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Is a storm brewing? Whether you're running out the door to catch a bus or braving the elements while tackling outdoor chores or backcountry adventures, water-protective gear is a wardrobe necessity that can make life a lot more comfortable.
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is our top recommendation. It offers excellent water resistance and quality construction at half the cost of other high-end models.
If the Torrentshell's price tag is still more than you can shell out, check out the Helly Hansen Loke or the REI Co-op Rainier. Both jackets offer good protection from the elements for reasonable price tags.
We've tested over 70 men's rain jackets since 2010. For this review, we put 18 top contenders through rigorous wet-weather testing—from heavy downpours outdoors to our own showerheads—to break down their pros and cons and help you choose the right one.
Editor's Note: We updated our men's rain jacket review on May 1, 2026, after testing jackets from Rab, Outdoor Research, Marmot, and REI.
The top-performing Patagonia Torrentshell 3L proves you don't have to spend a high premium to get high-quality weather protection. Zach Lovell, our main reviewer, shared, “I had to triple-check the price tag on the Torrentshell since its scores competed easily with jackets twice as expensive.” This rain jacket is constructed from Patagonia's proprietary, three-layer H2No fabric, which is dependable in a range of weather conditions, from afternoon downpours to fierce snowstorms. By using a proprietary material, Patagonia can more easily make a water-resistant layer affordable without a substantial compromise in performance. The expensive Arc'teryx Beta SL did outperform the Torrentshell in some areas, but only slightly. The Torrentshell is significantly more affordable and offers a robust construction. This is the jacket we recommend to most people.
SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Fabric Layers
3
Material and Waterproof Membrane
3-layer H2No Performance Standard 50D ECONYL (proprietary material) with a PFC-free DWR finish
Measured Weight
12.7 oz
Pockets
2 zippered hand
Pit Zips
Yes
When storms began to blow sideways, the Torrentshell 3L was easy to adjust for a tight seal. Our testing team commented, “This jacket really kept the elements out of the sleeve, hem, and hood areas and kept me dry, even when the weather got nasty.” However, during prolonged cardio outings, testers were less thrilled as they began to get wet from the inside out due to limited breathability (although there are pit zips to help release some heat). Options like the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic offer excellent ventilation and have incredibly supple fabric construction, especially compared to the Torrentshell's potato chip bag feel. Besides these few considerations, this staple from Patagonia's weather protection line is an incredibly well-made jacket suited for a wide variety of stormy day activities.
If you're looking for a high-performing rain jacket but need to keep costs down, consider the REI Co-Op Rainier. The Rainier is substantially less expensive than its top-shelf competition while still offering totally decent water resistance, comfort, and breathability. Though not our top choice for those constantly enduring torrential downpours, it's reliable enough for precipitation ranging from light to moderate intensity. “After a bunch of testing, I found the Rainier to be a trustworthy rain layer. This piece truly outperforms its price point,” one of our rain jacket experts shared. It has features found on premium jackets like pit zips and adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem.
SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Fabric Layers
2.5
Material and Waterproof Membrane
2.5-layer HydroWall recycled ripstop nylon with non-PFC DWR finish
Measured Weight
12 oz
Pockets
2 zippered hand, 2 interior drop-in
Pit Zips
Yes
2.5-layer rain jackets often have a more rubbery spray liner on the inside of the jacket, and the REI Co-Op Rainier is no different. While REI has improved the feel of this liner, it still isn't the most comfortable against the skin, and it isn't super durable. Even with a long-sleeve shirt under the Rainier, the neck area still made contact with the liner, though it never caused any chafing. Check out the Rab Downpour for a reasonably-priced jacket that offers better comfort. “Overall, the Rainier is one of the best values I've seen in a rain jacket, and even offers better adjustability than some of the pricier competition,” said our rain jacket tester, Zach Lovell.
