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Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking

Best Rain Jackets


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Having the right outer layer (also referred to as “rain gear,” “shells,” or “hard shells”) is arguably one of the most important pieces of clothing for safe and enjoyable hiking vacations. It’ll keep you warm, provide a barrier against wind, and block those inconvenient rain showers Below we provide our recommendations for the best rain jackets on the market today.

We’ve evaluated these jackets based on their weight, bulk, waterproofing, breathability, and extra features. Because weight is critical for backpacking trips, we’ve skipped over heavier options such as winter jackets or ski jackets and focused 100% on lightweight, waterproof, breathable shells. So let’s dive in with important buying considerations and then review our top recommendations for the best rain jackets for hiking!

If you’re also interested in rain pants to complete your shell, take a look at our top rain pants recommendations.

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QUICK LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Honorable Mentions

 

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Weight

Weight is a critically important factor for all clothing and gear on hiking and backpacking trips. None of our recommendations are heavy by any means, but there is still a range of options to consider.

If you’re aiming to find the most lightweight rain jacket, keep in mind that durability and performance often trend downward with lower weights while the price often goes up. However, heavier rain jackets often take up more space in your pack and feel bulkier when wearing them on the trail. Therefore, consider your priorities between weight, price, durability, and performance to pick out the best rain jacket for you.

Packability

Backpacks don’t expand, at least not very much. This fact is what makes packability such a crucial consideration for all hikers. Whether your hike is for a day, a week, a month, or several months, you need your gear to fit into a backpack with an ever-changing load of other supplies.

When you need it, your rain gear is important – we’re talking “life and death” important. But the rest of the time, it’s probably not something you want to be wearing or have occupying an exorbitant amount of space in your pack. Therefore, the best rain jackets will perform phenomenally when needed and be easy to pack up when they’re not. Finding the perfect balance between these two characteristics is a constant challenge for manufacturers, so keep an eye on your potential range jacket’s packability rating to gauge how easy it is to store in your backpack.

Comfort

Sadly, rain jackets are often not among our “comfy” layers. They have a very narrow field of use, and comfort just isn’t a high priority for these garments. So perhaps the name of this category should be Level of Discomfort, but alas, we’ve already named it, so we’re going with it.

We’ve rated the comfort of our recommendations as Poor, Good, or Excellent. However, please keep in mind that we’re talking about your rainproof, windproof outer layers here, and it’s a very different standard than down jackets or wool socks, for example. So season our comfort recommendations with the knowledge that rain jackets have a low bar for comfort in the traditional sense. The best rain jackets will be comfortable enough to wear during hiking and adventuring, but you certainly won’t want to snuggle up with them at night.

Breathability

Like our comfort category, rain gear breathability needs context. Rain jackets marketed as breathable simply mean that they allow slightly more airflow than a truly non-breathable fabric – like a plastic garbage bag. The latter is unbearable and perhaps dangerous for physical activities, whereas the former is manageable. So at times, a waterproof and breathable rain jacket doesn’t feel that much better, but – and here’s the important point – it does feel somewhat better.

We’ve rated the breathability of our recommendations below in the context that these are waterproof outer layers, and you’re going to get condensation inside your jacket no matter what. But small amounts of improvement in the Breathability department can pay large dividends on long days of hiking in unrelenting rain, wind, or snow.

Pit Zips

Pit zips can be very helpful. There’s no doubt about it, so let’s talk about them. If you don’t know what a pit zip is, it is a zippered opening under your armpit. Because it’s under your arm, and rain comes from the sky, water will not easily get inside your shell. Additionally, your armpit is also where a lot of warmth is generated and stored by the body, so venting it out can help cool you down and cut down on condensation inside your jacket.

Not all the best rain jackets have pit zips, as some hikers love this feature and others prefer not to have it. Therefore, we’ve noted whether our recommendations include them, so you can use this as another factor in making your decision.

Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell

Overall Best Rain Jacket for hiking

Best Rain Jacket - Black Diamond Stormline Stretch

  • MSRP: $180.00
  • WEIGHT:
    • Men’s: 11.3 oz
    • Women’s: 7.6 oz
  • PACKABILITY: Excellent
  • BREATHABILITY: Good
  • PIT ZIPS: Yes

PROS: Comfort – Warmth – Breathability (pit zips) – Durability – Helmet-sized hood – Stretchy for easy movement

CONS: Helmet-sized hood not for everyone – Fit may run slightly large

LOOKING CLOSER: We love Black Diamond’s Stormline Stretch Rain Shell. It is a lightweight bomber rain jacket that will keep the rain and wind out and the warmth in. Its stretchy fabric also increases comfort, durability, and mobility – which is perfect for hiking – while its cut is such that most people won’t have any trouble adding layers beneath it. However, this cut may also give this rain jacket a slightly baggy feel if you’re only wearing a thin layer underneath.

The Stormline Stretch is also an affordable option compared to the highest-end rain gear ($500-$800). Additionally, it features pit zips to increase breathability, and the outer coating is – from our experience – one of the most long-lasting. Put all these fantastic features together, and Black Diamond has developed one of the best rain jackets for hiking.

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Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

Runner Up Best Rain Jacket for Hiking

  • Best Rain Jacket - Patagonia TorrentshellMSRP: $179.00
  • WEIGHT
    • Men’s: 14.1 oz
    • Women’s: 12.4 oz
  • PACKABILITY: Excellent
  • BREATHABILITY: Good
  • PIT ZIPS: Yes

PROS: Durability – Breathability – Packability – Active fit – Environmentally ethical production

CONS: Slim fit not for everyone – Stiff at first

LOOKING CLOSER: Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L Jacket features 3-layers of waterproof/breathable polyester (hence the “3L” in the name). These layers significantly increase this jacket’s durability while still maintaining excellent weight and packability. This jacket also has a water-resistant coating on the outer layer, increasing its protection from rain and snow, along with pit zips for improved breathability. The fit is, for some, the biggest downside. It has a sleek, active cut, making it an awkward fit for people who are between sizes. It also packs snugly into a side pocket with a handy carabiner loop to connect to the side or back of your backpack.

Finally, Patagonia newly updated the Torrentshell for 2024 with a slightly revised material lineup – adding Tricot into the mix – along with ever so slightly increasing the weight for the men’s version. Honestly, the biggest change in 2024 is an increased retail price that’s almost 20% higher than last year’s 2023 model. But that said, previous models were an absolute steal compared to similar options offered by the competition, and this jacket still provides a tremendous amount of value for its price to make it one of the best rain jackets on the market today.

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REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket

Best Rain Jacket For the Budget-Minded Hiker

  • Best Rain Jacket - REI Co-op RainierMSRP: $99.95
  • WEIGHT:
    • Men’s: 11.3 oz
    • Women’s: 9.9 oz
  • PACKABILITY: Good
  • BREATHABILITY: Average
  • PIT ZIPS: Yes

PROS: Affordability – Waterproof/breathable – Windproof – Pit Zips

CONS: Lower durability – Boxy sizing

LOOKING CLOSER: REI’s Rainier rain jacket provides tremendous value relative to its comparatively budget-friendly price. This jacket does its job well with 2.5 waterproof/breathable layers and an outer coating to increase water resistance. We’re also very pleased that REI thought to include pit zips, which can dramatically increase overall ventilation and comfort. Now the 2.5-layer design is a slight step down in durability from 3-layer rain jackets. Still, REI’s Rainier is one of the best rain jackets for someone who needs a rain jacket only occasionally or for a special occasion.

For 2024 specifically, REI managed to trim a little weight from the Rainier Jacket to bring it down a couple of ounces. Additionally, REI revamped the coat material to provide a softer and cozier feel – drastically increasing its value in our eyes. We’re also very pleased that the Rainier’s retail price remained steady into 2024.

