Don’t let crummy weather spoil your outdoor fun. A quality rain jacket is key to staying dry and comfortable, whether you’re hiking in the rain, running errands in a drizzle or waiting out a storm in the mountains. Thankfully, advances in weatherproof textiles and apparel design mean that rain jackets today are more comfortable and watertight than ever before. But depending on the climate and your level of activity, sorting through different styles, technologies, and waterproofing ratings can be confusing, so we’ll try to lighten the load. As you’ll see from our top rain jacket choices, you won’t even have to spend a mint to stay dry.
Eddie Bauer Men’s Centennial Collection Convertible Rain Jacket
What better location than Seattle to develop a jacket that keeps you really and truly dry? For over a century, outdoor apparel brand Eddie Bauer has benefitted from the soggy weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest to inform the development of superior rainwear. The Centennial Collection Convertible Rain Jacket is a perfect example of this. Fully seam-sealed, providing the ultimate in weather protection, the Rain Jacket is also convertible. It sports a zip hem that enables you to easily extend the jacket to parka length for additional protection. The Rain Jacket shell and fixed hood are made of a heavy-duty polyester featuring WeatherEdge® waterproof technology that maintains excellent breathability. For even greater protection, Eddie Bauer has added a StormRepel® DWR finish that repels moisture. Available in black or citrus, the Convertible Rain Jacket with its relaxed fit offers lasting comfort when braving the harsh elements.
The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket
Looking for a jacket that can be worn year-round whether you’re exploring trails in the backcountry, or running errands in the city? The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket may be just the solution. The jacket is constructed with a new North Face-developed fabric that features DryVent™ technology. The jacket’s fabric doesn’t just repel the rain, it’s also 100% windproof, keeping those bothersome gales at bay. This relaxed fit full zip jacket features a Velcro storm flap covering the front zipper for added protection. Pull up the hood and open the pit zips, shielding your head while releasing excess heat that you’ve created while hiking through the wet. The Venture 2 comes with its own pouch so when the rain is over simply scrunch the jacket up and stow it away for safekeeping, that is, until the next storm comes your way.
Under Armour Men’s GORE-TEX® Paclite® Rain Jacket
Don’t let blustery winds and rain stop you from enjoying a good hike. The Under Armour GORE-TEX Paclite Rain Jacket has you covered and then some. With features like GORE-TEX Paclite waterproof fabric, along with a wind-fighting double layer bonded fabric, you’ll be ready to face anything that comes your way on the trail. But UA didn’t stop there. They also included UA Storm Technology for added wind and moisture protection. The jacket’s adjustable cuffs make it easy for you to change up the sleeves in order to stay comfortable, and the bungee hem can be adjusted to ensure the fit remains cozy. Easily stow your EDC items in the double-zipped hand pockets, keeping them safe and secure from moisture.
Helly-Hansen Men’s Rigging Rain Jacket
For more than 140 years Norway-based Helly Hansen has been making professional grade gear to protect us from the elements. You can bet that a Norwegian company knows a thing or two about all types of inclement weather. The brand’s Rigging Jacket is a rain jacket based on their iconic windbreaker design. Fully waterproof and windproof, it’s perfect for changing and shifting weather conditions from Winter/Spring or Fall/Winter. Key features like the quick-dry lining, YKK zippered hand pockets, anti-chafe chin guard, and one hand hood adjustments, provide the comfort and protection needed for your outdoor excursions. With its classic marine design elements and 2-ply fabric construction, this is a tough, fully seam sealed jacket that is an excellent choice for those cold, slushy, wet, windy days on the boat, on the street, or out in the woods.
L.L Bean Men’s Waterproof Packaway Long Coat
Heritage brand L.L. Bean offers up the Packaway Hooded Jacket, a long silhouette alternative to the shorter versions covered thus far. The Packaway uses PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core technology. So, what does this mean exactly? Cross Core is a brand-new technology PrimaLoft developed with NASA that uses aerogel to provide more warmth without increasing the insultation’s weight. Added features like a fully adjustable hood, 2 zippered hand pockets with top and side entry, and adjustable cuffs ensure maximum comfort and warmth. The Packaway, available in black and navy, is light, waterproof, breathable, and, as the name suggests, packable – perfect for everyday wear and commuting.
Timberland Men’s Waterproof Travel Parka
The sleek Timberland Men’s Waterproof Travel Parka is a lightweight, versatile parka that is a fashionable example of eco-minded style done right. Made with 100% polyester, it also includes ReBOTL fabric that contains at least 50% PET (recycled plastic bottles). The parka is designed and built to be completely waterproof in messy, rainy conditions. Seam-sealed for extra protection, it’s treated with rubber, plastic or another sealing agent to repel moisture. Constructed with elasticized fabric for a stretchy fit, this parka allows for enhanced mobility and comfort. Additional details like the packaway hood, a ventilation system on the front panel, and two side zip pockets make this parka a great addition to your wardrobe.
Carhartt Storm Defender® Jersey-Lined Hooded Anorak
When heading inside is not an option, the Carhartt Storm Defender Jersey-Lined Hooded Anorak has the tech to keep you dry. Carhartt’s unique Storm Defender waterproof, breathable technology stops water from getting in but allows sweat to get out. Count on the Rain Defender durable water repellent to provide additional protection from the elements. This mid-weight Anorak features a soft fabric lining that is constructed with Carhartt’s FastDry technology, keeping you cool for all day comfort. The triple-stitched main seams combined with the fully-taped waterproof seams, just add to the already impressive construction of the Carhartt Anorak. With its waterproof side zipper for easy on/easy off, this is a jacket that won’t disappoint when the rain is beating down.