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We tested 40+ of the top rain jackets from Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Black Diamond, Marmot, Columbia, Outdoor Research, Kuhl, and more to find the best gear to keep you dry
While it can be daunting to determine the best rain jacket for you, our testing process is as thorough as possible to ease your decision-making.
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated November 3, 2026
From soggy commutes to backcountry downpours, bad weather shouldn't ruin your plans. A great rain jacket can turn a wet day into a good one, so we've tracked down the absolute best to keep you dry and comfortable out there.
Our results were unanimous among male and female testers: the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rises to the top of the list as the best all-arounder. Sold in men's and women's versions, this highly functional design balances superior water protection with excellent performance that costs less than the most premium jackets.
For a reasonable price, we love the Rab Downpour for men and Rab Downpour for women. It's comfortable, with just a touch of stretch and useful features like pit zips, articulated sleeves, and a helmet-compatible hood for active pursuits during bad weather conditions.
Over the last 15 years, we've put more than 120+ of the best rain jackets through rigorous testing, evaluating each for waterproofness, comfort, breathability, durability, and more to determine which ones are worth their weight and which will leave you wet. Read on to learn about our favorites.
Editor's Note: We updated our rain jacket review on November 3, 2026, to include new picks from Rab, Kuhl, and L.L. Bean.
Who it is best for: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is best suited for budget-conscious adventurers who still demand serious weather protection. It's a standout option for hikers, commuters, and travelers who expect to face everything from downpours to light snow but don't want to spend premium prices for performance. This jacket offers a reliable level of waterproofing and rugged durability, making it a practical choice for those who value value, without cutting too many corners.
Why we love it: The Torrentshell 3L punches far above its weight in performance. It uses Patagonia's 3-layer H2No material, offering strong water resistance and wind protection that performed well in all kinds of precip (and in our showerhead tests). You can easily batten down the hatches — smart features like Velcro cuffs, adjustable hood, and armpit zips contribute to its high overall usability, even if it isn't the softest or lightest jacket in the lineup.
Should you buy it? Yes, if you want high-end weather protection without the high-end price. It offers great waterproofing and durability, and though it's somewhat stiff and not the most breathable rain jacket in our tests, the pit zippers will help you offload some heat. The value and protection are undeniable, and for stormy hikes, travel, and just unpredictable forecasts in your daily routine, we think this jacket has a place in just about anyone's wardrobe.
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L quickly became a favorite of our testing team thanks to its affordable yet high-performing 3-layer construction. Credit: The GearLab Team
Who it is best for: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is best for women who need a reliable, reasonably priced rain jacket that excels in real-world wet-weather conditions. It's especially well-suited for hikers, travelers, and anyone who expects to get caught in a downpour but doesn't want to drop a huge wad of cash on their rain gear. The design is simple yet effective, featuring storm flaps instead of watertight zippers and sacrificing maximum breathability for better water resistance. It's also a smart pick for environmentally conscious buyers, thanks to its PFC-free DWR finish and recycled fabric, and it's made in a Fair Trade-certified factory.
Why we love it: The Torrentshell has earned a permanent spot in our gear closet. “It's a high-performing workhorse that will keep you dry no matter the conditions,” said one longtime tester, who added, “I've had it out in multi-day storms, and it showed no signs of weakness during our testing period or beyond.” Built with Patagonia's rugged 3-layer 50D H2No Performance ECONYL fabric (recycled nylon material made from old fishing nets), it delivers top-tier waterproofing. The Torrentshell keeps things simple and effective—qualities our testers deeply appreciated. We love that Patagonia will often repair damaged products through their Worn Wear programs or their Ironclad guarantee, extending the product's life and protecting your investment.