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MEN’SWOMEN’SWomen’s Long Version

Arc’teryx Beta AR

Best rain jacket for a Durable, bombproof shell

  • Best Rain Jacket - Arc'teryx Beta ARMSRP: $600.00
  • WEIGHT:
    • Men’s: 1 lb 0.3 oz
    • Women’s: 13.8 oz
  • PACKABILITY: Good
  • BREATHABILITY: Excellent
  • PIT ZIPS: Yes

PROS: Durability – High level of protection – Long-lasting –Breathability – Convenient pockets – Fit and comfort

CONS: Cost – Weight

LOOKING CLOSER: The bottom line is if cost is not a concern and you want the very best rain jacket you can find that will last years and years, Arc’teryx’s Beta AR is our top choice. Built for harsh alpine conditions, this shell provides superior protection from the elements. With patented GORE-TEX technology, it does not rely on a coating to create its waterproofness. GORE-TEX is a high-tech, waterproof, breathable fabric that outperforms coated synthetic layers – which many less expensive options use.

This jacket is also more durable and more breathable than its less expensive counterparts. We also have phenomenal abrasion resistance, making the Beta AR one of the best rain jackets for backpacking. Additionally, its cut is masterful and will accommodate mobility and comfort while wearing many layers beneath it. The downsides are its weight (part of the price to pay for its durability and protection) and cost. However, if you’ll be using your rain/wind layer often for hiking or other adventures, then the cost may well be worth it to get one of the best rain jackets for long-term reliability and durability.

If you want many of the Beta’s features but in a lighter and slightly less durable form, check out the Arc’teryx Beta LT.

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Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket

Best Rain Jacket For lightweight protection

  • Best Rain Jacket - Outdoor Research HeliumMSRP: $180.00
  • WEIGHT
    • Men’s: 6.3 oz
    • Women’s: 6.3 oz
  • PACKABILITY: Excellent
  • BREATHABILITY: Good
  • PIT ZIPS: No

PROS: Shockingly light – Very packable

CONS: Lower durability,  breathability, and performance

LOOKING CLOSER: Outdoor Research’s Helium Rain Jacket is a phenomenally lightweight outer shell. It’s difficult to overstate the importance of saving weight on hiking and backpacking trips, but it’s also imperative that you stay dry on your trips. This option checks both these boxes and is certainly one of the best rain jackets available in this regard. The price, however, is durability. Do not expect this shell to stand up to repeated abuse, and be prepared to take good care of it. All in all, if saving weight is your top priority, this rain jacket offers a great option for a reasonable price.

It’s also worth noting that with seasonal updates for 2024, Outdoor Research is putting significant effort into increasing the Helium’s tear and abrasion resistance – i.e. the coat’s overall durability. It’s still not on par with heavier, burlier jackets, but we’re pleased that Outdoor Research is focusing on this weakness.

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Honorable Mentions

Best Rain Jackets

Rab Downpour Eco

Environmentally Conscience Rain Jacket for Hiking and Backpacking

  • Best Rain Jacket - Rab Downpour EcoMSRP: $145.00
  • WEIGHT
    • Men’s: 11.3 oz
    • Women’s: 9.9  oz
  • PACKABILITY: Excellent
  • BREATHABILITY: Excellent
  • PIT ZIPS: Yes

PROS: Excellent price – Lightweight – Very packable – Eco friendly

CONS: Not as stretchy as other options

LOOKING CLOSER:  Rab’s reliable build quality, which they’ve already proven in the mountaineering arena, is on full display in the Downpour Eco. This jacket relies on a comfortable and effective 2.5-layer polyester fabric for rain protection. Most notably, the Downpour Eco utilizes recycled materials wherever possible – including recycled polyester and Pertex for the shell and waterproofing. These material choices also mean that the Downpour Eco can be fully recycled at the end of its lifespan.

Now, the Downpour’s material is quite as stretchy or athletic as performance-driven options on the market. But for an excellent price point and supporting recycled materials, Rab’s Downpour Eco is a solid option in our search for the best rain jackets for hiking.