It's hard to beat the comfort of the Rab Downpour, which offers great range of motion and a friendly against-skin feel for a relatively low price. The rubbery liner most often used with 2.5-layer rain jackets is typically an annoyance against the skin, but the Downpour's Pertex Shield fabric was noticeably more comfortable. “I loved being able to cinch down this hood with one hand,” one of our men's gear testers shared, “which was handy mid-hike or mid-climb.” This is a versatile jacket that'll serve you well for city rains or backcountry storms, just keep in mind this isn't meant for the most intense precipitation.
SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Fabric Layers
2.5
Material and Waterproof Membrane
2.5-layer Pertex Shield
Measured Weight
13.3 oz
Pockets
2 zippered hand
Pit Zips
Yes
We had very few complaints with the Downpour, besides a bit of excess fabric in the stomach area that could bunch up. “This is a layer that looks nice enough for town walks, but has the performance needed for more adventurous trips in the backcountry, as long as you don't mind its weight.” At 13.3 ounces, it's not heavy, per se, but hikers or backpackers counting every gram going into their pack might seek out a lighter jacket like the featherweight Outdoor Research Helium UL.
The Helly Hansen Loke is a lightweight bargain raincoat that punches above its price tag. Made of 2.5-layer Helly Tech with a PFC-free DWR finish, it offers decent storm protection in average conditions, and the inclusion of pit zips with loose mesh pockets makes for a reasonably breathable fit. One tester said, “A rain jacket like this is all most people really need — and the price is right, too.” The Loke is lightweight, weighing only 8.4 ounces, and packs down small into its own pocket for easy and convenient carrying when the sun is shining. The hood and waist toggles provide enough adjustability to get a solid seal; a combination of elastic and Velcro offers the same protection around the wrists.
SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Fabric Layers
2.5
Material and Waterproof Membrane
2.5-layer Helly Tech Polyamide (proprietary material) with a PFC-free DWR finish
Measured Weight
8.4 oz
Pockets
2 zippered hand
Pit Zips
Yes
Despite how much we love the value, the Loke and the highest performing rain jackets are noticeably different. For example, the zipper is not waterproof, relying instead on a Velcro front placket/storm flap that sits over the top of the zipper to keep moisture out. It manages to accomplish this when it's not raining too hard or for too long, but the design isn't equipped for extensive downpours. Its construction quality also leaves something to be desired, with hard-to-close pit zips and Velcro that snags on the mesh pockets. Overall, the Loke unquestionably stretches your dollar really far, especially if you just need a rain jacket for casual use. If you just don't have this much to spend on a rain jacket, check out the Columbia Hikebound II or the Columbia Glennaker Lake II.
After putting the Helly Hansen Loke through the wringer, we found it to be reasonably comfortable, wonderfully breathable, and sufficiently water resistant, so much so that it became one of our favorite low-cost jackets. Credit: The GearLab Team
There are few rain layers as lightweight as the Outdoor Research Helium UL. At a ridiculous 5.6 ounces, this model has gotten even lighter than its predecessors while still offering at least some protection from the elements. The Helium UL is strictly a just-in-case layer for brief squalls or to cut the wind, as its weather protection is on the lighter side. “It's important to keep in mind what the Helium UL is best for,” shared our rain jacket tester Zach Lovell. “With a fairy good weather forecast, this is what I'll throw in my bag every time. You never know when that surprise rain storm might hit, but it's not worth carrying around extra weight.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Fabric Layers
2.75
Material and Waterproof Membrane
2.75-layer Toray Dermizax 3D
Measured Weight
5.6 oz
Pockets
1 zippered chest
Pit Zips
No
As is often the case with ultralight clothing, the Outdoor Research Helium UL is very pricey, and for some, it might not be worth the money. If you want a more affordable layer in the lightweight category, we strongly suggest you take a look at the Helly Hansen Loke. While the Helium UL is a very light layer, it still affords some great features, including a drawstring hem and a chest pocket that doubles as a storage sack with a carabiner clip. The hood is also easy to tighten, even with one hand. As one of our gear nerds concluded, “If you don't mind buying a delicate jacket, this is perfect as that just-in-case layer when the wind or rain catches you by surprise.”