Should you buy it? Yes—if water resistance, durability, and value are your priorities. The Torrentshell may feel slightly stiff and crinkly compared to softer shells, but one tester said, “The stretchier rain jackets can be more flexible and comfortable, but sometimes their waterproofing isn't as good. I'd rather stay dry than wear a comfortable fabric and end up soaked.” Though the storm-flap-over-zipper system isn't as confidence-inspiring as fully sealed zippers, it still held up well to heavy weather in our testing. The Torrentshell hits a near-perfect balance for most users—outstanding water resistance, fair breathability, and a price tag that doesn't sting.
The Torrentshell 3L offers excellent performance, especially considering its sub-$200 price point. The 3-layer construction handles heavy downpours and intense weather with ease, and we love that it's versatile enough to tackle rainy weather around town or an overnight trip into the mountains with an iffy forecast. Credit: The GearLab Team
Who it is best for: Sometimes, price needs to be a key factor in your gear shopping, and if that's the case, the L.L.Bean Trail Model is worth a look. Its 2.5-layer nylon construction fights off drizzles and quick downpours on your next city stroll or post-work hike, but it shouldn't be used for serious and prolonged storms. This is the rain jacket we recommend for fair-weather hikers looking to save some coin for other gear, or those simply needing a rain jacket to keep them dry when darting from the car to the grocery store.
Why we love it: We love when a budget layer like the Trail Model still performs well in the real world, not just in our shower testing. It weighs under a pound, and even stows inside its own pocket, so we could easily travel or backpack with it when wind or rain was in the forecast at our destination. It also has two drawstrings at the neck, making for a nice, tight seal around the face to keep rain from sneaking in.
Should you buy it? Yes, but only if you need more modest rain protection. Its lighter-weight design works well for casual storms, but it might not keep you happy on a soggy all-day hike. The back of the Trail Model's hood also has a Velcro adjuster instead of a drawstring, making it awkward to tighten down, and ultimately requires a hat if you need your head fully covered. That said, many people don't go on a hike or choose to walk to work in junky weather, and a jacket like the Trail Model is all you might need.
The L.L.Bean Trail Model is an affordable rain layer that can be tightened down around the head for a better seal from precipitation. Credit: Zach Lovell
Who it is best for: The Rab Downpour is the jacket we reach for when we want affordable, technical performance during afternoon thunderstorms. From soggy hikes to bike commutes, this jacket delivers. Its 2.5L construction is soft and flexible, comfortable during extended periods of bad weather, and it's easy to layer. It has a generous fit, articulated sleeves for range of movement, and a helmet-compatible hood, and it also stows easily into its own pocket so you can attach it to your harness or stow it inside your pack without it taking up too much space. We measured it around the same length as our one-liter water bottle.
Why we love it: The Downpour is an affordable rain jacket design that emulates the technical performance of pricier top performers. Instead of a stiff and rigid material, it has a more malleable material and articulated patterning that gives it great range of motion, whether you're out for a run during a storm or need something to keep the mist at bay near some of Yosemite's famous waterfall trails. The fabric is also breathable, and when temperatures were particularly hot and humid, we could get additional relief by opening up the nearly foot-long armpit zips.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for a comfortable, feature-filled jacket with good range of motion that won't break the bank, then yes, this could be your rain jacket. While it's not our first choice for sustained rainfall in truly wet conditions (it will wet out after extended bouts of driving rain, as many jackets will), it still offered great performance when we wanted to stay active outdoors despite afternoon thunderstorms in the forecast. Bottom line, the Downpour is the clear choice when it comes to affordable, technical performance within a comfortable, feature-rich jacket. If you need to go even cheaper, we also like the REI Co-op Rainier, which has a lot of similar features but is a little less protective and comfortable.
The Rab Downpour is the jacket we're reaching for when we're after an affordable design that still maintains technical performance. We love the breathable, water-resistant shell, pit vents, and lightweight, packable design.
Who it is best for: The Rab Downpour is a great choice for hikers, travelers, and everyday users who prioritize comfort and mobility without spending a ton. It works well for everything from city walks in the rain to moderate backcountry use, especially if you value a softer feel on the skin. “I was impressed that a lower-priced jacket didn't feel rubbery inside, like some rain jackets do,” our tester commented.