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Outdoor Research MicroGravity

  • Best Rain Jacket - Outdoor Research MicroGravityMSRP: $279.00
  • WEIGHT
    • Men’s: 14.6 oz
    • Women’s: 11.9 oz
  • PACKABILITY: Good
  • BREATHABILITY: Excellent
  • PIT ZIPS: No

PROS: Excellent Waterproofing – Surprisingly breathable

CONS: Not as stretchy as other options – Fairly expensive – No pit zips

LOOKING CLOSER: Outdoor Research has been improving the AscentShell technology since 2016, and this latest interaction in the Microgravity Rain Jacket is fantastic. Specifically, the waterproofing is remarkable and will work wonders to keep you dry on your adventures. We feel that the material isn’t quite as stretchy as other options, which slightly limits your range of motion – but even a little stretch goes a long way for a rain jacket. The AscentShell material is also very breathable, allowing you to stay cool and comfortable on the trail despite the lack of pit zips.

The Outdoor Research Microgravity is a solid rain jacket. It performs well in all conditions, and the build quality and durability are fantastic! Day hikes and other short adventures into the backcountry are easily within reach with this coat, but we do wish there was a little more stretch for full-on backpacking excursions.

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RAB ARc Eco Jacket

  • best rain jackets for hiking rab arc acoMSRP: $235.00
  • WEIGHT
    • Men’s: 15.1 oz
    • Women’s: 13.2 oz
  • PACKABILITY: Adequate
  • BREATHABILITY: Good
  • PIT ZIPS: Yes

PROS: High-Quality Feel – Great Rain Protection – Well Placed Pockets to Avoid Pack Hip Straps

CONS: Feels stiffer than other options

LOOKING CLOSER: The RAB Arc Eco Jacket is an extremely well-made jacket. The fit is athletic but not too snug, making it comfortable without feeling like a bulky tent. What’s more, the 3-layer Pertex water shield holds up phenomenally in the rain, while the YKK aquaguard zippers seem to do a good job keeping the water at bay. Our only downside is that the Arc Eco feels more stiff than other technical rain jackets on the market. But regardless, this is easily one of the best rain jackets for hiking.

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Black Diamond Highline Stretch

  • Best Rain Jacket - Black Diamond Highline StretchMSRP: $400.00
  • WEIGHT
    • Men’s: 12.7 oz
    • Women’s: 10.7 oz
  • PACKABILITY: Excellent
  • BREATHABILITY: Good
  • PIT ZIPS: Yes

PROS: Reasonably lightweight – Excellent stretch and movement

CONS: Very Expensive – Seems less durable than thicker jackets

LOOKING CLOSER: The Highline Stretch from Black Diamond builds on their very popular and successful Stormline product line. Here, we have a full 3-layer design that still manages to stay reasonably lightweight. Black Diamond also included their signature stretchy material for exceptional movement and freedom. The increased protection from 3 layers and stretchy, lightweight material make this jacket ideally suited to mountain adventures where lightweight protection is key. The proprietary BD.dry material does a good job of keeping you dry; however, the thinner material seems a little less robust than its thicker Gore-Tex competitors.

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Outdoor Research Foray II (Men’s) and Aspire II (Women’s) Jacket

  • Best Rain Jacket - Outdoor Research Foray IIMSRP: $225.00
  • WEIGHT:
    • Men’s: 11.8 oz
    • Women’s: 11.7 oz
  • PACKABILITY: Good
  • BREATHABILITY: Excellent
  • PIT ZIPS: Yes (full-length side zips)

PROS: Versatile for almost any sport – Wide range of sizes – Great fit

CONS: Side vents aren’t for everyone

STRAIGHT TALK: The newly revamped Foray II and Aspire II are fantastic options for folks looking for a solid and reliable rain jacket for any occasion. With the lightweight design, reliable Gore-Tex protection, and fairly reasonable price, you can rest assured that you’re getting excellent bang for your buck. Additionally, we love the full-length side zips that allow you to vent your entire torso. This is particularly useful for staying cool while hiking and wearing a heavy pack. Now, this full-length zipper may not be for everyone, but it’s a notable feature that sets the Foray II and Aspire II apart.

