Best 15 Hiking Rain Jackets Of 2024

Keeping yourself dry while hiking in the outdoors can be tough. The weather is often unpredictable and if you are backpacking for multiple days, there is a risk that the weather will become stormy. A good hiking rain jacket will be able to keep your upper body dry. The problem is that finding a good rain jacket can be rather difficult so I have listed a few that I think are very good. These jackets below do a very good job at keeping the upper body dry. I hope that you will at least like one of the items that I have listed.

Best Hiking Rain Jackets – Quick Chart

How To Choose A Rain Jacket

Understanding Protection

Waterproof

Waterproof basically means that rain or any form of water will not touch the user’s skin if it hits the rain jacket. The jacket will protect the user from rain, water and other types of liquid. The problem with this is that there is no standard way of testing the jacket. People can make claims and create their own tests in order to say that their jacket is waterproof. Obviously, not all jackets will have the same type of waterproof technology. Some will be better than others.

Water Resistant

Water resistant basically means that the jacket repels water. The jacket can repel water but it will not be able to do so after a prolonged period of time. A good way to test this is to get a wide mouth bottle full of water then use the jacket’s fabric to stop the water from leaking out. I find that almost all the jackets will eventually leak water. Again, there is no standard way for testing the waterproofness of a jacket. So if the jacket repels water, most companies will say that it is waterproof.

Windproof

A lot of jackets claim to be windproof but there are not any standard tests to measure how windproof a jacket is. So most companies will claim that their jacket is windproof. I often just trust the popularity of the jacket. If a lot of people think the jacket is very good, I will give the jacket a try. If the jacket is not that popular, then there is a good chance that it is not that good.

Different Types Of Technology Used For Waterproofing

Coatings

Coatings are synthetic chemicals or substances that are smeared onto the fabric of the jacket. They will then cure the jacket to make sure the coating stays on top. The problem with this is that certain spots will have a lot of waterproof chemicals while other spots will not. Think of smearing a peanut butter on a piece of bread. The thickness of the peanut butter will not be even. Some parts will have a lot of peanut butter while others will not have any.

The good news is that coatings lasts for a very long time. They will last for years to come and maybe even more. Normal wear and tear will eventually fade the waterproof coating on a jacket but this is not going to happen soon. The jacket will keep its coating for a very long time.

Jackets that use coatings do not use layers or extra fabrics to create a waterproof layer. Coatings are very lightweight which means that the jacket is going to be lightweight also. This is great for people that hike. They do not need to carry a very heavy jacket. They will have more energy to enjoy the scenery because the jacket that they are using is not heavy and does not use a lot of energy to be carried.

Lamination

Laminated jackets are more expensive that coated jackets. Since laminated jackets will use extra fabric and technology, they will often cost more. Laminated jackets provide better protection and better waterproof quality than coated jackets though. Laminated jackets use two or more fabrics and combine them together to protect the user from rain and other types of bad weather.

The outer layer will consist of a material that repels water while the inner layer will be made out of fabric that is very comfortable to the skin. Since these jackets are made with multiple fabrics, these jackets are often more durable than coated jackets as well.

Laminated jackets are also more breathable but these jackets tend to be heavier than coated jackets. If you want to be dry and stay dry while hiking in the rain, then laminated jackets would be the ideal choice. These jackets provide a lot of protection from different kinds of weather.

Three Types Of Lamination

2 Layers

These jackets will have two fabrics that are combined together. The first fabric or outer fabric will have a lining like mesh or nylon. The outer layer protects the user from rain and other types of bad weather. The second layer will have coatings to make it more abrasion resistant. These jackets are often a little heavier than most jackets.

2.5 Layers

The outer layer is made up of a very low weight face fabric. The middle layer is made out of a polyurethane-based Waterproof breathable laminate or coating. This will then prevent the water from reaching the body or inner layer of the jacket. The inner layer is a bare minimum protective layer (this is more like a sheen than an actual layer which is why it is considered half layer). The inner layer provides decent amount of abrasion resistance. Not as durable as the 2 layer though. This usually cost the lowest amount out of the 3 types of layers. This will often be very lightweight as well.

