused rain jackets are specialized pieces for outdoor use. While not quite up to hardshell standards in terms of protection and breathability, these designs are built to handle rowdy weather and rough use. Common features include tough exteriors, upgraded waterproof membranes that breathe well, and quality hoods that are often helmet-compatible. Comfort and next-to-skin feel are often competitive, too—we’ve found these pieces noticeably softer and less prone to clamming up than those designed for daily use (integrated stretch helps). Notably, performance rain jackets won’t wet out like some of the cheaper options, which makes them the best choice for sustained precip and extended trips. They’re also impressively lightweight, but the tradeoff is streamlined feature sets (sometimes no pit zips) and trim silhouettes that don’t allow much room for layering. Finally, pocket placement can be too high for daily use, but perfect while wearing a climbing harness or backpack. And as expected, price increases with these upgrades—jackets in our performance category are among the most expensive here.  

Rain Jacket Waterproofing Features

No piece of outdoor gear offers total protection from outside moisture, but a high-quality rain jacket should be able to keep out a serious squall. The most protective rain jackets (and all of our picks here) employ two main lines of defense against moisture. First is the shell fabric, which features a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that causes water to bead up and roll off rather than soaking through. Second, behind each shell is a waterproof membrane (such as Gore-Tex, BD.dry, and H2No) that is impermeable to water. Finally, some—but not all—jackets add a third next-to-skin layer for comfort, breathability, moisture wicking, and durability. As we’ll discuss below, the quality of these features will determine how well your jacket protects against rain.  

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) The first line of defense is a rain jacket’s durable water repellent finish (commonly referred to as DWR). This coating is applied to the exterior of most rain shells to prevent moisture from absorbing into the face fabric by beading up the droplets. A fresh DWR is an impressive thing and can offer excellent protection in light to moderate conditions, although heavy and sustained rainfall will eventually overwhelm the coating (that’s where the waterproof membrane comes into play). Over time, the DWR finish will wear down, although you can keep it fresh by staying on top of maintenance (more on this in our “ Care ” section below).

A final note related to DWR is that there has been a recent push to move away from traditional coatings that use perfluorocarbons, which is a chemical that has been linked to environmental and health issues. It’s still a developing technology, but in 2024 most key brands have made the switch to PFC-free durable water repellent finishes. If you're interested in reading more, here's  Patagonia’s breakdown .  

Waterproof Membrane  More than any other factor, a rain jacket’s performance in wet weather is dependent on the quality of its waterproof membrane. This is a fairly complex piece of tech, tasked with being both waterproof and breathable, along with needing to maintain a fairly streamlined build. As a result, we see a range of offerings, in terms of both performance and price. Typically, budget-oriented jackets will feature off-brand or proprietary membranes (like REI’s HydroWall and TNF's DryVent) and simple face fabrics that perform well in brief moisture but can get overwhelmed in sustained rain. On the other hand, the most premium jackets use membranes from Gore-Tex (including Paclite and Paclite Plus), which can withstand a serious squall. Technologies like Black Diamond’s BD.dry, Outdoor Research’s AscentShell, and Patagonia’s H2No Performance Standard have also held up well in our testing. The quality of seam taping is also important to a membrane’s performance, as any uncovered area could cause leaking.  

Fabric Layers: 2L, 2.5L, 3L In assessing a jacket’s performance in wet weather, the final factor to consider is the number of layers used in its construction. Waterproof jackets feature 2-layer, 2.5-layer, and 3-layer builds. We’ve already discussed the first two layers—a DWR-coated nylon shell backed by a waterproof/breathable laminate—which are responsible for most of the water resistance. These 2-layer jackets comprise the bulk of the rain jacket market, and range from clammy, budget-oriented models like the Columbia Arcadia II ($75) all the way up to the premium Norrøna Falketind GTX Paclite ($349). Notably, technology has improved a lot over the last few years: 2-layer designs used to be thought of as cheap and plasticky, but more modern constructions have an impressively high-end feel.  

Stepping up to a 2.5 or 3-layer jacket doesn’t necessarily add any extra waterproofing, but it does provide an extra layer between you and the elements (similar to the theory of a double-wall vs. single-wall tent). A 2.5-layer jacket attaches a very thin coating or interior fabric to the waterproof laminate, which serves both as a protective layer (guarding the membrane from your body’s oils or abrasion from your midlayer ) and can help a bit with venting, too. 3-layer designs incorporate a more substantial liner fabric, which adds a bit of bulk over a 2.5-layer, but increases durability and further improves moisture wicking and next-to-skin feel. It used to be that 3-layer construction was used almost exclusively for performance-focused hardshell jackets (think climbing and skiing), but more and more we see exceptions to this rule in the rain jacket category. For example, Patagonia’s Torrentshell is a daily use and hiking-specific rain shell with a 3-layer design. For info on the topic, see our article on rain jacket construction .  

One of the most sought after features in a waterproof rain jacket is breathability: the ability for perspiration and other moisture to exit the jacket without outside water coming in. And in general, breathability improves as the price tag increases. Some of the top-performing designs from our list above include the ventilated Outdoor Research Aspire II, hardshell-like Arc'teryx Beta LT, and Rab's thin Kinetic Alpine 2.0 . On the other end of the spectrum, simple 2- and 2.5-layer shells like the Columbia Arcadia, REI Co-op Rainier, and Outdoor Research's Helium Rain all run hot when you're working hard. For some, this lack of breathability is a fine tradeoff for cost savings—and pit zips can help some to offset the lack of ventilation. But if you plan to wear your shell while on the move, it's worth investing in a higher-end, breathable design.  

A quick look at our comparison table above reveals that rain jacket weights correlate closely with their intended use. On the lightweight end of the spectrum are performance-ready shells like the Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket (7.8 oz.), while designs that are more feature-rich and durable for crossing over for daily wear often add a bit of weight (including the 12.4-oz. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ). At the extremes are ultralight pieces like the streamlined Outdoor Research Helium Rain, which compromises features and breathability to attain an extremely feathery 6.3-ounce weight, and everyday budget jackets like the 14-ounce Columbia Arcadia II.  

A jacket’s packability can be looked at and measured in a couple ways. First, there are the jackets that stuff into their own pockets, which is great for clipping to a harness or stowing in a tight package for travel. That said, among shells that have this feature, their actual packed size can vary a lot. For example, the aforementioned OR Helium Rain's tiny stuff pocket is about the size of a few energy bars, while the bulky Columbia Arcadia resembles a small loaf of bread. The other way of looking at packable rain shells is how compressible they truly are. In that respect, the sleek Arc'teryx Beta LT  would still be considered quite “packable,” despite lacking a stuff pocket: Just roll it up into its own hood to protect the thinner fabric in your pack. In the end, the weight spec is a great place to look as an indicator of how packable a jacket truly is.  

Rain jackets don’t offer as much variation in features as some other types of outdoor gear, but there are notable differences between models. Many ultralight jackets forgo pockets to cut down on weight, while other models sport them in abundance. Some rain jackets offer pit zips, core vents, or full side vents, while basic models do not. Almost all rain jackets have hoods included, and some are cut big enough to fit over a bike or climbing helmet and the style of the cinch varies significantly. Keep a close eye on features and try to match them to your intended use and budget. Pockets Casual users and hikers will appreciate a couple of hand pockets and a chest pocket (either on the inside or outside of the shell), which are handy whether you’re carrying a wallet around town or stashing a bar for easy access during a hike. Hand pockets are one of the most notable omissions in ultralight shells, which often opt for a single chest pocket for storage. Pocket placement is another consideration: Serious shells often place the hand pockets higher up on the torso to avoid interfering with your pack’s hipbelt or climbing harness. What you gain in convenience for outdoor performance use, you lose in daily function, especially if you like to stand with your hands in your pockets. For this reason, most of the shells in our performance category do not parlay well into daily use.  

Hood Hood size can be a big consideration when rain jacket shopping. If you plan to climb, bike, or even backcountry ski in your rain jacket, look for a helmet-compatible hood. These can reach over the top of most climbing helmets for added weather protection. For example,  Norrøna's Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite  is a great choice for climbers due to its large hood as well as its tiny packed size that can be easily clipped to a carabiner. For normal hiking and backpacking, it’s often prudent to avoid a helmet-compatible hood as it can be unruly, not great for visibility, and require a lot of cinching down (read: bunched fabrics).  

Adjustability of the hood also is key. When the wind is blowing, you want a hood that conforms to your head while retaining enough structure around the sides and the bill that you can still see out. Some manufacturers succeed better than others at this concept. One standout is Arc’teryx’s StormHood: with a single pull at the back, the hood adjusts evenly around the sides and back of the head. Of the more budget-friendly options, we like the hood design of the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L , which has toggles at the back and front for quick and easy adjustments. We prefer the toggle for adjusting the back of the hood over a Velcro tab, but benefits of the Velcro style are simplicity and weight: They don’t require a cord or toggle, both of which add a bit of bulk.  

Pit Zips and Core Vents In creating a waterproof jacket specifically designed to keep moisture out, letting air flow in the opposite direction (i.e. away from the body) can be a challenge. And when you’re working hard, it can quickly become a necessity to dump some of that hot air rather quickly. Enter the pit zip. By opening up the jacket under the arms, you can release a lot of air without sacrificing the jacket’s waterproof design. Many rain jackets include this feature, and models like Outdoor Research's Aspire II expand on it, with zips that extend all the way to the waist for exceptional ventilation.

Because adding pit zips to a jacket inevitably results in a slight weight increase, manufacturers will often omit them in ultralight jackets. But without a way for air to escape, a jacket can grow clammy in a hurry (this is our experience with ultralight models like OR's Helium Rain). REI, Marmot, and others have posed an interesting solution, pairing their hand pockets with an airy, mesh lining so they double as vents when unzipped. It’s not perfect—opening your pockets to vent means that anything stored inside could fall out—but it does save weight without sacrificing much in the way of ventilation. Other manufacturers—like Norrøna and Fjallraven—have toyed with chest vents, although we've found that unzipping the center front zip achieves the same effect.  

Waist Adjustments To give the best seal possible, most rain jackets that we recommend here have some sort of cinch system at the hem. Typically done with a cord and toggle, they’re very user-friendly and can be pulled tight with just one hand. Most jackets have a cinch at each hip for an even fit, but some ultralight models use just one adjustment in an effort to cut weight. The single cinch does mean that the jacket will pull to one side when tightened, but it’s often negligible and worth the weight savings.  

Rain jacket fit varies across the board, from roomy daily use models that allow for ample layering to svelte performance designs that place a premium on mobility and weight-savings. If you’re shopping for a rain shell to wear around town, we recommend looking for a regular fit that can accommodate bulky sweaters, scarves, blazers, and more. Parka-style jackets like the Outdoor Research Aspire Trench   are also great for daily use, but fit can be tricky depending on your body shape, including where the contours land at your waist and whether or not the hem falls too far down your legs. If you can, we recommend trying on a thigh-length jacket before buying.   