Why we love it: Compared to most jackets in this price range, the Downpour is really comfortable. It has softer fabric and a less clammy interior, and we had no trouble moving around or layering underneath. We could adjust the hood with one hand, and the adjustments effectively batten down the hatches in wet conditions. The waterproofing is good, the jacket is comfortable, and depending on the color you choose, the design is understated enough to wear in urban settings.
Should you buy it? If affordability, reliability, and comfort are ideas that speak to you, the Rab Downpour is an easy choice. It's versatile enough to handle both casual and technical outdoor use, with a clean aesthetic that doesn't look too techy for the office. That said, if cutting weight is a top priority or you need maximum performance in heavy storms, you may want to look at more specialized options.
The Rab Downpour is also one of our favorite technical layers for men that performs well during moderate conditions and is comfortable enough to keep on between storms. Credit: Zach Lovell
Who it is best for: If you're looking for a sleek and stylish rain jacket to wear around town, the Kuhl Stretch Voyagr Trench is it. This jacket is great for gals who are tired of the standard outdoorsy, hip-length rain jackets that scream, “I'm going on a hike!” The Stretch Voyagr is capable of hiking, of course, but it's also at home on your work commute or out to brunch on the town. It hits mid-thigh, offering more coverage and protection, with a sleek and streamlined look and comfortable, stretchy fabric.
Why we love it: It's cute, it's comfortable, and it offers more coverage. One of our favorite features is the stretch material, which is easy to move in and was so comfortable to wear that we didn't mind keeping it on even after the rain stopped. We also love this jacket for travel: it's lightweight and still packs down fairly small, despite the extra fabric. The main zipper is two-way, so you can open it up from the bottom if you need more mobility for riding a bike or climbing stairs. We appreciate details like the waist cinch for a more flattering fit and the subtle reflective strip for more visibility at night.
Should you buy it? We know that not everyone is after the most technical rain jacket to stay active during backcountry rains. If you're after a casual and flattering raincoat that prioritizes style and comfort over the utmost technical waterproofing performance, you're gonna love the Voyagr. It still offers respectable waterproofing for medium exposure to rain, and its stretch material is comfortable, mobile, and breathable. It's not going to keep you dry in an all-day deluge, but if your goal is staying dry in light rains while looking put together around town, we fully recommend this jacket.
The Voyagr is our favorite rain jacket for casual, everyday style. We love this jacket for our commutes, dashing into stores around town, linking up with friends for coffee, or drizzly dog walks.
Who it is best for: If you're a serious outdoor enthusiast who requires elite-level waterproofing, durability, and performance, regardless of the cost, the Arc'teryx Beta SL is where we'd point you. It's especially popular among guides, avalanche safety workers, and mountain athletes who rely on dependable gear in extreme environments. This low-weight, high-protection layer is great for anyone who regularly faces high-altitude storms in the backcountry where staying dry equates to staying safe. The Beta SL offers four-season functionality; if you size up, you can fit some winter layers underneath.
Why we love it: Simply put, this jacket represents the cutting edge of weatherproof gear. “This is a high-end jacket that effortlessly transitions between being my winter skiing shell and my summer rain layer,” said lead gear expert Zach Lovell, who emphasized its versatility across seasons and environments. Its advanced 3-layer Gore-Tex build and thinner ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane is breathable, packable, and durable without weighing a lot, and it offers some of the best water resistance in our tests.
Should you buy it? It's the most expensive jacket we tested, but if you need tip-top performance and you can afford it, the Beta SL is a worthy investment. It's likely overkill for just cruising around town, but if you're someone who lives in your rain shell—whether you're ski touring in the winter or navigating technical trails in a summer downpour—few jackets come close in terms of capability and comfort. For professionals or dedicated users who view gear as a tool, not just a garment, the Beta SL remains the gold standard.
