Best Rain Jackets of 2025
ByMultiple Authors
Updated:
Jul 25, 2025Table of contents
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch ($189)
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($179)
REI Co-op Rainier ($100)
Arc'teryx Beta SL ($500)
Montbell Versalite ($260)
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($179)
Mountain Hardwear Threshold ($180)
Montbell Versalite ($260)
The Fineline is an extra-comfortable and easy-moving rain jacket, thanks to a stretch-woven shell and underarm gussets. With a low weight and packable design, it’s suitable for backcountry use. However, it isn’t our first choice as a daily driver due to its trim fit and relatively thin shell fabric.
The Fineline is an extra-comfortable and easy-moving rain jacket, thanks to a stretch-woven shell and underarm gussets. With a low weight and packable design, it’s suitable for backcountry use. However, it isn’t our first choice as a daily driver due to its trim fit and relatively thin shell fabric.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2.5-layer BD.dry
Weight
11.3 oz.
Fabric
50D stretch-woven nylon
Vents
Pit zips
Pros
Cons
It’s not every day we see a stretchy rain jacket, but Black Diamond has sold us on the concept with their Fineline Stretch (which is identical to the outgoing StormLine Stretch save for a new PFC-free DWR finish). Showcasing a stretch-woven shell fabric, the Fineline Stretch is softer and more comfortable than a standard 2.5-layer rain shell (we’d even venture to wear it over a t-shirt) and offers a little more give than a 100% nylon or polyester design—great for activities like hiking and biking (underarm gussets also help to boost its mobility). Our tester wore the Fineline in “an extreme Whistler Bike Park downpour and ensuing mudfest,” and while the jacket got saturated with rain and mud, his clothes underneath stayed dry.
At just 11.3 ounces, the Black Diamond Fineline is an excellent lightweight option for human-powered adventures like backpacking and bikepacking; it also includes pit zips, a helmet-compatible hood (which fits over a climbing helmet but is a tight squeeze over a bike helmet), and stuffs easily into its hand pocket. In terms of storage, you get large hand pockets (our tester fit a hamburger and fries inside) but no chest pocket, which is a minor drawback. We do prefer a heavier-duty jacket for wearing around town (despite its 50D spec, the Fineline feels relatively thin compared to the 50D Torrentshell). But if you prioritize a streamlined build and freedom of movement, the Fineline is head and shoulders above most comparable 2.5-layer shells in terms of comfort. Of the three rain jackets that our tester owns—which also include the Cotopaxi Cielo and The North Face’s Antora—he reaches for the Fineline for backcountry and active use more than any other. For more, read our review of the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch.
This is Patagonia's dependable classic with a low price tag. The Torrentshell’s thick, long-lasting shell and knit backer make it a protective and durable daily driver. However, it’s too bulky and stiff for high-output activities or when you want unhindered freedom of movement.
This is Patagonia's dependable classic with a low price tag. The Torrentshell’s thick, long-lasting shell and knit backer make it a protective and durable daily driver. However, it’s too bulky and stiff for high-output activities or when you want unhindered freedom of movement.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
3-layer H2No
Weight
14.1 oz.
Fabric
50D nylon
Vents
Pit zips
Pros
Cons
For an everyday rain jacket that offers a strong combination of price and performance, it’s hard to beat the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. The highlight of the Torrentshell is its burly construction: The 50-denier shell fabric is thicker and more hardwearing than that of most rain jackets (enough, for example, for the collar to stand strong when the hood is up), and the moisture-wicking tricot backer (affixed directly to the waterproof membrane) adds more sturdiness to the build. The result is a jacket that holds up well to the ins and outs of everyday wear and offers hardshell-like protection in rain and wind. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L can even pass for winter use in a pinch—our tester wore it on a stormy ski tour and noted that it kept her well protected from the elements, although the hood wasn’t big enough to fit over her ski helmet (it’s also too small for a climbing or bike helmet).
The main downsides to the Torrentshell’s burly construction are the lack of mobility and breathability, making it less than ideal for high-output activities or those that require full freedom of movement (that said, the pit zips do help with ventilation). What’s more, it’s a noticeably loud jacket: With the hood up, it’s hard to hear the outside world over the rustling of the thick fabric. And although the Torrentshell weighs roughly the same as much of the competition, it’s fairly bulky and has several notably budget design features like flaps over the zippers (rather than watertight zippers) and a roomier fit, which makes it ill-suited for serious backcountry use. But for walking the dog, commuting to work, or even casual backpacking, the Torrentshell is a dependable and durable classic for a great price. For more, read our review of the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L.
REI’s budget rain jacket is a functional option for occasional hiking and daily use, with a lightweight build, pit zips, and a number of adjustable features. However, it will wet out in sustained moisture and the 2.5-layer construction is prone to delamination.
REI’s budget rain jacket is a functional option for occasional hiking and daily use, with a lightweight build, pit zips, and a number of adjustable features. However, it will wet out in sustained moisture and the 2.5-layer construction is prone to delamination.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2.5-layer HydroWall
Weight
11.3 oz.
Fabric
Ripstop nylon
Vents
Pit zips
Pros
Cons
At $100, REI Co-op’s Rainier is first and foremost a budget rain jacket. It keeps costs low with an in-house waterproof/breathable membrane, a coated liner (the 0.5 in the jacket’s 2.5-layer construction), and a relatively unrefined fit that makes little effort to be stylish (you might consider sizing down). That said, the Rainier still provides ample protection in a light drizzle or heavy wind: We wore the jacket over a base layer in blustery conditions in Washington’s Enchantments—battening down the hatches with the hook-and-loop cuffs, hem cinch, and hood (which adjusts both at the rear and the front)—and felt well protected against the chilly, low 40s Fahrenheit breeze. It’s also relatively lightweight at just 11.3 ounces and packs down into its own pocket, making it a reasonable jacket to bring along on most human-powered adventures.
While the REI Co-op Rainier effectively fends off a light drizzle and intermittent showers, it’s less reliable in steady rain: In our experience, moisture starts to soak into the shell fabric after about a half-hour of exposure. What’s more, the jacket grows clammy when zipped up, especially in warm temperatures or during high-output activities. REI did incorporate venting via pit zips (you can also open up the mesh hand pockets to increase airflow), but the coated interior will still feel sticky next to the skin. Not only that, this coated interior will likely start to break down after a year or so of steady use—in contrast, the fabric backer of a 3-layer design will hold up season after season. But for an around-town jacket or occasional hiking shell with great storage (including two hand pockets and two interior drop pockets) and a low price tag, the Rainier is worth a look. For more, read our review of the REI Rainer Rain Jacket.
Arc’teryx’s most approachable hardshell is more durable, breathable, and protective than most 2- and 2.5-layer rain jackets while checking in at a similar weight. However, it’ll cost you $500 and has a rigid, crinkly feel.
Arc’teryx’s most approachable hardshell is more durable, breathable, and protective than most 2- and 2.5-layer rain jackets while checking in at a similar weight. However, it’ll cost you $500 and has a rigid, crinkly feel.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
3-layer Gore-Tex ePE
Weight
12 oz.
