Outdoors Gear Stay Comfy and Dry With the Best Men's Rain Jackets By Nathan Allen Nathan Allen Outdoor Gear Editor University of Missouri-Columbia Lindenwood University Nathan Allen is the Outdoor Gear Editor for TripSavvy. Nathan loves many outdoor activities but makes it a priority to run or bike on singletrack every day. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 07/28/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. TripSavvy / Nathan Allen. TripSavvy's Picks Patagonia's Granite Crest Jacket is our best overall pick for men's rain jackets. Its marriage of top-shelf performance with innovative and industry-pushing environmental and sustainability practices continues to change the game. And for a solid shell at a lower cost, we love Black Diamond's Treeline Shell. Even the most detail-obsessed planner can’t control everything while traveling—which is why a rain jacket qualifies as an essential element of your go-to travel and outdoor gear. And while there are models suitable to every type of traveler, from hikers and cyclists to stylish men and urban explorers, the one overarching piece of advice is: Don’t go cheap. Lesser-quality rain jackets should keep you dry if the skies open, but chances are they won’t breathe well, making things clammy and uncomfortable inside them. That can result in your clothes becoming sweaty and wet, effectively defeating the whole purpose of wearing a rain jacket. Instead, opt for a jacket with breathable membranes and wicking inner liners, which will help regulate the internal temperature. Some even use armpit zippers to help ventilate excess heat while you're doing high-octane activities like backpacking or running. Here are the best men's rain jackets available. The Rundown Best Overall: Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket at Patagonia.com Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Montane SpineSpine Jacket at Montane.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Decathlon MH100 Waterproof Hiking Rain Jacket at Walmart Jump to Review Best Value: Black Diamond Treeline Rain Shell at Blackdiamondequipment.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket at Arcteryx.com Jump to Review Best for Backpacking: Columbia OutDry Extreme Mesh Hooded Shell Jacket at Columbia.com Jump to Review Best for Hiking: Outdoor Research Motive AscentShell Jacket at Outdoorresearch.com Jump to Review Best for Running: Craft Pro Hydro Running Jacket 2 at Zappos Jump to Review Best for Cycling: Pearl iZUMi Monsoon WxB Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Breathability: Jack Wolfskin Eagle Peak Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Other Rain Jackets We Tested Product Selection How We Tested What To Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket 5 REI View On Patagonia.com View On REI What We Like Excellent water protection with good breathability All the bells and whistles like pit zips, helmet-compatible hood, watertight zippers, and drawcord at the bottom Top environmental and sustainability practices What We Don't Like Nothing yet Patagonia nails it again with its new Granite Crest rain jacket. There's so much to like about this jacket. Let's start with its functionality. We found it one of the most protective yet breathable of the more than a dozen rain jackets tested. Patagonia uses a proprietary H2No shell fabric, which is at the top of the market for blocking moisture from coming in and releasing it simultaneously. It also features watertight zippers, pit zips, and an adjustable drawcord at the bottom to cinch down. We like intelligent features like a helmet-compatible hood with a ton of coverage and the ability to pack it into its own pocket. We'd be remiss not to mention Patagonia's continued commitment to creating products with ultimate sustainability in mind. This jacket features recycled nylon, fabric made from recycled fishing nets, and non-fluorinated DWR. And it's Fair Trade Certified sewn. Patagonia continues to lead in product performance and sustainability innovation. Price at time of publish: $279 Materials: H2No Performance Standard shell: 3-layer, 3-ounce, 30-denier NetPlus recycled ripstop nylon | Waterproofing: 3-layer H2No waterproof/breathable membrane | Weight: 14.1 ounces | Sustainability: Fair Trade Certified sewing, recycled materials Best Overall, Runner-Up Montane Spine Jacket 4.9 Trekk Inn View On Montane.com View On Tradeinn.com What We Like We love the athletic cut on a rain jacket Great breathability and weatherproofing Lightweight What We Don't Like Athletic cut might not be for everyone or layering Patagonia's Granite Crest is our best overall rain jacket, but if you're looking for a jacket that's more conducive to high-output outdoor activities, Montane's Spine Jacket is the better pick. This highly protective jacket maintained solid breathability while featuring an active and athletic fit. Simply put, if you're looking for a general rain jacket to layer underneath, the Granite Crest is a good pick. But if you're looking for one to move with you on fast hikes, runs, or cycling, it is an excellent pick. The Spine Jacket features Gore-Tex nylon and a Gore-Tex Active shell, taped seams, and an adjustable hem. We also love that this jacket weighs about half a pound. We took it on runs of up to 10 miles in