On the other hand, if you want to be able to move around in your jacket without excess fabric getting in the way (think activities like climbing and skiing), it’s best to opt for a trim-fitting performance jacket. Most of the time, these feature premium patterning like articulated elbows and gusseted underarms to help with freedom of movement, and their streamlined designs are great for layering over a midlayer (such as a lightweight synthetic insulated jacket ), but not much more. Jackets designed for hiking generally land in between the extremes (the Patagonia Torrentshell’s sleek yet roomy fit is a great example), and as a result are some of the most versatile options here.  

Over the past few years, there have been a growing number of waterproof rain jackets featuring built-in stretch. Designs like Black Diamond’s StormLine  and Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 incorporate fabrics and a waterproof internal membrane that flex surprisingly easily. For performance use, the benefits are obvious: while climbing, hiking, or other activities where you’re moving your arms a lot, a stretchy jacket is less restrictive. What’s more, we’ve also enjoyed the greater level of comfort and less crinkly feel for daily wear. In general, a stretchy rain jacket will cost more than a standard shell, but it’s a nice upgrade that comes with plenty of tangible benefits.  

What About Softshells and Hardshells?

Traditional softshell jackets are not fully waterproof. While the outer fabric typically has a DWR coating, letting light showers bead up and roll off, the seams usually aren’t taped and the fabric will eventually let water seep through. A softshell is also a bit thicker than a rain jacket, and offers a small amount of warmth as a result. Even as technologies have advanced and full waterproof softshells have become available, they still can’t compete with the waterproofing performance of a traditional rain jacket. Instead, softshells remain a better choice for those looking for a breathable, but only water-resistant (i.e. not waterproof), outer layer. Popular applications include backcountry skiing and trekking in mild weather. For a list of our top picks, check out our article on the  best softshell jackets .  

Hardshell jackets, in contrast to the rain jackets we’ve listed above, are made for truly extreme conditions. Built to withstand heavy driving rain and wind, the jackets are heavier and bulkier, and often feature more durable 3-layer construction. As a result, a hardshell is less prone to being soaked through under sustained rainfall, and is generally more breathable as well, which makes them a great choice for high-output activities like mountaineering and backcountry skiing. You’ll also see prices skyrocket for these technical pieces, thanks to their high-end detailing and premium materials. Notably, the line between hardshell and rain jacket is growing grayer by the minute—Rab’s Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is on the thin side for a hardshell (more akin to a rain jacket), while Patagonia’s Torrentshell has a hardshell-like 3L build but lacks the category’s technical feature set. For more, see our article on  Hardshells vs. Rain Jackets: How to Choose .  

Rain Jacket Care

As we mentioned above, a rain jacket’s waterproofing relies on a combination of factors: the durable water repellent (DWR) coating that beads up water, the waterproof membrane, and the fabric layers on either side of the membrane. It’s important to keep all of these components clean so that they function properly, whether their job is to stop water or to let air through. This will vary based on use, but we aim for every few weeks with some of our more commonly used gear.  

For washing, it’s always best to start by checking the label on your jacket as the specific instructions will vary. As a general recommendation, the following works well for us: wash the jacket in warm water with liquid detergent, and run it through a second rinse cycle to clear out any detergent residue. We’ll often line dry our outerwear (this helps to preserve its lifespan), until it’s almost dry, and then tumble dry it on warm for at least 20 minutes to revive the DWR finish. And of course, make sure to check your garment’s labels as this could vary based on the fabrics and technology.

If you’re noticing that the jacket isn’t beading up water anymore and putting it in the dryer for a short stretch doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to reapply some DWR (this is common as the coating diminishes over time). A waterproof jacket without DWR won’t protect or breathe as well in heavy rain because the water will pool up and soak into the exterior fabric layer. Reapplying the DWR is done through a fairly simple process, and we’ve found that the Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On works well. Notably, some of the new PFC-free DWR finishes—like the one from Black Diamond—are ultra-durable and do not require a wash/dry cycle or reapplication in order to be revived. Back to Our Top Women's Rain Jacket Picks    Back to Our Women's Rain Jacket Comparison Table

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Best Packable Rain Jackets (Light, Compact & Affordable)

Traveling around the world means having to be ready for anything. Unfortunately, you can’t exactly carry your entire house with you, especially if you’re carrying a single backpack. That’s why you need one of the best packable rain jackets to help you beat that sudden downpour!

At A Glance: Our Top 3 Picks for Packable Rain Jackets

• BEST travel rain jacket Marmot Precip Jacket Jump To Review
• best lightweight waterproof jacket Arc'teryx Zeta LT Jump To Review
• BEST VALUE FOR MONEY The North Face Alta Vista Jacket Jump To Review
• Cheapest Compact Rain Jacket Paradox Waterproof Rain Jacket Jump To Review

And when you don’t need it, you can keep it stowed away in your bag and forgotten about. Until you need it, suddenly, again!

There are many kinds of lightweight rain jackets out there, from soft shell jackets to heavier hard shell. But some are a few notches above the rest.

These won’t save you in extremely wet weather or torrential rain, but they will give you enough protection from light drizzles to moderate rain. Either way, you’ll be thankful you thought of packing one of these babies in your bag.

Top Product Overview

Best packable rain jackets, marmot precip jacket.

Another great alternative for a packable rain jacket is  the  Marmot Precip . It’s not as popular as the Patagonia Torrentshell, but it’s quickly gaining cult-level popularity due to great performance for a lower price tag. And the fact that it’s a fully waterproof rain jacket, of course!

The Precip offers  reliable protection against water, wind, and even some light snow  thanks to its  DWR coating and NanoPro Nylon Ripstop  material.

The collar is a good touch to keep your neck covered and keep rain from entering from the top. Together with the hood,  the whole head is pretty well covered . The  hood is also removable  making it a great option for everyday and urban wear.

The adjustable cuffs are sealed with velcro, and the hem is adjustable and keeps water and cold out pretty well. The front zipper is not waterproof, but it is covered with a flap and also secured with velcro to keep it from flying up. It also has an additional storm flap underneath the zipper to keep the water out.

It doesn’t come with a chest zip or pit zips (like the majority of packable rain jackets) but it does have some mesh inner pockets to store things if the need arises.

TIP: You can read a full review of  the Marmot Precip here .

While it’s great for moderate rain,  the Precip is not meant to be worn under torrential and extended rain.  The water doesn’t leak through the jacket, but it does soak through the upper layer and you’ll feel the cold on your skin.

• Relatively affordable compared to rainjackets in the same category
• Excellent performance
• Removable hood
• Water soaks through in extended exposure

Product Information

• Weight: 11 ounces
• Waterproofing: DriClime® Lined Chin Guard
• Material: 100% Nylon Ripstop 2.2 oz/ yd

Arc'teryx Zeta LT

If you’re a serious hiker and traveler and you’re on the lookout for the best gear in the market, then the   Arc’teryx Zeta LT  delivers the  highest performance on this list.

It also goes without saying that it costs the most as well by  almost double the price . However, if the price is no problem, then you’re getting yourself one of the most reliable and packable rain jackets out there.

This waterproof jacket has hand pockets that go above a hip belt, an adjustable hood that can mold to your head, and an outer shell that performs like a hard shell jacket in a very lightweight package. It also has its own chest pocket that is quite deep, to store items you want easy access to. Although there are no pit zips, so, if you walk for a while in this, it will eventually get a bit warm!

Despite the tough build, it’s still lighter than the Patagonia Torrentshell at  11.85 ounces . It performs better than any lightweight rain jacket on the list and is one great investment instead of getting poorer built and tear-prone lightweight jackets.

It also does not skimp on comfort. While most packable rain jackets tend to be clammy and less breathable to keep the waterproofing intact, the Arc’teryx Zeta LT has a Gore-Tex C-Knit interior. It’s soft against the skin while still moisture-wicking and odor repellent .

Unlike most ultralight rain jackets that use a 2-layer build, the Zeta LT has a 3-Layer construction. The Gore-Tex waterproof membrane is sandwiched between the outer shell and inner liner. Even in the heaviest rain, you won’t feel clammy and the jacket won’t feel slippery against your skin.

Note: If you want the even lighter and more packable version check out the Arc’teryx Zeta SL .

Despite the thicker build, Arc’teryx was able to keep this jacket  light and breathable . Thanks to the C-knit inner layer, the wearer is kept cool even when you’re working really hard. It also has a snugger fit than most lightweight rain jackets, which keeps less hot air to build up inside.

In terms of packability, it  doesn’t have its own stuff sack or pocket . However, it’s thin and manageable enough to roll and store into the hood.

• High performance lightweight rainjacket
• Extremely comfortable
• Lightweight and packable
• Very expensive
• No stuff sack or stuff pocket
• Weight: 11.85 ounces
• Waterproofing: 3L Gore-Tex C-Knit
• Material: GORE-TEX C-KNIT Backer Technology

The North Face Alta Vista Jacket

The North Face has been making outdoor gear for decades, so they are a worthy contender for the best packable rain jackets around.  This particular model  is a new model that is a great compromise between a waterproof jacket and sometimes lightweight and packable. And affordable too!

Unlike the far more expensive Gore-tex options, this jacket uses a DryVent™ 2.5 Layer shell with mesh liner, to reduce any discomfort. It is reasonably breathable too, so you won’t feel like you are wearing a portable sauna!

Starting at the top, it has a 3-way adjustable hood, pit zips to let the sweat out and adjustable pulls to rein in the hem for the perfect fit. These are all the kinds of things I look for as a minimum in a jacket because otherwise they don’t fit, water and wind gets in and they are a waste of money, quite frankly.

In terms of packability, this jacket is so small and light it rolls into the pocket! This is a pocket rain jacket you can throw it in any bag, your car, your biking or running pack and always have it handy. Sure, it’s not a mountaineering Goretex jacket, but for the price it is a no-brainer and many reviewers say the same thing!

The front zipper of this pack away rain jacket is one of those great waterproof zippers. And the DWR on the outside will have the rain beading off in no time. One guy who reviewed this recently said he came out of a downpour completely dry.

All in all, this is a great buy for anyone not wanting to spend a fortune on a full Gore-tex jacket, but still wanting a little comfort and something light to carry around in case of bad weather.

• Extremely affordable option
• Waterproof and Windproof
• Runs a little small
• Weight: 11.6 ounces
• Waterproofing: 2.5-layer DryVent
• Material: 2.5-layer DryVent

Paradox Waterproof Rain Jacket

Sometimes, all you need is a product that works. For those who are not keen on dropping a wad of cash for a foldable rain jacket, the Paradox Waterproof Rain Jacket  fits the bill.

Priced  under $50 , this is anyone’s  go-to packable rain coat for casual travel . Of course, you  sacrifice some comfort and performance  with a lower price tag, but it does a good job of protecting you from that sudden rainfall on an otherwise sunny day. Made of a  polyester and nylon blend , you can even toss this in a washing machine in a cold setting.

