The 20 Best Men’s Rain Jackets
When it comes time to put away your winter gear, the hardest part can sometimes be figuring out what to wear next. That’s particularly true when dealing with transitional weather — it’s not warm enough to bust out a nice tee all on its own, yet it’s not quite chilly enough to to unpack your parka. Add in rain and that’s another variable entirely.
Staying dry, as with other style upgrades, means combining style and function in equal parts — not sacrificing style entirely. Plenty of brands are researching new technologies or design additions and upgrading their designs by the season. That gives you a bumper crop of styles to pick from, most of which can be layered up, dressed down or worn any which way in between. Given that staying dry often used to come down to how long your cheap grocery-store parka might last, it’s refreshing to see companies across the globe take a nuanced, effective and investment-worthy approach to the humble rain jacket.
Some on this list are certainly fit for more extreme conditions, and that’s all the better if you need a rain jacket to keep you dry for simpler occasions. Other pieces have touches like durable waxed canvas, or draw heavily from workwear styles — so you know they’re up to the test. Just keep in mind that if you’re going to be reaching for the same rain jacket for rainy day after rainy day, it had better be versatile and tough. Luckily, that’s why we’re here with our picks for the best rain jackets for men — fill up your shopping cart and get ready to brave the elements.
The North Face Venture 2 Jacket
The North Face offers its take on the standard rain jacket by delivering a piece that’s simple in looks but complex (in a good way) in terms of functionality. The outer layer is waterproof and breathable, with a fully adjustable hood that has a hidden drawcord system to keep rain out for good. Hand-zip pockets and a chin-guard lining ensure you can stow your gear and fight the elements no matter where you’re headed — or what the weather might be like.
Filson Swiftwater Rain Jacket
You’ve seen (and hopefully worn) Filson’s tough-as-nails, rugged waxed jackets, hearty flannel shirts and tough work pants — but what about the brand’s lighter-weight, more flexible gear? Yes indeed, Filson can switch things up yet still maintain that same quality and legendary attention to detail: The best example of this could be the Swiftwater Rain Jacket, a change of pace from the brand’s waxed jackets — and yet, one you still need in your rotation as soon as possible. Did we mention it’s packable and perfect for travel? Because it is.
Orvis Encounter Packable Rain Jacket
Like other brands on this list (Filson comes to mind), Orvis excels at making versatile gear across the board, from tough chore pants to rugged flannel shirting to excellent outerwear like the Encounter Packable Rain Jacket. Made with breathable nylon that just so happens to be waterproof and windproof, it’s an unstoppable rain jacket to layer with your favorite henley (and more, naturally).
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket
When looking for one of the best rain jackets, you would do well to look for a combination of affordability, durability and standout style — Mountain Hardwear delivers on all three fronts while also throwing in a healthy dose of functionality with the Stretch Ozonic Jacket. We love the cool-as-can-be Zinc colorway, not to mention the Dry.Q Active waterproof technology — it’s the ideal blend of breathability and performance, and it’s exactly what you need on days when the rain won’t quit.
Filson Neoshell Reliance Jacket
Filson is normally known moreso for its heavier outerwear pieces and tough waxed bags — thus, the Neoshell Reliance Jacket is a well-considered and unique addition to the brand’s heritage-quality product line across the board. It’s waterproof and also highly breathable, a travel-friendly and adventure-ready jacket at its finest.
Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket
Marmot’s Minimalist Rain Jacket is just that — nice, clean and decidedly minimal. In a straightforward and simple grey colorway, it features Gore-Tex PacLite technology and seam taping for long-lasting protection. It’s the perfect kind of jacket to toss on when commuting via bike, train or cary (after all, that walk from parking lot to office can still be a rainy one). Even the chest pocket makes use of a water-resistant zipper, while the adjustable hood can be re-worked to fit any sort of storm.
The North Face Dryzzle Jacket
The Dryzzle Jacket from North Face is aptly named — it’s more than appropriate for combatting showers throughout the spring and into summer and fall when layered up in the right way. Best of all? It features plenty of best-in-class technology from Gore-Tex, specifically waterproof protection combined with lightweight, breathable fabric. Throw in a storm flap and an adjustable hood, and you’ve got a prime candidate for the jacket that you just might wear the most between now and summer.
Orvis Toughshell Waterproof Upland Jacket
Sometimes, the name of a product says it all — in this case, it’s the ToughShell Jacket from Orvis. It really is just that: A remarkably tough and durable shell jacket made for hunting in the field, from sun up to sun down. All along the way, it provides premium protection (thanks to a breathable two-layer jacket system and the brand’s proprietary hard shell fabric).
Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket
The Beta AR Jacket — while pricey — combines sleek style with high-tech features guaranteed to make you glad you invested in one when you need it. The 3-layer Gore-Tex membrane and fully taped seams pair perfectly with remarkably tough WaterTight zippers and a hood that’s fully compatible with your helmet. Make no mistake, this rain jacket is ready for backcountry adventures galore — and then some.
Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket
It’s hard to beat just $60 for a jacket that does all that Columbia’s Watertight II Rain Jacket can. It’s packable into it’s own pocket for greater ease of transport, and at that price, you should get as much use out of it as you can — there’s perhaps no better value on the market for a rain jacket. A storm hood & cuffs add in greater protection, and the bright red color ensures you’ll stand out for the right reasons when exploring or commuting.
