Odds are, you’ve been on a trip that got a little wet. Whether it was a light drizzle on your way home from the beach on a summer vacation or a rainy, snowy, sleety mess on the way back down a mountain after a spring hike, being prepared for what Mother Nature might throw at you is essential. There are hundreds of options out there, and we’re here to help you choose the best rain jacket for you.
Not only can one of these keep you dry, but many also have unique features. Grab a packable rain jacket if you’re worried about saving space. Or, go with something ultralight to ensure your pack isn’t overweight. Really worried about staying dry? Go with a model that uses GORE-TEX. No matter your needs, there’s something on this list for you!
Best for: Sustainable Travelers
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket
Why We Like It: Materials are durable and feel softer than most other jackets
What You Should Know: Getting the perfect fit takes some tinkering
If you aren’t a fan of the crunch of many jackets on this list, the Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic might be the best travel rain jacket for you. The materials are soft and make less noise than other jackets. Plus, they’re 100% recycled!
The hem, cuffs, and hood are adjustable, which helps create a perfect fit. The bill is thick, ensuring water stays away from your face and eyes. The hood sometimes feels tight, especially when you look from side to side. When you’re active or the sun returns, there are pit zips to keep your underarms from clamming up. When not in use, there’s a flap to make them less noticeable.
This isn’t the most packable rain jacket, but it fits well in most daypacks and travel backpacks. This jacket has a lot to adjust, but if you like tinkering to find a perfect fit, this is the model for you!
Montbell Versalite Jacket
Best Lightweight Rain Jacket
Why We Like It: Can handle wind and rain
What You Should Know: The materials are a bit crunchy
The materials on the Montbelle Versalite Jacket are a little loud, but if versatility is the name of your game, this might be the best rain jacket for you. If you’re familiar with 90s wind pants, you may already have an appreciation for the noise emanating from the materials when you move.
However, this thing keeps you dry in wet conditions, has adjustable accents to ensure it fits your liking and packs down incredibly small. The stuff sack is separate, which makes it easier to lose, but you can stow it in one of the pockets when not in use.
This packable rain jacket has pit zips to keep your core from overheating when the going gets tough (or hot). Considering the weight of this rain jacket, it’s a decent shout for anyone looking for something small or ultralight.
Best for: Relaxed Travelers
Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket
Best Value
Why We Like It: A lightweight jacket for any trip
What You Should Know: No hand pockets
We dig this jacket so much that it’s found a home on some of our Packing Lists over the years. It pairs lightweight materials with a design that trims off the fat, leaving a lightweight jacket with a sleek style for travel. It doesn’t have hand pockets, which may be a deal breaker for some, but due to such design features, it’s one of the smallest and lightest options on this list.
In colder weather, we still recommend this jacket, as you'll likely be layered underneath it, and you can wear gloves to stay warm. In warmer weather, we don't think this is as much of an issue anyway. Likely, while traveling, you won't have your hands in your pockets all day, even if it's pouring. It's like grandma always said—can you really experience Rome without touching a few Roman walls in the rain?
The Helium has waist and hood adjusters to keep you comfortable, and the cuffs are elastic to ensure water doesn’t splash up your sleeves. The only pocket is the stuff sack, which works well for those using a sling or that keep their carry minimalistic. This jacket will keep you dry from the trail to the city market and won’t weigh you down.
Best for: Full-time Travelers
Rab Phantom Waterproof Pull-On Jacket
Best Packable Rain Jacket
Why We Like It: Extraordinarily packable
What You Should Know: The pullover design isn’t very quick to get on and off
This is one of the smallest jackets on this list when packed, so if size is important, this may be the best rain jacket for you! The materials are ultralight, making for a light and comfortable fit. They aren’t as water resistant as other options on this list, but they work well for light rain or a morning run.
The stuff sack isn’t attached, so it can be easy to misplace, especially since there aren’t any pockets to stow it away. It’s only a quarter-zip, so you have to slide it over your head, which can take a little longer and wreak havoc on your hair. The cuffs have elastic but no adjusters, so those with smaller wrists may be left looking for something a bit tighter. All that considered, this if you’re looking for an ultralight option, this is the rain jacket for you.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Best Overall
Why We Like It: It is stylish enough for a night out and water-resistant enough for a hike
What You Should Know: The hood isn’t tailored to everyone’s head shape
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket has the guts to take you out into the rainforest and looks stylish enough to wear on a night out: it can do both, and well, we might add! It's incredibly water resistant, so you can walk in the rain for ages without worrying about getting wet. There are numerous fun colorways available, so you can find one that works for your needs. If you want to be seen while hiking, get something more saturated. If you'll use it when walking through the city, go with something more tame. It has armpit ventilation to keep things cool, which, admittedly, takes some getting used to.
In testing, we've found that some users don't love the hood design because it doesn't fit their head and chin like other rain jackets. In the same vein, it won't fit all body types perfectly, so you might want to try this one on before making a purchase. Luckily, Patagonia is widely available, so you shouldn't have an issue doing that!
