The best rain jacket must be breathable, waterproof, fit, and, of course, stylish.
It might seem hard to find all these qualities in just one rain jacket, or at least apparently.
For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of great rain jackets, selected according to the criteria above, and organized them based on their key their features and real user reviews.
Top 5 Best Rain Jacket Choices – Editor’s Pick
This table highlights 5 of our top picks for the best rain jacket compares them while also offering a direct link to making them your own.
Product Name |
Material |
Color |
Get It AT |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Watertight II | Polyester | 50+ colors | ||
| Helly Hansen Belfast Rain Jacket | Polyester | Black | ||
| Outdoor Research Foray Jacket | Polyester | Green | ||
| Marmot Precip Jacket | Nylon | Black |
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| Carhartt Cascade Jacket | Nylon | Deep Pine |
10. Columbia Watertight II Jacket for Men
Ideal for: Everyday wear
First on our best rain jacket list is this one from Columbia, made especially for men and from nylon with a polyester lining.
It uses Columbia’s signature waterproofing technology and an adjustable hood and hem.
Also, it packs fairly small into the side pocket, and it’s seam-sealed for extra protection from both heavy and light rain.
Heights:
- Breathable fabric
- Mesh lining
- Packable and lightweight
Plains:
- No armpit vents
- Runs large
9. Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket for Women and Men
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Ideal for: Warm-weather hiking or everyday wear
This Outdoor Research’s jacket is available for men and women.
It’s made out of nylon with a waterproof coating and is fully seam taped. It’s also packable into the side pocket, and the hood is adjustable.
This jacket is very lightweight and thin and lacks certain features like armpit zips and adjustable cuffs.
Heights:
- Fully waterproof and sealed
- Extremely lightweight
- Packable
Plains:
- No armpit zips
8. Charles River Apparel New Englander Waterproof Rain Jacket for Women
Ideal for: City wear
Charles River Apparel’s rain jackets are affordable and well-constructed.
The New Englander is made from polyurethane and it comes in many feminine colors with reflective striping.
It has adjustable cuffs and is fully windproof. Also, it has a breathable mesh lining.
Heights:
- Lightweight
- Effective waterproofing
- Attractive colors
- Zipper closure
Plains:
- Not very packable
- Runs small
7. Helly Hansen Seven J Jacket for Men
Ideal for: Everyday wear
The Seven J by Helly Hansen is extremely popular and available in a wide range of colors.
It is lined with quick-drying mesh and has a 2-layer construction with a waterproof outer layer.
It’s also windproof, with an adjustable hood and cuffs and a bottom cinch cord to keep out the rain.
Heights:
- Quick-drying liner
- Sealed seams
- Adjustable hood and cuffs
- Lightweight
Plains:
- Not very breathable jacket
6. North Face Resolve Jacket for Women
Ideal for: Everyday wear
The outer waterproof fabrics of this North Face jacket are made of nylon, and the jacket’s seams are sealed.
It truly is waterproof, and its design is stylish and contoured. Also, it is available in a wide array of colors.
The jacket is lightweight, high quality, and compact, and the hood can be stowed into the collar.
It is also windproof, and very breathable.
Heights:
- Waterproof
- Contoured fit
- Wind-proof
Plains:
- Oversized hood
5. White Sierra Trabagon Rain Jacket for Women and Men
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Ideal for: Hiking or everyday wear
Available for both women and men, the Trabagon is made from polyester and is fully seam taped and waterproofed.
It’s packable into its own pocket, and it’s lightweight.
This rain jacket is fairly breathable, though it may be too warm for hotter climate areas.
Heights:
- Affordable
- Effective waterproofing
- Lightweight and packable
Plains:
- Not very breathable
4. Helly Hansen Belfast Long and Lightweight Rain Jacket for Women
Ideal for: Everyday wear
This Helly Hansen jacket is made for women and has a stylish fitted shape.
It’s made of polyester with specialized waterproof protection and a 2-ply construction, with a bottom cinch cord and adjustable cuffs.
It’s on the longer side, so it will keep your whole upper part and a good part of your tight area dry.
Heights:
- Fully waterproofed
- 2-ply shell
- Breathable
Plains:
- Not that warm
3. Outdoor Research Foray Jacket for Men
Ideal for: Camping or everyday wear
Outdoor Research’s Foray jacket is made of Gore-Tex Paclite technology, well-known for its dependable waterproofing, while also being lightweight and breathable.
It has large pit zips for effective venting. Though this jacket is designed for men, it could be worn by women as well.
The main con of this jacket is that its waterproofing does not reportedly hold up over time.
Heights:
- Gore-Tex waterproofing
- Armpit vents
- Lightweight and packable
- Fully seam-tapped
Plains:
- Might not hold up that well to heavy rains
2. Marmot Precip Jacket for Men and Women
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Ideal for: Everyday wear or hiking
Marmot’s Precip jacket has features like armpit zippers for venting and a double storm flap.
It’s also fully packable into the pocket. The seams are sealed and this jacket is fully waterproof.
It’s lightweight and breathable, and it is available in men’s and women’s versions.
Heights:
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Armpit vents
Plains:
- Waterproofing is hard if not impossible to replace
- Not windproof
1. Carhartt Cascade Jacket for Women
Ideal for: Everyday work or outdoor wear
Last on our list of best rain jacket list is this Cascade jacket that is specialized for women.
It’s made of 100% nylon and has a mesh lining along with a water-repellent finish.
This jacket is lightweight, while still being warm and durable.
It has a detachable hood and is also quite breathable.
Heights:
- Lightweight
- Warm lining
- Durable construction
Plains:
- Too warm for some of the hotter climates
Bonus Rain Jacket!
Somewell Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
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Ideal for: Biking, camping, climbing, hiking, and boating
Somewell’s waterproof rain jacket matches the quality of brand-name jackets but at a fraction of the price.
We were pleasantly surprised with the quality of the materials (they look a lot better in reality than in the pictures), breathability, and the two inside pockets.
This rain jacket comes with a hood that folds into the collar and can be easily rolled up into its own pocket and tossed in a bag or backpack.
Heights:
- Quality build and materials
- Very versatile
- Waterproof and breathable
- Fairly windproof
- Very reasonably priced
Plains:
- Some users may find sleeves too long
Conclusion
We know for sure our list will help you find the best rain jacket for you and your needs.
After all, it’s made it so much easier to pick a jacket that will keep you dry, warm, and comfy for a long period of time.
Still, let us know if you have tried any of them, and if the jacket you chose was perfect for rainy days, or to make it easier, just tell us all about it in the comments below!
Suggested Read: You might also be interested in keeping an eye on the quantity of falling rain with a rain gauge, or on the weather itself, with a weather thermometer!