Whether you are a weekend camping warrior, a trail running enthusiast or an epic wilderness explorer, the rain is going to interrupt your outdoor adventure at some point. But when you are wearing a high-quality rain jacket, you will be ready to brave the elements and stay comfortable and dry. Don't forget to get waterproof socks as well for your explorations.
The 10 Best Rain Jackets
- Columbia Women's Switchback II Jacket
- Columbia Men's Watertight II Jacket
- The North Face Women's Venture 2 Jacket (Our Top Pick)
- Frogg Toggs Men's Rain Jacket
- Mountain Hardwear Finder Jacket – Men's
- Arc'teryx Men's Beta AR Jacket
- Portwest Men's Classic Rain Jacket
- Gioberti Men's Rain Jacket
- Outdoor Research Women's Helium II Jacket
- Hiheart Boys Girls Rain Jackets
Our Top Pick for the Best Rain Jackets
Our top pick for the best rain jacket is The North Face Venture 2 Jacket. Whether you are cheering on your favorite sports team, hiking along the forest track or backpacking through Patagonia, this functional and fabulous looking jacket will keep you dry and comfortable when you are caught out in the rain and wind.
Rain-shedding Jackets for Spring, Summer, and Autumn
Rain jackets are primarily made for three seasons: spring, summer, and autumn. These essential rain-shedding jackets are specially designed to protect you from rain and wind. They're made of lightweight material that fits comfortably over your clothes and allows extra room for additional layers of clothing to be worn underneath the jacket.
Besides giving you excellent protection from rain and wind, rain jackets are very portable and can either be stored away in a convenient pocket or in your backpack or camping gear.
How to Choose the Best Rain Jackets
Rain jackets can range from single-layered jackets like the Frogg Toggs Men's Ultra Lite Rain Jacket, or the Portwest Men's Classic Rain Jacket, which has a back vent for ventilation, or they can have 2-layers, 2.5-layers or 3-layers.
2-Layered Rain Jacket
2-layered jackets give you basic rain protection for the occasional drizzle or short periods of light rain. They are the cheapest of all the rain jackets and are ultra lightweight and easy to pack away. The 2-layered jacket consists of an outer lining and an inner fine mesh lining. If you are walking around town, fishing on your boat, playing golf, or running along your favorite forest trail, a 2-layered rain jacket is the one that you need.
One of the downsides of wearing a 2-layered rain jacket is that the fabric can have a slippery or plasticky feel and make a swishing noise when you move.
2.5-Layered Rain Jacket
A 2.5-layered rain jacket is an excellent choice as it gives you perfect protection from drizzle and a quick downpour of rain. It has a waterproof exterior fabric or shell, an extra printed or sprayed-on partially protective layer, like a laminate or coating, which is applied to the second layer of non-fabric lining. The interior fabric is very thin, which also helps to reduce any weight and makes the rain jacket easier to pack and transport.
3-Layered Rain Jacket
For extra protection, a 3-layered rain jacket has excellent waterproofing abilities against a deluge of rain and bitter gusts of wind.
A 3-layered rain jacket is designed with a highly resistant waterproof face fabric or heavy-duty shell, a membrane, and an interior material or mesh lining. While many 3-layered jackets are advertised as lightweight, they can still be bulky to pack away in a backpack and they are more expensive.
Material
Rain jackets are made from all sorts of materials like polypropylene, polyester, nylon or nylon PVC, or specialized fabrics or materials like Gore-Tex membrane, Pertex, or DryVent™. These materials are considered to be very lightweight, but they can differ in their level of breathability especially in warm weather.
To find the perfect rain jacket to fit your lifestyle, here are some essential features to consider.
Water-Resistance versus Waterproof
Even though a rain jacket may have extra layers, you need to check to see if the jacket has been designed as a water-resistant jacket or fully 100% waterproof jacket. A water-resistant rain jacket will keep you dry in a light rain shower for a short time, but if there is a substantial downpour, the jacket will take in water.
Waterproof
Whatever the weather, a drizzle, a downpour or a deluge, a 100% waterproof jacket will keep you dry. Special coatings are applied to the outer layer like Omni-Shield™ or a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. High tech materials may be used to make water evaporate quickly like Gore-Tex which is a well-known water-repelling material, the microporous Omni-Tech™, or the innovative waterproof and breathable Dry.Q Evap. These extra laminates or coatings not only help to shield the jacket from the wet weather but also allow excess heat and vapor to escape so that the jacket breathes and you stay extra dry and comfortable.