Fabric
40D x 70D nylon
Vents
Pit zips
Pros
Cons
No one makes a waterproof shell jacket quite like Arc’teryx. The British Columbia-based company is so hellbent on creating quality products that they don’t even bother with 2- or 2.5-layer jackets, which are simply too compromised (including issues with bulk, breathability, and durability). Instead, Arc’teryx offers only 3-layer shells, from superlight designs like the Alpha Lightweight to the all-rounder Beta SL (previously called the Beta Lightweight). Checking in at a reasonable 12 ounces, the Beta SL ticks all the boxes for just about any use, from around-town wear to backpacking and even the occasional day of ski touring (the hood fits over a climbing helmet but not over a standard ski helmet).
With a hard-wearing shell fabric (40 x 70D), Gore-Tex ePE membrane, and soft knit backer, the Arc'teryx Beta SL is, for all intents and purposes, a hardshell jacket. It also comes with a hardshell price tag ($500) and has that crinkly, rigid feel reminiscent of burlier 3-layer shells. But the investment is worth it for those who get out a lot. In the end, the Beta SL is more breathable, durable, and protective than most rain jackets while checking in at a very similar weight (it also has all the features we look for, including two hand pockets, an internal chest pocket, and pit zips). If you want to go even lighter, check out the 8.3-ounce Alpha Lightweight, which is so serious about weight-savings it features a single chest pocket and far more delicate 20-denier shell fabric. For more, read our review of the Arc'teryx Beta SL.
From Japan-based Montbell comes an impressive ultralight rain jacket that packs in a ton of features at a very low weight. The air-permeable shell and pit zips make it more breathable than the competition. But like all ultralight rain jackets, it wets out in heavy or sustained precipitation, and you’ll want to be careful with the thin shell fabric.
From Japan-based Montbell comes an impressive ultralight rain jacket that packs in a ton of features at a very low weight. The air-permeable shell and pit zips make it more breathable than the competition. But like all ultralight rain jackets, it wets out in heavy or sustained precipitation, and you’ll want to be careful with the thin shell fabric.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2-layer Gore-Tex Windstopper
Weight
6.4 oz.
Fabric
10D nylon
Vents
Pit zips
Pros
Cons
The Montbell Versalite is a true feat of engineering and a wildly popular rain jacket amongst the ounce-counting thru-hiking community. It checks in at just 6.4 ounces—lighter than the Outdoor Research Helium Rain—but is incredibly breathable and still manages to include many features we rarely see in ultralight rain jackets, including 16.5-inch pit zips, cuff adjustments, hipbelt-compatible hand pockets, and a three-way adjustable hood. How does Montbell accomplish this? The answer is two-fold: First, the Versatile is cut from a single piece of fabric, which reduces the weight of seams and seam tape. Second, it uses Gore-Tex’s Windstopper fabric, which is lighter—and significantly more breathable—than a standard 2.5-layer design (like that of the Helium).
But is the Versalite really waterproof? The answer is yes and no—depending on who you ask. Gore-Tex calls Windstopper water-resistant, but Montbell gives the Versalite’s combination of 10-denier nylon and Windstopper a 20,000mm waterproof rating, which exceeds that of many jackets here (anything 10K and over is technically waterproof). In practice, the jacket is effective enough to protect against passing thunderstorms or light rain, and performs better than competitors like the Outdoor Research Helium. But the true highlight is its exceptional breathability, thanks to the air-permeable membrane and pit zips. You’ll have to baby the thin shell (our tester’s has started to thin at the shoulders due to the rubbing of his backpack), take care with the front zipper (ours comes off track when we operate it too quickly), and stomach the $260 price tag, but if you anticipate hiking in your ultralight rain jacket, the Versalite is the one to get. For more, read our review of the Montbell Versalite.
The Threshold boasts reliable waterproofing and a comfortable 3-layer shell for a low price. The 70-denier fabric boosts durability for daily wear but the jacket is still light and packable enough for casual backcountry use. However, the thick shell fabric does not breathe particularly well.
The Threshold boasts reliable waterproofing and a comfortable 3-layer shell for a low price. The 70-denier fabric boosts durability for daily wear but the jacket is still light and packable enough for casual backcountry use. However, the thick shell fabric does not breathe particularly well.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
3-layer DryQ
Weight
12.9 oz.
Fabric
70D nylon
Vents
Pit zips
Pros
Cons
The Mountain Hardwear Threshold is another rain jacket that pulls off a 3-layer design at a relatively low price point. As a reminder, compared to 2.5-layer construction, 3-layer jackets are more durable and feel less plasticky, which translates to better breathability and a softer next-to-skin feel. At just $180, it’s a lot of bang for your buck, and includes some extra technical features like a water-resistant front zip that actually works—our tester wore her jacket in the shower and the coated zipper effectively kept moisture out. All things considered, it’s a great pairing for activities like hiking, biking, and casual backcountry use, and the burly 70-denier shell fabric means the jacket doubles well as a daily driver, too.
The Mountain Hardwear Threshold’s thick fabric and in-house membrane aren’t a super breathable combination (we certainly wouldn't want to run in it), but the pit zips are a great addition for hiking in muggy conditions. And while 3-layer jackets are generally heavier than 2.5-layer offerings, the Threshold weighs in at a nice middle ground (12.9 oz.) and stuffs down into its own pocket—it’s not ultralight by any means, but it’s not overly heavy, either. Size-wise, our tester found that it runs large: She used the size guide to choose a women’s medium, but the jacket was way too roomy and had to be returned for a women’s small. Even in the smaller size, the jacket could be layered over a lightweight down jacket, and the long torso length offered great coverage past the hips (something we always prefer for camping, biking, or when carrying a backpack). For more, read our review of the Mountain Hardwear Threshold.
The Granite Crest is a breathable, comfortable, and highly mobile rain jacket with a full suite of performance-oriented features, including a helmet-compatible hood and watertight zippers. However, it's on the expensive side for a rain jacket.
The Granite Crest is a breathable, comfortable, and highly mobile rain jacket with a full suite of performance-oriented features, including a helmet-compatible hood and watertight zippers. However, it's on the expensive side for a rain jacket.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
3-layer H2No Performance Standard
Weight
14.1 oz.
Fabric
30D nylon
Vents
Pit zips
Pros
Cons
The Torrentshell 3L is a popular choice for everyday use, but the Granite Crest is Patagonia’s more performance-oriented rain jacket. We’re big fans of its relatively thin and flexible 3-layer shell: It’s comfortable, easy to move around in, and quiet, which is a nice change from the stiffer, noisier Torrentshell. Its thin construction also has excellent breathability and the soft backer helps to wick moisture away from the skin; we wore the jacket on a wet and muggy day of mountain biking and it dumped heat better than expected (the pit zips helped). To top it off, the Granite Crest has a well-honed feature set for activities like climbing, biking, and backpacking, including a helmet-compatible hood, watertight zippers, a chest pocket, and hand pockets that sit high on the torso for accessibility while wearing a backpack or harness.
We were initially skeptical about how the Patagonia Granite Crest would hold up given its thinner (30D) shell fabric, but it survived a full spring of rigorous use unscathed, which included mountain biking in dense forests and hiking on brushy trails (notably, our light-colored jacket is still stain-free). And although it checks in at the same weight as the Torrentshell, the Granite Crest is more packable, whether you’re stuffing it into its chest pocket or into a small climbing or hip pack. One of our only gripes with the Granite Crest is that the hood cuts off our peripheral vision when paired with a bike helmet, but is still a bit big around the face when worn over a bare head. That said, for reliable waterproofing and a performance-oriented feature set, the Granite Crest is an ideal rain jacket for active use and backcountry-goers who aren’t too militant about weight. For more, see our review of the Patagonia Granite Crest.
