Last updated April 2018: We’ve added all-new picks for 2018 as well as two new sections designed to teach you how to re-waterproof a rain jacket and how to repair a rip. Prices and links have also been updated.
Editor’s Choice: BLACKYAK Gore-Tex C-Knit Jacket
I’ve waxed poetic about the quality, styling and innovation of BLACKYAK garments, so I’ll save you all here and just say that this is a damn good jacket. Every detail was scrutinized over, from the chest pockets integrated into a fold, to the stretch Gore-Tex panels on the shoulders to allow for a wide range of motion. Even the hood cinch, such a simple, seemingly meaningless feature, is impeccably designed and is the finest I’ve used on any jacket. To round out the jacket’s functionality, pit zips, a cinch-able waist gaiter and a two-way main zipper are added.
You may have noticed that I’ve yet to mention the jacket’s waterproofing, and that’s because a great rain jacket should work. You shouldn’t realize that it’s working. You shouldn’t notice it at all. The BLACKYAK is near-invisible in its waterproofing capabilities. —AJ Powell
Weight: 14 ounces
Membrane/Laminate: Gore-Tex C-Knit
Shell Material: Nylon
Introduction
We live in a Golden Age of water-repellency; before nylon shells and Gore-Tex membranes humans devised hydrophobic clothing using vinyl, oiled canvas and before that, cured seal and whale intestines. Now, (thankfully) waterproofing happens at a molecular level with advanced membranes that keep water droplets out but let body vapor (think sweat) through. The advancements have allowed rain jackets to become lighter, more breathable, packable and no less rain-proof. Rain jacket technology keeps getting better too — today, companies are experimenting with new fabrics to make rain shells softer and more comfortable and adding stretch for increased mobility (and less of that trademark crinkly jacket sound). Style hasn’t fallen by the wayside either. The new class of rain jacket is light enough, durable enough, breathable enough and waterproof enough to handle multi-day treks through misting rain and as well as the inevitable deluge during commuting hours.
Additional contributions by Tanner Bowden, AJ Powell and Meg Lappe.
What to Know Before You Buy a Rain Jacket
About Rain Jacket Materials
The outer textile of most three-layer shells is made of a rugged nylon or polyester that’s coated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR). The inner membrane is a microporous fabric, typically made of ePTFE or Polyurethane that acts as the shell’s primary waterproof and breathable layer. It’s the secret sauce. The backer textile is a thin layer, usually gauze, that’s laminated to the back of the membrane, which eliminates the need for a liner.
While the waterproof and breathable technologies are all generally related in the way they function, several brands have proprietary technologies, among them Gore-Tex, NeoShell, eVent, Schoeller and Dermizax NX. Discerning one technology from another can be difficult, in part because the technology is kept under lock and key, but also because the technology requires an understanding of terms like “phase change” and how things work on a molecular level.
DWR Explained
When you’re buying a rain jacket or any outerwear for that matter, you’ll often come across the initials DWR, which stand for durable water repellent. DWR is a coating applied to fabrics that lets them shed fluids, and they’re commonly used in conjunction with waterproof membranes. DWR works by making the surface of the exterior fabric spiky at a microscopic level, which forces water and other liquids into rounder, beaded forms. That helps them roll off the garment instead of saturating it. DWR isn’t permanent, but it can easily be revived.
The Best Rain Jackets of 2018
Best Waterproofing: Marmot Eclipse Jacket
The Eclipse Jacket is part of Marmot’s new EVODry Rainwear Collection, which uses a new environmentally-minded technology that Marmot developed in partnership with Green Theme International. All EVODry garments are constructed from upcycled industrial nylon waste, which minimizes waste while maintaining strength and longevity. Marmot and GTI also built in waterproofing by bonding the DWR to the yarn at the molecular level. That’s made EVODry jackets, the Eclipse included, highly waterproof and breathable. Furthermore, Marmot claims that the DWR will never deteriorate or require reapplication, which, if true, is a big leap forward in user-friendliness. We haven’t had enough time with the Eclipse to know if this is true, but the jacket is impressively water-resistant. It kept me dry through multiple storms this winter, and even when I try to force water past the DWR by rubbing it in with my finger, it remains resilient.