total downpours and didn't wet out and (mostly) didn't sweat out. Price at time of publish: $339 Materials: 100 percent Nylon GORE-TEX Active shell | Waterproofing: 13 Denier GORE-TEX Active shell technology | Weight: 8.6 ounces | Sustainability: Not listed TripSavvy / Nathan Allen. Best Budget Decathlon MH100 Waterproof Hiking Rain Jacket 4.5 Decathlon View On Walmart View On Decathlon.com What We Like Good waterproofing Some extra interior lining is good for cooler and cold weather What We Don't Like Not very breathable These days, it's tough to find any sort of quality outerwear for less than $100, but that's what you get with Decathlon's MH100 Waterproof Hiking Jacket. The Mont Blanc, France-based budget outdoor company is quickly becoming one of our favorites because of its high-quality yet approachable cost for outdoor gear. This jacket features large side openings for boosted ventilation, a drawstring hem for a better fit at the bottom, and a thicker and softer lining on the inside for increased warmth. We seriously doubt you'll find a better rain jacket for the price. Price at time of publish: $60 Materials: 100 percent Polyester cationic | Waterproofing: 2 layers 5000 mm Schmerber coating | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Sustainability: Not listed The 9 Best Lightweight Jackets of 2023 Best Value Black Diamond Treeline Rain Shell 4.8 REI View On Blackdiamondequipment.com View On Moosejaw.com View On REI What We Like Very simple yet high-performing rain shell Excellent at multiple applications What We Don't Like Someone might want more insulation or features—this is a bare-bones shell No doubt, there are rain jackets available that might be more sustainable and better for the environment (Patagonia's Granite Crest) or excel at breathability and form-fit for high-output athletic endeavors (Montane's Spine), but for its cost, there's no better all-around rain shell than Black Diamond's Treeline Shell. Let's be totally clear here: The Treeline is a shell—you don't get much else than a water-blocking layer, but we really dig that. The Treeline features Black Diamond's proprietary BD.dry waterproofing and fabric, a climbing helmet-compatible hood, DWR reinforced pockets, treated zippers, and an adjustable hem, and it packs into a pocket. We also love the back vent for amped breathability. If you're looking for an excellent all-around rain shell but don't want to get spendy with Patagonia's Granite Crest, the Treeline is probably for you. Price at time of publish: $130 Materials: 50-denier ripstop nylon | Waterproofing: 2.5L BD.dry waterproof/breathable laminate | Weight: 9 ounces | Sustainability: Not listed Best Splurge Arc'teryx Men's Beta LT Jacket 4.8 REI View On Arcteryx.com View On REI What We Like Highly waterproof and lightweight Some bluesign and Fair Trade certifications What We Don't Like Fit was a bit off with shorter sleeves If you're in the market for a premium rain shell, Arc'teryx, in general, will provide some of the best options. We have been enjoying the new Beta LT from the British Columbia-based brand known for its rugged and high-end gear. The 3L Gore-Tex fabric is lightweight yet fairly bomber when blocking the elements. The jacket also features the perks you'd expect from a premium rain shell, like waterproof zippers, pit zips, and a hood designed to go around helmets yet still provide full coverage—and it's also one of the lightest shells on our list at just 13.9 ounces. Our tester took this jacket out in rainy Pacific Northwest conditions and snowy days in the Rocky Mountains. In particular, he enjoyed it for hikes and cross-country skiing in the Rockies. Price at time of publish: $450 Materials: Gore-Tex | Waterproofing: N40d 3L GORE-TEX fabric with tricot backer technology | Weight: 13.9 ounces | Sustainability: Fair Trade and bluesign-certified TripSavvy / Whitman Lindstrom The 10 Best Travel Umbrellas of 2023 Best for Backpacking Columbia OutDry Extreme Mesh Hooded Shell Jacket 4.7 Columbia View On Columbia.com What We Like We found Columbia's OutDry technology to be highly waterproof Packable in its own pocket What We Don't Like No pit zips When Columbia developed its OutDry technology, it revolutionized waterproof protection. This technology helps the waterproof coating on the outer shell last longer than other rain jackets. It also keeps moisture out and amplifies the jacket's breathability, essential for high-octane activities like hiking, camping, and backpacking. The OutDry Extreme Mesh Hooded Shell further compliments active outings with forgiving stretch fabric, so you never have to worry about losing any protection while moving. Multiple zippered pockets allow for various gear storage, and drawcords at the hem and hood and adjustable sleeve cuffs make it easy to dial the optimal fit. The only potential drawback? No pit zips. Price at time of publish: $250 Materials: 100 percent stretch nylon mesh | Waterproofing: OutDry EXTREME waterproof/breathable fully seam sealed | Weight: Not listed | Sustainability: Not listed Best for Hiking Outdoor Research Motive AscentShell Jacket 4.7 REI View On Outdoorresearch.com View On REI What We Like We found this one to be one of the more breathable jackets Excellent weatherproofing, and we liked the fit What We Don't Like No pit zips Outdoor Research's