TNF's lightweight and packable rain jacket for backcountry travel will cost you less than much of the competition. The shell fabric is relatively thick and coated zippers elevate the technical appearance. However, the build quality is average and the coated liner won't last as long as fabric liners.
TNF's lightweight and packable rain jacket for backcountry travel will cost you less than much of the competition. The shell fabric is relatively thick and coated zippers elevate the technical appearance. However, the build quality is average and the coated liner won't last as long as fabric liners.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2.5-layer DryVent
Weight
11.6 oz.
Fabric
70D nylon
Vents
Pit zips
Pros
Cons
The North Face is known for its Summit Series line of gear, built for some of the world’s best mountain athletes tackling the worst mountain weather. They also have a solid collection of outerwear for mere mortals—the quality drops off significantly, but at least the prices are reasonable. Take the Alta Vista rain jacket, which features a standard 2.5-layer construction, along with TNF’s proprietary DryVent membrane and a 70-denier shell fabric. It’s a budget-oriented design, but additions like pit zips, a stuff pocket, and coated zippers make it a viable option for casual hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry adventures.
A quick reminder about 2.5-layer construction: This is a key way that manufacturers keep the weight and bulk of a rain jacket low, as the “0.5” coating eliminates the need for a fabric liner. However, a jacket like The North Face Alta Vista won’t last as long as a 2 or 3-layer shell (the coating will delaminate over time); and despite the hardwearing 70-denier shell, it doesn’t offer as much structure or breathability as a 3-layer jacket. But the Alta Vista is nevertheless a minimalist yet low-cost design (it’s relatively lightweight at 11.6 oz.), and the coated zippers—not often seen at this price point—go a long way in elevating the jacket’s technical vibe. For more, read our review of the Alta Vista.
The Kuhl Stretch Voyagr is a stretchy and comfortable rain jacket that gets the job done in moderate to mild conditions, while looking the part. You don’t get technical features like pit zips or a helmet-compatible hood, but it’s a nice daily driver that is also suited for shorter trips into the backcountry.
The Kuhl Stretch Voyagr is a stretchy and comfortable rain jacket that gets the job done in moderate to mild conditions, while looking the part. You don’t get technical features like pit zips or a helmet-compatible hood, but it’s a nice daily driver that is also suited for shorter trips into the backcountry.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2.5 layer
Weight
12 oz.
Fabric
Polyester
Vents
None
Pros
Cons
Like the brand’s popular pants, the Kuhl Stretch Voyagr makes a great first impression thanks to high-quality materials and great style. As the name indicates, this rain shell falls into the “stretchy jacket” category, with excellent mobility thanks to the flexible polyester build. Combined with a lightly textured interior—a nice break from typical 2.5-layer jackets, which are known for their plasticky feel—the Voyagr is one of the more comfortable and mobile rain jackets we’ve worn. Our tester noted: “It’s impressively flexible. I wore it for hours while snowshoeing and never felt restricted or bunchy.” Summed up, it feels more like a lightweight softshell than a rain jacket.
What about weather protection? Pliable shells often are more prone to absorbing moisture, and the Stretch Voyagr isn’t immune to this. However, with fully taped seams and a DWR finish, the jacket sheds rain and light snow effectively. To be clear, it’s not a full-on hardshell and doesn’t feel particularly fortress-like in heavy gusts and strong downpours. But it performed similarly to alternatives like the Black Diamond Fineline and withstood steady rain and blowing snow without issue.
The Stretch Voyagr checks in at a relatively light 12 ounces, making it a nice option for hiking, backpacking, travel, and everyday use. That said, it has performance limitations: the jacket lacks pit zips, its hood can’t fit over a helmet, and its level of protection is only average. As such, it’s less tuned for high-output activities or trips into the alpine. But the price is right at well under $200, and its versatile construction crosses over very nicely between light backcountry and everyday wear. For more, read our Kuhl Stretch Voyagr review.
With a stretchy, partial-polyester shell, the XeroCloud 3L is softer, suppler, and more moisture-wicking than most rain jackets. REI calls it their “most technical backpacking shell yet,” but the flap-covered pit zips and pocket zippers give the jacket a decidedly casual vibe.
With a stretchy, partial-polyester shell, the XeroCloud 3L is softer, suppler, and more moisture-wicking than most rain jackets. REI calls it their “most technical backpacking shell yet,” but the flap-covered pit zips and pocket zippers give the jacket a decidedly casual vibe.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
3-layer HydroWall
Weight
13.4 oz.
Fabric
Nylon/polyester
Vents
Pit zips
Pros
Cons
REI Co-op’s in-house apparel is known for value, and the brand generally offers a few rain jackets worth considering for budget-oriented shoppers. However, the new XeroCloud breaks from that script with a more premium 3-layer construction and a quiet, stretchy shell that’s almost sweatshirt-like. It’s still decently priced at $189, but the headliner here isn’t so much the jacket’s price tag as it is its comfort.
We tested the REI XeroCloud during a month-long trip to Southern Patagonia and grew fond of the shell for its easy-wearing, hyper-mobile nature. Many 3-layer rain jackets feel rigid and crinkly like a hardshell, but not the XeroCloud. Yet, despite its supple personality, it still delivers the durability and long-lasting waterproofing of a 3-layer build, plus a soft, moisture-wicking liner next to the skin. The XeroCloud also checks most of our must-have features—pit zips, a chest pocket, and a sleek water-resistant front zip—though unfortunately, its hand pockets aren’t hipbelt-compatible.
But while the XeroCloud gets high marks for comfort and breathability, its waterproofing falls short of premium 3-layer competitors. At first, the DWR beaded moisture impressively well in a brief shower, but during sustained rain, wet spots began forming on the chest and arms. More importantly, REI’s HydroWall membrane simply can’t compete with Gore-Tex. That said, if comfort and mobility matter as much to you as waterproofing, the XeroCloud is an attractive choice—especially for short thunderstorms or light rain. And if you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up. For more, read our in-depth review of the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L.
The Beta is Arc’teryx’s premium 3-layer Gore-Tex rain jacket for frontcountry and light backcountry use. The lack of pit zips and a helmet-compatible hood limits its versatility (and $400 is a lot to spend on a fairly simple rain shell), but it's a long-lasting choice with a low weight.
The Beta is Arc’teryx’s premium 3-layer Gore-Tex rain jacket for frontcountry and light backcountry use. The lack of pit zips and a helmet-compatible hood limits its versatility (and $400 is a lot to spend on a fairly simple rain shell), but it's a long-lasting choice with a low weight.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
3-layer Gore-Tex ePE
Weight
13.2 oz.
Fabric
80D nylon
Vents
None
Pros
Cons
Arc’teryx’s Beta lineup is home to their most versatile waterproof apparel, and the standard Beta Jacket is a solid go-to for frontcountry and occasional backcountry use. With a durable 80-denier plain weave nylon shell, 3-layer Gore-Tex construction, and a soft C-Knit backer, the Beta is about as premium as rain jackets get—offering top-tier weather protection and longevity compared to most designs here. And no matter where you take it, the Beta looks the part—we’ve worn it on weekend backpacking trips, ice climbing in Hyalite, and as an everyday shell around our PNW home. With a regular cut that’s not too sleek and certainly not boxy, it fits in just as well on city streets as on a mountain ridgeline.