3 Layers

Three layer laminated jackets are often lighter than two layer jackets. These jackets do not use any coatings and they just use laminates. Three layer jackets consist of a membrane bonded between a face fabric and a liner fabric. These jackets are very expensive but these offer the best protection from rain and other types of bad weather. Three layer laminated jackets will also give a lot of breathability and durability.

Features And Things To Consider

Style

The style is very important at least for me. I like my jackets that make me look good and make me look cool. There are a lot of jackets that provide a lot of functionality, while being affordable. We don’t need to settle for anything that makes us look terrible. There are lots of stylish hiking jackets.

Waterproof

Of course, we all want the jacket to be waterproof. It gets kind of annoying when we are wet while hiking. There are lots of people who hike in the rain while remaining completely dry. It has to do with their gear. If you are dry even when it is raining, then your chance of having a good time will be high. So always make sure that the item you are thinking of getting will be able to keep your body dry.

Breathable

It does not matter if the rain is not penetrating your jacket or outerwear if you are sweating profusely and the sweat is not evaporating. You are going to get wet from your own sweat. This isn’t really that annoying. You will not notice it until you take a break or after hiking. You will be very sweaty and completely wet. You won’t notice any smell because it is raining. But once you get to a restaurant, you will notice how smelly you became.

Weight

Most rain jackets for hiking are very light. All hiking gear are meant to be light. It is because the more weight that you carry, the easier it is to become tired. The more weight your body is carrying, the less fun you are going to have. So make sure that the rain jacket that you are thinking for getting is very lightweight.

Comfortable

Hiking jackets have to be comfortable. They should fit you properly and not hinder your mobility. Some jackets do that and some even have fabrics that can irritate your skin. It is best that you get a jacket that you are very comfortable with. There are lots of jackets that I feel were very comfortable. So always check whether the jacket is very comfortable on your skin and body. If not, you should return it.

Packable

Since rain jackets are going to be used in the summer then it is best that they are packable or that they can be folded into a very small size. Since we are going to be carrying a lot of items in our backpacks, it is often nice to have a very packable jacket that does not take up a lot of room in our bags.

Vents

Vents allow air to get into the jacket and out of the jacket very easily. This is a great feature to let sweat evaporate while cooling the body when the temperature is very hot. Vents can be put in a lot of places. Most of the time, hiking jackets will have vents near the armpits also so that air can get in and out easily in this part of the body.

Drawstrings

Drawstrings are also very common instead of Velcro or other forms or ways to close the jacket. Drawstrings are very common for the hood and for the openings at the wrists. These drawstrings allow the user to close the openings so that no water will get through. You can also open these openings so that you can get more ventilation if the weather is very hot or you are sweating a lot.

Zippers

It is best that the zippers are coated or laminated as well. These will make the zippers repel water. If the zippers are not repelling water, there is a big chance that rain water will get through them. Rain jackets will often have zippers that are laminated.

Pockets

Most rain jackets do not have a lot of pockets. Pockets add weight to the item so most rain jackets will only have a few pockets so that the total weight is somewhere around 1 pound or less. Pockets are very useful though. We can put a lot of items in these pockets like phones, car keys, wallets, money, and so on.

Best Hiking Rain Jackets

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1. Helly-Hansen Mens Team Crew Midlayer Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: 1 Pounds
Material: Polartec 100g fleece lining
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: Helly Tech fabric with DWR
Feature Summary: Fleece-lined jacket in a waterproof, windproof, breathable Helly Tech fabric, for all situations and weather conditions where protection from the elements, lined for comfort, Quick dry lining, Hip length, Insulated with Polartec 100g fleece lining

Short Review: This is a one of a kind and a very beautiful rain jacket. Helly Hansen is an amazing company. Whenever I think about their jackets, only one word could describe them perfectly which is “beautiful”. This is a very beautiful jacket. I don’t even want to wear it for hiking and other outdoor activity at times because it is just so beautiful. I look so cool with this jacket that I don’t want it to get dirty. The waterproof capabilities of this jacket is amazing as well. Since the company specializes in sailing jackets, they have a lot of experience with clothes that repel water. This one has fleece material in the inside which gives it insulating properties. This maybe too hot for summer since the jacket provides warmth and insulation.

