It is essential for everyone to have a rain jacket, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast. It is an excellent gear that should be on everyone’s list of essential items for outdoor activities. Learn more about what to look for in a rain jacket, how to pick out the right one according to your needs, and the different types of fabric used in the construction so you can make an informed decision when shopping for your next best rain jacket that will keep you dry and comfortable in all types of weather. There are a few key things you need to look for in rain jackets.

The first is that the coat needs to be made from durable and waterproof materials. It will ensure that you stay dry even in the heaviest of downpours. Secondly, make sure that the jacket is comfortable to wear. You don’t want it to feel too restrictive or suffocating, so look for jackets with breathable ventilation. Finally, make sure the best waterproof jacket is valuable and appropriate for your requirements. It would help if you had a heavy-duty coat for mountaineering; make sure it has all your features, such as pit zips and a hood.

If you enjoy skiing, it’s vital to have the best ski jacket available to keep you warm in the chilly season. It’s also essential to ensure the jacket has all the right pockets for your valuables and other necessary items. It’s also essential to own the best life jacket if you spend time in the water. It will provide you with warmth and protection against water-based elements. When choosing a life jacket, the most critical factor is to make sure it’s the right size for you and your family. Here are some shopping tips to keep in mind while looking for a raincoat.

Our top picks

01

best performance rain jacket

Arc’teryx Zeta SL

Arc’teryx Zeta SL

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02

best stretchy rain jacket

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell

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03

best lightest rain jacket

Outdoor Research Helium

Outdoor Research Helium

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Quick Shopping Tips:

Fabric: Most jackets are made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. These fabrics are lightweight, durable, and water-resistant. It’s essential to make sure that the fabric is breathable, so you don’t get too sweaty when you’re wearing it. Avoid cotton fabrics as they tend to absorb moisture and leave you feeling wet.

Breathability: Look for a rain jacket with pit zips or other ventilation features. This will allow you to regulate your body temperature and prevent yourself from overheating. It’s also essential to make sure that the fabric is breathable, so you don’t get too sweaty when you’re wearing it.

Durability: You want your rain jacket to last for many years, so make sure it’s made from high-quality materials. Avoid cheaper jackets made from inferior materials as they will tear easily and won’t last as long. It is essential if you plan on using your jacket for activities like hiking or mountaineering.

Features: Consider what features you need in a jacket, such as a hood, pit zips, or pockets. Choose a coat that has the parts you need for your planned activities. It is essential to have a jacket that you can rely on to keep you dry, comfortable, and warm when you need it the most. Choosing a durable coat that will last you for many seasons is also necessary.

The Best Rain Jackets : First look

Arc’teryx Zeta SL

Arc’teryx Zeta SL

best performance rain jacket

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Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell

best stretchy rain jacket

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Outdoor Research Helium

Outdoor Research Helium

best lightest rain jacket

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PreCip Eco Jacket

PreCip Eco Jacket

best protection rain jacket

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Marmot Minimalist

Marmot Minimalist

best of the rest rain jacket

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Montane Alpine Pro

Montane Alpine Pro

best quality rain jacket

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Columbia Watertight li Jacket

Columbia Watertight li Jacket

best lightweight rain jacket

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The North Face Venture 2 Jacket

The North Face Venture 2 Jacket

best budget rain jacket

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The Best Rain Jackets: In-depth Review

01

best performance rain jacket

Arc’teryx Zeta SL

Category

Hiking/performance

Weight

10.9 oz

Waterproofing

2L Gore-Tex

PROS

+Premium look

+All-around performance

+Durable material

CONS

-Expensive for a 2-layer build

-No pit zips

The Arc’teryx Zeta SL is a waterproof, breathable, and lightweight jacket perfect for any outdoor activity. The Zeta SL features fully taped seams and a durable water repellent finish to keep you dry in any weather. The helmet-compatible StormHood protects from the elements, and the front zip pockets are perfect for storing your essential gear. Although some users are never content with anything less than outstanding, we believe this is the best rain jacket and unbeatable quality and performance for such individuals.

The Droptail hem with drawcord keeps the jacket in place, and the laminated high-strength hanger loop is perfect for attaching to your backpack. It is made from 100% polyester and is available in various colors. It is an excellent choice for any outdoor enthusiast who wants a challenging, breathable, and best performance rain jacket that looks fantastic and performs exceptionally. It also has a higher price tag than some of the other jackets on our list, but we believe it is worth every penny.