Beyond its built-in tech, the Eclipse is a solid, well-rounded rain jacket that’s built for the outdoors. Its two oversized hand pockets are high enough to go unimpeded while wearing a backpack hip belt, and their mesh interior helps them double as front-facing heat vents (there are also two zippered underarm vents). The Eclipse also has an adjustable hood and hem. —Tanner Bowden
Weight: 13 ounces
Membrane/Laminate: MemBrain Eco 2.5 layer
Shell Material: 100% recycled nylon
Best All-Around Rain Jacket: Montbell Rain Trekker Jacket
It’s rare that a jacket brings quality, performance and price to the table in such an elegant package, but staff-favorite Japanese brand Montbell managed to do just that. The Rain Trekker comes in at just $149, among the cheapest jackets on the list, yet performed among the top Editor’s Choice candidates. In keeping with the brand’s mission (ultralight gear for hikers), the Rain Trekker is among the lightest jackets on this list.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention the color of the jacket, which is unique not only on this list, but also across the outdoor industry. Not quite white and not quite cream, the Off-White colorway is one of our favorites. —AJ Powell
Weight: 10 ounces
Membrane/Laminate: Dry-Tec 3 layer
Shell Material: Nylon
Most Stylish Rain Jacket: Fjällräven Greenland Eco Shell Jacket
It was an ill-equipped expedition to Greenland that led Åke Nordin to design the first Greenland Jacket in 1968. That jacket was made with Fjällräven’s G1000 material, which requires a bit of wax to become fully waterproof. The newly-updated Greenland Eco-Shell Jacket, however, does not. Fjällräven built it with its more-sustainable Eco-Shell fabric, which is the Swedish brand’s high performance waterproof and breathable shell. The material uses hydrophilic (water-loving) “corridors” within its membrane to transport moisture away from the body, while DWR keeps it from getting in on the outside. One of the benefits of this is that the material is less affected by dirt and oils that can clog and degrade other membranes.
The Greenland is cut like a heritage expedition coat — it’s long, with two oversized snap-flap front pockets — but it’s a style that isn’t out of place in towns and cities. The jacket’s two-way zipper helps to keep that longer cut functional by providing more freedom of movement (if you commute by bike, for instance, you can zip up the lower zipper to prevent the length from becoming restrictive). The Greenland is an outstanding everyday rain jacket for those who aren’t looking for a lighter, backpacking-specific style. Plus, it has lots of pockets, and that’s a good thing. —Tanner Bowden
Weight: 27 ounces (size medium)
Waterproofing: PFC-free DWR
Shell Material: Polyester
Best Ultralight Rain Jacket: Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow Pullover
Patagonia’s Torrentshell Jacket has garnered awards and sits at the top of many “Best Rain Jacket” lists, but the Stretch Rainshadow, available as both a full-zip and a pullover, is another exceptional storm-guard that weighs next to nothing. The Rainshadow is constructed with Patagonia’s proprietary H2No 2.5-layer waterproofing and 30-denier ripstop nylon. As its name implies, the jacket has a fair amount of stretch took, which is nice if you go for the pullover version. Its central zipper and kangaroo pocket are both sealed as well (and the latter doubles as a stuff sack for packing purposes). The hem cinches tight with an internal drawcord, and the hood is helmet-compatible. Another cool feature is the Rainshadow’s minimal cuffs, which don’t use velcro but instead expand with a short length of elastic. All of these small but useful features add up to an insubstantial seven ounces.
I wore the Stretch Rainshadow Pullover during one of New York’s March Nor’easters, and the jacket kept me dry on a longer-than-desired walk through Brooklyn, even as snow accumulated on its surface. —Tanner Bowden
Weight: 7 ounces
Membrane/Laminate: 2.5-layer H2No Performance Standard (DWR plus a membrane)
Shell Material: Nylon
Stretchiest Rain Jacket: The North Face Allproof Stretch Jacket
Stretchy waterproof fabrics are one of the big themes for rain jackets in 2018, and The North Face’s Allproof Stretch wins the prize, easily, for the stretchiest available. Imagine the stretchiness of a balloon, and you’ve got the Allproof. In fact, while the jacket’s exterior is soft brushed nylon, its interior even feels like a balloon. At first, that rubbery texture felt off-putting (it lines the insides of the two hand pockets), but it was a notion that faded the more I wore the coat around town, and well worth it for the amount of stretch the jacket provides. That material also makes the rain jacket slightly less breathable than some of the others on this list, but it is equipped with underarm vents to help shed heat. The Allproof, made with The North Face’s DryVent 2.5-layer seam-sealed fabric, is as waterproof as any on this list and tends toward the lighter and more packable side of the weight spectrum. —Tanner Bowden
Weight: 10 ounces
Membrane/Laminate: DryVent 2.5 layer
Shell Material: Polyester
Most Affordable Stretch Rain Jacket: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell
Stretch is one of the biggest trends in outdoor rain jackets at the moment, and it’s easy to write that off as a feature only available on jackets at the upper end of the price spectrum. The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch shatters those preconceived notions. It’s impossibly stretchy, still offers 100-percent waterproofing that you’d expect in a high-end rain jacket and comes in at a price of just $149. Basically, bring your lunch to work for a week and you’ve paid off your jacket no problem.