2. Columbia Men’s Glennaker LakeRain Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: 12.8 oz
Material: 100% nylon Hydroplus
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: Omni-Shield™ advanced repellency
Feature Summary: Omni-Tech fabric for ultimate protection and comfort,  features a softshell exterior and a mesh lining for protection and breathability, waterproof and wicking fabric that’s breathable and durable

Short Review: There are lots of hiking rain jackets that I love but this is one of my favorites. This features a convenient stow-away hood, zippered hand pockets, adjustable sleeve cuffs, and a drawcord adjustable hem locks in the dry and keeps out the wet. Constructed out of Hydroplus waterproof nylon fabric for the ultimate in lightweight, wet weather, protection and comfort. This is very lightweight. There are plenty of people that bought this item judging by the large amount of positive customer reviews that this has. Provides lots of comfort and protection against the weather which is great for people like us who love the outdoors. This is very affordable and made by a very popular company. Lightweight and protects against the rain.

3. The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: 15 oz
Material: 100% DryVent™ nylon ripstop
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: Seam-sealed DryVent™ 2.5L shell
Feature Summary: Be prepared when sudden storms blow in with the packable jacket, DWR (durable water repellent) polyurethane finish offers additional water-resistant protection, ripstop-woven outer face offers abrasion resistance

Short Review: You can purchase plenty of rain jacket however this remains to be among the best that can be found at this time. This is constructed out of 100% recycled materials with DryVent performance tech and coated with a Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish. This features a flattering shape and ample mobility, this jacket is perfect for easy wear or layering up. The North Face is an amazing company and I have a lot of their jackets in my closet. This can also keep the body dry and protect it from the weather with multiple designs and colors to choose from. The structure and design of this item is amazing. I really like making use of this item and this looks very stylish also.

4. Gioberti Men’s Waterproof Lightweight Rain Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: Not Available
Material: 100% Polyester
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: Latest waterproof technology
Feature Summary: Aesthetically pleasing, latest waterproof technology that wicks away moisture on contact, breathability and comfort that allows excess heat and vaper to escape, front zipper to secure dryness

Short Review: There are a lot of people who love this outdoor jacket. Resilience is one of the factors why I love this. This is a 100% Polyester Rain Jacket developed with the latest waterproof technology that wicks away moisture on contact to ensure that you are left dry in wet weather and rainy days. This features a fully sealed seams to lock out the rain from entering the jacket along with a fully meshed lining on the inside to provide breathability and comfort. The design is extremely good which is why this is extremely resilient. This is another very affordable rain jacket that is also very good. A great item to have for hiking or backpacking. Protects the user from rain and similar types of weather.  This company constantly makes solid items, and this is no exception. It is amazing that this is very compact and very lightweight.

5. OTU Men’s Lightweight Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: 10.58 Ounces
Material: 100% Polyester
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: Yes
Feature Summary: Superior water resistant shell fabric, softshell rain jacket for men performed well, lightweight mesh lining used in core body to wick sweat away from the body

Short Review: You will surely love and use this outdoor rain jacket all the time. The design of this is extremely creative. This offers water resistant shell fabric feature with Watertight Ⅳ. This is constructed from 100% Polyester fabric provides good breathability and is very light. This is a great jacket that can keep the body dry and protect it from the weather and it comes in an extremely affordable selling price. An important factor to remember is that this is made out of pretty good quality materials which makes this extremely sturdy. This has a good quantity of positive customer reviews which means that a great deal of people purchased this jacket and they loved it. You can choose from various colors and sizes too.

6. BALEAF Men’s Cycling Running Jacket Waterproof Rain

Technical Specs
Weight: 6.35 Ounces
Material: Polyester
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: 5000mm waterproofing
Feature Summary: Ventilation system in the back helps keep you cool and dry, reflective stripes and a reflective logo design, hem anti-skid prevent jacket rides up

Short Review: This is a rather amazing hiking rain jacket. This item has an incredible design that looks awesome. This features an interior that is laminated TPU membrane with 5000mm waterproofing and 3000g/m2/24hr breathability. This features a reflective stripes and a reflective logo design keep you safe during low-light environment. The extraordinary thing in regards to this is that the price tag is rather affordable. It is true that this remarkable item is what I was looking for and one of the finest that is available right now. The jacket is very visible since it can be used for cycling as well. You can also pick colors that are more discreet and not flashy.