Carhartt Men’s Shoreline Jacket
If there’s a brand that knows its outerwear, it’s certainly Carhartt. The Shoreline Jacket is heavy-duty and waterproof — it’s certainly as tough as it looks. To boot, it’s built with a breathable membrane and features a durable 8.25oz. Nylon oxford shell. Talk about the best of both worlds — it also features a snap-on, detachable visored hood and inner-sleeve rib-knit cuffs, both features geared directly toward keeping water out no matter how hard the rain falls.
Marmot Men’s PreCip Eco Jacket
When you need a rain jacket that can withstand anything the elements can throw at it—rain, sleet, hail, and snow—look no farther than Mamont’s PreCip Eco Jacket. The PFC-free fabric is hyper-tough, fully waterproof, yet surprisingly breathable, keeping you cool and well-ventilated in the summer without sacrificing any body heat in the winter. The seams have all been taped to maximize durability and prevent rips, with Velcro to reinforce the cuffs and an elastic drawcord that’s built to never break. Best of all, when it comes time to pack it away, simply roll it up and stuff it into its own pocket—now that’s a beautifully clever design.
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket
Heavy winds? No problem. Weather turning cold? Big deal. Rain pouring in sheets? You’ll barely notice. REI melds durability and versatility in the Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket, designing outerwear that is windproof up to 60 MPH (that’s hurricane-level wind) and lined with an inner layer that will keep you warm in the winter but built-in pit zips to quickly ventilate body heat in the summer. It’s weatherproof, waterproof, and designed with reinforced hems, cuffs, and taped seams that will bear up under any amount of intense outdoor activity. Best of all, it’s made in a Fair Trade Certified factory using recycled materials.
Public Rec Brave The Elements Shell
As the name suggests, you’ll always be ready to brave the elements in this Public Rec jacket. It’s not an overly heavy or heat-inducing jacket, just a lightweight shell worn over your clothing to keep out the wind and water. The polyester is 100 percent waterproof, and the relaxed fit will make it the perfect jacket for hiking, camping, walking, and even playing golf. Zip the coat and pull up the collapsible hood, and you’ll never have to worry about getting wet again.
The North Face Men’s Resolve 2 Jacket
If you’re looking for a heavier—and heavier-duty—rain jacket, the North Face has got your back with the Resolve 2. This jacket is fully wind and waterproof, yet surprisingly breathable and designed to keep you cool in even the worst heat and humidity. It’s heavier than the classic windbreaker or shell, but it’s a welcome comfort when you start wearing it in the cooler weather. Whenever the wind, rain, or sleet are at their worst, just zip up and stay dry inside your fully waterproof, mesh-lined coat.
Helly Hansen Mono Material Rain Jacket
Helly Hansen is among the best-known brands for snowboarders, skiers, and trekkers, so of course the brand knows how to build quality, weather-resistant, ultra-durable rain jackets. The Mono Material jacket combines excellent ventilation with total waterproofing and an urban design that is surprisingly stylish. Weighing less than a pound, this coat is perfect for any outdoor activity, and it’s made almost entirely from material that can be fully recycled—an eco-conscious choice for sure.
Arc’teryx Fraser Jacket
Few materials are tougher than Gore-Tex, which means few rain jackets can outlast this offering from Arc’teryx. The Fraser Jacket is made using a Gore C-Knit fabric that is fully functional, comfortable, and resistant to wear and tear, no matter what you do. It’s the perfect jacket for trekkers, hikers, mountain climbers, and alpine skiers, yet it doesn’t skimp on the chic. Best of all, it’s lightweight and easier to pack than an umbrella, so you’ll always have total rain-protection anywhere you go.
Columbia Men’s Pouration Jacket
Bring maximum waterproofing and warmth on your camping trips in the form of this Columbia jacket. The Pouration is ultra-tough, ruggedly designed, and warm enough to keep out the chill of an early spring or late autumn night, all while offering excellent carrying space—two zippered pockets and a vertical waterproof chest pocket. With its built-in underarm vents, you can let out excess body heat and stay cool under the bright sun, but be eternally ready for the weather to turn dark and rainy.
Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Stretch 2.0 Rain Jacket
For the guy who hates stiff, inflexible outerwear, Eddie Bauer has just what you need. The Cloud Cap Stretch 2.0 Rain Jacket is made for men who need to move free, with surprisingly stretchy fabric that can accommodate any movement—setting up a tent, climbing a tree, swimming across a river, even climbing a mountain. The athletic fit ensures that the jacket stays close to your body and out of your way, but it won’t restrict your range of motion.
Under Armour Men’s GORE-TEX Paclite Rain Jacket
Say goodbye to stuffy, heavy raincoats, and say hello to the Under Armour GORE-TEX Paclite Rain Jacket. Made from super-tough Gore-Tex, this coat delivers top-of-class durability but is lightweight enough that it will be comfortable to wear for hours or haul around in your backpack on a long trek or hike. UnderArmour integrates its Storm Technology to maximize waterproofing without compromising the fabric’s inherent ventilation, giving you a tough shell that’s resistant to wind and water but still keeps you cool no matter how intense the humidity.
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