As the rain begins to fall more following the summer months, you’ll need to arm yourself with a quality rain jacket. Needless to say, the market is flooded (pardon the pun) with so many options it’ll make your head spin. There are plenty to choose from, but not all of them are worthy of your money, and many of them aren’t even waterproof.
Compared to puffers and parkas, rain jackets achieve more utility and versatility. And because of that, people are earnestly looking for guidance through the torrential deluge of options. Whether you’re commuting, hiking, biking, or anything in between, this article will guide you through the ever-changing storm to help you find the best rain jacket for any and all of your needs.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Best Overall: Not only is patagonia’s flagship Torrentshell 3L rain jacket stylish but it performs really well — and at an exceptional price point. Able to handle outdoor treks and serve as a nice commuter jacket, the coat boasts the brand’s famed commitment to function and sustainability. The name refers to the three-layer build that consists of a 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a DWR finish, a 13% bio-based polycarbonate PU membrane, and a tricot backer. Adding even more protection and comfort, the stowable hood is two-way adjustable and the neck is lined with warm fleece.
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket
Best Sub-$100 Rain Jacket: Not the most stylish jacket of the bunch, but this affordable rain jacket from REI benefits from the brand’s outdoor gear expertise. Available in six colorways, the Rainier gives you complete waterproof protection thanks to the weather-proof zipper in front and the Peak 2.5-layer ripstop nylon shell which also provides protection from winds up to 60mph. If the breathable laminate weren’t enough, the jacket sports zippers in the armpits as well for added ventilation. For a trimmer look, the adjustable three-piece hood can be easily stowed away.
Nike Sportswear Storm-FIT Legacy
Best Day-to-Day Rain Jacket: A daily rain jacket should be both stylish and functional. This Storm-FIT Legacy Jacket from Nike has a large zippered pocket in front for your keys, wallet, and phone, and has a versatile silhouette that can go with pretty much anything in your wardrobe. As far as protection against downpours, the lightweight coat sports a 2.5-layer polyester shell made from recycled plastic bottles and an adjustable hood.
Lululemon Storm Field Trench Coat
Best Commuter Rain Jacket: lululemon recently added two thigh-length waterproof coats to its lineup, one of which is the Storm Field Trench Coat, with a longer fit to protect your pants from wet bus stop benches or bicycle seats. Favoring a shorter wear time, with hidden vents to prevent heating and a looser, articulated fit for more comfort amidst the hustle and bustle, this rain jacket is built with waterproof Glyde nylon fabric and adjustable cuffs and hood for deflecting moisture at a whim.
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 GORE-TEX Paclite Plus
Best Rain Jacket for Hiking: A good hiking rain jacket favors durability, stretch, and lighter weight. This 100% nylon coat from Mountain Hardwear definitely gets the job done at just 9oz, becoming the first to benefit from GORE-TEX’s newly-engineered Paclite Plus material, which boasts the brand’s same durable waterproof-breathability while coming in lighter on the scale. There are plenty of pockets on the front to keep your gear dry while traversing the trails — including harness-compatible hand pockets.
The North Face Flight Lightriser FUTURELIGHT
Best Rain Jacket for Running: Running jackets, like hiking jackets, need to be flexible, breathable, and lightweight. The Flight Lightriser FUTURELIGHT from The North Face checks all the boxes and weighs in at just 7oz despite having a triple-layer recycled polyester shell. Optimal for those looking to pound the pavement before or after work, the jacket stows away in its own mesh pocket and the 360-degree reflectivity keeps you visible in low light. However, the lack of side pockets makes this less favorable as a day-to-day coat.
Rapha Core Rain Jacket II
Best Rain Jacket for Cycling: It’s incredibly important to stay dry while cycling. Rapha is among the most revered brands in the cycling world, and for good reason. Among its impressive range of rain jackets is the Core II, a versatile pick for any type of bicyclist. Sporting a YKK AquaGuard zipper in front for waterproof and wind resistance, the coat’s shell is built with 2.5 layers of lightweight nylon and hydrophobic membrane, with 3 layers in the sleeves. The longer arms are optimal for riding and the longer rear hem protects your pants from any tire spray.
Tentree Nimbus Rain Jacket
Best Sustainable Rain Jacket: Valuing its full transparency, Tentree is a brand that prides itself on 100% sustainability, especially in an industry that often uses non-degradable materials and chemical DWR. Its Nimbus rain jacket features a non-toxic, PFC-free DWR coating, 150D twill weave with recycled yarn, and a 75% recycled TPU membrane. Performance-wise, the coat is equipped with waterproof YKK AquaGuard zippers, fully-taped seams, and a specific pocket dedicated to protecting your phone in any condition.
Outdoor Research Helium Jacket
Best Ultra-Lightweight Rain Jacket: At just over 6oz, the hip-length Helium Jacket from Outdoor Research would be considered a windbreaker if it weren’t for its 2.5-layer Pertex Shield waterproofing, which also provides resistance to abrasions without weighing you down in the process. Another good workout jacket, though not as flexible as the Flight Lightriser from TNF, the Helium is equipped with a drawstring hem and lets you carry around some gear, with a zippered chest pocket, a carabiner loop, and a key clip.
Fjällräven Skogsö Jacket M
Best Heavy-Duty Rain Jacket: If you want some of the most durable, mountain-ready outdoor gear, look no further than Fjällräven. For the past 60 years, the Swedish firm has built its clothing to withstand the tundra it inhabits. Not the heaviest coat from Fjällräven, the Skogsö Jacket M is still dense compared to its rain jacket contemporaries, utilizing the brand’s G-1000 Lite, with standard G-1000 for reinforcement in the hood and shoulders. The breathable shell also sports several pockets for gear storage and a longer rear hem to protect your pants from moisture
Stone Island GORE-TEX Jacket
Best Low-Profile Rain Jacket: While not necessarily the best rain jacket of the bunch, this style-forward GORE-TEX coat from Stone Island is a case of form over function, with a streamlined aesthetic and trim fit. At this hefty price point, you still get some quality performance thanks to the waterproof and breathable polyester material with a two-way zip enclosure, elastic cuffs, and a bungee-style drawstring at the hem to block out strong winds. There’s no hood, but the spread collar provides some additional protection.
Arc’Teryx Beta AR
Best Grail Rain Jacket: If money isn’t an issue and you’re wanting a coat that balances supreme durability with a reasonable weight, look no further than the Arc’Teryx Beta AR, which transcends the brand’s typical mountain readiness for more versatility of activities, from snowy treks to daily commutes — and at just 1lb. Built with GORE-TEX PRO and a proprietary material developed in collaboration with GTX, the jacket sports a DropHood that’s helmet-compatible and top-notch RECCO reflectivity for your more extreme adventures.
The Best Men’s Winter Coats and Jackets
If you want to add some versatility to your wardrobe this winter season, check out our guide to the best winter coats and jackets.