The Arc'teryx Beta’s feature set does have us scratching our heads a bit, with one foot in the performance game and the other solidly in a casual state of mind. The hood is surprisingly simple for a pseudo-hardshell: it’s not helmet-compatible, has a laminated brim, and adjusts with a single pullcord in the back. The omission of pit zips backs up this pared-down, “don’t sweat it” vibe, though it could be a dealbreaker for some (if so, check out the Beta SL). On the other hand, the hand pockets sit high on the torso (ostensibly for backpack use), which trends slightly against the grain from the rest of the feature set. Still, few rain jackets match the Beta’s mix of versatility and premium build quality, making it a top choice for those in rainy climates looking for a quiver-of-one shell. For a deeper dive, check out our Arc'teryx Beta review.
A recent revamp to an old classic, the new Foray features OR’s 3-layer AscentShell Dry construction and Nikwax Direct.Dry DWR. But while it offers reliable protection against wet weather, it’s pricier than alternatives and has a fairly clunky design that lacks a premium feel.
A recent revamp to an old classic, the new Foray features OR’s 3-layer AscentShell Dry construction and Nikwax Direct.Dry DWR. But while it offers reliable protection against wet weather, it’s pricier than alternatives and has a fairly clunky design that lacks a premium feel.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
3-layer AscentShell Dry
Weight
15.3 oz.
Fabric
40D nylon
Vents
Hem to bicep
Pros
Cons
The Foray (and women’s Aspire) is a long-time staple in Outdoor Research’s rain jacket lineup, but this year it got a full refresh. The newest version replaces the previous model’s 2.5-layer Gore-Tex Paclite construction with 3-layer AscentShell Dry—a more waterproof (and less breathable) counterpart to OR’s lauded AscentShell Air that also has a bit of stretch. But it retains many of its trademark features, including vents that extend from hip-to-bicep, coated zippers, a relatively thick (40D) face fabric, and a hardwearing construction that threads the needle between a rain jacket and a hardshell. And we’d be remiss not to mention that the Foray is the outdoor industry’s first piece of technical apparel to be certified carbon-neutral by Climate Impact Partners, thanks to its new Nikwax Direct.Dry DWR and fully recycled fabric.
We took the women’s Aspire on a rainy early-summer backpacking trip in Washington’s Enchantments; it provided confidence-inspiring protection against heavy wind and rain, and moisture dutifully beaded up on the shell fabric rather than soaking through. However, the jacket disappointed us with its clunky features. The fabric flaps over the hand pockets and vent zips are bulky and budget-looking, and the hem adjustment feels cheap: On our jacket, a frayed piece of fabric and stitching protrudes from one of the grommets (by design, it also only cinches the back half of the hem). What’s more, the Aspire is less-than-ideal when worn underneath a backpack—there’s a lot of extra material, the hem-to-bicep zippers cause pressure points under the hipbelt, and the standard-height hand pockets are difficult to access. For more, read our Outdoor Research Aspire 3L review.
Ideal for summer hikes and short stints up high, the Downpour is an ultralight shell that protects against light rain without much weight and bulk. The stretch-woven shell and soft backer boost mobility, comfort, and breathability. However, due to the lack of pit zips we don’t recommend this jacket for rigorous activity.
Ideal for summer hikes and short stints up high, the Downpour is an ultralight shell that protects against light rain without much weight and bulk. The stretch-woven shell and soft backer boost mobility, comfort, and breathability. However, due to the lack of pit zips we don’t recommend this jacket for rigorous activity.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2.5-layer Proflex
Weight
7.7 oz.
Fabric
20D stretch-woven nylon
Vents
None
Pros
Cons
Not all rain is torrential; sometimes it’s just a light sprinkle or intermittent shower. Along those lines, not every rain jacket needs to protect against a hurricane-worthy deluge. As an emergency layer or when light showers are in the forecast, the Rab Downpour Light is an excellent option. Checking in at just 7.7 ounces (half the weight of many rain jackets), the Downpour Light features 2.5-layer Proflex waterproofing with a stretchy shell fabric and a soft backer that feels comfortable and soft (read: not plasticky) even when worn over just a t-shirt. It’s enough to keep you protected from passing storms (we keep it at the top of our pack to pull out on windy summits or during sudden showers), and it packs down to almost nothing. But the Downpour Light will get overwhelmed by heavy precipitation: On a rainy morning, our tester had to retreat to her tent when the jacket’s lightweight material started to soak through with moisture.
Along with its thin 20-denier fabric, the Downpour Light cuts weight by forgoing pit zips and streamlining its dimensions. Our tester thought that the trim fit gave the jacket a refined look, but it was a bit snug when layered over her lightweight down jacket. Despite the lack of pit zips, she still opted to wear the rain jacket while hiking, and it was more breathable than expected thanks to its stretch-woven shell and thin fabric. Finally, the hipbelt-compatible pockets are a nice bonus and boost the jacket’s performance during higher-output activity. All told, the Downpour Light is an excellent ultralight rain jacket for day hikes, backpacking, travel, and just-in-case use, but if you’re dealing with heavy rain consistently, we’d opt for a more robust shell. For more, read our review of the Downpour Light.
The Cielo is a fun, colorblocked rain jacket fit for casual wear with more style than you typically find at this price point. However, it's not a great backcountry choice: It’s heavy, has a cheap in-house membrane, and forgoes pit zips.
The Cielo is a fun, colorblocked rain jacket fit for casual wear with more style than you typically find at this price point. However, it's not a great backcountry choice: It’s heavy, has a cheap in-house membrane, and forgoes pit zips.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2.5-layer
Weight
1 lb.
Fabric
Polyester
Vents
None
Pros
Cons
Cotopaxi is most known for its “Gear for Good” ethos and colorful designs that bring a refreshingly laid-back style to the world of technical outdoor gear. Their Cielo rain jacket is a case in point, with fun colorblocking and a reasonable price. And it offers a good amount of value, too, thanks to a durable shell fabric, streamlined 2.5-layer construction, full seam taping, and an exposed front zipper, which gives it a more high-end feel compared to the storm flaps typical of many budget jackets. Unlike thinner designs, we have no problem wearing the Cielo while schlepping wood from the woodshed to the house (it’s held up well to abuse), and the roomy fit is great for layering over casual clothing. All told, it’s a simple and playful rain jacket for everyday use, whether you’re walking the dog, dodging light rain showers at the beach, or running errands around town.
In contrast to 2-layer rain jackets, a 2.5-layer shell forgoes the hanging liner, which results in a more streamlined feel. But despite its 2.5-layer construction, the Cielo is heavy (it checks in at a full pound), slippery on the interior, and has no pit zips, which detract from its overall performance. In particular, it’s not breathable enough to wear while hiking, is too heavy and bulky to take into the backcountry, and its waterproofing falls short (we noticed the shell fabric soaking through after just 15 minutes of rain). What’s more, the partially elastic hem doesn’t give you the option of getting a tight cinch around the hips. In the end, our tester might have summarized the Cielo perfectly when he noted that he reaches for it “when performance/survival isn’t dependent on the jacket.” For more, read our review of the Cotopaxi Cielo.
The lightest of the light, the Helium Rain is just a bit more jacket than your average windbreaker. We love it as an emergency layer or when light rain is in the forecast, but it has major shortcomings in terms of breathability, fit, and comfort, and will soak through in sustained precipitation.
The lightest of the light, the Helium Rain is just a bit more jacket than your average windbreaker. We love it as an emergency layer or when light rain is in the forecast, but it has major shortcomings in terms of breathability, fit, and comfort, and will soak through in sustained precipitation.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2.5-layer Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse
Weight
7.1 oz.
