Tested: The 7 Best Men’s Rain Jackets For Any Situation

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 proper rain jacket for any and all of your needs. And luckily, we got to test our favorites, bringing you the best rain jackets around.

How We Tested

As the rain begins to fall more this year, 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. For our purposes, we made a shortlist of options compiled based on criteria such as materials, waterproofness, construction, features, and overall aesthetic. We also used our personal experience in this space as expertise.

From there, we sourced our units for testing and took these jackets out in the field, looking at how comfortable and effective they were from a waterproof stance. Since it wasn’t raining every day of testing, I took the liberty of wearing each of these jackets in the shower for 5 minutes at a time to see how they fared. For the most part, these coats were successfully waterproof (with one exception). Read below to see everything else we thought of the jackets.

Measurements: For reference, I’m 6’0″ tall and, for jackets, I wear a men’s XL. My body type is on the husky side with broader shoulders, so I also prefer jackets that are a bit slimming, especially around the belly area. With jackets, I’m more particular than most about hood fit since I have long hair that I usually wear in a bun.

What to Look for in a Rain Jacket

Weight: Your use will determine how lightweight you want your jacket to be. If you’re hiking or running, you won’t want to be weighed down all that much. However, if you’re going to be in colder weather or commuting, you may not want something too light in weight.

Breathability: The last thing you want to do when evading moisture from up above is experience moisture from within (sounds gross, but it’s true). Make sure your jacket is breathable so you won’t be sweating a whole lot, especially if you’re on the move. Be on the lookout for materials like GORE-TEX, which is waterproof AND breathable, and vents in the pits or backside.

Packability: If you’re going to be wearing your jacket on a longer trip, you might want to check to see if it packs well. Some options will compress all the way into a tiny sack that’s often made from one of its own pockets.

Pockets: Since you’re going to be wearing this outside in wet weather (most likely), it’s important to not only have enough pockets for your gear but ones that are well-protected, either with zippers, buttons, or flaps. Also, interior pockets are helpful.

Hood: This may seem obvious, but you’ll want a hood (or at least the option for one) on your rain jacket to keep water off your head and face.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Best Everyday Rain Jacket: 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.

While it will do exceptionally well standing up to downpours, the Torrentshell 3L is also quite warm if you need it to be, thanks to its triple-layer construction. Incredibly lightweight considering how rugged it felt to the touch, the jacket was pretty slimming on my body and fit very well, especially in the sleeve area. On the other hand, my range of motion was a bit restricted because of the bulk of the coat, which affected my comfort level a tad. The armpits kept clinging to my skin, making me feel like I needed to stretch. However, I loved the pit vents here, which were easy enough to use, but remember to zip them back up, otherwise you’ll experience unwanted intrusion from rainfall.

There’s an absence of internal pockets, which some people might want, and the front hem kept rolling up a little when I sat down, which is more of a pet peeve. One area that was far more than a pet peeve, however, was the hood design. Effective enough when cinching the hood around your head, the rear drawstring is supplemented with two pull strings in the front that don’t stay tight no matter how firmly you pull them. They released back to their original position almost as soon as I pulled them tight. And tying them into a bow isn’t really a practical solution either since it’s difficult to do with even the most nimble of fingers. However, for the price, the pros outweigh the cons and this jacket will serve you well during your day-to-day, with high versatility in both function and style. It can also fit into its own pocket and is extremely packable.

Verdict: Lightweight, durable, and unexpectedly warm for everyday wear, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a well-priced rain jacket with versatility in form and function, and can fit into its own pocket. We had mixed feelings in terms of comfort, but our biggest complaints came in the way of a hood that doesn’t stay cinched. However, for under $200, this is still a fantastic option.

REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket

Best Budget-Friendly 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.

The main selling point of the REI Rainier, as with most REI-branded gear, is the low price point. At just $100, this coat will serve you well in the outdoors and certainly keeps out the moisture in our own tests, with zippered pit vents to help with breathability. Incredibly lightweight at just 13oz, the jacket’s nylon shell gets a soft treatment on the inside that feels nice against the skin. However, I didn’t love how the jacket fit. Even though the sleeves aren’t too long, the torso and arms run pretty large, with way too much space on the inside. Likewise, the shell wasn’t slimming whatsoever and fit rather lumpy all around my body. The pockets here are lined with closed mesh, which is really warm against your hands. And unlike a lot of rain jackets, the inside gets a pair of mesh pouch pockets as well. However, I did wish these had zippers instead of open tops.