02

best stretchy rain jacket

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell

Category

Hiking/daily use

Weight

11.3 oz

Waterproofing

2.5L BD.dry

PROS

+Loaded with features

+Good Stretch

+Stylish design

CONS

-No closure on the cuffs

-No ventilation options

If you’re looking for a quality rain shell that won’t let you down, the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shellis a great option. Made from 100% nylon, it’s built to last and features BD.dry fabric technology that makes it waterproof, breathable, and windproof. The stretch shell fabric also increases comfort and mobility, while the underarm gussets allow for a more excellent range of motion.

The adjustable, climbing-helmet-compatible hood is another great feature, making this rain shell excellent for all your outdoor activities. It weighs only 11.3 ounces; this is one of the best stretchy rain jackets on our list that is lightweight and durable. It’s also available in various colors and sizes, so you’ll find the perfect fit. It also has an impressive price tag, making it an excellent value for money.

03

best lightest rain jacket

Outdoor Research Helium

Category

Hiking

Weight

6.3 oz

Waterproofing

2.5L Pertex Shield Diamond

PROS

+Very lightweight

+Easy to store into a pack

+Waterproof zippers

CONS

-Not especially breathable

-No pit zips

They should be both waterproof and breathable, and the Outdoor Research Helium accomplishes this while also being one of the lightest rain jackets available. It’s made with Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse, a 2.5-layer laminate that’s highly waterproof and windproof, yet still allows some vapor to pass through so you don’t get sweaty underneath. The zippers are all water-resistant, and the hood is adjustable so you can cinch it down in bad weather.

This jacket stuffs into its pocket for easy storage and has reflective logos for low-light visibility. The weight is 6.3 ounces for a men’s size medium, making it one of the best lightest rain jackets on the market that doesn’t sacrifice on features. There are also no pit zips for ventilation, so you can’t dump heat as quickly as with some other rain jackets. However, this jacket is still an excellent option for most hikers and backpackers due to its lightweight design and waterproof protection.

04

best protection rain jacket

PreCip Eco Jacket

Category

Hiking

Weight

7.2 Ounces

Material

100% Recycled Nylon

PROS

+The hood is adjustable

+ loop closure

+Good zip quality

CONS

-Poorly made

-Not fully waterproof

The Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket is an excellent option for wet weather. It’s made out of recycled materials, so you may be confident that it won’t use critical resources like farming and construction. It’s made of Schoeller fabric, incredibly waterproof, and yet breathable. This prevents you from becoming too hot or sweaty while doing anything outdoors. When you purchase this best rain jacket, you’re doing your part for the environment. After seeing how well it works, you’ll be itching to save up for one of your own.

This harness has two huge cargo pockets on either side, which may hold maps, food, or other climbing supplies while keeping them secure and readily available when you need them. The elbows are reinforced to provide additional protection and enhance longevity, which is especially useful when wearing a new best protection rain jacket that doesn’t sacrifice on features. His climbing experience helped him design this system with excellent breathability due to mesh panels at the back, underarms, and lower torso region.

05

best of the rest rain jacket

Marmot Minimalist

Category

Daily use/hiking

Weight

13.7 oz

Waterproofing

2.5L Gore-Tex

PROS

+High quality

+Well-designed

+Adjustable hood

CONS

-Not fully waterproof

-A little bulkier

The Marmot Minimalist is the perfect go-to layer for changing conditions. Made with 100% polyester, this lightweight and packable jacket can be worn as an everyday rain jacket or as a sports layer for extra warmth. The GORE-TEX Paclite fabric blocks wind with a hydrophobic membrane and minimizes weight, while the DWR (Durable Water-Repellent) finish and 100% seam-taped design repel moisture from the surface to keep you warm and dry.

It also has an adjustable hood, pit-zips for ventilation, and a stuff sack for easy storage. Indeed, the Minimalist isn’t perfectly waterproof. It’s only water-resistant. But if you’re caught in a downpour, this best of the rest rain jacket will do its best to keep you dry. And since it’s so light and packable, you can easily take it with you wherever you go, and just in case, the weather turns for the worse.

06

best quality rain jacket

Montane Alpine Pro

Category

Daily use/hiking

Weight

(Men's M) 480g

Sizes

Men’s S-XXL

PROS

+Lightweight

+Durable

+Fully seam taped construction

CONS

-Stiff fabric

-No stretch

The Montane Alpine Pro Jacket is built for demanding winter mountain excursions when the highest level of protection is required. When the situation gets critical, this jacket comes out of its shell to let you know it’s serious. For many hours in the mountains, the Gore-Tex Pro material will keep moisture out while providing ventilation and comfort. While wearing a harness or climbing equipment, it may be zipped up with other pieces of kit such as backpacks.