This packable rain jacket is built with a  2.5-layer breathability level  with a thin inner lining. Without ventilation, this tends to get very  clammy and you get very sweaty  when working hard under the rain. The outer shell is treated with a  water repellent finish , which tends to wear out after years of use.

Rain also soaks through to the middle layer  after around an hour of continuous exposure, which will then get you feeling cold. Luckily, it doesn’t soak through entirely.

While the silhouette and design are sleek and stylish, the  material itself has a plastic feel . The hood also goes on the large side and has limited adjustment options. It also doesn’t come with its own stuff sack, but you can easily stow it in the hood and stuff it in your bag. It also comes with one handy internal chest pocket, so you can stash at least your phone or keys if you need to.

Nevertheless, at its price, you can’t get any better than this.

• Extremely affordable
• Lightweight and compact when packed
• Mediocre performance
• Rain can soak through after an hour of exposure
• Waterproofing: 2.5 layer
• Material: 80% Nylon/20% Polyester

Outdoor Research Helium Jacket

When we talk about lightweight, there’s no other company that does it better than Outdoor Research. The Outdoor Research Helium  is ultralight, packable, and sports a minimalist design  in bright and neutral colors.

Thanks to its  Pertex waterproof build , the Helium II does an excellent job protecting wearers against rain and width. It only weighs  6.4 ounces , but the material is quite sturdy and almost impenetrable. It’s been a top pick for hikers, bikers, and travelers.

The Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket doesn’t boast much in terms of features. There is o ne Napoleon chest pocket , a  water-resistant main zipper , and a  single pull hood adjustment . It  stuffs easily into an inner pocket  and it turns out so compact and weightless that there’s no real reason for you to leave it behind.

Because of the  lack of functionality , it’s not the best jacket to wear around the urban jungle. No hand pockets, nowhere to store your phone, and nothing to keep things from getting stolen. It’s a very  basic jacket almost to a fault , but its real performance comes out when you get it outdoors.

While the Outdoor Research Helium jacket is great for waterproofing, the material can get very clammy . Its 2.5-layer design is  not very breathable and there are absolutely no venting options . It’s a great option for surprise rain, but wearing it for long periods of time will leave you sweaty and uncomfortable.

While it has significant design flaws, the  price range is very attractive . It’s not the cheapest but also definitely not the most expensive. If price is no option, there are better garments on this list that can do a better job. However, value for money gives Helium II a big boost in terms of favorites.

• Excellent water and windproofing
• Value for money
• Not breathable
• Only one pocket
• Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Waterproofing: 2.5L Pertex Shield +
• Material: 100% Nylon

Patagonia Torrentshell

Patagonia  is another great brand for outdoor gear, and the  Torrentshell  is one of the best packable rain jackets. Much thought was put into  achieving the perfect fit , not just for style but also for better protection against the elements. It has a  sleek flap to cover the waterproof zipper  and  adjustable hems to hug your hips .

Unlike many rain jackets, the  Patagonia Torrentshell  is  sleek and stylish  enough for everyday and urban wear.

It has a more luxurious feel to it as well. The fabric is soft to the touch and not plasticky like many packable rain jackets. At 13.9 ounces , it’s not featherlight, but still light enough for you to easily carry it around everywhere. This  heftier build also comes in handy when the weather turns particularly sour . And when the drizzle does turn into heavy rain, the 2-way  adjustable hood design  keeps your face well protected in any weather.

There’s a single cinch at the back to adjust the sides and back of the head. It also has a small bill to extend protection over the face. It also packs compactly into one of the hand pockets.

The athletic style of the jacket makes for a great silhouette, but the  shorter back of the hem  doesn’t do well for rain protection. As with any kind of garment, the backside usually rides higher than the front, and a longer back hem would have been better for keeping rain from hitting the backside.

Overall, however, it’s a great option for  everyday and emergency wear . It retains its slimmer style even when layered over a shirt or under a heftier jacket. Its versatile use is a great option for travel and outdoor adventures.

• Great athletic fit
• Versatile and functional
• Adjustable hood design
• Short back hem
• Weight: 13.9 ounces
• Waterproofing: 3L H2No
• Material: 100% recycled nylon ripstop

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch

Black Diamond has a pedigree when it comes to making long-lasting, reliable, and waterproof outdoor gear. I use a lot of their stuff for snow sports and I have to say that they never fail to amaze me with the quality of their product.

The Black Diamond Stormline  is another worthy contender for a great lightweight rain jacket with all the jacket features you would expect. It features their in-house 2.5 layers BD-Dry fabric which is waterproof, breathable, and stretchy. It comes with a DWR coating to help make the water bead. At least for a while.

Black Diamond even gives you pit zips on this model, which is rare in this review. If you don’t know what they are, they are waterproof zippers under your arms which you can open as much as you like to let the jacket ventilate when you are doing heavy exercise. You normally only see these features on top-of-the-line Goretex jackets .

All the openings are also easily secured to keep you dry including the cuffs, hem, and hood, which is adjustable.

• Waterproof, Windproof & Stretchy
• Full of features you only get on a top-notch Goretex
• Fit may not be as you would normally expect
• Weight: 282 g (9.9 oz)
• Waterproofing: 2.5 layer DB-Dry from Black Diamond
• Material: 100% Nylon 2.5 Layer

Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket

Colombia is not as renowned for its outdoor gear as say Patagonia or North Face, however, if you want quality at a reasonable price, they are a great option. This lightweight, packable rain jacket  has all the features you would expect. Starting with their own branded Omni-Tech breathable waterproof layer, they have also added mesh on the inside for a little extra comfort.

The fabric chin guard is also a welcome addition for when you need to zip all the way up in cold, windy conditions. This ultralight rain jacket also has zippered pockets and a draw-string hem to keep the wind out. And, it is packable into the pockets, which is great for when you want to keep it in your bag – just in case.

All in all, most owners of this jacket say it’s a great buy and keeps the weather out in all kinds of conditions. For hours on end.

• Lightweight rain gear
• Compact when packed
• Runs a little large, although is great for layering in cold weather
• Waterproofing: Omni-Tech™ waterproof & breathable fully seam sealed
• Material: 100% Nylon 2L Full Dull plain weave

Arc'teryx Norvan SL

If you want the absolute lightest rain jacket , then you can’t go past  the Arc’teryx Norvan SL . It is actually designed for trail running, so you can understand why it is so light, packable, and yet still absolutely waterproof.

It weighs in at only 4.4oz (125g) so is great when you want something that will pack into a small space. I have a similar jacket for mountain biking, which I rarely use, but know will always be there when I need it. Right at the bottom of my pack, taking little space.

They have used a new technology on this jacket – Goretex along with Shakedry to help keep the weight to a minimum. There are also fewer features on this jacket, as it is so minimalist – with elastic use on all openings (hood, cuffs, and hem).

So, it might not be as tight and windproof as other jackets that you can really cinch down. The hood is rollable and stowable though, which is a smart addition. All in all, this is the type of light, packable rain jacket people need when they to sports.

• Extremely Lightweight and Packable
• Great for sports
• Not as windproof as other jackets
• Weight: 4.4 oz (125 g)
• Waterproofing: Goretex with Shakedry

What To Look For

Rain jackets come in all shapes, sizes, materials, and built. Casual users will require fewer functions than serious hikers. Determine what you’ll use your rain gear for, how often, and under what conditions. This will greatly affect the materials you need and the price you pay for.

Also, ensure that it is going to provide you with enough range of motion for the main activity you want to do in the jacket. This is far more important for sports, so in those cases, you will find the more expensive jackets on the market are often better equipped for such things.

Waterproofing

Just because it’s a rain jacket doesn’t mean it will always keep you completely dry. Know the difference between water-repellent and waterproof. Most rain jackets, especially the ones on the cheaper range, will eventually soak through if exposed for long periods of time in the pouring rain. While you won’t always end up wet, a soaked rain jacket will leave you cold and clammy.

So, look for jackets that use a top-notch material like Gore-tex, Gore-tex paclite or similarly branded equivalents from North Face and Black Diamond.

Breathability

The biggest flaw of any rain jacket is breathability. Most rain jackets have no venting options to keep the integrity of their waterproofing or water-repellent function. This means that if you’re hiking or doing any serious activity with the jacket on, you’ll eventually create heat inside the jacket and the jacket will trap that heat inside. Check for inner lining materials that keep you cool.

Weight and Packability

The point of carrying a lightweight and packable rain jacket is to have it with you at all times in case of emergencies. This means it should be light enough for you to forget about it and packable enough for you to stuff it in any bag. If the rain jacket doesn’t come with its own stuff sack or can’t be packed in its stuff pocket, something that’s light can still be rolled compactly and tucked into its own hood.

Which Packable Rain Jacket Is The Best For Me?

Rain jackets have one purpose – protect you from the rain. The difference is how well they do it.

Hands down, the best lightweight jacket on the list is the Arc’teryx Zeta LT . With its hardshell performance in a lightweight and packable jacket, the Zeta LT outperforms any rain jacket by far. It can be used for daily wear, emergencies, and tougher outdoor activities without getting you clammy, uncomfortable, or soaked through. And it’s so super light, you almost won’t know it’s in your backpack!

• ZETA LT JACKET - The Zeta LT delivers weather protection during extended trekking and backpacking trips. Lightweight, comfortable and compressible, it is made from N40p-X 3L GORE-TEX fabric with GORE C-KNIT backer technology. This material delivers longwearing waterproof, windproof, highly breathable performance with a backer technology that makes the fabric exceptionally supple, quiet and comfortable next to the skin.

For use anywhere kind of rain jacket, the Marmot PreCip Jacket is your best choice. Stylish with a removable hood for urban wear, it can stand up to the elements for outdoor adventures at well. At a mid-range price, this jacket performs pretty well for any kind of weather.

• Avoid Getting Soaked - Sturdy and durable with a patented dry-touch finish, this waterproof jacket will keep you comfortable and protected during planned treks in stormy weather or as a just-in-case layer in your pack for unexpected downpours.
• The Next Generation Of Waterproofing - Our PreCip collection of pants and jackets is made with PFC-free NanoPro recycled nylon fabric that keeps you dry in the wettest conditions and is highly breathable thanks to an advanced microporous coating.

If you want it cheap but still functional, there’s no other jacket that can do the job other than the Paradox Waterproof Rain Jacket . It may not be as comfortable as the more expensive options, but it still does a great job as a rain jacket for light rain or emergencies.

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• 8 Best Outdoor Windproof Raincoat

The Best Raincoats for Travel

A reliable raincoat can be a force field around miserable weather. While everyone else is ducking for cover during a drizzle, you can keep sightseeing and exploring in your dry, comfy cocoon. But with so many on the market, you could easily go bonkers trying to figure out which one to bring on a trip. Don’t worry. We’ve vetted eight raincoats in a variety of styles, all of which pack snuggly in a carry-on, so they’re both super-duper convenient and cute.