Wind-Resistant
A wind-resistant rain jacket will give you good protection against light to medium winds. Like the waterproofing process, a laminate is applied to the outside material to make the jacket wind-proof. As well as preventing wind penetration, windproof jackets allow moisture and excess heat to ventilate away from your body.
Breathability
Breathability is especially important if you need to wear the rain jacket while you participate in a vigorous activity like hiking, running, or riding a bike. The jacket should have good ventilation, which means it has material that wicks away moisture or perspiration. Look for a fine mesh inside layer, or a back panel, like the Columbia Women's Switchback II Jacket or the Portwest Men's Classic Rain Jacket.
The North Face Women's Venture 2 Jacket has pit-zip venting, and the Frogg Toggs jacket has bi-laminate welded waterproof seams, which gives these jackets extra breathability.
Portability
One of the best things about a rain jacket is its portability. Some rain jackets pack away into the pocket of the jacket, like the Columbia Women's Switchback II Jacket or The North Face Venture II jacket. If they cannot be packed into a pocket, they can be compressed down and packed away easily in your backpack or camping gear, like the Frogg Toggs Men's Jacket, the Mountain Hardwear Finder Men's Jacket or the Outdoor Research Women's Helium II Jacket.
Extra Features
Extra handy features to look out for are:
- Zippered pockets to store essentials like a camera or a flashlight.
- A good sized hood with a rain shedding brim that packs away into the collar.
- Drawstrings on the hood and bottom of the jacket to give you extra protection from rain and wind.
Best Rain Jackets Reviews
1. Columbia Women's Switchback II Jacket
With 19 different fabulous colors, a high level of waterproof and breathable protection and a foldaway design, the Columbia Women's Switchback II Jacket is an excellent light weather rain jacket for camping, walking the trail, or city shopping.
The very stylish 2-layered 100% nylon jacket features special Omni-Shield™ technology which gives you advanced rain-shedding water and stain protection. When the sun comes out, the back-venting system and the 100% polyester fine mesh lining allows the jacket to breathe and keeps you feeling comfortable.
It has an attached stow-away hood, zippered pockets, and its extra portable design means the jacket can be packed into the pocket or stashed in your camping gear.
The Columbia jacket has a modern classic easy fit for comfortable wear, but the sizes tend to run small. There is a wide range of fashionable colors to choose from and a 60-day return policy covers the jacket.
If you would like a rain jacket for your kids, Columbia makes a great children's' range as well.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for camping, trail, and travel
- Omni-Shield™
- Water and stain repellent
- Fine mesh lining and back venting system gives good breathability
- Zippered hand pockets
- Adjustable cuff tabs
- Modern classic easy-wear fit
- Lightweight
- Easy to pack away in the pocket or camping gear
- Hood provides good head protection
- Stowaway hood
- 19 colors
- A children's range is available
Cons
- Sizes can run small
- Polyester can still stick to the skin in warmer weather
- Not fully waterproof for heavy rain
2. Columbia Men's Watertight II Jacket
Tested in the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia Men's Watertight II Jacket has top-notch water protection to keep you dry and warm while you explore the wilderness.
This ultralight 2-layered rain jacket is made of 100% nylon and features full seam sealing and a microporous Omni-Tech® fabric that shields you from wet weather. The fabric has good breathability and allows excess heat and vapor to escape during vigorous activities liking running or cycling.
Designed for tough outdoor conditions, the chin guard is abrasion-resistant, and the attached, adjustable storm hood will protect your head from the wind and rain. There are two zippered side-entry pockets at the hips for you to store your valuables like a phone or camera.
The sizes are small, medium, large, x-large and xx-large, and there are 24 colors to choose from. Columbia accepts returns within 60 days of the purchase date.
Pros
- Great quality
- Good price
- 100% nylon
- Excellent waterproof protection
- Omni-Tech™ waterproof/breathable
- Fully seam sealed
- Drawcord adjustable hem
- Zippered hand pockets
- Abrasion-resistant chin guard
- The jacket packs away into a pocket
- Attached, adjustable storm hood
- Two zippered hand pockets
- Easy to pack
- 24 colors
- Machine washable
- 60-day return policy
Cons
- Colors may differ in shade from advertised pictures
3. The North Face Women's Venture 2 Jacket
The North Face is famous for their quality outdoor gear, and the Venture Rain Jacket for Women offers superb protection from light rain showers and wind.