Fabric
30D nylon
Vents
None
Pros
Cons
The Outdoor Research Helium Rain is nothing if not ultralight. At just 7.1 ounces, it’s the lightest shell we tested, making it a solid emergency layer for weight-conscious endeavors while still offering decent moisture protection with a waterproof membrane and taped seams. On a recent multi-pitch climb near Leavenworth, Washington, we were happy to have it stuffed at the bottom of our pack when the skies unleashed, and would bring it along on a fair-weather backpacking trip as a just-in-case layer. Outdoor Research keeps weight low with a coated liner (the “0.5” in 2.5-layer construction), thin 30-denier shell fabric, a trim fit, and a streamlined feature set that forgoes pit zips and cuff adjustments. But the design still offers some functional features, including a chest pocket (the women’s version features two hand pockets instead), a hood adjustment, and a hem cinch.
If a surprise rain shower strikes you’ll be glad you brought the Helium Rain, but this isn’t the jacket you want when you know you’ll be facing heavy precipitation. The interior is the epitome of “clammy” if you have the jacket zipped up, and without pit zips there’s no good way to dump all that built-up heat. The jacket also doesn’t pair well with anything bulkier than a light midlayer given its trim fit, and its thin membrane will soak through in sustained moisture. Finally, the build quality is disappointing—our front zipper routinely comes undone from the bottom, and the stitching and components have a similar budget quality to them. But it’s all about selecting the right tool for the job; for emergency weather protection that’s just a smidge heavier and bulkier than a windbreaker, the Helium Rain is hard to beat. For more, read our review of the OR Helium Rain.
REI's lowest-priced rain jacket for occasional use around town, the Trailmade will keep out light rain or short showers. Its hanging liner is more comfortable than the plasticky interior of a 2.5-layer jacket. However, we don’t recommend it for active use given its heavy, bulky design and lack of breathability.
REI's lowest-priced rain jacket for occasional use around town, the Trailmade will keep out light rain or short showers. Its hanging liner is more comfortable than the plasticky interior of a 2.5-layer jacket. However, we don’t recommend it for active use given its heavy, bulky design and lack of breathability.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2-layer
Weight
15.5 oz.
Fabric
Polyester
Vents
None
Pros
Cons
The REI Co-op Trailmade doesn’t have many real performance highlights, but there’s nevertheless a lot to like about it for around-town use. For one, it’s just $70, which makes it a great option for those who live in areas that only see rain a few times a year. Second, compared to the plasticky interior of many 2.5-layer designs, the hanging mesh (upper body) and taffeta (lower body and sleeves) liner is relatively comfortable and layers well over everything from a t-shirt to a sweater. Its budget materials are unreliable in heavy or sustained rain, but the Trailmade effectively fends off light showers with a waterproof membrane, PFC-free DWR finish, and hood.
Despite its name, we don’t recommend the Trailmade for hiking or backcountry use. The jacket’s 2-layer construction is bulky, heavy, and traps heat—and with no pit zips, there’s no quick way to vent. It also lacks cuff adjustments, a rear hood adjustment, and a chest pocket, and the flap does not secure over the center zipper (most jackets use hook-and-loop tabs to hold it down). All told, the Trailmade has a decidedly budget feel and its lower grade performance won’t make it a top pick for many. But if you’re not venturing too far from shelter and want to save your pennies for something more fun than a rain jacket, it has its place. For more, read our review of the REI Trailmade.
The Fineline is an extra-comfortable and easy-moving rain jacket, thanks to a stretch-woven shell and underarm gussets. With a low weight and packable design, it’s suitable for backcountry use. However, it isn’t our first choice as a daily driver due to its trim fit and relatively thin shell fabric.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
This is Patagonia's dependable classic with a low price tag. The Torrentshell’s thick, long-lasting shell and knit backer make it a protective and durable daily driver. However, it’s too bulky and stiff for high-output activities or when you want unhindered freedom of movement.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
The Granite Crest is a breathable, comfortable, and highly mobile rain jacket with a full suite of performance-oriented features, including a helmet-compatible hood and watertight zippers. However, it's on the expensive side for a rain jacket.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Patagonia Boulder Fork ($229): Patagonia’s Take on Casual Performance
We highlight the Patagonia Granite Crest and Torrentshell in our picks above, but Patagonia has a third technical rain jacket worth considering: the Boulder Fork. Though housed in their fishing lineup, it’s fully available to the masses and closely mirrors the Granite Crest in many ways, featuring a 30-denier face fabric, 3-layer H2No Performance Standard construction, and a 13.7-ounce weight—but with a $50 lower price tag. That savings comes with a few trade-offs: the hand pockets sit high on the torso, making them great for backpack access but slightly awkward for casual use; the hood isn’t helmet-compatible and has only a simple rear adjustment; and pit zips are notably absent, which could be a dealbreaker for those who prioritize ventilation. A lot of shopping for a performance rain jacket comes down to picking the features you need and skipping the ones you don’t (helmet-compatible hood? Hipbelt-friendly pockets? Pit zips?). If the Boulder Fork checks your boxes, it’s yet another high-quality, technical option from a trusted brand.
REI Co-op Teris GTX ($249): 2-Layer GTX in an Around-Town Design
Another new REI rain jacket to hit the scene for spring 2025 is the Teris, which features a thick 2-layer design and Gore-Tex’s latest ePE waterproofing. This is a combination that we don’t often see, and the result is a casual-leaning jacket that offers winter-ready protection. For those who care about long-lasting gear and don’t anticipate getting too rad in their rain jacket (the Teris is ideal for around-town errands and walking the dog, but is too heavy and bulky to take too far into the backcountry), it’s a cool new option. And the $249 price tag is reasonable considering what you get—currently, the next most affordable Gore-Tex jacket on our list is the $400 Arc'teryx Beta. For more, read our review of the REI Teris GTX.
Columbia Hikebound II ($80): Budget Contender
If you’re looking to save, the Columbia Hikebound II joins the REI Co-op Trailmade ($70) as a strong contender in the budget rain jacket category. Like the Trailmade—and most jackets in this price range—it uses a 2-layer construction, but it opts for a mesh liner throughout, which isn’t as comfortable against bare skin as the Trailmade’s softer taffeta lining in the arms and torso. We do appreciate that the Hikebound offers a slightly longer inseam (29 vs. 28.5 in.) and adds a chest pocket and adjustable cuffs—features the Trailmade lacks. We’ll stick with the $10-cheaper Trailmade as our budget pick, but the Hikebound is nevertheless a solid penny-pinching option.
Marmot Minimalist Pertex ($185): The Minimalist, Reincarnate
The Marmot Minimalist has long been a staple in the rain jacket world, but recent shifts in the industry have left it feeling a bit dated. With the phase-out of Gore-Tex Paclite—due to durability concerns and the rise of more robust 3-layer shells—Marmot gave the jacket a refresh, resulting in the $35-cheaper Minimalist Pertex. This new version uses a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield Resolve construction, weighs 12 ounces for the men’s model, and includes welcome features like pit zips and high hand pockets (backpack- and harness-compatible) sealed with sleek watertight zippers. It’s similar in intent to the Black Diamond Fineline, though slightly heavier and more rigid due to the lack of integrated stretch. If you’ve been loyal to the Minimalist line or are looking for a rain shell with solid features at a reasonable price, the new Minimalist Pertex is a good option—just keep in mind the durability limitations of its 2.5-layer build.