AscentShell technology is akin to Columbia's OutDry—they're both proprietary game changers for the brands. Developed in 2016, AscentShell is a three-layer construction created by an electrospun process. Put simply, Outdoor Research claims it to weigh less, breathe more quickly, and stretch more. The Motive AscentShell is Outdoor Research's lightest in its rain-protection line. We really enjoyed this shell on hikes and trail runs and thought it had superior breathability to other jackets we tested. It wasn't the most breathable, but it was solid. This is our pick if you're planning on using your rain shell primarily for hiking or walking around the neighborhood. Price at time of publish: $199 Materials: 100 percent polyester | Waterproofing: AscentShell 3-layer waterproof/breathable laminate | Weight: Not listed | Sustainability: Not listed The 11 Best Golf Sunglasses of 2023 Best for Running Craft Pro Hydro Running Jacket 2 4.6 Zappos View On Zappos View On Craftsports.us What We Like Great stretch and mobility Good breathability Held up well in rain, sleet, and snow What We Don't Like Waterproofing wore out after a bit This jacket quickly became our go-to outer layer for running this winter. It quickly shed rain, sleet, snow, and ice while allowing us to release sweat and providing plenty of stretch and mobility. The jacket features a highly weatherproof and breathable three-layer fabric, perforated ventilation under the sleeves, and a mesh back layer for amped ventilation. Craft has quickly become one of our favorite running gear brands for its innovation and comfort. Price at time of publish: $200 Materials: Body Face 100 percent polyester, Body Mid 100 percent polyurethane, Body Back 100 percent polyester | Waterproofing: Ventair wind & waterproof 3L laminated fabric | Weight: Not listed | Sustainability: Not listed Best for Cycling Pearl iZUMi Monsoon WxB Jacket 4.6 Pearl iZUMi View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Competitivecyclist.com What We Like All-around solid rain jacket that could double as an every-day rain jacket as well Seemed to have fairly good breathability What We Don't Like Could have a bit better butt coverage There's no way around it. Riding in the rain sucks. It's the one activity that feels like the rain is coming from literally every direction. Make it suck less with Pearl iZUMi's Monsoon WxB Jacket. This breathable weatherproof jacket features a two-layer membrane, fully taped and sealed seams and zipper, and some reflective qualities. We enjoyed taking this jacket out on road and mountain bike rides this winter. Our one complaint: There could be more butt coverage to block the backsplash. Price at time of publish: $125 Materials: 100 percent polyester | Waterproofing: Performance 2-layer waterproof breathable membrane | Weight: Not listed | Sustainability: Not listed Best for Breathability Jack Wolfskin Eagle Peak Jacket 4.6 Jack Wolfskin View On Amazon View On Jackwolfskin.com What We Like Planet-friendly waterproofing Comfy mesh lining interior Solid waterproofing Runs a bit large Jack Wolfskin is similar to other brands included on this list—we're constantly surprised by how much we enjoy its products. And the Eagle Peak Jacket definitely fits that mold. This highly breathable and waterproof shell features Texapore waterproof fabric and a super DWR finish to boost its rain-blocking chops. We love how many pockets this jacket has and that the hood is detachable. Bonus for using planet-friendly waterproofing. Price at time of publish: $173 Materials: 100 percent polyester and polyamide | Waterproofing: TEXAPORE O2+ DOBBY 2L SUPER DWR | Weight: 1 pound, 2 ounces | Sustainability: PFC-free DWR treatment Best Ultralight Montane Podium Waterproof Pull-On Jacket 4.9 Montane View On Montane.com What We Like Incredibly packable and lightweight Surprisingly waterproof Wish it packed into its own pocket instead of separate case Montane's Podium Pull-On Jacket has quickly become one of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear. It's incredibly lightweight and packable. It's surprisingly waterproof. And it's breathable enough for high-output activities like running and cycling. (We liked it best for running.) Our one complaint: We wish it had pockets, especially one to pack itself into, as we kept losing the small carrying case. Price at time of publish: $169 Materials: Aqua Pro Lite | Waterproofing: 100 percent Aqua Pro Lite polyester knit | Weight: 4 ounces | Sustainability: Not listed Other Rain Jackets We Tested Rab Kinetic Ultra Waterproof Jacket: We really liked this mountain running-focused waterproof shell from Rab. It has higher breathability ratings than any other jacket we tested, and we found it very breathable. Our main issue is that it's a bit heavier and tougher for mobility than the other running jackets we tested. We could see this doubling as a solid running and climbing shell. Norrona Falketind Gore-Tex Jacket: This is your ski and rain shell double jacket. It's incredibly waterproof and rugged, it and would work on the slopes very well. Janji Rainrunner Pack Jacket: We quite loved this waterproof running jacket. We picked the Craft jacket over it for best running because of the stretch provided with the Craft jacket. But Janji's Rainrunner is a very good jacket that