But beyond price, Black Diamond brings some serious performance to the table with its BD.Dry waterproof breathable membrane. It beads water on par with more expensive jackets on this list, and while other features beyond stretch are sparse, you get far more than you pay for.
Weight: 11 ounces
Membrane/Laminate: BD.Dry 2.5 layer
Shell Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane
Best Rain Jacket for Hiking: Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket
Like many of the jackets to make our list this year, Mountain Hardwear’s Stretch Ozonic Jacket is constructed with a stretchy and lightweight fabric that’s very unlike the unyielding rain slickers of yore. Also not characteristic of those older jackets is the Stretch Ozonic’s breathability. Mountain Hardwear employed its proprietary Dry.Q Active fabric, originally designed for aerobic activities like running, which makes the Stretch Ozonic ideal for hiking too.
The Stretch Ozonic is packed with vents. There are two large zippers under each arm that open wide, and the two hand pockets are lined with mesh on the interior and can be left open to allow additional heat to escape. The chest pocket is built in the same way. All of these features make this one of the most breathable jackets that we tested, and a weight of only 11 ounces keeps the Stretch Ozonic lightweight and very packable for longer trips and sustained overnights. —Tanner Bowden
Best Urban Rain Jacket: Arc’teryx Sawyer Coat
The sleuth detective in an outdoor-themed film noir film might don the Sawyer. It’s defining characteristic is its clean style, which stems from a logo-less front and a longer sub-hips length. Even the inside is a gunmetal gray instead of the white that’s traditional in most technical rain jackets. It’s not entirely unbranded though, Arc’teryx’s trademark archaeopteryx fossil is perched on the left shoulder, and “Gore-Tex” falls on the right forearm, perhaps the only two visible markers of the tech supporting this jacket. Drawing on Arc’teryx’s outdoor expertise, the Sawyer is completely waterproof, seam-sealed and lightweight given its length. It’s the perfect rain jacket for those who spend more time in urban environments than in the mountains. —Tanner Bowden
Weight: 13 ounces
Membrane/Laminate: Gore-Tex 3 layer
Shell Material: Nylon
Editor’s Choice: BLACKYAK Gore-Tex C-Knit Jacket
I’ve waxed poetic about the quality, styling and innovation of BLACKYAK garments, so I’ll save you all here and just say that this is a damn good jacket. Every detail was scrutinized over, from the chest pockets integrated into a fold, to the stretch Gore-Tex panels on the shoulders to allow for a wide range of motion. Even the hood cinch, such a simple, seemingly meaningless feature, is impeccably designed and is the finest I’ve used on any jacket. To round out the jacket’s functionality, pit zips, a cinch-able waist gaiter and a two-way main zipper are added.
