The Best Rain Jackets
When rain clouds roll in, it can be a cause for concern — especially when you have a line-up of outdoor events planned. But with the right rain jacket, rain storms don't have to derail your plans. This waterproof outerwear protects you against the elements and keeps you dry for hours, ensuring you can still hit the trails, attend your favorite sporting events, or even just commute to work without getting soaked. We've rounded up a few of our favorites to make your search easier.
What to Look For
When shopping for a new rain jacket, we suggest focusing on three key elements: the breathability of the fabric, the style and fit of the jacket, and the design of the hood. These criteria helped us pick out a few of our own favorites. For example, the Columbia Glennaker Lake™ jacket is our all-around favorite. The durable design can keep you dry in even the most intense rain storms, yet it’s still cool and comfortable. The Hagon PRO raincoat set, on the other hand, is our top pick for extended outdoor adventures like concerts or sporting events. The EVA plastic is thick and durable to keep you dry, but it’s also super compact, so you can fold it up and stash it away when you don’t need it. Explore these rain jackets and our other favorites below.
Columbia Men’s Glennaker Lake™ Rain Jacket
High and dry
This rain jacket is built to withstand camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Made from 100% nylon, the durable design is lightweight enough that you can wear it anytime — even in warm weather. Meanwhile, it’s roomy enough that it can be layered when you’re heading out in cooler temperatures. Adjustable straps help secure the hood against rain, mist, and other moisture, while the zipper pockets protect personal belongings. It even rolls up into a small size, making it easy to pack in weekend bags and carry-ons, so you’ll be able to take it with you anywhere.
Pros:
- Because it’s fully lined, it also helps keep out wind to keep you more comfortable in cold climates.
- It comes in over a dozen different shades, so you can find a color that suits your style.
Cons:
- The jacket runs a bit large, so consider sizing down for the right fit.
Avoogue Raincoat
This jacket is ultra-lightweight to keep you both cool and dry. Made from 100% polyester, the hooded design is like a second skin. The waterproof material keeps out light rain and wind. It also has an adjustable drawstring hood and hem, so you can secure it against even the most inclement weather. The front is finished with two oversized pockets, offering plenty of room to store your must-haves like your phone, wallet, and keys. It even comes with a small bag, so you can easily pack it with you and take it on the go for your next adventure.
Pros:
- We appreciate that this jacket isn’t lined because this will ensure you don’t overheat in hot, humid climates.
- You can easily pack the jacket in your backpack, suitcase, or duffel bag thanks to the compact size.
Cons:
- It runs small, so you may want to size up.
Jingle Bongala Lightweight Raincoat
This lightweight rain jacket is ideal for kids of all ages. The thin, nylon design protects them from rain and, thanks to the added lining, will also keep them warm on crisp, cool days. Elastic at both cuffs ensures that moisture doesn’t seep in, and the fitted silhouette keeps the jacket tight against the body to lock in heat. Once the rain passes, they can take it off and easily fold it up into their backpack, making it a practical option for school, camp, and other outings.
Pros:
- The lining makes the jacket very soft and comfortable, so you won’t have to fight your little one to wear it.
- It’s available in a wide range of sizes, so you should be able to find a style to fit kids of almost any age.
Cons:
- It doesn’t tend to hold up well against heavy downpours — only light to medium rainstorms.
Hagon PRO Rain Poncho, 2-Pack
The long game
Perfect for sporting events, commuting, or concerts, this lightweight raincoat is perfect for keeping you dry in any condition. Made from ear-resistant, non-toxic EVA plastic, the raincoat is heavy-duty enough to protect against even the toughest downpours. Despite the durability of the material, the jacket is still lightweight and breathable, so you can use it over and over again for your favorite outdoor activities.
Pros:
- The sizing is suitable for both men and women, so it’s a practical option for almost any adult.
- We appreciate how small it folds up, as this makes it easy to transport and store.
Cons:
- The pointed shape of the hood isn’t very flattering.
Champion CO200 Packable Anorak Rain Jacket
This pullover keeps you warm and dry, making it the perfect cozy, cool-weather design. The cotton-lined jacket has a quarter-zip neckline that you can wear open or closed to achieve the right fit. It also has a fitted hood and elastic cuffs to help keep the rain at bay, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable. The hood and the hem are even adjustable, allowing you to wear them as loose or tight as you need depending on the weather and your level of comfort.
Pros:
- Thanks to the cozy lining, this jacket can be worn in rain and dry weather — either way, it will help keep you warm.
- Despite the lining, it’s still very lightweight. It doesn’t add a lot of bulk, so it’s easy to move around in.
Cons:
- The sleeves tend to run a bit short, so it’s not the best option for those who are very tall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rain jackets the same as windbreakers?
Rain jackets are designed to protect against rain and other moisture. Windbreakers, on the other hand, are designed to block wind and, usually, offer very little protection against rain. Some rain jackets, however, are also windbreakers and will keep out both moisture and wind for a win-win solution.
Do rain jackets keep you warm?
Some rain jackets are lined and deliver added warmth in cold temperatures. Others are nylon shells with no lining, which don’t provide much protection against the cold. If you have a thin, nylon rain jacket, you can opt to size up to allow you to layer sweatshirts or sweaters underneath to keep you warm.
About the Author
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