probably offers more protection from the elements than the Craft. Jack Wolfskin Go Hike Shell: Another solid Jack Wolfskin jacket that we enjoyed. As its name implies, this is good for all-around hiking in the elements. Nathan Protector Rain Jacket: Running brand Nathan's first foray into waterproof jackets was good. We liked this quality jacket—we just liked the Craft and Janji jackets more. Sitka Dew Point Jacket: An excellent hunting or fishing jacket. Our tester thought it was waterproof but was slightly turned off by its smaller fit. Product Selection Products were selected based on internet research and our knowledge of rain shells and outdoor gear brands. For the internet research, we looked at what other prominent media outlets have featured and at top-rated rain shells on sites like REI and Backcountry. We also drew upon our experience of using rain jackets outdoors. We also wanted to provide a list of rain jackets that would serve different outdoor pursuits, lifestyles, and budgets. Once we narrowed down a list of top rain jackets we wanted to test, we sent those jackets to a few testers. How We Tested We've been testing the rain jackets included on this list for between a month and seven months. Testing has occurred in California, Colorado, the Pacific Northwest, and the Midwest. It has included hundreds of hours of running, hiking, backpacking, cycling, cross-country skiing, fly fishing, and other activities. We rated the rain jackets on a five-point scale for the following attributes: fit, waterproofness, breathability, durability, and overall value. What to Look for in Men's Rain Jackets Fabric There are two types of rain jackets on the market: hardshell and softshell. Hardshell jackets are made up of firm waterproof fabrics that will stand up to harsh wind, rain, and even snow. Since they're stiffer, it's best to size them up, so you have better movement in them. On the other hand, soft shell rain jackets are generally more lightweight, water-resistant, and great for areas with lighter weather conditions. No matter what fabric you choose, you want to choose one that is breathable and has a moisture-wicking lining to prevent any sweat from building up on the inside. Fit You'll want your rain jacket to fit comfortably and provide adequate coverage. Your jacket should accommodate your size and movements. You'll want it to have a slightly stretchy fit so you can move comfortably, whether walking, running, or even biking through the rain. Many rain jackets also come with adjustable cords to tighten the jackets at the hems to help seal out the elements even further. Features From pockets to zippers to seam taping, you'll want to ensure that your jacket is equipped with enough features to keep you and your accessories safe. Exterior pockets should be big enough to hold your keys, phone, wallet, or any other accessories you plan to carry. They should be able to keep your hands warm. Zippers are also an important consideration. They should have panels to help stop water and other elements from squeezing through their teeth. Seam taping is a great feature, too, as it offers an extra layer of protection from leaks. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between windbreakers and rain jackets? Rain jackets tend to be thicker and are made of waterproof materials that wick moisture. They can also protect the wearer from wind. Windbreakers are lightweight and, as the name suggests, shield the wearer from harsh winds. Typically, windbreakers are water-resistant, meaning they can protect the wearer from light rain or water splashes. If you're anticipating heavy rain or being drenched in water, you should opt for a rain jacket instead of a windbreaker, as rain jackets provide a greater defense against harsh weather conditions. How should I wash my rain jacket? Most rain jackets can be hand-washed or tossed into the washing machine. If you're washing by hand, wet your jacket with cool water, gently scrub with a mild detergent, and then rinse. If using a washer, wash your jacket with cool water and mild detergent on the machine's delicate setting. Allow to air-dry after washing by hand or by machine. It's essential not to put rain jackets made of plastic or similar materials into the dryer, as that could cause severe damage. Check the product's tags or the retailer's website to see whether there are more specific instructions. How can I re-waterproof my rain jacket? With time, your rain jacket may become less waterproof from use and cleaning. To restore it, begin by washing and air-drying your jacket. Then, apply a durable water repellent according to the product's instructions. Alternatively, you can purchase a wash-in durable water repellent that you put into the washing machine with your jacket. Again, be sure to check the product's instructions before use. Why Trust TripSavvy Nathan Allen is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor. He knows first-hand how miserable it can be to recreate outdoors in the rain without the proper protection. Nathan prefers to get a little damp if it means having a more breathable outer shell. His current go-to rain jackets are Montane's Spine Jacket and Podium Pull-On Jacket. The 10 Best Rain Suits of 2023 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 11 below. Continue to 9 of 11 below.