The very stylish Venture 2 Jacket is a quality rain jacket that is both waterproof, windproof, and breathable and it is ideal for all year round use.
The seam-sealed DryVent™ 2.5-layered shell can protect you from light drizzle or a sudden downpour. If the temperature rises, the pit-zip venting allows the jacket to breathe.
You have extra wind-resistant protection as the jacket's material is also wind-proof, and the Velcro® storm-flap covers the front zipper which can be zipped right up to your chin while the adjustable hood gives you good coverage and can be tightened with the hem cinch-cord.
There are covered, secure-zip hand pockets and the lightweight jacket packs into its own pocket for easy storage.
The North Face jacket is unlined so it will not keep you very warm. The design is a tall, relaxed fit and it comes in 7 sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, and 3X-Large. There is a vast collection of 47 colors to choose from, so you will be able to find your perfect shade.
The North Face can be machine washed and a lifetime warranty covers it. The Venture jacket comes in men's sizes as well.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Unlined, packable, lightweight rain jacket for year-round use
- Tall, relaxed fit leaves plenty of room for other layers
- Excellent waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed DryVent™ 2.5L shell
- 100% windproof fabric
- Very lightweight
- Velcro® storm flap covers front zipper
- Pit-zip venting for added breathability
- Adjustable stowaway hood
- Covered, secure-zip hand pockets, hem cinch-cord
- Jacket pack into its own pocket
- Lifetime warranty
- Machine washable
- Massive range of 47 colors
- Seven sizes
- Men's range available
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for continuous heavy downpours
4. Frogg Toggs Men's Rain Jacket
If you want an ultra rain jacket that can protect you from rain and wind while you cheer on your favorite sports team, backpack along the trail, are fishing or playing golf, the incredibly affordable Frogg Toggs Men's Rain Jacket is a great choice.
The Frogg Toggs rain jacket is constructed from an ultra-lightweight, non-woven waterproof polypropylene material. To keep you fresh in humid weather, the bi-laminate welded waterproof seams also allow the jacket to breathe so you do not sweat.
As well as protecting you from light rain, the Frogg Togg's rain jacket packs down to a storage pocket size, which is perfect for stowing it away in your backpack, golf bag or under your stadium seat.
One of the downsides of the rain jacket is that the polypropylene is quite fragile and can be torn easily, so it may not be the best choice for the rough and tough terrain.
The Frogg Toggs rain jacket comes in 2 colors, blue and khaki, and five sizes: small, medium, large, x-large and xx-large. There is also a rain jacket for women.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Good value for money
- Extremely affordable rainwear
- 100% polypropylene
- Great waterproof protection
- Ideal for light hiking, golfers, sporting activities and backpackers
- Packs down to storage pocket size
- Ultra lite-weight
- Good breathability
- Welded waterproof seams
- Available in blue and khaki
- Fits as expected
Cons
- The material can rip easily
- No inside lining or mesh
5. Mountain Hardwear Finder Jacket – Men's
The Mountain Hardwear Finder Jacket for Men is an excellent choice for emergency rain protection for hikers or backpackers. A very comfortable 2-layered jacket, the Finder is made from tough, durable, abrasion and tear resistant 70D ripstop nylon face fabric that is just right for rough outdoor environments.
For wet and humid conditions, the “Dry. Q Evap” shell provides effective moisture wicking and improves ventilation so that you stay dry and comfortable.
The adjustable hood rolls up and tucks away under the collar, and the handwarmer pockets are zippered for secure storage.
If the cold winds blow, just zip up the water-resistant polyurethane center front zipper and pull the two-way adjustable hood over your head. The two handwarmer pockets will protect your hands, and they are zippered for secure storage as well.
The material is slighter thicker and heavier than other 2-layered jackets, but it is lightweight enough to pack away easily in your backpack or camping gear.
As well as keeping you dry, the Mountain Hardwear Finder rain jacket comes in eight colors and five sizes: small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large.