The Arc'teryx Beta SL is the gold standard for wet-weather performance, thanks to its 3-layer Gore-Tex outer shell that offers excellent water resistance in a high-quality, lightweight (if pricey) design. Credit: Zach Lovell
Who it is best for: The Arc'teryx Beta SL is ideal for serious outdoor adventurers, guides, and anyone facing prolonged exposure to the elements who is willing to invest in best-in-class weather protection. Its high price tag is justified by elite performance, making it a top pick for those with flexible budgets or very specific gear demands—particularly in remote or storm-prone environments. With RECCO rescue technology integrated, it's especially well-suited for alpine or backcountry users who may encounter emergencies far from help.
Why we love it: Our team unanimously praised the Beta SL for its unbeatable protection in extreme wind and downpour conditions. One tester, who wore this jacket during tropical downpours, said, “It's clear this was built for people who push their time outside to the limit.” The jacket's 3-layer Gore-Tex construction is burly and protective, and features like gusseted underarms and a drop hem help offer better range of movement that's still protective even when arms are raised overhead. It has built-in RECCO technology to aid in rescues in the case of an avalanche.
Should you buy it? If you're after the absolute best weather protection and don't mind the premium price, the Beta SL delivers where it counts. At 10.6 oz, it isn't the lightest, but it outperforms nearly everything else in terms of waterproofing, durability, and overall design. The lack of a stuff pocket is a rare miss for a jacket of this caliber, especially when more affordable options like the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch include that convenience. For occasional use around town, the Beta SL is overkill, but if staying dry in wild weather is your top concern, this is the jacket that will keep you dry longer than any other we tested.
Who it is best for: The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell is a great match for fast-moving hikers, trail runners, and climbers looking for lightweight weather protection that doesn't compromise on mobility. At just 9.4 ounces, it's one of the lightest fully featured shells we tested, making it ideal for multi-day adventures where every ounce matters, so long as the forecast doesn't include heavy, sustained rain.
Why we love it: The Fineline Stretch Shell manages to strike a rare balance between weight, comfort, and protection. Its 2.5-layer BD.dry construction and mechanical stretch fabric offer solid water resistance and impressive freedom of movement—something our testers appreciated on scrambles and technical terrain. As one tester put it, “This jacket gives you the confidence to move fast and stay light without feeling vulnerable in light to moderate storms.” It also includes an adjustable hood, a chest pocket, and a stuff sack, all in a minimalist design that still feels practical.
Should you buy it? The Fineline is a standout option if you're after a do-it-all ultralight rain jacket. That said, if you're headed into storm-prone terrain or expect hours of rain, we recommend burlier options. Ultimately, the Fineline is one of the best lightweight shells for users who want performance without bulk—and don't plan to wait out a monsoon.
The Fineline Stretch Shell helps us move fast and light during alpine missions that expose us for long periods of time to various elements, without leaving us vulnerable to harsh conditions. Credit: Zach Lovell
Who it is best for: The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch - Women's is an outstanding choice for active mountain gals and climbers who prioritize packability, stretch, and protection during fast-paced missions. The entire jacket packs into one of the perforated pockets, making it easy to stow inside your pack or clip into the back of your harness during a multi-pitch climb in a less-than-ideal forecast. It's best suited for climbers, mountaineers, or serious hikers looking for a rain shell that can keep up with high-output days and unpredictable mountain weather.
Why we love it: The Fineline Stretch is lightweight and comfortable, with great mobility and decent weather performance for a stretchy rain jacket. Its BD.dry 2.5L membrane kept us dry in moderate rain while remaining more breathable than many other jackets in its class. Its stretch allows for a full range of motion—a must when you're reaching for holds or moving fast on a ridgeline. The hood is helmet-compatible, the zippers are watertight, and it packs into its own pocket with a carabiner clip. Our tester shared, “This is the jacket I'd clip to my harness on any mission that might see showers—it layers well, moves with me, and disappears into my pack when I don't need it.”