See recent posts by Kristan Schiller

Best Long Raincoat

Long on height and style, Everlane’s Drape Trench is a full-coverage fave. Puddle-dodgers will appreciate just how super comfy it is, with a longer yet relaxed fit that lets you kick out your leg to hop over soggy street corners. Features such as a storm flap, a cotton-twill exterior, and Cupro lining check off all the practical details, and the style couldn’t be more “Casablanca classic.” Tip: Size down for a more fitted look.

Best Short-and-Sporty Raincoat

Even if it’s raining buckets, you’re not going to sit out a bucket-list trip. But you do need a shorter raincoat that can keep up with you. Columbia Sportswear’s EvaPOURation Jacket fits the bill with waterproof, breathable, wicking fabric in a short, classic fit. The jacket’s attached hood, underarm venting, and adjustable sleeves and hem means it can adapt to your needs as you explore—whether that’s hiking up Machu Picchu or canoeing down the Mekong River. Bonus: This folds into its own pouch for easy packing.

Best Midi-Length Raincoat

Those raincoat Goldilocks that are split between short and long will find this raincoat juuuust right. Cole Haan offers a simple, chic everyday option with its Double Face Packable Rain Jacket. There’s loads to love here: a lightweight construction, protective funnel-neck, removable hood, hidden front zip, and a nifty back bow detail. Even better, there are two front snap-button flap pockets, plus a smaller zipper pocket, perfect for keeping your phone dry. The length—35 inches—is short enough for sashaying in the rain a la Gene Kelly, but long enough to shield you from showers.

Best Retro Raincoat

Score some major hipness points with the Herschel’s Forecast Rain Coat. Part of Herschel Supply Co.’s first clothing collection, this old-school raincoat is made to withstand inclement weather—and look cool while doing it. Details like rainproof fabric with fused seams, a snap-button placket, hood, elastic-cuffed long sleeves, and button-flap pouch pockets keep it durable in a downpour. And its portable weight makes it great for layering over a hoodie or that ironic ugly sweater.

Best Budget Raincoat

Did you bottom out your bank account on your flight? Don’t sweat it. You can still get quality rain gear for under $50 bucks, and this jacket from Target proves it. Available in several colors including an especially beautiful burgundy, this lightweight outerwear doesn’t skimp, despite its mega-cheap price. A fully lined interior, drawstring waistline, and adjustable hood keep you dry without going broke.

Best Patterned Raincoat

Amp up your adorable factor with Kate Spade’s Deco Dot Rain Jacket. A heavy downpour of big white polka dots are scattered across its classic black background. And loads of handy details make this both pretty and practical, from its attached hood and front-snap placket to its notched lapel and deep pockets. The coat is also lined, giving it a bit more buffer from all that bluster, all while keeping you super cute and classy.

Best Luxury Raincoat

Any fashion influencer worth her followers knows that a Burberry trench is the holy grail of raincoats. This preppy little number has all the iconic details that makes the brand luxurious: a tapered waist, notched lapels, and epaulettes, plus belted cuffs, a double-breasted horn-button front, and side welt pockets with button closures. Then again, you’ll have to fork over $1,790 smackers to own this beauty. But for those that want to look first-class fabulous, The Kensington Mid-Length Heritage Cotton Trench can’t be beat.

Best Outdoor Windproof Raincoat

Rain and hard wind are double trouble for travelers exploring the outdoors. But you can block both with the L.L. Bean Sweater Fleece 3-in-1 Jacket. This trifecta of toastiness marries the warmth of fleece with a durable, water-resistant shell for an all-season combo. The fleece can be zipped out if the weather warms up. Or you can ditch the outer layer if the rain lets up. When you need the ultimate weather protection, sandwich them together for delicious rainproof warmth.

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Home > Guide To The Best Travel Products > Best Travel Rain Jackets

Best Travel Rain Jackets

Rain, rain, go away! But if it won’t, here we have found you the best lightweight rain jacket for travel! You’ll be dry and stylish, without a doubt.

That’s probably what you’ll be thinking if the heavens decide to open while you’re out and about, especially if you’re off on your travels. However, this planet of ours needs a little rain from time to time, so we need to plan for every eventuality.

When the weather isn’t quite cold enough for a full-on coat, yet it’s decided to start throwing it down with the wet stuff, a lightweight rain jacket is an answer to your weather-related prayers. You don’t have to sweat it out in a full-on coat, yet you’ll still be dry. This jacket also rolls up relatively compact, packs away in your bag, and doesn’t weigh you down.

Of course, everyone has cottoned on to the fact that these jackets are the thing to have in your bag during the shoulder seasons, which means there are countless on the market. If you want to purchase the best packable rain jacket for your needs, you need to shop around – and we’ve made it easy.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Packable Rain Coat Reviews

Here we’ve taken the top travel raincoats and reviewed them for you. We’re sure you’ll find one you’ll love to pack with you on your next adventure .

Arcteryx Zeta SL Gore-Tex Rain Jacket

Best waterproof jacket.

This is a stylish, outdoorsy jacket for women who want to stay dry while out and about! This jacket is made of high-quality Gore-Tex material, available in eight different color options, which is waterproof and windproof. The material is designed to be breathable, which is ideal in warmer temperatures or tropical conditions. It is incredibly lightweight, so you can easily pack it away in your bag when not in use.

This is a perfect jacket for women who are likely to be out hiking or doing outdoor activities and who want to have a sporty look while staying dry at the same time.

Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket

Best men’s rain jacket.

Columbia is a big-name brand, so you know you’re getting high quality here. This jacket isn’t specifically designed for extreme outdoor activities, but it is a good everyday jacket to opt for. The jacket is designed for men who want to stay dry while doing general activities.

The jacket is made of a nylon and polyester combination with solid zipper closure. Two side pockets zip up, and an elastic hemline for warmth. The cuffs are also elastic, and there is a chin guard for when the weather takes a real turn for the worst. It is waterproof and will keep you dry, even in a severe downpour.

Columbia Pardon My Trench Women’s Raincoat

Not all lightweight rain jackets have to be sporty or outdoorsy in appearance, as this particular women’s jacket shows. This is a trench coat-style jacket that is very fashionable and is available in 15 different color options. The coat has press studs up the front and a belt in the center to add shape to any outfit. The longer length keeps you warm and gives you extra fashion kudos!

Of course, this jacket comes from a big brand name, so it’s about quality and how it looks. The jacket is made of 100% polyester, so it’s incredibly durable and has two zipped pockets on the sides. A hood on this jacket adjusts for a bespoke fit, and the cuffs adjust to your specific size.

KUHL Women’s Jetstream Trench Rain Jacket

This jacket is ideal for women who will likely be out in downpours while exploring or sightseeing. The jacket is made of high-quality Nylon Ripstop, which means it’s super-durable and isn’t going to rip or tear accidentally. It’s also breathable, so you don’t have t worry about feeling a little sweaty in warm temperature downpours.

This trench coat style is a little longer and has a zip-up front with a hood at the back. The cuffs are adjustable and elasticated, with two zip-up pockets on either side. The jacket has a fitted style, so it is stylish, despite being less fashion and more performance-focused.

Brands We Use And Trust

Marmot men’s precip rain jacket.

This jacket is available in a massive number of different colors, making it a fashionable choice no matter what outfit you choose to wear it with. The jacket is made of 100% Nylon, so it’s durable, robust, and breathable. The Fabric is NanoPro, which means it will stand up to even snow with a waterproof layer. Two side pockets zip up, and a back pocket too. The waist is elasticated for a comfortable fit.

The neck section zips up to the chin for extra warmth, making this a good jacket for men who are likely to be outdoors quite often while exploring. It is breathable and protects against extreme wet weather, making it a quality option.

Marmot Minimalist Rain Coat

This is an excellent quality lightweight rain jacket that looks incredibly stylish and comes from a big brand name. The coat is available in 11 different color options and is made of high-quality Gore-Tex material with Paclite Technology. This means no water will get inside at all, and it won’t tear or rip easily.

The jacket has an adjustable hood to give you better visibility and protection. The zips allow you to ensure more air is getting inside, adding breathability into the mix. The hemline has a drawstring for a bespoke fit, and there are zippered hand pockets and a chest pocket, all of which are water-resistant.

North Face Men’s Fanorak Rain Jacket

Everyone knows the name North Face instantly, which should give you some idea of the quality you’re dealing with. This particular jacket is unique and comes in several color combinations to provide you with extra fashion status.

The jacket is made of strong nylon, which is water and wind-resistant. There is an adjustable hood, and the jacket zips right up to the chin for extra warmth and protection. The unique thing is that you don’t need an extra bag to store this jacket in when you’re not wearing it, as it keeps in the built-in fanny pack. You clip it to your waist and takeout out when the rain starts pouring. When unpacked, this turns into a kangaroo-style pocket to the front so that you can store all your things, and this also zips up for extra protection.

North Face Men’s Venture 2 Rain Jacket

This is another North Face jacket and, therefore, another high-quality option. The jacket is made of strong nylon and polyester in combination with Shell DryVent technology. This means that the jacket is waterproof to a high degree and manages to keep you cool with breathability as standard. You can choose between several color contract options here, all of which are a combination of white, grey, or black, so they’re all extremely wearable options.

The jacket zips up and then clasps closed at the front with a hook and loop. The hood is adjustable for extra visibility and warmth, and the material is also ripstop, so it has double protection in terms of durability. There are two zipped pockets on either side to store your items.

North Face Women’s Fanorak Packable Rain Coat

This is the women’s version of the men’s Fanorak we have already reviewed, and it is an equal competitor for the title of the best lightweight rain jacket. Again, it’s a big brand name and comes in several different color options. The jacket packs away into a fanny pack, so you can easily take it anywhere, turning it into a front kangaroo pocket when unpacked.

The jacket is made of 100% polyester, meaning it’s strong and breathable at the same time. The cuffs are elasticated for a bespoke fit, and the hood is also adjustable, so you can keep yourself warm and make sure you can see correctly at the same time. This jacket is also windproof, so it’s ideal for storms you had no idea were heading your way!

Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket

This is an excellent choice of everyday jacket, so you can grab it out of your bag if the rain falls unexpectedly. The jacket is made of nylon woven material, meaning it’s not only lightweight but it’s also durable and waterproof to a high degree. The jacket has a zip-up chest pocket and two side pockets, with elasticated cuffs and an elastic hemline for a bespoke fit. You can choose between several different color options.

The Pertex Shield technology built into the fabric means it’s waterproof and breathable, helping you stay cool in the rain, whatever it is you’re out and about doing. This is a very stylish option, and it would look great with jeans!

Outdoor Research Interstellar Rain Coat

This is an exceptionally stylish lightweight rain jacket, to the point where you might want to wear it whether it’s raining or not! The only downside is the price, as this is the most expensive of the jackets we’ve listed so far.