Mountain Hardwear also makes a Finder rain jacket for women.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Tough, durable, and abrasion resistant face fabric
- Excellent waterproof protection
- Exposed water resistant polyurethane center front zipper
- Two covered, zippered handwarmer pockets
- Two-way adjustable hood
- Breathable Dry.Q Core technology
- Ripstop (100% nylon)
- Very comfortable
- Solid construction
- No annoying swishy sound
Cons
- Sizes run small
6. Arc'teryx Men's Beta AR Jacket
For superior protection from drenching rain and buffeting winds, the Arc'teryx Men's Beta AR all-around jacket is an excellent choice for the serious outdoor adventurer.
The waist length 3-layered Gore-tex jacket features a regular layered streamlined fit that accommodates additional layers. There is a heavy-duty outer hard shell, reinforced shoulders and elbows, and efficient water repelling (DWR) coating, which will keep you dry in challenging weather conditions.
If you need quick storm protection, the adjustable helmet compatible DropHood™ has a laminated rain-shedding rim, and the internal collar and chin guard can be zipped up against the driving rain and howling wind.
The jacket is very breathable as the tapered seams allow excess perspiration to escape without letting any moisture seep back into the material.
To keep your personal items safe, there are three pockets, an external chest pocket with a laminated zip and two high-volume hand pockets that have watertight easy-to-grasp corded zippers, which also allow for quick venting.
With a lightweight, portable design, the pro jacket has been designed with (1.6 mm) tapered micro-seams that reduce the jacket's bulk and weight, so it can be packed away in your backpack and will not weigh you down.
Arc'teryx offers 11 different colors and 5 sizes: small, medium, large, x-large and xx-large. A very generous lifetime warranty covers the jacket.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Very good value for money
- 3-layered protection
- GORE-TEX® membrane
- High waterproof/breathable performance
- Ideal for storm and snow seasons
- Ideal for everyday use, snowboarding, backpacking, hiking, ice climbing
- Lightweight and packable
- Streamlined hip length design
- Adjustable helmet compatible DropHood™
- All-around mountain apparel for storms and snow
- Windproof
- Internal collar
- Solid and durable
- Design reduces any overlay or bulk
- Three pockets: two hand pockets/one chest pocket
- Pit zippers for extra ventilation
- Lifetime warranty
- 12 colors
- 5 sizes
Cons
- Expensive
- Cannot be ironed
- No pocket/pouch for the hood
7. Portwest Men's Classic Rain Jacket
Whether you a golf enthusiast, enjoy fishing on your boat or cheering on your favorite sports team, the extremely affordable Portwest Men's Classic Rain Jacket will keep you dry.
The Portwest rain jacket is made of 100% nylon PVC coated fabric, and its tapered seams and elasticated storm cuffs will protect you from light rain showers while the back vent gives extra ventilation.
There are two extra large pockets and a large adjustable hood to protect your head. If the wind blows, just zip up the inner storm flap and pull and tighten the hood and the hem of the jacket with the strong drawstrings.
There are eight different sizes and six colors to choose from: navy, black, olive, yellow, grey, and orange.
The jacket may be slightly larger than the advertised measurements, but it is designed to be worn over layers.
Pros:
- Cheap price
- Excellent waterproofing abilities
- 100% nylon PVC coated fabric
- Tapered seams and elasticated storm cuffs
- Two large pockets
- Back vent for extra ventilation
- Cheaper price than many others
- Adjustable hood
- Eight sizes
- Six colors
Cons:
- Sizes are typically on the larger side
- Tight cuffs on the sleeves
- Bulky
8. Gioberti Men's Rain Jacket
It may be drizzly outside, and the winds are blowing a gale, but you will stay dry and comfortable with the Gioberti Men's Rain Jacket.
Gioberti has designed their 2-layered quality jacket with the latest waterproof technology that effectively wicks away moisture on contact to ensure that you stay dry and comfortable in wet weather.
The jacket is made of 100% polyester, and the convenient string-adjustable hood fits snugly around your face with the adjustable pull-string lock.
The fully sealed seams lock out the rain from entering the jacket along with a fully meshed lining on the inside to provide breathability so that any excess heat and vapor can escape during your daily activities.
The Velcro seal flap overlapping the front zipper will also keep you dry from the driving rain and wind. There are two zippered pockets with flap overlaps, and a drawstring at the hemline and velcro sealed cuffs.