Should you buy it? The Fineline Stretch is a top contender if you want a lightweight, high-performance jacket with alpine-ready features. If you're looking for a jacket for rainy dog walks or running between the car and the store, there are more affordable, town-focused jackets that would suffice. The Fineline Stretch is the ultralight shell to get if your priority is moving fast and light in the mountains, with gear that keeps pace.
The Fineline is stretchy and mobile, yet still protective in the elements. Credit: Trish Matheny
How We Tested
We've purchased over 100 men's and women's rain jackets over the last 15 years. Our expert testers use them extensively in the field and in-home “lab” settings, testing each jacket across a range of activities and climates for hundreds of hours.
We are constantly on the lookout for new and compelling rain jackets to test. Purchasing products ourselves ensures an unbiased testing process from start to finish, with final results you can trust. Our recent update includes the best jackets you can buy today, which we subjected to more than 350 field hours of hiking, biking, camping, mountaineering, and more to assess breathability, mobility, water resistance, etc. Testers kept detailed notes and observations about performance across metrics and chose award winners after much consideration and hours of use. We tested women's jackets and men's jackets ranging from ultralight to 3-layer for colder climates.
Rain jackets were tested across 5 performance metrics:
Water Resistance
Breathability
Comfort and Mobility
Weight
Construction Quality
Our testing team understands just how important it is to stay dry and comfortable during less than ideal conditions. We aligned objective testing metrics along with our first-hand experience in the field to ensure accurate testing perspectives.
Why Trust GearLab
Our testing teams are composed of wet-weather experts who appreciate the details of rain jacket performance. We have separate teams to ensure we can properly evaluate fit and performance for designs tailored to each gender.
Our women's rain jacket review lead is Trish Matheny, an outdoor enthusiast who is deeply familiar with wet weather conditions, having spent over a decade living in the Tetons, getting rained off the high ridgelines of the Cascades, and surviving several atmospheric rivers in the High Sierra. As a member of the Yosemite Search and Rescue Team, she also has plenty of opportunities to test gear and spends most of her time living and playing outside in Yosemite National Park.
Another important voice in our women's rain jacket analysis is tester Jessica Albery. She has worked outdoors in the rain in many places, including Oregon, New Zealand, and Australia, and now hangs her hat in Truckee, California. Several atmospheric river storms have hit in recent years, bringing extreme precipitation and flooding, and excellent opportunities for testing. Jessica believes the right gear can help people stay safe and dry outdoors, and her journalism degree has taught her the importance of conducting objective and unbiased research. She now applies this combination of skills and experience to testing rain jackets.
Our testers spend hours testing each jacket side by side to objectively evaluate each design based on water resistance, breathability, comfort and mobility, weight, and overall construction quality.
Our men's rain jacket testing leads have impressive resumes and the expertise and experience to test and evaluate men's rain jackets in the most demanding conditions. Zach Lovell is an IFMGA Mountain Guide with over 15 years of experience guiding climbs and ski tours across the globe.
Ben Applebaum-Bauch is a guide and avid thru-hiker with a decade of experience in windy northern New England. He has tested rain jackets in various conditions, from torrential downpours to blizzards. Together, our test team is committed to finding the best rain jackets for our readers, so you can be sure you are getting a high-quality product that will keep you dry and comfortable in any weather.
How to Pick the Best Rain Jacket for You
Regarding rain jackets, there is more to consider than finding something to keep you dry. Before making your final selection, consider waterproofing level, layers, size (weight), and the climate and activity you plan to use it for. For many, this can mean multiple activities and climates that could necessitate purchasing multiple jackets or making concessions in what you want to meet the varying needs of each activity or area with a single product.