You can choose between several color options, and the jacket is made of 100% nylon for durability. The coat has ripstop technology, so it’s not going to rip or tear while wearing or packed away, and it is also breathable to allow air to circulate while you’re wearing it. This jacket has an adjustable hood, elasticized cuffs, and two zipped pockets on either side. Despite the price, this is a very fashionable and high-quality jacket to go for

Patagonia Men’s Torrentshell Packable Rian Jacket

This is another huge brand name, so you know you’re getting quality. Choose from several different color options in a jacket that is 2.5 layers waterproof and highly durable to boot. The jacket is made of 100% nylon and has a two-way hood with a visor that rolls down or back up for protection and visibility.

The neck is micro-fleece lined, and there is a zip up front with hook and loop closures on the cuffs for a close fit. The chin guard zips up for extra protection, and the two pockets are fleece lined to keep you warm when the rain falls.

REI Co-op Drypoint GTX

Best raincoat for men.

This is an incredibly stylish lightweight rain jacket for men and one which will look the part whether it’s raining or not! With a zip-up front, elasticated cuffs, and hemline, the coat fits snugly and in a streamlined design to avoid bulk.

The jacket is made of Gore-Tex material, so it’s waterproof and breathable and can stand up to the most substantial downpour while you’re out and about. This unisex jacket comes in several colors and has side pockets that zip up to keep your smaller items safe. The hood also has three-point adjustability, so you can ensure a bespoke fit for staying dry and visibility.

What To Consider When Buying A Packable Rain Jacket

Before you take the plunge and purchase a lightweight/packable rain jacket, consider the following features.

Make sure you opt for a coat that is made of durable fabric and one that isn’t going to rip on the slightest sharp edge. You’ll find most jackets claim to be either water repellent/resistant or that they are waterproof. There is a difference, and waterproof is the better option of the two if you’re out for long periods. However, if you’re wandering around for a short time, water repellent/resistant is more than adequate.

You should also consider whether the fabric is breathable, especially if you’re in a tropical or warm climate and it starts to rain.

Of course, you want to look good, so make sure you go for a jacket in color and style that will ‘go’ with most outfits. Avoid bright colors if you want flexibility in your style options, and stick to a shade that matches many outfits.

Functionality

Check for additional features, such as a hood, how many pockets it has, the type of zipper, etc. This entirely depends on what kind of activity you’re going to be wearing it in; if you’re sightseeing or walking around and the weather takes a turn, a general, lightweight jacket will be enough. However, if you’re hiking, you need a coat that isn’t going to rip easily and which has breathability included.

We also have a lot of packing and travel product tips, including the following.

• Comfortable Flat Shoes For Travel Reviews
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• Best Toddler Travel Bed Reviews (aka Travel Crib)
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• Best Packable Ultralight Down Jacket + Bonus Ultra-Light Winter Packing List
• Best Travel Blenders on The Market
• Long Haul Flight Essentials: Carry on Packing List to Travel Lighter
• Best Travel Pillow for Long Haul Flights:
• The Best Travel Flat Iron Reviews
• Travel Cross Body Bag: The Best Cross Body Bags For Travel
• Best Travel Pants For Women
• Best Shoes For Travel
• Ultimate Guide to Buying The Best Travel Wallet
• Ultimate Guide to Buying Packing Cubes
• What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight
• Croatia Packing List: What to Pack for Croatia
• Our Guide to Travel Necessities
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• Guide To The Best Diving Masks
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• Best Travel Coffee Makers

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The Best Packable Rain Jacket for Women According to the Experts

Cold Weather Tips , Sweaters & Jackets , Travel Clothing

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Packing for a wet destination is not always easy because raincoats can take up too much space in your luggage. But that doesn’t have to be the case! See what our readers ranked as the best packable rain jacket to travel with!

Women’s Packable Rain Jacket Recommendations

Table of contents.

Packing for the rain isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to outerwear. Often, any coat you bring can be too bulky to fit in your luggage, or if it does fit, it takes up so much room you may have little space for other necessities. 

Let’s face it—wearing a heavy coat to and from a destination because it doesn’t fit in your bags isn’t always the way to go, although we’ve all done it before. Good news, though! There is a solution to finding a packable rain jacket women love to travel with. Our helpful readers share their top picks below!

For outdoor and backpacking adventures these rain jackets are lightweight and packable too!

Traveling to a city, not a mountain ? Take a look at these stylish rain coats instead.

Traveling in the winter? These waterproof winter jackets are what you need.

What’s the Best Packable Rain Jacket Womens Style?

Columbia Arcadia II Jacket | Sizes XS-3XL Plus 

Columbia Arcadia II Packable Rain Jacket

This popular Columbia packable raIn jacket feels thick, allows for plenty of layers, and holds up under rainy day scrutiny. It fits snug around hips and wrists (which have Velcro for tightening) to keep you dry. 

On top of everything else, it comes in plenty of bright, bold colors, and offers inclusive sizing. One reader, who touts the Columbia rain jacket packable options, calls this coat “awesome.” Another reader agrees, adding, “It’s a reasonable price. I’ve had mine for years.”

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

Cole Haan Back Bow Hooded Jacket   | Sizes XS -3XL Plus 

Cole Haan Packable Hooded Rain Jacket

Cole Haan offers a style that’s elegant, lightweight, and water-resistant. It comes down to just above the knee and has a tie in the back which allows you to adjust the fit to your needs. It’s also roomy enough for plenty of layers underneath. 

Readers love the features of this Cole Haan packable rain jacket. One says, “It packs small and withstands a light shower well.”

Confidently tackle the great outdoors in these winter jackets !

Columbia Plus Size Rain Jacket | Sizes XS-3XL Plus

Columbia Women’s Splash A Little II Plus Size Coat

This women’s plus size packable rain jacket by Columbia will shield you from whatever Mother Nature has in store without being overly bulky or heavy. You’ll be cozy, but not too hot in the light, breathable polyester shell and it comes in lots of different sizes to suit your needs. A plus size packable rain jacket that hits all the marks for versatility.

Want a bit more warmth? See our picks for the best packable down jacket !

Arthas Women’s Light Rain Jacket | Sizes XS -XXL

Arthas Waterproof Jacket 

This compact, budget-friendly option by Arthas fits easily in your backpack or purse. Convenient at the first sight of rain, it has room for layers underneath and when you return from a rainstorm, the material stays smooth with no wrinkling.

Considering the low price tag, this jacket does the job well. It’s waterproof, the seams are sealed, and a handy drawstring hood keeps excess water out. One reader calls it the “best women’s packable rain jacket, while another says “wore this all through Switzerland and Iceland!!”

Check out our selections of lightweight fall jackets for your next trip!

Marmot Precip Rain Jacket | Sizes XS-2X

Marmot Precip Hooded Rain Jacket

If you’re concerned about appearing boxy and drab, but you need something durable to keep the rain away, look no further than this jacket by Marmot . This womens packable rain jacket is super easy to store and, of course, it keeps you dry, yet it’s bright colors are enough to make rain fun to splash around in! TFG’s editor likes the slim fit and compact design. Highly recommend it!

Get more rain coverage with the best travel umbrella recommendations!

SaphiRose Hooded Zip Up Poncho  | One Size

SaphiRose Zip Up Poncho

A dependable poncho always gives great coverage but is not necessarily stylish. SaphiRose , however, has turned the tables with this fun, whimsical piece. 

One reader, who purchased hers before heading to Ireland says, “I couldn’t find a plus-size option and this totally did the trick! Kept myself and my backpack nice and dry and folded up tight.”

Find out what our readers chose as the best women’s waterproof leather boots !

Eddie Bauer Rainfoil | Sizes regular, petite, tall, plus

Eddie Bauer Women’s Packable Rainfoil Jacket

You’ll be singing in the rain in this Eddie Bauer jacket , which packs down small into its own right hand pocket. Perfect to pull from your backpack for those unexpected showers while sightseeing or on a light nature walk. It keeps you dry and won’t trap your body heat in the process.

Read this review to learn why we and our readers LOVE Eddie Bauer’s waterproof jackets!

Orvis Pack-and-Go Travel Jacket :  Sizes XS -XL

Orvis Pack-and-Go Travel Rain Jacket

TFG readers love this quality jacket by Orvis . You can tighten it at the waist for a more fitted look or you can wear trench-style with plenty of layers underneath. 

Works well for summer into fall moments, when the nighttime temperatures start to dip a little lower than expected and the material will dry fast for the next outing. There are also two secure interior pockets to hide your important stuff. Functional, yet versatile—readers continually praise this jacket! This jacket is also available in more colors directly on the Orvis site . 

Give one of these travel raincoats for women a try!

The North Face Antora Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket | Sizes XS -3XL Plus 

The North Face Women’s Waterproof Antora Jacket (Standard and Plus Size)

Womens casual jackets are The North Face ’s bread and butter and they accomplish something awesome with this cute jacket . It has a classic look but a practical zipper and pockets, and works wonders in unexpected drizzle or cold snaps.

When the temperatures drop even further, it’s roomy enough for layering, too. As one reader says, “North Face hooded rain jacket is light weight, with zippered pockets. The dry-vent lining keeps you from getting over-heated yet keeps you warmly comfortable. It’s nicely form-fitted and the navy blue color is very tasteful. A good value for the money!” 

Here’s the best winter coats  of the season and tips on how to choose one!

Quince Weatherproof Short Rain Jacket  | Sizes XS -XL

Quince Weatherproof Womens Short Rain Jacket

TFG readers love Quince womens jackets and are all about this durable raincoat. Wind and waterproof, its breathable fabric offers ample coverage against the elements without leaving you trapped and clammy in too heavy of a cover and allows you to layer, without being too baggy.

One reader simply calls it “ Yes, it is waterproof. The length is good, love the hood that is not too big & covers my hair perfectly. The jacket is lined with a waterproofing material that makes movement audible. This does not bother me but it might some people .”  Also available in long version .

Check out our collection of the best waterproof boots for winter . They’ll help you keep your feet warm and dry!

Helly Hansen Packable Rain Jacket | Sizes XS -4X

Helly Hansen Women’s Breathable Rain Jacket with Hood

A jacket design never looked so  s treamlined as this one offered by Helly Hansen . Appear less like you’re roughing it camping and more like you’re up for an urban adventure on the rain-soaked streets of Vienna or Rome. 

Waterproof, lightweight, roomy, and breathable, it dries quickly and packs small in its own pocket. Readers adore its urban-chic look!

Complete your look with these boots for fall and spring travels!

Packable Rain Jacket Comparison Chart

What is the best packable rain jacket.

When you are looking for a jacket, the most desired features (apart from keeping you dry) is breathability. This feature allows moisture produced by the body to pass through while keeping the elements out. A good product that serves this very purpose is an essential addition to any travel capsule wardrobe .  

In addition, the ideal jacket will also act as a windbreaker to protect you from cold gusts of air. 

Lastly, choosing a quality product with a thin yet highly effective technical fabric will help you pack light without sacrificing warmth.

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

How to Store Your Jacket

Packing cubes will change the way you travel. You can use them for your personal items and keep your belongings organized for your journey. We’ve designed our own brand of slim cubes with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything, including your jacket!