The Gioberti range includes 12 fashionable colors and five standard sizes: small, medium, large, x-large and xx-large.
Pros:
- High-quality
- Great price
- Very good value for money
- 100% polyester
- Excellent rain and wind protection
- Moisture-wicking material
- Adjustable hood and sleeve cuffs
- Lightweight
- Fully sealed seams lock out the rain
- Fully meshed inner lining breathes well
- Snug fitting string-adjustable hood
- Two zippered pockets with flap overlap
- Velcro zipper flap
- 12 fashionable colors
- Five sizes
Cons:
- Not fully waterproof for long periods of heavy rain
- Water collects in open pockets
9. Outdoor Research Women's Helium II Jacket
Whatever your choice of outdoor adventure, hiking, backpacking or camping, the Outdoor Research Women's Helium II jacket is designed for flash-storm protection.
The 2.5-layer jacket has fully taped seams and the durable Pertex Shield plus 100% nylon 30D ripstop material is 100% waterproof and breathable as it transfers perspiration from the inside of the jacket to the outside where it evaporates.
Constructed for emergency rain protection it does an excellent job at beading up water so that you stay dry, but it is not ideal for frequent heavy rain downpours as moisture can begin to seep through the material. The jacket is 6% lighter and 10% more breathable than other similar type rain jackets, so it is the perfect rain jacket for people who are traveling and do not want to be weighed down by bulky clothing.
Extremely lightweight, the Outdoor Research jacket packs down to roughly the size of a grapefruit, so it is just perfect for backpackers, hikers, and trail runners.
The hood has a slightly stiffened rain-shedding brim and rear draw-cord adjustment for extra protection from rain, but rain can dribble in around the neck. The cuffs have some elastic but are loose and non-adjustable.
The fabric breathes quite well even in warm weather, but the jacket may not provide enough breathability for strenuous activities like running.
The single zippered chest pocket is large enough to stow a phone and offers decent waterproof protection.
The jacket has a nice snug fit, but if you want to add layers, you may need a larger size.
Outdoor Research jacket offers nine fabulous colors and five sizes: x-small, small, medium, large, and x-large.
Pros
- Great-quality
- Very good value for money
- Comfortable, natural athletic cut
- Excellent waterproofing for light rain or flash storms
- Pertex Shield is 100% waterproof
- Durable, ripstop nylon 30D exterior and full tapered seams
- Very good windproofing and breathability
- Good sized zippered chest pocket
- Adjustable hood has a slightly stiffened rain-shedding brim
- Extremely lightweight
- Packs very small into its own integrated stash pocket
- Nine fabulous colors
- Five sizes
Cons
- Sizes run snug
- Not waterproof enough for heavy downpours
- Minimal ventilation for vigorous activities
- No hand pockets
10. Hiheart Boys Girls Rain Jackets
For all-day rain protection for your kids for spring, summer, and autumn, the Hiheart Rain Jackets are very affordable.
This cute 2-layered rain jacket for boys and girls feature a 100% polyester outer shell that is highly water-resistant, and the 100% soft fleece cotton lining is a breathable fabric that will keep your child comfortable every day, protected from rain and wind. For extra protection, the zipper and Velcro tabs on the two good sized pockets ensure that they stay closed to stop any rain from dripping inside the jacket.
Hiheart offers five bright, fun colors and the inside lining has a cool nautical looking black striped design.
The jackets do run large, so consult the Hiheart size chart before choosing your preferred jacket.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Affordable price
- Cute jacket for boys and girls
- Suitable for everyday wear
- Appropriate for spring, summer, and autumn
- Water-resistant and breathable 100% polyester fabric
- Nautical looking striped internal 100% cotton fleece
- Zipper and Velcro tabs are closed for double protection
- Keeps out the cold wind, and is suitable for outdoor play
- Good sized hood
- Five bright, fun colors and five sizes
Cons
- Sizes run large
- Sleeve ends can pill easily
Our Top Pick for the Best Rain Jacket
Our top pick for the best rain jacket is The North Face Venture 2 Jacket. Whether you are cheering on your favorite sports team, hiking along the forest track or backpacking through Patagonia, this functional and fabulous looking jacket will keep you dry and comfortable when you are caught out in the rain and wind.