All rain jackets are designed to protect you from the elements, but different models vary in their features, waterproof level, and intended activities. Credit: Zach Lovell
Most rain jackets feature a cut to fit the average male or female body. Most people purchase a jacket designed for and marketed to their gender. However, we suggest trying on one from either group and choosing the one that works best for you. Besides differences in cut, we sometimes see differences in functional details like pocket sizes and locations between the two versions.
In addition to cut, we recommend considering the climate where you will most likely be using your rain jacket. If you will be in locations such as the rainy Pacific Northwest year-round, selecting a highly water-resistant jacket that can be easily layered with mid layers and puffy jackets for additional warmth may be the best option, rather than a slim fit meant to go over a thinner base layer. Our testers often identify designs that run true or size as well as those that are best to size up or down based on the specific fit.
Men's Rain Jackets
We provide comprehensive and detailed testing of rain jackets for men. The chart below summarizes our overall performance scores of the best men's rain jackets available today:
Women's Rain Jackets
GearLab's expert female testing team put all of women's rain jackets through a gauntlet of tests to assess the performance of each, as shown in the chart below.
Care and Cleaning
Every jacket will require care and maintenance, no matter what company or style you choose. If you ignore your jacket and fail to clean it or reapply water-repellent coatings, it will eventually fail you in the field, leaving you wet when you don't want to be. Each jacket comes with its own care and cleaning guide, and we recommend following these recommendations and tips to the letter to keep your gear in top condition. After spending over a hundred dollars or more, it is a small price to pay to keep the outdoor wet-weather fun going.
Waterproof or Water Resistant?
The goal of any great rain jacket is to keep you dry. However, the degree to which it meets this goal and the products it uses to meet them vary from jacket to jacket. Some jackets withstand the worst storms, while others are meant more for the occasional light rain in warmer weather. Finding the right option to meet your specific needs can save you money if it helps you avoid purchasing additional jackets.
We test each design objectively during our 8 ounce pour and shower testing. We also stress-tested each construction in the field during hikes, trail runs, bike rides, and climbing approaches to record our first-hand experience after being exposed to the elements.
Some products use waterproof and breathable materials, while others rely on surface treatment with more water-resistant fabrics. Knowing each garment's waterproofing elements and properties can help you find the one right for your goals and needs.
Waterproof Materials
ePTFE Fabrics: Materials like Gore-Tex are stretched membranes with a specific dimension designed to escape water vapor but prevent liquid from entering. This sweet spot results from the pore size (20,000 smaller than a water drop) and the low surface tension (preventing liquid water absorption without significant pressure). Many companies are now releasing jackets with their own proprietary waterproof membranes.
Polyester, Polyurethane, or PU Films: PU is a laminate waterproof layer between the outer and inside material. An ePTFE layer often joins the mix. Why? The PU layer will be exceptionally thin when laminated to an ePTFE layer. The ePTFE must be thicker with the PU laminate to reach the desired waterproofness. Products that use PU tend to be lighter. They also tend to be more stretchy than those that use only ePTFE fabric.
Coated Fabrics: Coated fabrics are typically used in budget-friendly jackets and are usually less breathable with lower durability over time. A coated, waterproof, and breathable material slips between the outer fabric and interior layer. Coated fabrics have an advantage: they combine well with stretchier materials, offering a superior range of motion.
More and more outdoor companies are using treatments that are made without PFC chemicals. Credit: Trish Matheny
Durable Water Repellent
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) is a chemical applied to the outer shell. Its job is to resist and bead water on the surface to prevent the fabric from becoming saturated. Saturation is the bane of breathability and can create a feeling of dampness. Waterproof fabrics use some DWR; it is also somewhat common in water-resistant textiles.
Most of the jackets we tested have a DWR treatment to help bead water away from the shell. Credit: Trish Matheny
Considering the Layers
You might not have noticed the layer inside a rain jacket. There is a good reason for this. Unlike other jackets, they are not separate layers; you cannot remove a layer if needed. These sandwiched layers, often laminated, cannot be “seen.”