Learn our hacks with packing cubes in this video !

We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

What is your favorite packable rain jacket? Share and comment below!

For more travel jackets, please read:

• Best Winter Parkas
• Must Have Classic Chic Trench Jackets
• Cozy Women’s Wool Coats 
• Most Recommended Waterproof Jackets for Every Adventure

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12 comments.

Thank you for the suggestions. I love my Girl on the Go rain jacket, but it seems a little heavy for carry on only packing. I’ll have to try one of these.

Very helpful. I love my Girl on the Go rain jacket, but I like to do carry on only and am afraid I need something that will pack a little better.

I purchased a Columbia rain jacket for travel this fall to France. It’s stylish and not too bulky and can also be used as a regular jacket for cooler days.

I love the Cole Haan Back Bow Hooded Jacket. It will be perfect for my next 2-week trip.

My go to rain jacket is the Columbia. I love it. It is light enough to use as a windbreaker also. I have two sizes. One is a size larger so I can layer my “Scottie Vest” fleece jacket under it for fall or winter. Since I always travel with my “Scottie Vest” fleece jacket it makes a perfect pair. If you are not familiar with the Scottie Vest, it is worth the investment for me. It is specifically designed for travel with 15 to 21 specialty pockets designed with weight and location on the jacket in mind. It is perfect for when I am told I am overweight on my carry on or luggage. I just pull out the heave stuff, put in in my jacket and then I don’t pay extra fees. When I get on the plane, I pull the stuff out of my jacket and put it in a thin foldup travel bag I keep in my carryon.

I am completing a 16 day holiday from Stuttgart , Germany to Vienna to Salzburg to Innsbruck to Zurich. We encounter all types of weather from HOT and Humid to cold, wet and windy. I too need to find a stylish, go with everything jacket . The search conuinues

In my opinion, (and I have worn mine for close to 15 years) Get the LLBean GORETEX JACKET!!! Very lightweight but blocks rain and wind extremely well! By adding a primaloft vest and 2 layers ( 175 and 200 wt) merino wool sweaters underneath; keeps me warm and dry in WINTER! All rolls up to fit in the bsck pocket of my packpack suitcase and weighs little!

It’s hard to find a jacket that is cute and actually waterproof vs water resistant. Some of the Amazon ones say waterproof in the title, but then water resistant in other places. Even the Orvis one is only water resistant. I have waterproof rain jackets for hiking but they are not cute lol. The search continues!

Still love my LLBean waterproof rain jacket! Totally rain and windproof an packs very small, with zero wrinkles. I have worn this many times in midwinter in the Rockies, and it has kept me quite warm even on very windy days! So my travel combo includes my jacket, a primaloft vest, and ( usually) 2 layers of wool underneath. When I reach my much much warmer destination ( Hawaii) it’s easy to just remove a few layers and I’m set. Recently bought a new one, so I can’t say how well it compares yet. But it is Goretex, and does exactly what it claims, all while being kightweight too! Connie Q

RainCaper is cute, stylish and packable

Thank you for sharing your recommendation with us Audrey! ?

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Best Travel Rain Jacket to Stay Dry on the Go

A good travel rain jacket is worth its weight in gold. It never fails that you set out to explore on a sunny day only to have it turn into rain unexpectedly.

It’s not so bad if you’re traveling in a city where you can easily duck into a hotel or a museum to avoid the rain but if you are out on an adventure in the middle of nowhere, that can be a whole other story. The travel raincoat is an essential item for your trip.

That said, finding the perfect raincoat can be a real challenge. There are many on the market and not all travel raincoats are the same.

So where do you start? There are many factors that you should take into consideration to find the right travel rain jacket that not only fits your style but helps you to stay dry.

Never fear, we’ve tried and tested many of them and have done the leg work on the art of selecting the perfect rain gear for travel.

In this comprehensive guide, we not only walk you through all the considerations of choosing new gear but offer our recommendations based on our experience and the items we use for our own travels.

How to Choose the Best Travel Raincoat

Table of Contents

Surprisingly, many people don’t think about these things before selecting their go-to travel raincoat and their vacations are hampered because they did not make the right selection in travel rain gear. Don’t be this person. Do your research and select the gear that will work for the type of travel you have planned.

Travelers need functional gear that will hold up for wherever their tickets take them; from the majestic fjords of Norway, the rugged landscape of Patagonia, the cobblestone streets of London and everywhere in-between.

Not all rain gear is created equal and we have tried our fair share of the most popular brands during our travels, all claiming to have the newest and best rain gear.

Unfortunately, I’ve also spent more adventures cold and wet than I care to admit. It’s been a learning process and I’m happy to tell you that our own experiences have taken the guesswork out of the task for you.

Features: The Ultimate in Comfort

Something that we always look for in a travel rain jacket is pit zips. I know this sounds funny, but once you’ve had them you never really go back. Pit zips are factory-installed zippers that run along the armpit seam of your rain jacket. They allow you to vent that area to increase airflow while still protecting you from the rain.

Other features we love include the ability to pack the jacket into its own pocket so it takes up a small amount of space, removable hoods, seam-sealed zippers, hood adjustment on the side and back, adjustable wrist holes, waterproof stash pockets, and no stick flush linings.

Weather: What kind of weather will you encounter?

I know what you are thinking, you can’t plan for every type of weather, but you can be prepared by doing some simple research on weather conditions at your travel destination. Doing a simple search on the internet for your destination and the month you are traveling will give you a wealth of useful information to aid in packing.

Once you know this, you can determine what type of raincoat will be suitable for your trip. If you travel a lot, you may even want to consider having more than one set of rain gear for different climates. We both have multiple sets of travel rain gear because the items we use in hot, wet climates are not the same as what we use in cool, wet climates.

Waterproof vs Water-resistant

Most rain jackets claim to be waterproof. A rain jacket is called waterproof when it keeps out all types of rain, but not all rain jackets are the same.

Columbia puts their products to the test in their labs and out in the field. They don’t put waterproof on their items unless it’s truly waterproof.

Rain jackets featuring a hybrid shell are typically water-resistant, not waterproof. You will find this on most all-around rain jackets, and they tend to feature a mix of a soft and hard shell type of fabric.

It is normal for rain jackets like this to have multiple types of fabrics incorporated into one type of rain jacket. These raincoats work great for light rain and are truly breathable, however, the breathable fabric isn’t normally very water-resistant.

Activities: What kind of activities will you be doing?

Your activity level when traveling will determine the type of rain jacket you should consider for your trip. Are you exploring a city or are you exploring a back-country hiking trail? Those two different activates require a different type of travel raincoat.

If you’re going to be hiking or doing a lot of walking, you will want to look at features that allow you to regulate temperature while wearing your jacket.

Technologies: Not all travel raincoats are the same

Did you know there are different types of weather protection for travel raincoats? Any type of raincoat offers some level of water resistance, but truly understanding the technologies and terms will help you determine what degree of protection a specific travel rain jacket may have.

Breathability

What does breathability mean and why do you care about it in a travel raincoat? Breathability means the fabric works in two ways.

It not only repels water but it allows heat and sweat to wick back through the outside. This is a great technology for active travelers.

Have you ever been hiking in a raincoat and you suddenly started to feel like your hiking in a sauna? No one likes to be a sweaty prune, that’s what’s magical about waterproof, breathable travel rain jackets. They should not be overlooked.

Staying Dry with Columbia Rain Gear

You can imagine after 15 years of travel to more than 85 countries around the world, we’ve really narrowed down the things that make or break a good rain gear experience for us.

Finding the perfect travel rain jacket is hard, especially once you are familiar with all the technologies and features available.

Despite all of the brands we’ve tested, we always find ourselves defaulting to our go-to and favorite rain gear brand, Columbia Sportswear.

Columbia products have been a staple travel clothing for years and you can look across all of our adventures on this travel blog and find photos of us wearing some type of Columbia products. They make products that truly last and we never leave home without our travel raincoats packed.

Like any big company, Columbia Sportswear offers a huge line of rain gear to suit all travel needs. We have tried many and have our favorites, thus you will find our top picks for the perfect travel rain jackets below.

Top Waterproof & Breathable Travel Raincoat

This is our ultimate go-to travel rain jacket when we want to stay dry. Acting as a shell, these raincoats are lightweight, breathable and ultra waterproof. They are perfect for all types of travel due to their features and will keep you dry in even the heaviest of rains.

Men’s Columbia OutDry EX Eco Jacket

Notable Technologies: Waterproof, breathable, and fully seam-sealed. 100% recycled fabric and made from 21 recycled plastic bottles.

Travel Raincoat Rain Rating: 8

Travel Raincoat Adventure Rating: 8

Travel Raincoat Uses: Trail

Travel Raincoat Packable Rating: 10

Buy your own Columbia Men’s OutDry Ex Eco Jacket

Woman’s Columbia OutDry EX Eco Jacket

Notable Technologies: Waterproof, breathable, and fully seam-sealed. 100% recycled fabric, made from 21 recycled plastic bottles.

Buy your own Columbia Women’s OutDry Ex Eco Jacket

Top Water-Resistant Rain Jacket

This is a type of raincoat that’s also breathable however it only can handle light rain for a brief time. For example most windbreakers and featherweight jackets.

If it really starts raining heavy while you’re out exploring, you will get wet. The kind of trips we bring our water-resistance travel raincoats on are trips like when we road-tripped from Miami to the Florida Keys where if it did rain it would be a quick light rain.

These types of raincoats are also referred to as a soft-shell. This is the classic version of rain jackets that integrates an insulating layer with a water-restraint shell.

The trade-off is greater breathability for lesser protection from rain, wind, and cold. Softshells are best for high exertion activities where perspiration is a greater concern.

Men’s EvaPouration Jacket with Omni-Tech Waterproof/Breathable

Notable Technologies: Omni-Wick EVAP advanced evaporation, Omni-Tech waterproof/breathable fully seam-sealed, Underarm venting.

Travel Raincoat Rain Rating: 9

Travel Raincoat Adventure Rating: 9

Travel Raincoat Usage: City to Wilderness

Travel Raincoat Packable Rating: 10 (Packable into Pocket.)

Buy your own Columbia Men’s EvaPouration Jacket

Women’s EvaPouration Jacket with Omni-Tech waterproof/Breathable

Buy Your Own Women’s EvaPouration Jacket

Top Windproof Rain Jackets

Everyone uses different terms for wind-blocking jackets, such as windproof and wind-resistant, but they all mean the same. All types of rain jackets are also windproof.

This makes sense since the basic outer design of a rain jacket is made to block out rain, wind, and rain.

These ultralight travel rain jackets can easily pack down into a ball, making them great for packing. Most windproof/wind-resistant raincoats are made for light to misty rain days. If it’s steady rain, the rain will soak through leaving you wet and disappointed.

Men’s Roan Mountain Jacket

Notable Technologies: Nylon waterproof shell with adjustable cuffs.