Our overall rating takes the product’s full picture into account: price, build quality, performance (based on intended use), durability, sustainability, and more. On the high end of the rating scale are standout rain jackets that have something special to offer, whether they’re the crème de la crème models or budget designs that offer a savvy combination of price and performance. If you ask us, most readers should be looking to purchase a rain jacket with an above-average overall rating—there’s simply little reason not to. That said, rain jackets with lower overall ratings are still notable enough to have made our list; for various reasons, these might be compelling to users with specific design preferences or those who get out only a few times a year.
To be sure, the ideal rain jacket tops the charts in terms of weather protection, including keeping out both wind and rain. But there are some tradeoffs here: Most notably, exceptionally waterproof and windproof jackets can suffer in terms of breathability (it’s a big ask to require a fabric to keep out water and wind but let air pass through), and jackets that excel in both camps tend to be pricey. But if you’re traveling deep into the backcountry, anticipate wet weather, and need protection at all costs, you’ll want to aim for a jacket high on our weather protection scale. If you’re in the market for a just-in-case rain jacket or plan to use it for the odd rainy day around town, you can drop down in the rating.
No-holds-barred protection against wind and rain, thanks to a Gore-Tex membrane (or similar), relatively thick shell fabric, taped seams, and reliable DWR finish.
Average waterproofing, due to budget (like HydroWall and DryVent) or ultralight (Proflex and Pertex Shield) membranes.
Emergency waterproof protection for passing storms. Membranes will quickly be overwhelmed in heavy rain. These jackets often have partially taped seams or rely heavily on the water-resistant finish to wick moisture off the shell, which you’ll want to maintain.
Comfort isn’t the number-one consideration when choosing a rain jacket, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. This rating takes into account factors like fit, fabric pliability (i.e. is the shell stiff or stretchy?), and the next-to-skin feel of the fabric backer or laminate liner. If you live in a wet climate like the Pacific Northwest, consistently hike in the rain, or often pair your rain jacket with just a t-shirt, you should aim for a shell that scores high on our comfort scale. But if you only wear your rain jacket every so often and always layer it over a long-sleeve base layer or midlayer, comfort can take a backseat.
Top-notch comfort for a rain jacket, thanks to supple or stretchy shell fabrics, a soft knit backer, and refined fit. Doesn’t feel clammy or plasticky next to the skin.
Average comfort. Thick and crinkly shell fabrics or plasticky next-to-skin feel.
Poor comfort.
If you’re wearing your rain jacket during sweat-inducing activities like hiking, backpacking, and biking, you’ll want to be thinking about breathability. A breathable jacket wicks moisture away from the body and releases built-up heat via pit zips and air-permeable materials. On the other hand, a jacket that scores low on our breathability scale doesn’t offer a good way for sweat to escape, which can lead to overheating and a clammy interior. However, if you’re primarily wearing your jacket around town for errands and commuting, you can likely get away with a less breathable design. Many premium rain jackets manage to be both waterproof and breathable, while mid- and entry-level designs are often forced to choose one over the other.
Great breathability, thanks to generous pit zips, thin and air-permeable shell fabrics, a premium membrane, and a moisture-wicking backer. Waterproofing might fall short.
Average breathability due to cheap membranes, plasticky or thick taffeta liners, or particularly thick shell fabrics.
Poor breathability. No pit zips.
A rain jacket’s weight and packability is worth considering if you plan to wear it during strenuous activity or take it with you into the backcountry; the extra weight and bulk will add up over time, whether the jacket is on your body or in your backpack. Ultralight backpackers and climbers in particular will want an ultralight and packable shell, but these shells do have a fair number of tradeoffs. Generally, they’re trimmer-fitting and do not layer well over bulky midlayers, have streamlined feature sets (including minimal pockets and adjustments), and aren’t as waterproof as heavier designs. Unless you have reason to need such a minimalist shell, we recommend aiming for jackets at the mid to lower end of our weight and packability scale.
Very low weight and packed size thanks to streamlined features, a trim fit, and a thin shell. These jackets are the lightest of the light, generally weighing less than 11 ounces for the men’s medium.
Average weight and packed size—around 12 to 16 ounces for the men’s medium. Fully featured and sized to accommodate bulky layers. Generally 2.5- and 3-layer construction.
Heavy for a rain jacket and not recommended for hiking or backcountry use. These jackets often feature 2-layer construction or thick shell fabrics.
In the rain jacket category, durability is a hot topic. The 2.5-layer construction is the primary culprit here—it shaves weight by substituting the fabric liner of a 2- or 3-layer design with a coated liner, but is much more fragile than a fabric liner and prone to delamination. Aside from the 2.5-layer issue, other factors affecting durability include the thickness of the shell fabric and zippers and the overall quality of construction. If you want to get a lot of life out of your jacket or anticipate subjecting it to hard use, we recommend aiming high on our durability scale. Most of these jackets feature 3-layer construction. But if you’re willing to give up some durability for other performance factors (namely, weight-savings) or cost-savings, you can drop down.
Excellent durability thanks to a thick shell fabric, substantial zippers, substantial fabric backer, and high-quality, 3-layer construction. These jackets should last for years and years of hard use.
Average durability: Thick 2.5-layer jackets or budget 2-layer designs.
Ultralight 2.5-layer jackets with particularly thin shell fabrics.
Our sustainability rating for rain jackets takes into account ten different criteria. On the product level, we’re looking for recycled or Bluesign-approved materials, Fair Trade Certified production, and PFAS/PFC-free waterproof membranes and durable water-repellent finishes. On the brand level, our criteria include whether the company has a dedicated resale or recycling program, uses recycled or reduced packaging, monitors greenhouse gas emissions, and publishes an annual impact report. Rain jackets with a high sustainability rating meet a number of these criteria, while those with a lower sustainability rating might meet none or just a few. We also consider the degree to which our criteria are met; for example, 10% recycled materials is not the same as 100% recycled materials. Note that not every sustainability effort by a brand or product fits neatly into our categories. In these circumstances, we may increase or decrease a rating based on these factors. You can find details on these factors in the sustainability drop-down under each product above.
These jackets are among the most sustainable on the market and earn our Better Trail Certified distinction. They often meet most of our sustainability criteria for this category.
These jackets are a good, middle-of-the-pack option for sustainability. They often meet about half or more of our criteria for this category.
These jackets are the least sustainable and have significant room for improvement. They usually only meet about a quarter or less of our criteria.
Most rain jackets feature a 100% nylon or polyester face fabric. The thickness of this fabric varies and is specified in terms of denier. Rain jacket shells range from about 10-denier to 70-denier—the thinner the face fabric, the lighter (and generally less durable) the jacket will be. Some shells, including the Kuhl Stretch Voyagr and Black Diamond Fineline Stretch, use a stretch-woven face fabric that combines nylon or polyester with elastane for a more supple, pliable feel. All rain jacket shells feature a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that causes moisture to bead up and roll off the exterior rather than seep through. This is the jacket’s first line of defense against rain.
Affixed to the back of the face fabric is a waterproof/breathable membrane. Of these, Gore-Tex is the most premium membrane, but there’s a number of in-house efforts too, including Patagonia’s H2No Performance Standard and Black Diamond’s BD.dry. The job of the waterproof/breathable membrane is to keep all moisture out while still allowing air to pass from the inside out. It’s a tough job and not all membranes do it well—expect Gore-Tex to perform the best, and budget membranes like TNF’s DryVent and REI's HydroWall to fare worse.
