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We tested 39 of the top rain jackets from Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Black Diamond, Marmot, Columbia, Outdoor Research, 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 May 1, 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.
If you're looking to save a little money, we also recommend the REI Co-op Rainier for men and women. The Rainier has good water resistance and features found on higher-end models, such as pit zips and full adjustability at the hood, collar, and hem.
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 May 1, 2026, with new picks from Patagonia, Rab, REI, and more.
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. You can easily batten down the hatches — smart features like adjustable cuffs, a helmet-compatible hood, and pit 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's not the most breathable option, but it delivers impressive waterproofing and durability for the cost. It may feel slightly stiffer and less refined compared to premium models, but the value here is undeniable. For stormy hikes, travel days, and unpredictable forecasts, the Torrentshell is one of the most dependable jackets in its price class and an easy recommendation for most users.
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, affordable 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 top dollar on premium shells. This jacket is ideal for those who prioritize water protection and value over ultralight performance or flashy features. The design is simple, 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. It's also 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, 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 as lead tester Trish Matheny put it: “I would much rather sacrifice some flexibility in the textile than risk getting 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 has no problem handling heavier downpours and intense storms, making it one of our first choices for running rainy errands or multi-day backcountry missions. Credit: The GearLab Team
Who it is best for: The REI Co-op Rainier is a great fit for budget-conscious hikers and casual users who want dependable rain protection without overspending. It's well-suited for day hikes, travel, and general use in light to moderate rain, where reliable coverage matters but top-tier performance isn't critical. If you're heading out into prolonged downpours, you might want something more substantial, but many folks don't need the burliest rain jacket out there, and the Rainier gets the job done nicely.
Why we love it: What stands out most about the Rainier is the level of performance it delivers at its price point. It holds up well in typical wet conditions, vents heat effectively with its pit zips, and offers a decent amount of adjustability at the hood, cuffs, and hem. Altogether, it's thoughtfully designed and capable, outperforming what you might expect from a jacket at its price point.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for a dependable and affordable rain shell for occasional use, the REI Co-op Rainier is an easy recommendation. “It covers the essentials well and adds a few thoughtful features that improve usability and weather protection,” head tester Zach Lovell shared. If you prioritize next-to-skin comfort, minimal weight, or maximum protection in heavy storms, you may want to consider stepping up to a more expensive option, but otherwise the Rainier might be just what you and your wallet are looking for.
Slim fit with articulated elbows for better range of motion
Great value
REASONS TO AVOID
Fabric lacks breathability
Disappointing fabric in heavy rainfall
Who it is best for: The REI Co-op Rainier is a jacket we recommend for those seeking a functional rain jacket at an affordable price. We think it's perfect for casual use, travel, or hiking in moderate rainfall. REI's latest update features a softer fabric that has a little stretch along with articulated elbows for better comfort and mobility, while the larger, adjustable hood is great for additional water protection without eliminating your peripheral vision. The jacket stows easily into its own pocket for those seeking a design that's great for travel. It performs well during moderate rainfall and is perfect for active women seeking a budget-friendly design that can keep up.
Why we love it: The Rainier is a budget-friendly design that still includes a lot of features. The design includes 10-inch pit vents, mesh-lined drop-in pockets, an adjustable hood, a cinch cord at the waist, hook-and-loop-closure wrist cuffs, and tons of fun color options to choose from. The 2.5-layer Hydrowall membrane, along with PFC-free DWR treatment, provided solid performance — that is, unless the rainfall became super heavy and sustained, and then it would eventually wet out. The zippers inspire confidence in function and longevity, while the updated fabric is softer and more comfortable to wear for long stretches.
Should you buy it? We recommend the REI Co-op Rainier for ladies after an affordable raincoat that still includes a ton of features. Its lighter-weight and packable design combines with decent water resistance for a functional rain jacket that's best for active outdoor pursuits in moderate rainfall. We don't love the internal fabric, which feels plasticky and is prone to sticking to bare skin in humid conditions, but the pit vents and mesh-lined pockets help increase airflow when you need it. While there are other models in the lineup that we'd recommend for better quality, breathability, and water resistance, the Rainier is perfect for anyone after a feature-rich rain jacket that won't break the bank.
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 budget layer like this could offer an interior liner that didn't feel as rubbery,” our tester commented.
Why we love it: What really sets the Rab Downpour apart is how comfortable it is compared to most jackets in this price range. Its fabric has a noticeably softer, less clammy interior, and the overall design allows for excellent freedom of movement. The hood is easy to adjust on the fly and seals effectively in wet conditions, while the jacket's material easily sheds precipitation. It strikes a nice balance between performance and everyday wearability, and even looks nice for urban settings.
Should you buy it? If you want an affordable rain jacket that feels good to wear all day and performs reliably in most conditions, the Rab Downpour is an easy pick. It's versatile enough to handle both casual and 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.