Best for: Frugal Travelers
frogg toggs Ultra-Lite Jacket
Why We Like It: One of the cheapest rain jackets out there
What You Should Know: It won’t last a lifetime
Ah, Frogg Toggs. If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, now you know! It doesn’t really get any cheaper than this. It fits like a garbage bag, doesn’t breathe well, and has no pockets. However, it’s the most affordable option on this list, and the materials are waterproof. The interior fabric is soft but feels almost medical and not very durable.
If you don’t need to use your rain jacket very often or live somewhere where it hardly ever rains, this might be the best rain jacket for you. It will keep you dry when you do need it, but it’ll be warm and won’t handle the bumps and knocks of everyday wear and tear.
When visiting Grand Rapids in bitterly cold weather, we saw people fishing in the Grand River wearing frogg toggs gear in the water to stay warm and dry while hunting the elusive steelhead. We couldn't ask them how they liked the gear; however, they were out there for hours, and it was snowing! For the price, that's hard to beat.
The bottom line is that this thing will keep you dry, but it won’t look great, be breathable, or last long. However, the price might make it worth it (for you).
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket
Best Hiking Rain Jacket
Why We Like It: Extraordinarily lightweight and waterproof.
What You Should Know: It doesn’t pack into itself.
If you’re looking for something lightweight and aren’t overly concerned with self-compression, the ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket is a worthy addition to your pack. This jacket is made in the United States of America and is light as a feather. There are four colorways to choose from at the time of writing, so you can go with the model that matches the gear you already have at home.
A waterproof membrane sandwiched between a seven-denier ripstop nylon exterior and a tricot lining makes for a jacket that breathes well and keeps you dry when it matters most. If you’re set on a packable jacket, it’s small enough to fit into a stuff sack you purchased elsewhere.
When the rain starts coming down, the hood is adjustable to stop water from coming in down your neck. There are pit zips to air out after the storm, and the cuffs have an elastic adjustor. If lightweight materials and customizability are the names of your game, this might be the best rain jacket for you!
Quechua Waterproof Hiking Jacket Raincut Half-Zip
Best Budget
Why We Like It: It’s budget-friendly and doesn’t look like a poncho
What You Should Know: The materials don’t breathe very well
If you're looking for a budget-friendly rain jacket that'll keep you dry and not look like you're wearing a poncho, look no further than the Quechua Waterproof Hiking Jacket Raincut Half-Zip. Decathalon kept the design simple—it packs into the right pocket (the only one) and has an adjustable hood. This jacket has been with us on adventures into ravines in Michigan's remote upper peninsula to reach waterfalls, around New York City on two occasions, up and down dozens of rock beaches hunting for agates, to numerous soccer matches to keep dry and protect our clothing from Ultra's smoke bombs and flares, and countless bike rides around Detroit when the weather took a turn. Seriously, this thing can do it all and comes at a wallet-friendly price.
The jacket isn't as breathable as some of the items on this list; however, it is a quarter-zip so that you can air out that way. Still, things tend to get a bit warm when the sun peaks out of the clouds, even if it's only for a moment. Still, for the price, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best rain jacket?
There’s no correct answer to this question. Where you’re going, the time of year, the shape of your body, how easily you get warm, and dozens of other factors will contribute to whether or not a specific jacket or brand will work for you. However, a few brands come to mind when we’re asked about the best rain jacket.
Patagonia: You probably saw this one coming. Patagonia is a certified B Corporation, meaning everything is held to a higher social and environmental standard. Plus, their gear gets the job done. Often some of the lightest and most waterproof offerings in the marketplace, you can count on a Patagonia rain jacket to keep you dry and last a long time.
REI Co-op: REI makes gear with their customers in mind, and an their rain jackets are proof of that. They’re typically tailored for outdoor use; however, most of their gear can be used on the trail, in the city, or in between.
Outdoor Research: An Outdoor Research rain jacket will most likely have two things going for it: it’ll pack down small and keep you dry. What else can you ask for? Many of their rain jacket models utilize bluesign® approved materials, which is a great shout on the sustainability side.
Marmot: As a company, Marmot offers a rain jacket on every peg of the cost spectrum, making them a popular brand for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re hitting the concrete jungle or the snowy slopes, Marmot can probably get you there and keep you dry.
What is the best packable rain jacket?
Similar to brand, the best packable rain jacket will depend on many factors. However, there are a few things to consider when selecting a model that works for you.
Packability: Packable is a loose term. Just because a rain jacket is packable doesn’t mean it’ll be small once it’s packed. Figuring out how much space you want your coat to take up before looking is a good idea, and finding the model’s measurements when packed down is essential. Some jackets pack into their own pocket while others come with a separate stuff sack. Meanwhile, others don’t have a pouch at all, though they can most likely be rolled up in a ball and secured with a pouch you have a home or even a rubber band. We like dedicated pouches because it makes them easy to pack for one bag travel, but you do you.