Travel Raincoat Rain Rating: 6 (Built for light rain)

Travel Raincoat Adventure Rating: 10

Travel Raincoat Usage: City to Trail (It’s a great all-around travel jacket.)

Travel Raincoat Packable Rating: 10 (Packable into hand pocket)

Buy your own Men’s Roan Mountain Jacket

Women’s Switchback III Jacket

Notable Technologies: Nylon shell, Fine mesh polyester, zippered pockets, a stowaway hood, and adjustable cuffs.

Travel Raincoat Rain Rating: 7 (Light – Moderate Rain)

Travel Raincoat Usage: 10 (Town to Trail)

Travel Raincoat Packable Rating: 10 (Packable into back pocket)

Buy your own Women’s Switchback III Jacket

Top-Down Filled Raincoats

That’s right, with today’s technologies you can now have the comfort of a down rain jacket. Bringing only a rain jacket does not mean you have to be cold on a wet day.

The new down rain jacket from Columbia keeps you warm, dry and protected so you can go out exploring. Not all down jackets are waterproof, this is a game-changer technology by Columbia.

We all know down is great until it gets wet but you no longer have to worry about bringing a down jacket to a wet climate. These jackets are going to be the next big thing in travel; you heard it here first. PS: Lina LOVES her OutDry Ex Eco Down Rain Jacket .

Men’s OutDry Ex Eco Down Jacket

Notable Technologies: 100% recycled polyester, 700 down, OutDry extreme membrane outside, dry inside, Heat seal warmth.

Travel Raincoat Packable Rating: 7

Buy your own Men’s OutDry Ex Eco Down Jacket

Women’s OutDry EX Eco Down Jacket

Buy your own Women’s OutDry EX Eco Down Jacket

Top Travel Rain Pants

I know this is something you are not traveling with but you should be. Rain pants help you to stay dry and comfortable when exploring in heavy rain or in colder climates.

We lived in ours while we hiked across Greenland recently and to be honest, never leave home without them.

Men’s OutDry EX Stretch Pant

Notable Technologies: 100% polyester, OutDry waterproof/breathable fully seam-sealed.

Travel Rain Pants Rain Rating: 10

Travel Rain Pants Adventure Rating: 10

Travel Rain Pants Usages: All (These pants are built to withstand the worst conditions.)

Travel Rain Pants Packable Rating: 10 (Packs into its own pack pocket.)

Buy your own Men’s OutDry EX Stretch Pant

Women’s Storm Surge Rain Pant

Notable Technologies: Omni-Tech waterproof/breathable, fully seam-sealed.

Buy your own Women’s Storm Surge Rain Pant

Choosing the Right Gear & Traveling Responsibly Matters

In today’s travel world it is important to highlight traveling responsibility. This is not only how you travel but also in the goods you buy.

Columbia Sportswear is leading the way in the outdoor clothing industry in responsible manufacturing. They strive to understand and reduce the environmental impacts associated with all of their products.

More outdoor clothing manufacturers need to follow in their footsteps to help not only preserve today but help preserve the world for feature generations. Besides the fact that they make great gear, they are a company that we can stand behind and will continue to use and recommend their products for many years to come.

Thank you to Columbia Sportswear for sponsoring this post. While this was a sponsored opportunity from Columbia, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

2 thoughts on “Best Travel Rain Jacket to Stay Dry on the Go”

Interesting post! Thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome! Finding the right gear can be a real challenge and we’ve tried and tested enough to help. 🙂

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The 8 Best Packable Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested jackets that can fit in luggage without taking up too much space.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Packing for a cold weather getaway can be difficult since bulky clothes take up a lot of space. To eliminate the stress of trying to fit warm clothing in a suitcase, invest in a packable jacket as the ultimate hack. 

Travel editors already double as packing experts so we researched and tried out 19 portable jackets for various activities. From hiking and biking to sightseeing and air travel, the coats came with us on short and long trips so we could gauge the usefulness, quality, fit, and overall design to endorse the top-scoring packable jackets from our tests. 

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Columbia Switchback Iii Jacket
• Best Windbreaker: Cotopaxi Teca Half-zip Windbreaker

Best Long Jacket: Everlane The ReNew Long Liner

• Most Size-Inclusive: Girlfriend Collective Packable Puffer
• Best for Hiking: L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket
• Best Lightweight: Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Jacket
• Best Down-filled: Lululemon Pack It Down Jacket
• Best Budget Down: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket

Best Overall: Columbia Women's Switchback III Jacket

It folds down to a fraction of the original size and comes with a stowaway hood. 

We found that it doesn't have a lot of insulation and is best for shoulder season. 

Columbia is one of the most trusted brands on the market for outdoor gear so it’s no surprise to us that this jacket earned a perfect score in testing. Of course, our favorite feature of this jacket is the ability to fold it into itself to save space in a suitcase. After six months of use including stuffing the jacket into backpacks, duffels, and suitcases, it also still looks brand new.

This lightweight coat is also equipped with other helpful features to ward off rain, wind, and other inclement weather while traveling. It comes with a stowaway hood that hides in the collar of your jacket and can easily be pulled out or tucked in as needed. We’re also big fans of the adjustable velcro wrist cuffs and bungee cord hem to tighten or loosen the jacket for a more customized fit. We found that the jacket runs true to size, but if you want to layer clothing under the jacket (which we recommend for cold weather because the material is relatively thin), then you may want to size up. 

The Details: XS to 3XL | Polyester, nylon

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Windbreaker: Cotopaxi Women's Teca Half-zip Windbreaker

The jacket is ideal for transitional seasons like spring and fall.

After six months of use, we noticed it's not very breathable.

This Cotopaxi anorak is the best lightweight layer we tested that is protective against breezy outings. It’s made with a water- and wind-resistant, repurposed polyester taffeta material with a DWR finish to repel light rain for all types of activities. Lightweight and durable don’t always go hand in hand, but after using this jacket for rigorous outdoor adventures over a three month period — like biking and hiking — and even washing it multiple times, the jacket hasn’t wavered in quality even the slightest. We even spilled coffee on the coat and the stain came right out in the wash. It has a slightly oversized fit so we were able to fit a sweatshirt underneath, but the thinner jacket can also layer underneath a larger coat as needed. One slight inconvenience is that the anorak style means it can’t be fully unzipped to cool off a bit in warmer weather, and there aren’t any vents, so it’s not the most breathable jacket. 

The Details: XXS to XXL | Repurposed polyester taffeta

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland

It has split zippers to increase range of motion when needed. 

During our six month test, an excited dog jumped on the coat, tearing the fabric — pet parents be warned! 

For cold-weather travel, you’ll need a cozy and warm jacket that won’t take up an entire suitcase so we recommend this quilted jacket from Everlane. We wore this nearly every day throughout the cold winter months and it is still just as puffy and stylish as when we got it. The longer length means the hem sits below the knees for more coverage than a regular puffer jacket. Although this jacket has more material than other jackets we tested, it still packs down small enough to fit in a small carry-on or backpack. Made with recycled polyester, the coat has a slightly puffed, quilted design and it provides plenty of warmth in the colder temperatures. For transitional weather, the split zippers were super helpful for breathability and mobility since we could unzip from both the top and bottom. The jacket is designed to be oversized but even when we sized down, it was still roomy which is something to consider for style and fit. 

The Details: XXS to XL | Recycled polyester

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Most Size-inclusive: Girlfriend Collective Packable Puffer

Girlfriend Collective

The jacket comes in several stunning colorways and 10 size options.

This jacket is a little less puffy after six months of use.

Girlfriend Collective constantly wows us with flattering, size-inclusive, and stylish clothing for travel and the Crystal Packable Puffer is no exception. And the cherry on top is that the brand has an excellent sustainability mission so this jacket is made entirely of recycled water bottles. We love that the jacket comes in six earth-tone colors and there are 10 sizes ranging from XXS to 6XL. In testing, the lightweight puffer was warm enough for cooler fall days and there’s enough room to layer underneath for the winter. The material is water- and wind-resistant so it can serve as an outer layer in inclement weather while still being thin enough to be worn underneath a bigger jacket. We had some difficulty getting the puffer to fit inside the stuff sack pocket, but we had no issues folding up the jacket to fit in a suitcase as is, so we still think it’s great for travel. 

The Details: XXS to 6XL | Recycled polyester 

Travel + Leisure / Elizabeth Rhodes

Best for Hiking: L.L.Bean Women's PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket

It’s warm and breathable for hiking in cold climates.

We found that the jacket runs big, so we recommend sizing down if you want a tailored fit.

Since the weather can change drastically in the great outdoors, it’s important to bring layers when you’re on a trek. Space can be limited in a hiking backpack so this L.L.Bean packable jacket is the best option for staying warm and saving space. It can be tucked away in its own pocket, and the packed jacket measures 6 x 11 inches so it can easily fit in a daypack or even a fanny pack. Besides its packability, the jacket is water- and wind-resistant, and each jacket has 60 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation to keep you plenty warm in cold weather. Throughout our six months of tests, we even found it to work well for more mild winter days when you're keeping active. We love that the outer layer comes in six sizes in regular, petite, and plus cuts but we felt like even the petite size was slightly oversized so you might want to size down for a slimmer fit. 

The Details: XXS to XL | Recycled ripstop polyester 

Travel + Leisure / Brit Haines

Best Lightweight: Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Jacket

The featherlight material is flexible and doesn’t feel restrictive.

After six months of wearing, we do wish it had a hood and we think it is best for shoulder season.

If you’re in search of a jacket to toss on for pretty much any activity, then Patagonia’s Nano Puff Jacket is the one for you. This nearly weightless jacket is made with recycled polyester filled with 60 grams of the 100 percent recycled PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, which makes this an excellent option for those looking to reduce their ecological footprint with a consciously-made coat. The most-loved aspect of the Nano Puff is that, although it’s technically a puffer, the materials are so lightweight that it doesn’t feel bulky or too hot for a range of activities. It’s warm but breathable and there’s plenty of stretch for a full range of motion. Plus, the thinner materials make it easy to fold the jacket into its own pocket for excellent portability. We do wish it had a hood and waterproofness for outdoor activities but the shell is still water resistant. 

The Details: XXS to XXL | Recycled polyester 

Travel + Leisure / Sabrina Weiss

Best Down-filled: lululemon Pack It Down Jacket

The goose down fill jacket is so cozy and toasty.

After six months of regular use and machine washing, white spots have appeared on the sleeve.

For ski trips or any other winter travel, this goose down fill jacket from Lululemon is your best bet for staying warm in cold weather. It’s made with 100 percent goose feather down fill packed between the brand’s DiamondStretch fabric that boasts resistance against water, wind, and offers plenty of stretch for mobility. While this jacket is quite puffy, it effortlessly fits inside the included stuff sack and we love that the coat doesn’t wrinkle even the slightest when it comes out of the pouch. This is a seriously warm and cozy puffer so we think it’s best for leisurely activities rather than hiking since we got fairly sweaty and had to take it off during a trek. Our other favorite features include the removable hood, fleece-lined pockets, and hidden phone or passport sleeve for safekeeping. Throughout three months of tests, we washed the coat a number of times in a washing machine and it still looks good as new.