As effective as the hood pull strings are at staying cinched, the cords only tighten the front part of the hood from the temple to the chin, which felt weird agains my head. Also, I question the longevity of these cords due to their thinness and how flimsy they feel compared to other drawstrings. On the other hand, the strings were easy to access despite being situated on the inside of the collar. Other interior drawstrings require you to unzip the jacket a bit to operate but the zipper on the Rainier doesn’t go quite as high, for better or worse, so you don’t have to do that here. Also, while I appreciate the Velcro zipper covers for added protection, they often got in the way of zipping because they kept closing by themselves.

Verdict: A superb budget-friendly rain jacket, the REI Co-op Rainier gets the job done with meticulous, lightweight construction and soft interior comfort. On the other hand, this coat runs large and has an awkward hood construction that might bother some users. However, if you’re looking for something tough to keep the water out, this jacket is a steal at just $100.

Salomon Bonatti

Best Rain Jacket for Running: Salomon might be dominating the streetwear scene with its outdoor shoes but the brand doesn’t get enough recognition for its non-footwear apparel. Built with a DWR-treated polyamide shell and an AdvancedSkin Dry membrane with 10,000mm/10,000g of waterproofing, the jacket is lightweight at just 5.5oz and incredibly durable. And while its breathability has come into question by some users, others have appreciated the ventilated back and button on the front that allows the vents to open without the jacket getting displaced on your body to do so. What’s more, this stows away into its own pocket for ultimate packability when camping or traveling.

Perfect for running and working out, the lightweight Bonatti is incredibly tight-fitting and does away with a lot of the extras you’d expect on a rain jacket. Some would say that lack of hood drawstrings is a good thing, doing away with anything bouncing up and down while still constructed to fit around your temple pretty well. There’s a strangely-high chest pocket, which can work with a backpack or gym bag strapped to your back. However, the two hand pockets desperately need some sort of pull tabs to help with opening and closing. Also, there should be some sort of interior pocket here for extra gear.

The sleeves also don’t have any sort of adjustment, but this might be more of a hindrance than anything else. Relying on implanted elastic (and only on the bottoms), the cuffs still don’t stay put on your wrist and could easily get outstretched over time. For a running jacket, the Bonatti could also use pit vents to prevent overheating when your workout gets intense. On the other hand, the shell isn’t terribly warm in the first place, so I’m not sure that would happen anyway. My biggest annoyance, however, was the front zipper, which has small hardware that’s difficult to engage and extra fabric that gets in the way of the zipper itself. There’s also this strange snap button towards the top of the zipper that serves no apparent purpose other than to keep the jacket closed in case you can’t get it zipped up quickly enough.

Verdict: Feeling slapped together more than meticulously built, the Salomon Bonatti is nevertheless a form-fitting lightweight jacket that works well for running and working out in the rain, and without extra features (like hood adjustments, pit vents, and cuff straps) to get in the way. However, at nearly $200, many will be wary of the price tag for how little this coat can do.

Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 GORE-TEX Paclite

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 material, which boasts the brand’s same durable waterproof-breathability while coming in lighter on the scale. There are a couple of pockets on the front to keep your gear dry while traversing the trails — including harness-compatible hand pockets. On the other hand, there are no pit vents, so keep that in mind if that’s something you’re looking for.

You can tell how durable the shell is right away, which isn’t always the case with these coats. And it stood up to moisture as well as any other here. However, it’s the Exposure/2’s small, thoughtful details that make it a real winner. While the hood drawstrings are on the inside (thus requiring you to unzip the collar in order to tighten), the bungee cinches are on the outside, so you don’t have to unzip to untighten the hood. I also love how the waist cinch is in the front. Most of the time, this feature is on the side(s) of the hem, which can make it difficult to operate since you can only use one hand. This is especially difficult if you’re wearing a backpack.

While there are no interior pockets, it’s interesting that the contents of both of the hand pockets on the outside, which themselves are given an extra flap of protection over the zipper, can be viewed from the inside through the mesh lining. When pockets are large like this, we often overlook the insides when searching for something specific, so this is a nice touch to ensure that nothing goes missing. My biggest complaint about the jacket is how non-slimming it is. On the other hand, while it doesn’t run large –– except for in the sleeves –– the coat is a solid outerlayer if you have a sweatshirt on underneath. Rain jackets aren’t necessarily warm but this lets you sport a warmer layer as well. The inside material is also not the softest in the world, which makes this less appealing for everyday wear.