The inside is highly breathable and pleasant, allowing you to wear this for extended periods without becoming damp or irritated. It includes several characteristics to create one of the best quality rain jackets available today. It has two sizable chest pockets, which may hold maps, food, or an extra layer while mountaineering. It also features two zippered hand-warmer pockets to keep your hands warm while working hard at high elevations.

07

best lightweight rain jacket

Columbia Watertight li Jacket

Category

Daily use/hiking

Weight

13.6 Ounces

Sizes

S-XXL(size M)

PROS

+Zipper closure

+Elastic cuffs

+Comfortable

CONS

-It doesn’t appear authentic

-Poor waterproofing

The Waterproof li Jacket is a well-known Columbia brand for outdoor jackets, and it’s one of their most dependable choices. It’s waterproof up to 20,000mm HH, so it’ll endure anything Mother Nature throws. It comes with a detachable rain cover for added protection in extreme weather. It’s been designed to keep you warm and protected from the weather. It will keep you dry even during the wettest situations thanks to its Omni-Tech waterproof construction with fully taped seams.

The polyester of this jacket is also treated with an anti-odor technology that will keep it smelling clean, even after many washes, which is perfect for extended use. Finally, the best lightweight rain jacket is quite comfy to wear for lengthy periods. It has ample pockets for storing essential goods like phones, keys, wallets, and food on a trip. The Jacket may be simply packed into itself and comes with a drawstring to compact everything when not in use.

The second feature of this Jacket is that it is incredibly light, which is essential for high-altitude ascents where every ounce counts. If you’re looking for a reliable brand name that will always offer the best rain jacket, then this jacket makes a great choice at a very affordable price. The fabric is also thin enough to be worn beneath another for added warmth.

08

best budget rain jacket

The North Face Venture 2 Jacket

Category

Daily use/hiking

Weight

11.6 oz

​Waterproofing

2.5L DryVent

PROS

+Dries quickly

+Low price

+Pretty lightweight

CONS

-No chest pockets

-Hood doesn’t fit over a helmet

The North Face Venture 2 Jacket is one of the most popular rain jackets. It’s made with a waterproof and breathable DryVent 2.5L shell and is seam-sealed to keep you dry in wet weather. It’s also pretty lightweight for a rain jacket, making it a good choice for backpacking and everyday use. It also has an excellent fit and is available in various colors. Made with 75% or greater recycled,

It also has a few features that stand out from other raincoats. It has two zippered hand pockets and an internal zippered pocket, which are great for storing small items like your phone or keys. It also has an adjustable hem and cuffs to help keep the elements out. Overall, the Venture 2 is the best budget rain jacket, perfect for hiking, backpacking, and everyday use. It’s lightweight, packable, and comes at a very reasonable price. If you’re looking for a quality rain jacket on a budget, the Venture 2 is a great option.

Final Words

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best rain jacket for your needs. But, if you keep in mind what you’ll be using it for and what features are important to you, it’ll be easy to find the perfect one. And, with so many great rain jackets on the market, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and your budget. It’s important to remember that not all rain jackets are created equal, so be sure to choose one right for you. With so many great options available, you’re sure to find this jacket for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which jacket is best for rain?

The North Face Venture 2 Jacket is one of the most popular rain jackets. It’s made with a waterproof and breathable DryVent 2.5L shell and is seam-sealed to keep you dry in wet weather. It’s also pretty lightweight for a rain jacket, making it a good choice for backpacking and everyday use. It also has an excellent fit and is available in various colors. Made with 75% or greater recycled,

What is the best Gore-Tex rain jacket?

The Arc’teryx Zeta SL Jacket is one of the best Gore-Tex rain jackets on the market. It’s made with a waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex 3L shell and is seam-sealed to keep you dry in wet weather. It also has a variety of features that make it perfect for backpacking and hiking, including pit zips for ventilation, a hood that fits over a helmet, and adjustable cuffs and hems.

Is rain gear worth the money?

It depends on what you need the rain gear for. If you need high-quality rain gear for backpacking or mountaineering, it is worth the money. However, if you just need rain gear for everyday use, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. There are plenty of great rain jackets available at various price points. It has many features that make it a good choice for hiking, backpacking, and everyday use.

How much does Gore-Tex cost?

The cost of Gore-Tex varies depending on the brand and the type of garment. Gore-Tex rain jackets can range in price from $100 to $500. Gore-Tex pants typically cost between $150 and $300. Gore-Tex boots usually cost between $200 and $400. It’s important to remember that not all rain jackets are created equal, so be sure to choose one right for you. With so many great options available, you’re sure to find the perfect rain jacket for your needs.