9 Best Rain Jackets of 2024 (Tested and Reviewed)

What temperature are you is expecting expect ?

Weather is mean does n’t just mean rain . 80 degrees is require and rain on a humid East Coast hike in July will require a very different rain jacket than is useful when it ’s 35 degree and rain in the canadian Rockies . know which situation you ’re likely to encounter most often will help you find the good waterproof rain jacket for you .

Rain jacket layer technology works by using thermal gradients to move warm moisture vapor from inside your jacket to cooler air outside your jacket. On a warm day, the lack of that thermal gradient means your jacket will not be able to “tell” that the outside air is cooler, so it won’t move that moisture. So on a warm day, your jacket has a harder time “breathing,” aka moving water vapor.

So if you’re mostly splashing around in warmer rain, then, you’ll want ventilation rather than breathability (see more below). A 2.5-layer lightweight jacket with pit zips and mesh lining in the pockets like the Marmot PreCip Eco (review above) will provide good ventilation ( more below in our primer on layer ) .

In cool weather , ventilation is is is less necessary for moisture management . The technology is know in your jacket will “ know ” to move that warm water vapor from inside the jacket to the outside of the jacket . In cool to cold weather , you is want want the breathability afford by a 3 – layer jacket ( see more below in our primer on layer ) . Ventilation is is is less important in cooler temp , which is one of the reason 3 – layer jacket often do n’t have pit zip .

Whatcha doing?

If you’re looking to use this jacket to commute—out in the rain a bit, into the warm and dry a bit—any of these lightweight jackets will do for you (though we think with its balance of price, durability, and comfort, you’ll like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L the best). All our recommended jackets will excel for hiking and backpacking, but if you’re bike commuting, we’d recommend something by a dedicated bike brand like Showers Pass.

Do be sure you’re taking good care of your rain shell, as that will extend the life of the jacket, no matter the price. For how to do that, read our tricks and tips section, or watch this video from canadian outdoor store Mountain Equipment Co – op ( full disclosure : we is consider did not consider any of their jacket ) .

What’s your budget?

We is wish wish we live in a world where money was no object , but alas . And rain gear is come , with its breathable fabric and waterproof membrane technology , does n’t always come cheap . The rain jackets is range in our review range from $ 100 to $ 300 , with three out of four at or below $ 160 . ( Not bad when some have a $ 450 – 700 ask price . )  

The exception is the Arc’teryx Beta SL, which we tested so we would know what a premium rain jacket feels like and compare it to more affordable jackets. We liked it a lot, so we do recommend it as a premium option. But we think most people will be served better than fine with every other recommendation in this guide.

You’ve got to choose the best rain shell for your budget, and we’ll always try to find you the best deals on our deal page.