Updated Beta Models
This Beta SL jacket used to be known as the Beta LT. For this review, we examined the latest and greatest update to the Arc'teryx Beta line.
If you need the best rain jacket for weather protection under torrential conditions, look no further than the new Arc'teryx Beta SL. The Beta series from Arc'teryx is a well-established jacket line that has been a classic go-to for guides, avalanche workers, search and rescue teams, and serious recreationalists. The “SL” stands for “super light,” as this is the lightest version yet of the Beta jacket. One of our gear experts, Zach Lovell, shared, “This is a high-end option that could be classified as more of a hardshell jacket; I am able to easily use it as a winter skiing shell as much as a summertime rain layer.” In contrast, we also tested the Arc'teryx Beta, a less expensive model from the same line that weighs a bit more, lacks pit zips, and delivers slightly reduced water resistance. Both scored well across all metrics, but the SL stood out on top if price is no object.
The Beta SL utilizes a new three-layer Gore-Tex material made with a thinner ePE membrane, which stands for expanded polyethylene. This new construction is more environmentally friendly, less harmful for its wearer, and keeps the jacket lighter. With a thinner membrane at play, the manufacturer could thicken the jacket's face fabric, making that layer more robust. The most substantial setback of the Beta SL is its very high price. We'd also recommend sizing the Beta SL for your intended activities. If you'll be using it for year-round outdoor adventures and need to fit insulation underneath, consider sizing up to leave space for a performance fleece or puffy. At the end of the day, this jacket is a no-brainer if you want the very best and you don't mind paying the price.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic's claim to fame is its exceptional breathability and mobility. This layer feels more like a softshell than a crinkly rain jacket. Our lead tester, Zach Lovell, reported, “The Ozonic is a genre-bending layer that I could wear all day, whether it was raining or not.” At 9.6 ounces, this layer can easily be carried with you. When things got stormy, the Ozonic was adequate for lighter-intensity squalls, but when faced with particularly nasty weather, something like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a more appropriate choice to keep you dry.
SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Fabric Layers
2.5
Material and Waterproof Membrane
2.5-layer 50D Dry.Q (proprietary material)
Measured Weight
9.6 oz
Pockets
2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest
Pit Zips
Yes
We were delighted to wear the Stretch Ozonic for any outdoor activity, whether climbing or skiing, thanks to its unmatched stretch and breathability. Due to the 2.5-layer Dry.Q 50D Stretch Ripstop construction, this option was substantially more comfortable than the typical nylon models, even if its zippers did snag frequently. Others like the lightweight Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell or even less expensive Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch are worth checking out as an alternative rain jacket that prioritizes freedom of movement and comes with smoother zippers. Even so, the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is an excellent choice for those prioritizing mobility and on-the-go comfort over a high degree of weather protection.
The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell, which used to be called the Stormline, is a mold-breaking rain jacket with decent performance relative to its modest weight. Typically, a weather-protective garment that's on the lighter side makes compromises to keep the weight down, but at 9.4 ounces, the Fineline kept us dry in many scenarios. Our review team concluded, “The Fineline strikes the ideal balance of weight to performance for many outdoors enthusiasts. It's got just enough protection for longer trips, depending on the forecast, but won't slow you down”. As long as you're not voyaging into more intense storms, this layer will likely offer plenty of water resistance and even has some stretch to its BD.dry 2.5L fabric to accommodate a range of activities on the go.
SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Fabric Layers
2.5
Material and Waterproof Membrane
2.5-layer BD.dry PFC-free DWR finish
Measured Weight
9.4 oz
Pockets
2 zippered hand
Pit Zips
Yes
Depending on the intended use, sizing the Fineline Stretch Shell may be slightly difficult. When in between sizes, we suggest leaning towards the larger size, knowing that if we are recreating in cooler weather, we'll need that extra space for adding insulating layers underneath. If you want to go super light and don't require as much weather protection, look at the Outdoor Research Helium UL, which is featherlight even compared to the Fineline. In a market flooded with a wide variety of rain jackets for men, this latest offering from Black Diamond is worth considering for those in need of an ultralight garment that strikes the rare balance between performance and weight.