7. Marmot PreCip Jacket Mens Dark Spruce

Technical Specs
Weight: 12.6 oz
Material: Precip 2.5 100% Nylon Ripstop
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: PreCip Dry Touch Technology
Feature Summary: Patented dry-touch finish, this waterproof jacket will keep you comfortable and protected, PreCip collection of pants and jackets is made with PFC-free NanoPro recycled nylon fabric

Short Review: Among the finest things that you can get hold of is this windbreaker and rain water jacket. This features a preCip Dry Touch technology, which makes this jacket waterproof and breathable. This comes with fully taped seams to prevent leaks, an attached hood that rolls up when not in use, and a Driclime chin guard that protects against scratching. This comes in multiple colors so you can get the color that is suitable for your needs. It is easier and a lot more fun to have this for hiking and it looks great also. Can be used for casual activities as well. There are a great deal of men and women who are content and satisfied with this jacket just by reading the various customer reviews that this has. This is amazing and has surpassed my expectations.

8. Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: 1 lbs
Material: Shell: 100% Nylon; Lining: 100% Polyester
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: Omni-Tech waterproof breathable laminate
Feature Summary: Crafted of a waterproof nylon shell durable enough to withstand anything from drizzle to downpour at a moment’s notice, rain jacket is lightweight while remaining protective

Short Review: There are lots of people that bought this waterproof jacket due to the fact this is awesome. This offers air-permeable protection that’s waterproof and breathable, keeping mother nature’s elements out. This is one of the first waterproof jackets that I’ve ever had. I bought this at around 20ish dollars and now it is close to 60 dollars. It became so popular that they raised the price. Even though the jacket is like 7+ years old, the price just keeps going up and not going down. I like it. It works well. Very lightweight and repels rain water rather well. It is great for hiking and light enough for backpacking also. It is good for casual wear also since it is very stylish.

9. Paradox Men’s Waterproof Breathable Rain Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: Not Available
Material: 80% nylon and 20% polyester
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: 2.5-layer system plus treated with a water repellent finish
Feature Summary: 2.5 layer rainjacket represent the perfect combination of style and function, jacket has a waterproof barrier, a water-repellent finish and is strategically seam-sealed to keep you dry

Short Review: This outdoor rain jacket can be one of the best things that you have ever bought. This item is fantastic. This features a waterproof barrier, a water-repellent finish and is strategically seam-sealed to keep you dry. Equipped with a center zipper that offers exterior storm flaps and the reflective logo provides extra safety. If you would like keep the body dry and protect it from the weather then you should take a look at this. You can often look at the customer reviews so you can notice that plenty of men and women like this as well. There are lots of things I love relating to this high quality item such as durability, cheap price and that it works well at repelling the rain water. A very useful jacket for hiking purposes.

10. Eddie Bauer Men’s Rainfoil Packable Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: Not Available
Material: 100% polyester
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: 2-layer WEATHEREDGE technology plus StormRepel DWR finish
Feature Summary: StormRepel DWR finish sheds moisture, rain jacket also incorporates mesh lining for enhanced breathability, adjustable, stowable hood

Short Review: I enjoy this waterproof jacket and that’s why I am recommending it to you. This features a polyester shell that incorporates a 2-layer weatheredge technology and is fully seam sealed for complete waterproof and breathable protection to 5k/5k. Stormrepel DWR finish sheds moisture as well. Eddie Bauer makes a lot of outdoor gear that are very good. This is one of the jackets that they have that I really like. This is a really durable jacket that can lasts for a long time mainly because of the high quality materials used to create it. This wonderful item is going to keep people dry even if the weather is rainy or bad. The price is somewhat reasonable and this looks good also.