Every waterproof jacket has a liner, which protects the waterproof membrane from abrasion and degradation from the body’s oils, wicks moisture away from the skin, and helps to boost comfort. The style of liner (an affixed or hanging piece of fabric or a thin coating) is the primary differentiator between the three rain jacket constructions. These include a hanging fabric or mesh liner (2L), a printed or sprayed-on liner (2.5L), and an affixed fabric liner (3L).
In a 2-layer jacket (like the REI Co-op Trailmade), the membrane is covered with a hanging mesh or taffeta liner. This is the bulkiest solution to protecting the membrane and is only seen in entry-level and budget designs. Taffeta-lined jackets are decently durable, while mesh-lined jackets leave the membrane slightly more vulnerable.
Jackets with 2.5-layer construction (e.g. Black Diamond's Fineline Stretch) showcase the most streamlined way of protecting a membrane—with a coated, printed, or sprayed on liner. These liners can range from cheap, plasticky-feeling coatings to high-end prints that are soft and moisture-wicking—although none are quite as moisture-wicking or cozy next to the skin as the affixed fabric of a 3-layer jacket. Where the 2.5-layer construction excels most is in its low weight and packability. The downside, however, is 2.5 layer construction tends to be fragile: The membrane is more vulnerable to abrasion compared to a full-on fabric liner and has a tendency to delaminate (literally peel off) over time.
Finally, jackets with 3-layer construction feature a fabric backer affixed directly to the waterproof/breathable membrane. These knit backers add some structure to the jacket, are generally soft and moisture-wicking next to the skin, and breathe well. Importantly, they also fully protect the membrane. Three-layer jackets certainly offer the most high-end feel and durable construction, but they aren’t as lightweight and flexible as 2.5-layer jackets and might feel overkill for some uses. Patagonia's Torrentshell 3L and Granite Crest are two of the most popular 3-layer jackets.
For more of our thoughts, check out our article Evolved: The Shift from 2.5- to 3-Layer Rain Jackets.
All good rain jackets feature seam taping: a strip of waterproof tape that is placed over the tiny holes caused by stitching. On a 2-layer jacket, these are affixed directly to the membrane; on 2.5- and 3-layer designs, they come after the affixed liner.
Without exception, every rain jacket has a hood. There are a few factors to consider here, including the hood’s size and its adjustability. The hoods on many casual or hiking-oriented jackets are built to fit cleanly over a bare head or a streamlined beanie or ballcap, while more performance-oriented jackets (like the Patagonia Granite Crest) feature helmet-compatible hoods. Keep in mind that helmet-compatible hoods generally fit over climbing helmets, but are a tight squeeze over bike and ski helmets. If you don’t plan on wearing a helmet, we recommend opting for a jacket with a standard-sized (non-helmet-compatible) hood; despite their ability to cinch down, larger hoods can feel excessive when worn over bare heads.
Hood adjustments are important for a few reasons: they pull the hood’s fabric away from your face to give you a good field of vision, and keep it secure on your head in windy conditions. Most hoods adjust from a single pull tab at the back, which can usually be cinched with one hand. Some hoods instead (or additionally) feature drawcords on each side at the front. Oftentimes, budget designs will use a velcro tab rather than a drawcord; this construction saves money but it’s not as convenient to use.
Most rain jackets have two hand pockets, which are either placed low along the hem (great for casual use) or higher so as to be accessible while wearing a backpack or harness. These are generally the largest pockets on a rain jacket and are large enough to fit a small pair of gloves or a beanie, your phone and wallet, or—in the case of one of our testers—a hamburger and fries. We’re also big fans of jackets that tack on a chest pocket—this is our favorite place to store valuables. Finally, some rain jackets have internal drop pockets, which are a great place to keep gloves warm. In the majority of cases, rain jackets stuff into one of their pockets—keep an eye out for a double-sided zipper to take advantage of this feature.
If you’re caught out in heavy rain, you’ll want to be able to batten down the hatches of your rain jacket. Along with a hood, hem and cuff adjustments help form seals around a jacket’s edges. All but the most ultralight rain jackets feature cuff adjustments, which use a hook-and-loop tab to tighten or loosen the fabric. We find ourselves using this feature most when a rain jacket’s arms are longer than we’d prefer; the adjustment secures them around the wrist and helps keep them out of the hand’s way.
It’s rare to see a rain jacket without a hem adjustment. These are situated at the hip (fully featured jackets have one on each side, while ultralight jackets usually just have one on the right) and can be tightened by pulling with one hand. They generally take two hands to loosen. Take note that one-sided hip cinches can result in a bit of a lopsided look at the hem.
Rain jackets do a great job keeping cold wind and moisture out, but this often results in compromised breathability. To help, most use some form of venting. The most popular style of ventilation is pit zips—these are usually 12 to 18-inch zippers under the arms, which extend from about the bicep to about the chest. They’re focused in an area of high heat and low exposure so you can let your body’s heat escape without exposing it to the elements.
There are a few outliers: The Norrøna Falketind Paclite features a core vent in lieu of pit zips. Placed parallel to the front zipper, this vent can be easily opened to release heat from the chest. It saves on weight with just one zipper, but it’s not as effective as pit zips and exposes the chest to driving rain. (For more, read our review of the Falketind.) Another exception to the rule is the Outdoor Research Foray, which has vents that extend from the hip to the bicep. The intention here is that you can open up your jacket and wear it like a poncho, which can be useful when wearing a backpack; but for most uses, we’re not sold on the full side vents’ practicality.
Rain jackets run the gamut from streamlined, trim-fitting pieces to roomy shells with ample room for layering underneath. In general, most ultralight, hiking-focused, or performance-oriented rain jackets are on the trim side, while casual designs have a more relaxed fit. We’ve made sure to specify the fit in the majority of the write-ups above: In general, a trim fit allows for lean layers like a base layer or thin fleece, while a regular fit gives you the option of layering your rain jacket over a down or synthetic insulated jacket or a thick sweater.
Unless you’re super conscious about weight or only get out in warmer temperatures, it’s often a good idea to size up with a trim-fitting jacket, especially if you’re between sizes. We’ve tested one too many rain jackets that fit too tightly over our midlayer, which is an unflattering look (picture the midlayer bulging out from below the rain jacket’s hem) and limits mobility.
These are waterproof and breathability ratings. It’s not as simple as a jacket being waterproof and breathable or not: As with most things, there is a spectrum.
The outdoor industry uses the hydrostatic head (HH) rating to specify a jacket’s level of waterproofing, which is determined via a “water-column test.” In this test, a jacket is placed under a column of water, which gradually increases in pressure until the water begins to soak through the fabric. A HH rating of 10,000 millimeters indicates that 10,000 millimeters of water was placed in the column before compromising the waterproof membrane. Rain jackets generally start around 10,000mm (often specified as 10K) and go up to about 28,000mm, which is the rating given to most Gore-Tex designs.
Rain jackets also have breathability ratings, which ironically fall into a similar number range. The breathability rating is a measurement of how much moisture (in grams) can pass through a piece of fabric (in meters squared) in a 24-hour period. Most rain jackets start around 10,000 g/m2/24h (also specified as 10K) and go up to about 40,000 g/m2/24h. These numbers are then put together, with the first number specifying waterproofing and the second breathability: For example, the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch can be described as 10K/10K.