For its weight, this layer offers great performance and features. Credit: Mark Lovell
Product Comparison Table
We've collectively spent hundreds of hours testing rain jackets to offer review results you can trust. Credit: Zach Lovell
How We Tested
This review results from over 400 field hours of hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and camping in wet weather. Our testing process ranged from objective evaluation under a shower head to months of real-world testing in the field. Every single finding, big or small, was documented and carefully considered before distilling scores into a digestible format. Our testing team dragged these rain layers across the planet, from the monsoons of the Himalayas to the steady and dependable drizzle of the Pacific Northwest, all in the name of offering you as dependable and as solid a review as possible.
We rate rain jackets using five performance metrics:
Water Resistance (45% of overall score weighting)
Breathability (20% weighting)
Comfort and Mobility (15% weighting)
Weight (10% weighting)
Durability (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is headed by Zach Lovell and and Ben Applebaum-Bauch. Zach is an IFMGA Mountain Guide, guiding climbing and skiing in many mountain ranges across the planet. He has relied on a rain jacket for hundreds of days throughout his career, from stormy glaciated mountains in the Pacific Northwest to moody hikes, climbs, and skis in the European Alps.
Ben spent over a decade in blustery northern New England. He has guided backpacking, cycling, and canoeing trips throughout the region and maritime Canada. He is also an avid thru-hiker, completing treks of some of America's most iconic long trails, including the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Long Trail, Colorado Trail, and others. Having spent more than 500 nights in the backcountry, Ben knows the value of a reliable waterproof rain jacket.
Our team of gear experts is made up of a diverse group of people, from mountain guides to Forest Service workers.
Analysis and Test Results
Our selection involves a wide range of products, from budget-friendly to the most high-tech and stormworthy. We also select models that excel at specific applications or have particular attributes, from the lightest and most highly packable options to the stretchiest and most mobile jackets on the market. Each is evaluated across several important metrics to determine which are the best overall and which are best for specific applications or types of users.
[buying advice]
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
If you're hunting for an affordable all-arounder, the REI Co-op Rainier is a great bet. This rain jacket has decent weather resistance and adjustability for moderate storms, and the relaxed fit allows you to wear some warmer layers underneath in cooler temperatures.
The Rainier is a well-made budget jacket that still has some adjustability features in the cuffs, hem, and hood. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Helly Hansen Loke is another affordable rain jacket with features that will likely suit the average user, but it's not as ideal for prolonged storms. And though it's not dirt cheap, we think the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L offers incredible performance for its price point. These jackets retail for substantially less than the premium rain jackets we tested.
Bargain-priced jackets like the OTU Lightweight Hooded or the Columbia Glennaker II don't post the best scores in our test metrics, but some shoppers might just be looking for a little bit of weather protection and don't need to spend big bucks.
While the Columbia Glennaker II doesn't offer the best water resistance, it's incredibly inexpensive and offers some handy features, such as a roll-up hood that hides in the collar. Credit: Zach Lovell
Water Resistance
A rain jacket's primary job is to keep you dry in wet weather. With that in mind, we extensively tested each contender in the rain, wind, sleet, and snow, as well as in controlled environments to assess zippers and other openings (e.g., cuffs) to see how long they take to wet out.
All of the products that we tested meet the technical requirements for waterproofing. However, this doesn't mean they all perform at the same level. Most of these jackets feature a seam-taped waterproof fabric to create a complete seal. What differentiates the performance of each is how well and for how long they keep out water. This results from several factors, but generally refers to design specifics such as the number of fabric layers, type of waterproof membrane, hood style, cuffs, pockets, front/primary zipper, pit zips, and other vents.