The Details: 0 to 14 | DiamondStretch fabric

Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia

Best Budget Down: Uniqlo Women's Ultra Light Down Jacket

It comes with a sleeping-bag-like stuff sack to compress the puffer jacket down.

The quality seems a bit lower compared to other jackets we tried and after six months of use, the threads are starting to come loose.

This packable puffer from Uniqlo comes with a stuff sack similar to a sleeping bag, but much easier to pack. We love that the stuff sack comes with a drawstring cord so you can really compress the jacket to a size that easily fits in a carry-on without taking up much space. This even fit inside the Calpak Luka Mini Backpack (that also held a wallet and a book!) The jacket is quite puffy but not in a bulky way so we’re big fans of the lightweight nylon shell filled with 90 percent down fill. It has the perfect balance of warmth and breathability for various activities and, although it doesn’t have a hood, it does have a cozy puffed collar for extra warmth around the neck. The only downside is that the stitching and materials feel slightly lower quality compared to pricier coats we tested, but we didn’t notice any damage to the jacket during testing so we think the price matches the quality of the coat. 

The Details: XXS to XXL | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Krisha Joshi

Other Packable Jackets We Liked

The jackets below still earned high scores during testing, but we ran into a few issues that prevented us from adding them to our winner’s list. 

Decathlon Forclaz Women's MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket : This down-filled puffer jacket is super cozy and warm but it takes some serious elbow grease to get it to fit inside the stuff sack.

Orvis Pack-and-go Jacket : It’s not the warmest jacket (so you’ll definitely want layers underneath), but it is a very compact and lightweight jacket that packs down easily into a pouch.

Our Testing Process

Packable jackets are essential for traveling in cooler climates so we researched all the best options and selected 19 jackets from trusted outerwear brands like Patagonia, Everlane, Cotopaxi, and more to test out. We made sure to pick packable jackets that range in style, material, size, and color to find ones that fit the needs for all types of travelers.

We tasked 19 travel editors and product testing experts to wear the jackets for over six months to get a feel for the fit, quality, comfort, and design of the coat. And, of course, the most important aspect of these outerwear pieces was the packability so we made sure to use the stuff sacks (if included) to pack and unpack the jackets many times. If the jacket didn’t come with a case, we still packed them in carry-ons, backpacks, and purses to see how much space they would take up. 

Tips for Buying a Packable Jacket

Consider your activities.

Before you start shopping for a packable jacket, ask yourself what its main use will be. Is it for outdoor activities? Or more leisurely or style purposes? The answer to this question will greatly impact the traits to look for in a packable jacket. Nature enthusiasts should opt for sporty coats that feature water and wind resistance with breathable and lightweight materials. Longer packable jackets with down fill or thicker outer materials will be best for casual wear rather than rigorous activities. 

Look for thoughtful features for travel

Most of the jackets we loved came with stuff sacks for superior portability. While that didn’t necessarily mean they were better than jackets that didn’t come with a case, it’s certainly something to consider for personal preference. Other helpful features to look out for include removable hoods, hidden pockets for valuables, and customizable features like bungee cords at the hem and adjustable wrist cuffs. 

There isn’t a right or wrong way to fold a jacket and it depends on the size of the jacket and stuff sack. Some jackets are easier to fold up than others, so whichever way you can get the jacket into the bag gets the job done. The jacket might come out looking wrinkly whether you shove it in the sack or fold it up nicely and it ultimately depends on how prone to wrinkling the material is. 

Packable jackets come in various styles, which means it depends on the material and intended use of the jacket. Down-filled options will be the warmest and rain jackets will likely be the least warm, but the intended use for each item is different. 

Not all packable jackets are waterproof so if you’re looking for a truly waterproof jacket, it’s important to read the specifications section on the website. Most rain jackets will be waterproof but others could just be water-resistant instead.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer who writes nearly all of the Travel + Leisure Trusted articles, and participates in product testing from luggage and shoes to outdoor gear and apparel. Anna reviewed the team’s insights to compile this list of the best packable jackets for travelers, plus did additional research as needed.

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Off the Unbeaten Track Edward Adrian-Vallance's travel site

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• Overland Travel

View when driving from Yelisovo airport to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

The first myth I want to disprove is that getting to Kamchatka is extremely costly. It’s not. Going between February and April, a return flight from Moscow can be had for 11,000 roubles (US$380 / £220). Not bad for 18 hours total flying time. In summer the flights are more expensive but still, if you book them a few months in advance, can be got for 16,000 roubles return.

It’s true, many people will tell you that March and April are the worst months to visit because the snow is starting to melt and everything’s a bit sloshy and dirty in settlements. On the other hand, these are great months for the independent traveller! During winter zimniki (temporary winter roads made of compacted snow or simply frozen river surfaces) open up all over Kamchatka, granting access to communities that in summer are totally isolated. Hitch hiking is possible right from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to the very north of the peninsula. Alternatively, vehicles can be hired in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky from tour firms. Also in the winter or early spring months places can be reached that are away even from the zimniki, either by snowmobile or by the use of cross country skis. For example, Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Eurasia’s largest active volcano, can be accessed from the village of Klyuchi without the need even for a guide by a traveller with a pair of cross country skis. Bears do not wake up until mid-April so this is not a danger, but bears almost never attack anyone anyway.

The main disadvantages of winter travel in Kamchatka are that it is cold, there is no greenery and there are no bears, which some people come here especially to see.

The second myth I’d like to dispel is that travel around the peninsula requires hiring a helicopter. As mentioned above, in winter you can get almost anywhere by hitch hiking. I even hitched a lift with bear hunters on snowmobiles from their village to a reindeer herder encampment 100km away. In summer snowmobiles are replaced by horses, and transport is reduced from long distance ice-road journeys to irregular inter-settlement all-terrain vehicle trips. Hitch hiking is possible on these all-terrain vehicles though.

Throughout the year there are fairly expensive public helicopter flights to all settlements which are nevertheless much cheaper than hiring your own helicopter. There is also one permanent, year-round dirt road leading halfway up the peninsula. Some distance after the town of Milkovo, about 350km north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky , it forks. The right fork leads to Klyuchi , site of Eurasia’s largest active volcano, and further to the port town of Ust-Kamchatsk. The left fork leads to the indigenous Even villages of Anavgay and Esso. Daily buses go from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Klyuchi , Anavgay and Esso, costing about 1000 roubles each way. In winter a zimnik passable by lorries heads north from Anavgay 36 hours to the otherwise isolated town of Palana. From Palana more zimniki head further north to yet more isolated settlements. From the peninsula’s very northernmost settlements there are even EXTREMELY irregular snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle connections with Magadan Oblast and Chukotka. Another zimnik, only passable by all-terrain vehicle, heads from Anavgay to the village of Ust-Khayryuzovo on Kamchatka’s west coast.

• Kamchatka’s Indigenous
• Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

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Most Beautiful Metro Stations in Moscow

Visiting Moscow? Get yourself a metro card and explore Moscow’s beautiful metro stations. Moscow’s world-famous metro system is efficient and a great way to get from A to B. But there is more to it; Soviet mosaic decorations, exuberant halls with chandeliers, colourful paintings and immense statues. Moscow’s metro is an attraction itself, so take half a day and dive into Moscow’s underground!

The best thing to do is to get on the brown circle (number 5) line since the most beautiful metro stations are situated on this line. The only exception is the metro stop Mayakovskaya one the green line (number 2). My suggestion is to get a map, mark these metro stops on there and hop on the metro. It helps to get an English > Russian map to better understand the names of the stops. At some of the metro stops, the microphone voice speaks Russian and English so it’s not difficult at all.

Another thing we found out, is that it’s worth taking the escalator and explore the other corridors to discover how beautiful the full station is.

Quick hotel suggestion for Moscow is the amazing Brick Design Hotel .

These are my favourite metro stations in Moscow, in order of my personal preference:

1. Mayakovskaya Station

The metro station of Mayakovskaya looks like a ballroom! Wide arches, huge domes with lamps and mosaic works make your exit of the metro overwhelming. Look up and you will see the many colourful mosaics with typical Soviet pictures. Mayakovskaya is my personal favourite and is the only stop not on the brown line but on the green line.

2. Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya metro station is famous for its yellow ceiling. An average museum is nothing compared to this stop. Splendour all over the place, black and gold, mosaic – again – and enormous chandeliers that made my lamp at home look like a toy.

3. Novoslobodskaya Station

The pillars in the main hall of Novoslobodskaya metro station have the most colourful stained glass decorations. The golden arches and the golden mosaic with a naked lady holding a baby in front of the Soviet hammer and sickle, make the drama complete.

4. Prospect Mira Station

The beautiful chandeliers and the lines in the ceiling, make Prospekt Mira an architectural masterpiece.

5. Belorusskaya Station

Prestigious arches, octagonal shapes of Socialistic Soviet Republic mosaics. The eyecatcher of Belorusskaya metro station, however, is the enormous statue of three men with long coats, holding guns and a flag.

6. Kiyevskaya Station

The metro station of Kiyevskaya is a bit more romantic than Belorusskaya and Prospect Mira. Beautiful paintings with classical decorations.

7. Taganskaya Station

At the main hall Taganskaya metro station you will find triangle light blue and white decorations that are an ode to various Russians that – I assume – are important for Russian history and victory. There is no need to explore others halls of Taganskaya, this is it.

8. Paveletskaya Station

Another and most definitely the less beautiful outrageous huge golden mosaic covers one of the walls of Paveletskaya. I would recommend taking the escalator to the exit upstairs to admire the turquoise dome and a painting of the St Basil’s Cathedral in a wooden frame.

Travelling with Moscow’s metro is inexpensive. You can have a lot of joy for just a few Rubbles.

• 1 single journey: RMB 50 – € 0,70
• 1 day ticket: RMB 210 – € 2,95

Like to know about Moscow, travelling in Russia or the Transsiberian Train journey ? Read my other articles about Russia .

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Wow! It is beautiful. I am still dreaming of Moscow one day.

It’s absolutely beautiful! Moscow is a great city trip destination and really surprised me in many ways.

My partner and I did a self guided Moscow Metro tour when we were there 2 years ago. So many breathtaking platforms…I highly recommend it! Most of my favorites were along the Brown 5 line, as well. I also loved Mayakovskaya, Arbatskaya, Aleksandrovski Sad and Ploshchad Revolyutsii. We’re heading back in a few weeks and plan to do Metro Tour-Part 2. We hope to see the #5 stations we missed before, as well as explore some of the Dark Blue #3 (Park Pobedy and Slavyansky Bul’var, for sure), Yellow #8 and Olive #10 platforms.

That’s exciting Julia! Curious to see your Metro Tour-Part 2 experience and the stations you discovered.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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