However, we don’t rely too heavily on these ratings, as there are a number of confounding factors. The outdoor industry has not yet adopted a universal standard for measuring waterproofing or breathability. Second, a jacket’s durable water-repellent (DWR) finish has a notable impact on waterproofing, but can wear off over time and will need to be maintained regularly (e.g. the Montbell Versalite uses a non-waterproof Gore-Tex Windstopper Infinium membrane but specifies 20K waterproofing—largely due to its DWR finish). And finally, a tube of water applied to a small piece of fabric in a lab does little to simulate actual rainfall (or in the case of breathability, a lab test doesn’t take into account your layering system, body composition, outside temperature, pit zip venting, etc.). In general, we’ll look at these numbers as a general reference but prefer to focus more of our attention on the actual materials being used.
“Heavy is the crown” and people are always wondering whether the top dogs are, in fact, worth it. In this case, the simple answer is: yes. Gore-Tex has been around since Woodstock and the glorious year of 1969, and it remains an industry leader today (that’s nearly six decades for those counting). There are many types of Gore-Tex—just in this gear guide alone, you’ll find Gore-Tex ePE (a new and more sustainable version), Gore-Tex Paclite Plus, Paclite (regular), and Windstopper Infinium, all of which are standouts in their own right. Nailing the impossible equation of waterproofing-plus-breathability is never easy, but at every end of the spectrum, Gore-Tex products perform better than the competition.
Certain in-house technologies like Patagonia’s H2No and Black Diamond’s BD.dry are legitimate competitors to Gore-Tex, and do a nice job at keeping you dry and protected from the elements. But it says a lot that Arc’teryx—who has led the market in premium shell jackets for as long as we can remember—and high-end Norwegian brand Norrøna, both almost exclusively depend on third-party Gore-Tex for their membranes. In the end, it’s worth the hype and you know what you are getting, which offers peace of mind for gear you may depend on in the backcountry.
This is a great question and the rain jacket category has a huge price spread. At the budget end of the spectrum, the REI Co-op Trailmade is a solid option for just $70, while a hardshell jacket like the Arc’teryx Beta SL comes in at a whopping $500. Even if you take 3-layer jackets out of the equation, a premium 2.5-layer jacket like the Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite is $349—about five times the price of the Trailmade.
The answer should come down to your intended uses and frequency of use. Cheaper rain jackets tend to be made with 2-layer membranes and offer less waterproofing and a higher degree of claminess. They can do the job just fine for casual use and to have in your pack if a quick storm rolls through (living in Colorado, this writer doesn’t use his rain jacket very often at all). On the flipside, pricier rain jackets are made with higher-end 2.5-layer or 3-layer builds, often have Gore-Tex waterproofing (see the question above for our take on that), and are much more breathable and protective overall. For serious jaunts into the backcountry, windy and rainy places like Patagonia, or if you live somewhere like the Pacific Northwest where precipitation is a constant, your rain jacket is a critical piece of gear and the extra cost can be well worth it.
In the middle of these two extremes are some of our favorite rain jackets. If you’re looking for an everyday rain jacket but don’t want to go too cheap, we’d strongly direct you toward 3-layer jackets like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($179) and Mountain Hardwear Threshold ($180). Not only are these jackets decently priced, but they also feature durable, 3-layer construction that will hold up a lot longer than 2.5-layer jackets (like the Black Diamond Fineline or Cotopaxi Cielo). Sure, they’re not the lightest or most breathable options, but we think they’re all most folks need for running errands around town and the occasional rainy trip to the backcountry.
Per the question above, the breathability of rain jackets can vary quite a bit. Cheaper rain jackets often feature 2-layer builds with in-house waterproofing, which can help keep the wet away, but realistically offers far less breathability than more expensive Gore-Tex models. The truth is that many people just throw their rain jacket on in a pinch and aren’t moving their bodies significantly in it. But if you plan to wear your rain jacket during aerobic activities (like hiking, backpacking, trail running, climbing, etc.), or for extended periods of time, we would recommend a rain jacket built for that purpose. The good news is that right above the products in this gear guide, we have a handy “Sort by: Breathability” tool that will re-sort all of the products for you based on your wants. In this case, the Montbell Versatile is at the top of the heap at 4.5 out of 5 breathability rating, and there are a number of solid options down from there.
We always appreciate this question, and to answer it our sustainability team exhaustively researched the category and came up with ten total criteria at the product and brand levels. Leading the pack are the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (see our Torrentshell 3L review) and Patagonia Granite Crest, which meet an impressive nine of our ten criteria (only lacking Bluesign materials). Cotopaxi's Cielo also earns a top score and is notably made with Bluesign-approved polyester (for more, read our Cielo Sustainability Report). It’s worth noting that outdoor apparel has received a lot of the initial attention in the sustainability realm, and rain jackets in particular, so you have a number of good options to choose from. For a complete breakdown, see our article on the most sustainable rain jackets, including links to all of their respective sustainability reports.
The lines between rain jackets and hardshells are more blurred than ever. In the past, we only saw 2- and 2.5-layer designs in the rain jacket category, which made it easy to differentiate them from hardshells (which always use 3-layer construction). Nowadays, there are a number of 3-layer rain jackets (and that number is growing), including the Patagonia Granite Crest and Torrentshell 3L.
So now that a jacket’s construction isn’t the main differentiating factor, how do we distinguish between a rain jacket and a hardshell?
In general, hardshells are built for long-term protection in extreme weather (think heavy rain, wind, and snow), and thus feature stiffer, thicker face fabrics that offer more of a buffer from the elements—unlike many rain jackets, you won’t feel the impact of each driving raindrop. Hardshells are by definition performance-oriented, too, meaning that most will feature hipbelt-compatible pockets and helmet-compatible hoods. And because they’re built for winter use, many are roomy enough to fit over an insulated midlayer. Given their confidence-inspiring construction, hardshells are what we turn to for no-holds-barred protection while hiking, backcountry skiing, alpine climbing, and mountaineering. Unsurprisingly, they tend to be significantly more expensive than rain jackets.
On the other hand, rain jackets prioritize a lightweight and packable design and are built for less demanding conditions—think summer backpacking, day hiking, and around-town use. Their face fabrics are supple and flexible, and they can be easily stuffed away in a pack. Given this intent, rain jackets are generally not as durable as hardshells and many will wet out after sustained exposure to moisture. Hiking and performance-oriented rain jackets are also very trim fitting and not built to wear over thick midlayers, limiting their use to mild conditions.
Yes—if you want your rain jacket to continue to repel moisture long into its life, you’ll need to maintain its durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. Nikwax products make this easy—you can choose from spray-on (Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On) and/or wash-in (Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In) treatments. Although the wash-in treatment is easier (just throw your jacket into the washing machine and voila!), Nikwax recommends the spray-on method for jackets with breathable, wicking liners (which includes all of the rain jackets here). This makes a lot of sense: You don’t want to be applying a water-resistant finish to the inside of your jacket if you want it to continue to wick moisture from your skin.
But before you apply a DWR finish, we recommend washing your rain jacket. Much of the time, a jacket’s DWR can be revived by cleaning it of contaminants like dirt, smoke, and oils. A simple laundry detergent can do the trick (just make sure to run your jacket through a few rinse cycles to clear it out completely), or if you’re feeling fancy you can opt for Nikwax’s Tech Wash. Then, follow the manufacturer instructions for drying. For more information on this topic, check out Patagonia’s guide to How to Wash Your Waterproof Jacket.
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