Our testers deliberately went out in storms to see how each jacket's weather protection performed in the real world. Credit: Zach Lovell
A jacket's ability to keep its wearer dry has much to do with the makeup and construction of its waterproof insert (more frequently called a membrane) and its DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment. This treatment is factory-applied to the fabric's exterior, causing water to bead up on the jacket's surface, allowing it to roll off. Even though both nylon and polyester are hydrophobic, if they aren't treated with a DWR, they will become covered with a thin but continuous film of water and frequently appear wet — this is referred to as “wetting out.” Therefore, we consider the longevity of the DWR coating and its ability to resist wetting out after extended periods.
We drenched every rain jacket several times throughout our testing process to see how durable and consistent each model's water resistance was. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Arc'teryx Beta, Beta SL, and Patagonia Torrentshell 3L offer the group's most robust weather resistance. The combination of strong waterproof membranes and DWR treatments means these models all do an excellent job sealing precipitation in all forms. They also all have well-designed wrist cuffs and hoods that cinch down to keep the elements out.
Hands down, the most impressive results in this metric came from the Arc'teryx Beta SL, which is the ideal jacket for those demanding the best in weather protection. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Rab Downpour holds its own in water resistance. It's a relatively affordable rain jacket that offers both comfort and performance. The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell and Outdoor Research Foray 3L are a duo of contenders that offer reliable weather protection in average showers, even if we did notice some wetting out under more intense conditions. The Foray has been updated recently with a 3-layer construction, and its weather protection is noticeably better.
From town runs to backpacking, the Rab Downpour has a comfortable construction and sheds rain well. Credit: Zach Lovell
The more affordable options like the REI Co-op Rainier and Columbia Hikebound II perform well for their price point, with good moisture protection for less intense storms. These jackets use a 2.5 and 2-layer design, respectively. These generally don't keep water out as well as a 3-layer fabric construction, but as long as you're not outdoors for hours in a non-stop deluge, they will do quite well at keeping you dry.
We found the Rainier to be a worthy budget model in this metric, but we wouldn't head into the Alaskan wilderness with a massive storm on the way. Credit: Zach Lovell
Breathability
Breathability in a rain jacket is important because it helps keep you dry from the inside by allowing sweat, moisture, and heat to escape. Though some jackets may not always feel like it, all of these multi-layered fabrics are at least somewhat breathable, allowing water vapor to wick through the material from the inside to the outside, where it can evaporate.
Some jackets have air-permeable fabric. Air-permeable is a newer buzzword (and a technical term) in the outdoor industry, referring to a material that allows air to pass through at all times. It is also crucial to look at the overall construction of a jacket, including the number of layers (typically, designs range from 2 to 3). Jackets with that coupled breathable fabric construction with pit zips scored the highest in this metric.
Jackets come with a variety of liners, membranes, and shell fabrics. These nuances in construction greatly impact breathability. Credit: Zach Lovell
Air-permeable jackets aren't technically windproof on a micro-level. That said, they feel windproof, even if they are cooler than most folks are used to once you stop moving. The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is one such jacket. Another excellent option that feels somewhat like a softshell is the Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch.
The OR Stratoburst looks and feels a lot like a softshell jacket and is one of the more breathable jackets we tested. Credit: Zach Lovell
Effective venting options like pit zips, side zips, core vents, or other zippered ventilation designs can prove incredibly useful for users who run warmer or for variable weather. Besides a jacket's front primary zipper, pit zips are the next most effective ventilation tool for dumping heat and moving moisture, with the advantage of not letting much moisture back in. Pit zips generally allow more moisture to escape than “core vents,” a fairly generic term for mesh-lined pockets that you can leave open to let a little moisture out.
The Beta SL offers pit zips to dump some of your body heat. Credit: Zach Lovell
Some models simply use thinner material to offer some airflow, including the Outdoor Research Helium UL. It is half to a third the weight of other models simply because of its minimalist construction and there isn't as much fabric to trap in your body heat.