Stylish and flattering oversized fit for easier layering
Recycled and sustainable fabrics
Wrist cuffs and hood are adjustable
Comfortable design with mesh liner for increased airflow
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier weight and bulk limits versatility
No pit vents
Hood has small brim
Who it is best for: The Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Rain Jacket is a casual rain jacket for hitting the town rather than packing it into the backcountry. Our testers love the stylish and flattering oversized design and found it both comfortable and easy to layer over bulkier clothes. The fabric is flexible and quiet rather than stiff and noisy, making it easy to wear all day during inclement weather. The 2-layer proprietary H2No outer shell works great when you're exposed to moderate rain showers, but isn't our first choice for sustained downpours. If you're interested in a casual design with sustainable features, we highly recommend this jacket.
Why we love it: We love the soft and flexible fabrics, which are 100% recycled and constructed without harmful chemicals. The oversized fit looks good and is great for layering a sweater or puffy jacket underneath, while the adjustable wrist cuffs and hood can be tightened if the weather truly deteriorates. The casual construction is heavier than other jackets and lacks pit vents for increased breathability, but the recycled mesh liner helps with airflow and prevents the liner from sticking to skin on warmer days. “I love the longer hemline for more coverage, and the zippered chest pocket kept my phone secure and dry,” says our tester.
Should you buy it? If you're interested in a casual design to wear around town rather than a lightweight and technical rain jacket that you can pack into the mountains, the Outdoor Everyday is worthy of your attention. Although a little more expensive than other everyday options, we love the fit and feel of the jacket, along with the ease of layering. The lack of pit vents and the extra bulk limit its versatility, but it's easy for us to get behind the sustainable construction that includes chemical-free treatment and cleverly recycled fabrics.
Our testers love the Patagonia Outdoor Everyday thanks to its casual, flattering, and stylish oversized fit that includes 2-layer water resistance and a longer hemline for better coverage. This is a great jacket for everyday use for your work commute or running errands around town. Credit: Trish Matheny
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. If you regularly face high-altitude storms, shifting alpine weather, or backcountry missions that require both minimal weight and maximum protection, the Beta SL is likely the most dependable choice available. Those who want year-round functionality from one outer shell will also benefit—just size up to accommodate base and mid-layers in winter.
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 the use of Arc'teryx's new thinner ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane not only boost breathability and packability but also lower the jacket's environmental impact. The design allows for a stronger face fabric without adding weight, so you get extended durability and storm protection in a featherlight form. These are the kinds of thoughtful innovations that keep Arc'teryx gear at the top of the industry.
Should you buy it? If you're chasing peak performance and don't mind the price, the Beta SL is a justifiable investment. It's the most expensive jacket in our test, and that's its biggest drawback. This rain shell is overkill for just bopping 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 of wet weather performance thanks to its 3-layer Gore-Tex outer shell that offers excellent water resistance within a high-quality and lightweight design that's worthy of the price. 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. Jessica Albery, who led testing during high-altitude storms and tropical downpours, said, “It's clear this was built for people who push their time outside to the limit.” The jacket's 3L N40p Gore-Tex construction, tailored fit with gusseted underarms, and drop hem add up to an ergonomic, storm-ready design that still provides solid mobility despite its more rigid shell. Added safety features like RECCO tech round out the package, showing how Arc'teryx designs for real-world, high-stakes use.
Should you buy it? If you're after the absolute best weather protection and don't mind the premium price, the Beta SL is the top-tier choice—it 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.
The Beta SL's Gore-Tex construction performs better than the rest when it comes to sustained downpours, and it's the jacket we're packing into the mountains when the forecast isn't great. The high-performing design is well worth the higher price tag when staying dry matters most. Credit: The GearLab Team
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.
Who it is best for: The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch - Women's is an outstanding choice for active mountain gals who prioritize packability, stretch, and protection during fast-paced alpine 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: At just 8.6 ounces, the Fineline Stretch delivers impressive weather protection without sacrificing flexibility. Its BD.dry 2.5L membrane kept our testers dry in moderate to heavy rain while remaining more breathable than many other jackets in its class. The stretchy fabric allows for a full range of motion—a must when you're reaching for holds or moving fast on a ridgeline. Our testers also appreciated the helmet-compatible hood, watertight YKK AquaGuard zippers, and the fact that it packs into its own pocket and clips easily to a harness. As one tester noted, “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 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 Black Diamond Fineline is super breathable and easy to move in. We love this jacket for its lightweight and packable performance, along with sufficient water resistance for protection during fast-paced mountain activities. 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 looks for every opportunity to test each jacket based on a variety of testing metrics to determine the jackets that supply the best performance.
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 these jackets in the rain and the shower, and we also subject them to a pour test to check how quickly they wet out and how well the zippers seal out water. Credit: Trish Matheny
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.
Coated fabrics and Aquaguard zippers help protect against prolonged periods of precipitation. 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. 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.”
We highly recommend following the specific manufacturer instructions for your rain jacket so as to maintain the performance throughout the life of the design. Credit: Trish Matheny
2 Layers
Two-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 this condensed article on our top performing men's and women's rain jackets will help you select the best model for your next adventure. Credit: Trish Matheny
—Zach Lovell, Jessica Albery, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, Trish Matheny, and Ian Nicholson