Water-resistant vs. Waterproof: To save space and weight, some brands will sacrifice water repellant features like zipper garages and AquaGuard zippers. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; however, if you’re going somewhere that rains all day every day, you shouldn’t sacrifice in that department. Figure out what you want your packable rain jacket to do and ensure any models you look at meet those criteria. To learn more about the difference between water-resistance and waterproof jackets, keep reading!
Breathability: Typically, the more water-resistant a rain jacket is, the less breathable it is. The same can often be said for how small a jacket packs down. A more breathable option is right for you if you get warm easily. If you don’t mind being warm and saying dry is at the top of your list, go with a rain jacket crafted from less permeable materials. Other features like pit zips can also help with airflow, so you can offset less-than-breathable materials by creating a crossbreeze from one armpit to the other.
Rain jackets, umbrellas, and ponchos
When do you need a rain jacket for travel?
Without any follow-up questions, this answer is almost always “always”. Even if you bring an umbrella and a poncho, a rain jacket is still more versatile than all the options. In addition to keeping you dry, a rain jacket can be layered to keep you warm, be dressed up or down, and often pack down small enough to fit inside a sling. You don’t need to take the best rain jacket, but having one can make all the difference.
When do you need an umbrella for travel?
For certain kinds of trips, an umbrella makes sense. However, we almost always prefer a rain jacket. Why? Similar to why we prefer a travel backpack to rolling luggage, going hands-free is liberating. With the best rain jacket for you, it is easier to do everything you could have done otherwise. With an umbrella, you are stuck with just one hand. In straight up-and-down rain, an umbrella can keep you drier and is likely a better fit for dress clothing. Still, a rain jacket is often easier to pack and is helpful in more situations.
Do I need to bring a poncho on my next trip?
Of the three, the poncho is the least useful and most niche product. However, it will work for some trips. If you’re going somewhere fairly dry but taking an excursion to a place where you know you’ll get wet, a poncho makes sense. Or, if you’re going to a natural wonder, like a waterfall or a part of the ocean known for its spray, a poncho can make sense. However, they’re often not very durable or flattering, so we prefer to wear the best rain jacket over the best poncho when possible.
Is Gore-Tex a good rain jacket material?
Yes and no. Does that answer your question?
Gore-Tex is durable, highly water resistant, and great in windy environments. This makes it an excellent shout for rain jacket construction, which is why it’s a common material to see them crafted from.
On the other side of the coin, Gore-Tex can make a garment heavier, is more expensive, and can have a DWR coating that often contains chemicals that are bad for the environment.
The extra price is worth it in some situations and from some brands. However, Gore-Tex for the sake of Gore-Tex isn’t always the answer.
What is the difference between a waterproof and water-resistant rain jacket?
The difference between waterproof and water-resistant comes down to materials. Water-resistant jackets are more likely to absorb water if you’re caught in heavy rainfall, while waterproof jackets are designed to keep you dry in rough weather conditions. Both are solid options, but if you’re heading somewhere that rains all day every day, you shouldn’t sacrifice in the waterproofing department.
However, a water-resistant rain jacket often breathes better than a waterproof one because there’s more space for air permeation. Again, it comes down to what you will be using the coat for and how rainy the place you’re visiting is!
There’s also no industry standard to measure how a jacket stands up to water (like how submersible items have an IPX rating), you’ll have to take the brand’s word for it. We recommend looking for a reliable company with a great return policy just in case the performance doesn’t deliver.
Hint: When you see something has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, that means it’s been treated to repel water. This is on most rain jackets, but you’ll see it on bags and other outdoor gear, too.)
Why You Should Trust Us
Here at Pack Hacker, we’ve had our hands on thousands of travel items. We put each piece of gear through a rigorous testing phase to provide honest insights about how it performs before you spend your hard-earned money buying it.
In addition to testing gear, we have guides that can help you find the perfect travel daypack or sling bag, packing lists to help ensure you’re prepared for your next trip, and a Pack Hacker Pro Community that enables members to get exclusive deals, ask questions, and interact with other like-minded people from around the world.
How We Tested It
Every jacket on this list has been tested in weather conditions where you’d expect to wear a rain jacket—and more. Sometimes, you can’t go out in the rain because it isn’t raining. So, you have to get creative. From sinks to showers, every jacket on this list has been tested to see how well it stops water, snow, and wind from getting inside. Additionally, we’ve gotten active with all of them, too, to see how well they breathe. In doing our tests, we’ve found how warm they are, which is essential if you’re going somewhere wet and cold. Other factors, like packability and weight, also played a role, which were important to our selection process.
It’s Time to Decide!
So there you have it, some of our favorite rain jackets on the market today. Special thanks to REI for sponsoring this post—if you’re looking for travel gear, REI should be your first stop. Members get exclusive perks, including free shipping! Whether you’re an over-preparer or know you’ll be heading into the eye of the storm, hopefully, the best travel jacket for you is en route as we speak. Enjoy the trip, and stay dry!