The Helium UL's thinner fabric is more breathable than some of the thicker models. Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort and Mobility
While rain jackets aren't particularly known for their coziness, especially compared to a layer like a fleece, there were some noticeable differences between the models we tested. Mobility is another extremely important aspect of a rain jacket and must be taken into account before you make your purchasing decision. If a jacket is too restrictive, you're far less likely to wear it, and it can make hiking, scrambling, backpacking, climbing, or fishing much more restrictive.
If you're shopping on a budget, the Rab Downpour is an impressively comfortable layer. Its interior liner isn't nearly as rubbery feeling as some jackets, and it has a relaxed fit without too much bunching. It's a standout for comfort among the models we tested, especially at its reasonable price point.
We appreciated the comfortable feel of the Downpour against bare skin, and the cut was comfortable, too. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic, Outdoor Research Stratoburst Stretch, and Black Diamond Fineline Stretch offered great mobility thanks to their stretchy material. These options each have a uniquely freeing range of motion for a rain jacket. Consider sizing up to maintain mobility when adding layers underneath.
The Stretch Ozonic felt more like a softshell than rain jacket, thanks to a stretchy fabric construction. We were happy wearing this layer all day. Credit: Mark Lovell
The Outdoor Research Foray 3L has a soft, thinner, more supple feel and moves well with the wearer. The Arc'teryx Beta SL is slightly stiff, but makes up for it with roomy yet well-fitting fabric. The Outdoor Research Helium and Helly Hansen Loke are much thinner than the average rain jacket in our lineup, offering a supple, lightweight shell that doesn't restrict movement.
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L offers decent mobility, but its fabric is stiffer and more crinkly. Other models simply have a more relaxed fit. The OTU Lightweight Hooded has a baggy fit that bunches, but it certainly doesn't inhibit any upper body movement. Budget models like the Columbia Hikebound II also had a nice relaxed fit that had a great range of motion.
The Hikebound II utilizes Columbia's classic relaxed fit to achieve top-tier mobility, though there is some fabric bunching. Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight
If you're just running errands in the rain, you likely won't even consider the weight of your rain jacket. But if you're planning on taking it into the backcountry, it might matter to you. Most of the jackets in our review weigh a pound or less.
The Outdoor Research Helium UL weighs a featherweight 5.6 ounces in a men's medium - this latest version of the Helium has become even lighter. It can also be stuffed into a built-in reversible chest pocket with a clip-in loop, a nice feature for climbers carrying it on their harness. This feature could also be useful for anyone wanting to clip their jacket to anything else, like the outside of a backpack.
The Helium is the lightest and most packable rain layer we tested. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Helly Hansen Loke is one of the most affordable full-featured jackets, weighing just 8.4 ounces. The highly mobile and breathable Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is similar at 9.6 ounces.
Almost all of these models stuff into one of their own pockets, though some are packed size. However, we did investigate every option's packability. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L wasn't the lightest option, but it proved fairly packable and offers a convenient carabiner loop to clip to your harness or backpack.
The Patagonia Torrentshell and the OR Foray won't win any awards for their weights, but we like that they pack into their own pockets.
The Outdoor Research Foray 3L leans into durability and performance rather than being ultralight, though it does still fit inside its pocket. Less pricey options like the Columbia Glennaker Lake II are incredibly light, weighing a mere 8.8 ounces, though it doesn't have much wet weather performance and is more ideal as a windbreaker that can shed light rain.
It's important to consider how much you prioritize weight if looking at budget models, such as the Columbia Hikebound II. If you need to carry your jacket for ultralight adventures, this may not be the one, since it weighs a hefty 18 ounces. However, its scores on the scale might not be a big deal if your intended uses are more urban or on the casual side.
There's no doubt the Hikebound II is a hefty jacket, but you might not need the lightest model out there. Credit: Zach Lovell
Construction Quality
A high-quality rain jacket will stand up to the test of time. However, as materials technology continues to trend toward thinner, lighter fabrics, a tradeoff can sometimes be required, sacrificing some durability and resistance to abrasions, punctures, and longevity for the sake of lightweight, easy-to-carry weather protection. This is particularly true among the most extremely light models, which are often far less durable than products weighing just three to five ounces more.