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More Information About the Best Rain Jackets

Rain Jacket Layers

You’ll often see a layer number listed with most rain jackets, such as 2-layer or 3-layer. But what does this mean?

Rain jackets have multiple layers of materials and fabrics to maximize their durability and waterproofing. To that end, the outermost fabric (what you see on the outside of the jacket and what faces the elements) is typically a highly-durable and abrasion-resistant material with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating to add a little weatherproofing. This outer fabric is not intended to be 100% waterproof. Rather, it’s designed to protect the waterproof layer from getting damaged – which brings us to the next layer.

The second layer is your water shield. It may be GORTEX or some other breathable waterproof membrane, and it’s bonded to the outer layer. However, this membrane is susceptible to body oil and sweat – which we certainly produce a lot of when hiking. Over time, oil can slowly clog up the waterproof membrane to decrease its effectiveness and lifespan, bringing us to the last layer.

The third layer is bonded to the inside of the waterproof layer and acts as a shield against oils and sweat.

Bringing the Layers Together

The 3-layer rain jacket uses every piece that we described above. We have the rugged outer fabric, the middle waterproof membrane, and a third protective layer on the inside. This option tends to be the most durable and long-lasting choice and is designed for intense outdoor adventure. However, such quality comes with a steep price tag and a slightly heavier weight.

 

The 2-layer jacket also uses a durable outer fabric bonded to a waterproof membrane or coating on the inside. However, this option dispenses with the interior protective layer and instead opts for a simple loose mesh or liner to protect the waterproof layer. This option tends to be more cost-effective than 3-layer jackets but slightly less rugged.

The 2.5-layer jacket again uses the durable outer fabric. However, instead of a waterproof membrane, the 2.5-layer deploys a waterproof laminate/coating to the interior of the outer fabric. Lastly, this waterproof laminate then receives a very thin print finish (or sheen) that offers rudimentary protection for body oils – this is the 0.5 layer. These rain jackets tend to be the most lightweight on the market but lack the breathability of other options.

When To Clean Your Rain Jacket

Even the best rain jackets get dirty over time. This grime buildup can cause the durable outer fabric to stop repelling water, and instead absorb water as soon as it starts raining. If this “wetting out” occurs, it’s time to clean your rain coat.

Your first resource is the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the jacket. We recommend pairing these instructions with a dedicated technical fabric cleaner – such as NikWax Tech Wash. Remember, traditional detergents and soaps will make your rain jacket even less waterproof, so it’s vital to use a cleaner specifically designed for waterproof garments. Follow both the manufacturer and NikWax instructions – you can typically use a standard washing machine – and your rain jacket will be revitalized in no time.

WHY TRUST US?

Choosing the right outdoor gear and apparel can be difficult. But at Wildland Trekking, we live and work with hiking gear every single day. It’s an integral part of what we do, and we understand better than anyone how important it is to have the right equipment. In addition to our vast knowledge of backpacking gear, we also offer:

  • Independence – our recommendations are not influenced by partnerships or sponsorships with outdoor gear and apparel manufacturers.
  • Experience – as one of America’s top guide companies, we take 8,000-10,000 people on hiking and backpacking tours annually. Since our inception in 2005, we have guided more than 75,000 people into the wilderness.
  • Cutting Edge Knowledge – we regularly attend trade shows and pay close attention to the leading edge of new developments.
  • Up To Date Recommendations – we update our recommendations regularly as new products are developed and released.
  • Dedication to our Readers – we know that the gear we select as our top picks will end up in the field with our readers, and we take that responsibility very seriously. We view our readers as guests on our guided trips, just without the guides. We are committed to helping you be as well-outfitted and prepared as possible for your adventures.

*Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. At no cost to you, we earn a commission on any products purchased through these links. Any proceeds go to supporting our blog and operations. These affiliate links do not influence the products that we include in our gear round-ups. We only recommend products that we 100% support and that we have used in the field. 

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More Gear Recommendations

Check out our Wildland Gear Guide for more recommendations about hiking, trekking, camping and outdoor gear. We are always adding new products to help our guests and readers make the best choices to outfit their adventures.