Verdict: Meticulous in its attention to detail, the Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 GORE-TEX is noticeably tough on the outside, even if it’s not quite as soft on the inside. Not too large that you’ll need one size up but big enough for layering, the rain jacket handles moisture well and sports a unique pocket and hood design. Compatible with backpacks, the hem cinch is a nice touch to a solid hiking rain jacket.

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.

Fjallraven sure knows how to level up their gear compared to the competition. Noticeably tough on the outside, the Skogso is top-tier, featuring a rugged shell and surprisingly waterproofness. If you love stowing gear into your pockets, you’ll love the pocket options on this coat, with four zippered pockets on the front and two pouches on the inside. Like the Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 above, this rain jacket lets you see the contents of the top two external pockets through the mesh layer on the inside. I love how the hem cinch is situated inside the pockets and can be tightened rather easily. Likewise, the pulls are on the outside of the collar so you don’t need to unzip in order to tighten the hood.

My biggest issue with the Skogso is how small it runs. I tested a proper size XL and it was pretty tight on me, compounded even more by the lack of stretchiness in the shell. Also, I expected this jacket to be much warmer than it is due to its thickness and heft (a whopping 21.5oz) but it was only marginally warmer than the other rain jackets. On the other hand, I loved how this coat didn’t look like a traditional glossy rain jacket, even though it fended off moisture exceptionally well during testing. Likewise, the longer hem is great for commuting or occasions where you’ll need to sit down in the rain.

Verdict: Heftier and noticeably tougher than your standard rain jacket, the Fjallraven Skogso also doesn’t seem like your standard rain jacket, which is a good thing. It’s got lots of pockets, an effective hood and waist cinch, and a longer hem for added protection. However, it does run small and lacks stretchiness that would aid you in that regard. Nonetheless, this is a solid jacket for a myriad of occasions, despite not being as warm as expected.

Lululemon Venture Rain Coat

Best Urban Commuter Raincoat: Longer raincoats are important to consider when commuting in the city. Wet bus stop benches, bike seats, and the like can leave you with wet pants that you’ll be stuck with all day. lululemon recently added a below-waist waterproof coat to its lineup, called the Venture Rain Coat, with a longer fit to protect your rear. Built with recycled polyester, this jacket sports a looser, articulated fit for more comfort amidst the hustle and bustle. Favoring a shorter wear time, the unit doesn’t feature a hood but is still waterproof and windproof and comes with several zippered pockets on the outside and inside, including a hidden phone sleeve.

Trenchcoats aren’t for everyone, but there’s no denying how great they are in urban settings. lululemon’s Venture Rain Coat falls into line with the brand’s signature softness and comfortability, especially with its soft interior. I loved how you could sit down when the jacket was zipped all the way up, which serves its purpose really well. You’re not going to want to unzip this in the rain just because you’re sitting on a bus stop bench. Along with the two external pockets, there is a small hidden zippered pocket on the inside. However, I couldn’t help but feel like there was tons of room for more pockets, both on the inside and outside.

While the jacket is made from waterproof fabric, it’s not intended to keep out moisture like the others on this list. It will do just fine in lighter drizzles but there was some noticeable moisture intrusion through the zipper (when not snapped shut) and in some other spots. Likewise, there’s no hood here so you’ll experience water coming in through the collar. The Venture Rain Coat runs fairly true to size but is far from slimming and the cuffs are a bit annoying since the snap button adjustment is finicky. I didn’t love the zippers on the exterior pockets, which were difficult to operate single-handedly. I should also point out that, when zipped all the way up in front, the collar hugged my neck so much that it felt claustrophobic.

Verdict: Great for wet commutes, the lululemon Venture Rain Coat isn’t the most flattering option out there but it may be the most comfortable. On the other hand, it was the only jacket we tested that wasn’t entirely waterproof (however, the fabric itself is waterproof). There’s no hood and the top collar chokes your neck a bit but this is an appealing option for many, especially if you journey to work on a daily basis.

Arc’Teryx Beta Lightweight

Best High-End Rain Jacket: If money isn’t an issue and you want a coat that balances supreme durability with a reasonable weight, look no further than the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight, which transcends the brand’s typical mountain readiness for more versatility of activities, from snowy treks to daily commutes — and at just 12oz. Built with GORE-TEX ePE for a reduced carbon footprint and a C-KNIT backer, the jacket sports a StormHood that’s helmet-compatible, zippered pit vents, and top-notch RECCO reflectivity for your more extreme adventures.