The exterior material of nearly all the rain jackets we tested (also known as the face fabric) is either nylon or polyester. Though we like to talk about other aspects of rainshell jacket construction, this external material plays a huge role in overall durability. For the most part, the lighter the face fabric is, the easier it may tear or abrade. Most of the jackets we tested use 30-80 denier face fabric, with those at the higher end of the spectrum being notably more robust than the lower.
The Arc'teryx Beta jackets were top performers in this metric. Their thinner ePE membrane allows Arc'teryx to use a thicker face fabric, making it more robust than previous versions of the lightweight Beta. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L uses 50D polyester ripstop face fabric with proprietary H2No Performance Standard fabric.
If the wallet is on the slimmer side, you can still find a durable jacket in the Columbia Hikebound II. This heavier jacket utilizes a 2-layer polyester construction that boasts decent abrasion resilience. If you're willing to shell out more cash, the Outdoor Research Foray 3L is an incredibly durable jacket that also boasts great scores in other crucial metrics, including weather resistance.
The Foray 3L is a jacket that can handle a rougher life than much of the competition, thanks to a 3 layer construction and a heavier build. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Outdoor Research Foray II is another standout model in this metric, with a hefty 3-layer design that is completely seam-taped. Its Aquaguard zippers were a bit sticky here and there, but were dependable throughout the entirety of our testing.
If you're looking to stay dry from head to toe, we've also tested rain pants and umbrellas, as well as men's hardshell jackets if you'll be running into burlier weather or need a designated shell jacket for hitting the slopes.
How to Pick the Best Rain Jacket for You
A staggering number of rain jackets are on the market today, from penny-priced Amazon specials to high-end premium options. While this can be daunting to sift through, there are a few primary considerations to make when determining which jacket best suits your needs.
Asking yourself a few key questions before shopping can significantly streamline your buying decisions. Credit: Zach Lovell
Rain Jacket Construction 101
A rain jacket or hardshell will typically be built with multiple layers of fabric. In each of our individual jacket reviews, you can unpack more of the specifics about a particular model. Still, it is helpful to be aware of a few generalities when considering the range of options. While shopping, you're most likely to find a jacket with 2, 2.5, or 3 layers.
2 Layer Jackets
Two-layer options typically consist of an outer face and an interior liner, which was not historically the most ideal for wet weather protection as it tended to be heavier, bulkier, and generally less comfortable than other material technologies. But in recent years, Gore-tex introduced Paclite Plus, which proved more lightweight and durable with impressive water resistance and breathability.
2.5 Layer Jackets
Jackets with 2.5 layers consist of an outer layer, a membrane, and some sort of spray treatment that serves as another layer of protection against the elements (but only “counts” as half a layer). These usually perform much better than two-layer options and can often strike a nice balance between weight and performance. Some, however, can feel rubbery.
Some half liners are not particularly comfortable against the skin or base layers. Credit: Zach Lovell
3 Layer Jackets
Lastly, a three layer construction is frequently associated with the best performing jackets, featuring an outer layer, a membrane, and an interior liner fabric in combinations that boast top scores in weather protection and breathability.
3 layer designs typically boast top-tier performance across weather protection and breathability, though be sure to check out the specific attributes of each model. Credit: Zach Lovell
Features
If you're wearing your jacket around town, having room in the pockets for gloves, a warm hat, a phone, and keys can be nice. Interior pockets can offer additional peace of mind, and each jacket has a slightly different take on hoods, toggles, zippers, and cinch cords.
Hood Design
A good hood will keep your head dry without chafing the chin or limiting peripheral vision, and the effectiveness from jacket to jacket can vary wildly. Our favorite hoods are on the Arc'teryx Beta SL and Arc'teryx Beta. They have a toggle at the back of the head that is easy to manipulate, and they offer great coverage without limiting visibility. The OR Foray and Patagonia Torrentshell 3L also offer helmet-friendly hoods, though the fit might be a bit tighter depending on the exact helmet you're using.