Our comprehensive reviews offer many different jacket styles of various layer thickness. 2-layer designs are often just enough to keep you dry around town, while 3-layer constructions are our preference for persistent rain showers when we're vulnerable to the elements. Credit: Trish Matheny
2 Layers
2-layer options are the simplest rain jackets you can buy. This type includes an outer fabric layer treated with a water-repellent (most likely DWR) and an inner waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex for waterproofing and breathability. This design can have problems, and the waterproof layer typically isn't super skin-friendly.
2.5 Layers
2.5-layer designs include the two already mentioned, plus an additional half-layer. Wait… what the heck is a half-layer?? The half-layer is a lightly sprayed or painted-on protective coating on the inner membrane. It isn't an actual layer of fabric; it creates another layer, thus the .5/half-layer status. These designs tend to be less expensive but are also less durable.
2.75 Layers
Recently, we've been seeing some new 2.75-layer designs pop up. These usually feature a 3D-printed liner on a 2.5-layer construction and are designed to offer more comfort against bare skin.
3 Layers
3-layer jackets offer the burliest, most consistent storm protection. This design is essentially a 2-layer jacket with a liner fused inside (some are textured). The third layer protects the breathable membrane from body oils and grime. They require less laundering to keep them breathable. The third layer lowers overall breathability, making the design more suitable for colder climates. 3-layer jackets offer the best rain protection, but the triple-layer means it is thicker and stiffer.
It's likely you'll see a more robust liner fabric on a 3 layer jacket, which can improve durability, breathability, and water resistance. Credit: Zach Lovell
Use and Climate
Choosing the right rain jacket for your needs depends on your budget, activity plans, and the climate you'll be playing in. These factors can influence the number of layers you look for and the jacket's waterproofing. The colder the climate, the more layers you will likely need. The more heated the activity, the more you might consider pit vents. The more activities, the more versatility you'll need. Paying attention to features (does the hood fit a helmet?) and the metrics that matter the most for your goals will give you the details you need to find the right jacket to meet your goals.
Venting
Venting will be more or less important to you depending on your activity, exertion level, and ambient air temperature or humidity. While any jacket can use its main front zipper to dump the build-up of internal body heat, some offer additional “pit vent” zippers to better regulate the release of excess heat without creating a cold or clammy feel. If you plan to exert yourself through activities like mountaineering or hiking and your wet-weather climate will be relatively warm, then pit vents will feel more like a must-have. If your needs lean more toward camp sitting in colder climates, then vents might not be mandatory. Some folks feel it's better to have them and not need them than to be without. If you plan to indulge in multiple outdoor adventures or your climate varies, a lack of pit vents could be a dealbreaker.
If you're working up a sweat in your rain jacket, pit vents can be a lifesaver. Credit: Trish Matheny
Hoods
In a rainstorm, a hood is a must-have. Hoods have different designs and features, and should be considered as they apply to your chosen activity. If you need to wear a helmet for your outdoor fun, a hood that is large enough for a helmet is necessary. Also, note if the hood has some adjustability and a brim to protect your eyes and face while maintaining your peripheral vision. No one hood is perfect for everyone, but some hood designs are better and more versatile than others.
Hoods are a must-have. We favor those with good adjustability and good coverage that doesn't impede peripheral vision.
Conclusion
A rain jacket has one of the most important jobs our gear can have: keeping us outside playing, no matter what. We've done the hard part for you — now you just need to decide which jacket is the right fit for you and your wallet. We've spent years testing the latest and greatest rain jackets, and we're stoked to see you out there, whether in the mountains, on the ocean, on the trail, or at the coffee shop.
We hope our testing team's perspective helps you select the best design for your next adventure or while you're kicking it around town during a rainy day. Credit: Trish Matheny
—Zach Lovell, Jessica Albery, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, Trish Matheny, and Ian Nicholson