Despite being expensive, the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight is a great jacket with some serious versatility. Of all the jackets I tested, I kept going with this one for wearing out because I simply preferred its style over most of the others. Not as blatantly “rain-ready” as a traditional rain jacket, the coat sports an accessible style that the brand is known for, with non-aggressive logos or design cues. Likewise, its lightweight, durable nylon and GORE-TEX shell is very obviously sturdy to the touch and makes this fantastic for the outdoors, whether you’re hiking or camping, but is also really comfortable against the skin. Unlike other rain jackets, the Beta Lightweight can be zipped all the way up without covering the entire bottom of your face. While the rear hood adjustment stuck out farther than desired, the front hood pulls were the most effective of any of the jackets we tested because they actually stayed tightened.

I loved the Beta Lightweight in warmer rains but the jacket isn’t as great for colder days. I had this on in ~45-degree weather and kept complaining about how cold I was. To make matters worse, the rain itself was cold and was felt through the shell to my skin. Positioned higher on the torso than normal frontside pockets, the zippered compartments could be a bit deeper for how big they are, but the orientation makes them better for wearing this coat with a backpack on your back. Also, the hydrophobic zipper gets a bit stiff when opening and closing, as were the zippers on the pit vents. There’s an interior pocket too, although it’s a bit small, which won’t be an issue depending on what you use it for. Another issue I took with this size XL jacket is how large it ran. The forearms were far too spacious and the sleeves were really long (although, like most rain jackets, they came with Velcro adjustments at the cuffs).

Verdict: Versatile in both style and utility, the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight is a performative rain jacket that benefits from not looking like a typical rain jacket. While it runs large and may not be very warm, this coat is tough and lightweight enough for the outdoors yet fits just as well in your everyday repertoire.

Rain Jackets Comparisons Chart

Waterproof Vs. Water-Resistant

Knowing if something is waterproof or water-resistant is important, especially when it comes to a piece of gear that’s made to combat water. If something is water-resistant, it can resist moisture on some level, usually through thick materials that are inherently water-resistant, like nylon or polyester, or water-repellant fabric treatment like DWR.

Waterproof jackets, on the other hand, are largely due to their construction. Rain jackets will be typically made with polyester or nylon, yes, but will also be bolstered by GORE-TEX lining (which is waterproof), impenetrable zippers, or taped seams, where heat is used to fuse thermoplastic tape to the seams.

There’s no real regulation on waterproofness, but there is an IP rating that some products use. In those cases, the higher the last number is, the more waterproof it is.

What Is DWR?

DWR stands for “durable water repellant” and is often used as a treatment on jackets and other gear to bolster their water-resistant properties even further. Heavy downpours won’t be phased, but DWR will work nicely in lighter conditions. Also, the coating can wear off over time but can be maintained to keep it fresh. It’s also important to note that DWR finishes have a history of using perfluorocarbon (PFC), which can be harmful to our health and that of the environment. Look for PFC-free coatings.

Honorable Mentions

Columbia offers some really great budget-friendly outdoor gear and its Watertight II Rain Jacket is a solid option if you’re looking to save some money. However, we weren’t as keen on their aesthetic compared to the other ones on this list.

Coming in well under $150, this Stormline Stretch Rain Shell from Black Diamond is a great budget-friendly jacket that’s purpose-built for the trails. It’ll get you by on the most torrential days with 10,000mm waterproof rating and a 10,000g/m2 breathability rating, and it can stow away easily when you don’t need it.

Snow Peak has a LOT of outdoor-ready jackets (and a lot of them are similar) but this Thermal Insulated Rain Jacket is a great pick with its single-touch adjustable hood, reflective detailing, Velcro cuffs, and waterproof zippers. However, we felt there was only room for one overly-pricey rain jacket on this list, and this option is a whopping $600!

Speaking of expensive, Goldwin’s 3L GORE-TEX Hooded Ski Jacket might be stylish but it’s wildly expensive at $1,000. It’s also ski-specific, so that might appeal to some users.

Mountain Hardwear’s Stretch Ozonic scored very high across the board for its stretchiness. However, it’s not waterproof so we went with the brand’s GTX option, which is purpose-built for hiking.

If you’re looking for another option for urban commuting, check out Helly Hansen’s Moss Rain Coat. It may have a one-up in some regards compared to the lululemon Venture above, but we felt the latter had a more unique quality for a rain jacket.

Tested: The Best Hiking Jackets

If you’re trekking through the outdoors and need a coat that will stand up to the wear and tear of trail conditions, then head over to our guide to the best hiking jackets, where we tested our favorites.