We really value a well-executed hood. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L has a toggle in the back that tightens a cord around the circumference of the head, holding it securely in place. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The bargain-priced Columbia Hikebound II has a hood with an adjustable shock cord on both sides, allowing you to more easily cinch the hood around your head or hat. The Outdoor Research Foray 3L also had a very well-designed hood that greatly aided in weather protection. The Marmot PreCip Eco has an incredible hood that attaches to the shoulders, making it easy to turn one's head and neck with far less fabric resistance. The Columbia Glennaker Lake's hood rolls up and stores away in the collar.
We loved the hood of the Precip, which allowed for great head mobility. Credit: Zach Lovell
While the Foray's hood is a little tight to fit over a helmet, it was great over a hat and helped make the layer become more storm resistant. Credit: Zach Lovell
Pockets
It is tough to understate the utility of pockets, as everyone uses them at least sometimes. They are unquestionably helpful for warming your hands, keeping track of small items, and aiding in ventilation. Not all pockets are created equal; however, their size and location can greatly impact their usefulness. For example, lower handwarmer pockets are great for around town but can be a nuisance and rendered unusable while wearing a harness or the hip belt of a heavy pack. This is where it pays off to consider where you will be using your jacket before you make a final purchase decision.
Large, high pockets are ideal for retaining accessibility with a backpack. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
We love a chest pocket for easy access to a cell phone to take photos or check the map. If a chest pocket is too small, it becomes considerably harder to use. If you're battling bigger storms on a consistent basis, you might want this chest pocket on the interior of the jacket, but many of our testers prefer an outside access pocket to prioritize speed.
Having a chest pocket that's large enough for a cell phone is a significant plus to our review team. Credit: Mark Lovell
Adjustability
A quality rain jacket should be adjustable so that a tighter seal can be made when the storm blows in. Typically, manufacturers use some kind of shock cord in the hood and hem. Our favorite hood designs have an easy-to-grab pull tab, so that you can quickly batten down the hatches while maintaining some peripheral vision. For the arms, we are big fans of a classic velcro cuff, though some models come with non-adjustable elastic cuffs that maintain a close seal to the wrist.
An adjustable rain jacket is, in our opinion, a must. Velcro cuffs like this are better if the velcro has higher hold power, since the rain can weaken the bond. Credit: Zach Lovell
How Much Weather Protection Do You Need?
There are storms of all shapes and sizes across our planet. In the rain jacket category, you must consider the severity and duration of a typical rainstorm in your home climate and the climates you might travel to. Some might need less rain protection if living or recreating in a drier area, such as a desert in the Western US. Those recreating in the Pacific Northwest, with mountain ranges like the Cascades consistently serving up robust rain storms, will need a more protective jacket.
What Activities Will You Be Doing in Your Rain Jacket?
After determining your primary climate, consider what activities you'll be doing. You may only be shopping for a water-resistant layer to stay dry while bopping around town, or you might be depending on your gear for multi-day protection while backpacking or alpine climbing. Consider purchasing upgraded storm protection when your prospective adventures grow and things like a lower weight or top-tier water resistance, breathability, and full mobility become more crucial. Around town, a highly functional yet versatile jacket won't hurt, but it might also not be as necessary.
Conclusion
The right rain jacket should match your intended uses, and you'll likely find it in this review's lineup. If you live and play in the Pacific Northwest, it might be worth investing in a higher quality model that can handle a lot of rain. If you're only needing that just-in-case layer, you might be able to get away with a less expensive and lighter-duty option. Wherever you fall in the use spectrum, know that there's a jacket in this lineup that's just right for you. Whether you have a higher or lower budget, we're now in an era of garment design where you don't absolutely have to drop big bucks to get a blue ribbon rain jacket, though there are plenty of premium options still available if you're needing the absolute best.