11. Helly Hansen Men’s Voss Rain Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: 13.6 oz
Material: 100% PU Face, 100% Polyester Back,
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: HELOX+ technology
Feature Summary: This offers total waterproof protection in wet weather, polyurethane construction along with a laminated knit backing that’s odor and mildew resistant, adjustable snap cuffs and drawcord hem

Short Review: There are a whole lot of things that I love in regards to this outdoor rain jacket. Another jacket from Helly Hansen that I would like to recommend. This one looks great as well. It just looks so beautiful. If you love the outdoors, then this is a great item to have because this works well. This is very stylish and this comes in a lot of other colors. This is among the greatest and I know that you will agree with me when you get it. This is a very versatile item to have for the outdoors and this is very well constructed.

12. Carhartt Men’s Rockford Rain Defender Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: 1 lbs
Material: 100% Nylon
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: Waterproof
Feature Summary: Designed to be compact and space saving, hooded rain jacket, two lower welted front pockets, zip-front closure and two snap-flap chest pockets with media port, inner pocket with hook-and-loop closure

Short Review: I have been testing numerous hiking rain jackets, and this is impressive. This is pretty durable which means obtaining one will often mean numerous years of usefulness. Carhartt is another amazing company that makes a lot of outdoor apparel and gear. This is a great jacket. This truly is extraordinary and this can keep the body dry and protect it from the weather. Ideal jacket to have for the outdoors and this will provide lots of usefulness. You will really like this high quality item simply because this is really affordable and extremely resilient. I have nothing but praises for this. This is well worth the price it is asking for and this is precisely as advertised.

13. Portwest Men’s Classic Rain Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: Not Available
Material: 100% Nylon PVC coated fabric
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: Yes
Feature Summary: Made out of high quality materials, very good item for the outdoors, two large hip pockets and flaps, back vent for ventilation, 100% Nylon PVC coated fabric

Short Review: This really is one of the greatest hiking rain jackets that I am aware of. This is constructed out of 100% nylon pvc coated fabric which makes this very waterproof. I love that this is incredibly durable considering that a whole lot of items are very affordable however they are also very fragile. Multi-purpose item that makes the outdoors a lot easier and a lot more fun by keeping people dry. The price is also very cheap or that this is very affordable. You can choose from various colors and sizes . The sturdiness of this item is outstanding. It is very tear resistant and puncture resistant which means that this should provide many years of usefulness.

14. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Waterproof Breathable Hooded Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: 1 lbs
Material: Shell: 100% Nylon; Lining: 100% Polyester
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: Yes
Feature Summary: 100% nylon shell creates gives the jacket water resistant ability,  fabric remains lightweight while still allowing for protection, jacket is made with a breathable and waterproof shell fabric

Short Review: I have been testing plenty of hiking rain jackets, and this is amazing. The 100% nylon shell creates gives the jacket water resistant ability. This is paired with an inner mesh lining allowing for shorter drying time. This is among the finest items that can keep the body dry and protect it from the weather and the price is just right. I love Tommy Hilfiger clothes. I loved them since I was younger. This is a pretty good jacket from them. I know that this is among the best that you can purchase right now and you will be happy that you did. It is highly probable that you’re going to be satisfied with your purchase due to the fact this jacket works well and it also looks very beautiful. This item is very good and incredibly durable.

15. Little Donkey Andy Men’s Waterproof Rain Jacket

Technical Specs
Weight: 14.11 Ounces
Material: 100% Polyester
Windproof: Yes
Waterproof: Yes
Feature Summary: Superior water resistant shell fabric, softshell rain jacket for men performed well, lightweight mesh lining used in core body to wick sweat away from the body

Short Review: This outdoor rain jacket is incredible and it is very lightweight as well so it is good for backpacking also. This is constructed out of PU coated membrane offers waterproof protection and breathable performance. This jacket is windproof and waterproof so it will keep you all-day dry in overcast and rainy days. Comes with lightweight mesh lining used in core body to wick sweat away from the body. This jacket repels rain water rather easily and it can keep a person dry even on a down pour. This is made of high quality materials and has a whole lot of customer feedback stating that this is incredibly resilient. This is a very lightweight jacket that offers superior water repelling capabilities.