You may have noticed that I’ve yet to mention the jacket’s waterproofing, and that’s because a great rain jacket should work. You shouldn’t realize that it’s working. You shouldn’t notice it at all. The BLACKYAK is near-invisible in its waterproofing capabilities. —AJ Powell
Weight: 14 ounces
Membrane/Laminate: Gore-Tex C-Knit
Shell Material: Nylon
Most Durable Rain Jacket: REI Stormbolt Jacket
If you’re a serious outdoorsman, it can be easy to write off REI’s in-house brand as just that, an in-house brand. But much like Costco’s Kirkland brand, there’s a lot to love. For one, the Stormbolt is incredibly durable. I posit that you could rub it up against a rock face what feels like a few too many times and still come away with a jacket that looks and performs as if it were new. It brings a Gore-Tex three-layer construction to the table, which is the gold standard for waterproofing. The fit allows for layering underneath, which adds to the jacket’s versatility and allows it to be used as a ski shell in winter. If you’re an REI member, there isn’t much of a reason to look elsewhere. Add to your dividend and save for something on your wish list. —AJ Powell
Weight: 15
Membrane/Laminate: Gore-Tex 3 layer
Shell Material: Nylon
Most Comfortable Rain Jacket: Filson Swiftwater Jacket
Unlike Filson’s usual penchant for constructing sturdy and rugged products, the Swiftwater Rainshell Jacket is lightweight and flowy — and the most comfortable jacket that we tested. Filson built the Swiftwater with a 2.5-layer, DWR-treated ripstop nylon, waterproof zippers and fully-taped seams. The jacket provides a slight amount of stretch, but its interior has a less-rubbery feel than some of the other elastic rain layers we tested. The Swiftwater also has a looser fit that imparts a good-looking profile and makes it a good jacket for layering over a sweater or puffy jacket. Another comfy yet small detail is a panel of soft brushed fabric at the base of the hood on the Swiftwater’s interior (where the tag is) — this is a zone that frequently comes into contact with the skin, and the plush detail is a welcome addition. This material also lines the interior of the zipper hem, where the jacket might rub against the chin when fully zipped. —Tanner Bowden
Weight: Unavailable
Membrane/Laminate: 2.5 layer
Shell Material: Nylon
Best Budget Rain Jacket: United by Blue Albright Rain Shell
Philadelphia-based United by Blue is continuously pushing the needle on recycled materials and how those materials can be used to give back to the planet. For every product sold, United by Blue picks up one pound of trash from the oceans and waterways. This rain jacket is made partially from recycled polyester that came from plastic water bottles. For just $128, the Albright is a quality buy that works well in the rain, while simultaneously looking sharp -— it doesn’t scream, “I’m a rain jacket.” The cut of the jacket looks sleek enough that you can comfortably wear it from the gym to business lunches without worrying about looking drab.
Pull tabs around the hood streamline the fit so you can tuck your chin down into the jacket on a windy day. The drop-tail hemline keeps any layers you’re wearing underneath the jacket dry. On breezy days, this cuts out the wind while remaining breathable. The somewhat flared sleeves stretch over wristwatches and fitness trackers, and secure with velcro to keep everything dry underneath. If you’re hopping on a bike, tighten both bungee cords along the hemline to cinch the waist and keep everything tidy. —Meg Lappe
Weight: 11.2 ounces (size medium)
Waterproofing: Microporous coating with DWR finish
Shell Material: 41% recycled polyester, 59% polyester
How to Re-Waterproof Your Rain Jacket
If you haven’t washed or treated your waterproof-breathable jacket, and it’s seen a few seasons of use, you’ve probably noticed that it doesn’t keep you as dry as it used to. One of the biggest misconceptions with waterproof jackets is that you should never wash them. If you don’t wash them, your jacket’s pores can clog and it will no longer be breathable. The oils from your skin can also lead to delamination in the liner of your jacket. There is a simple process for washing your jacket and revitalizing its waterproofing that will help you get more out of your jacket and help to extend its life for a few more seasons.
Take a look at your jacket. The first step in the process of getting your rain jacket ready for spring is to take a thorough look at it. Start with the inside. If the lining is peeling or bubbling and separating from the membrane, it’s time to retire your rain jacket. The next few steps will help to prevent this from happening to your new jacket. Secondly, apply some drops of water to your jacket. Does it bead and roll off? If you shake it does it come off? If so, you’re all set. But if the water sits on the fabric and starts to seep into the fibers (the fabric will darken), then it’s time to revive your DWR.
Wash and dry your jacket. Before applying a new DWR with specialized detergents, clean your jacket following the instructions on its tag. Once dry, place in the dryer for 20 minutes on low to medium heat. This will revitalize your DWR. If it doesn’t, move on to the next steps to apply a new coat.
Wash your jacket. To wash your jacket, use a specially formulated detergent. We recommend Nikwax’s Tech Wash, though Granger also makes a suitable wash. Place your jacket in the washing machine. A good rule of thumb is one capful of detergent for each jacket. (In hard-water areas, Nikwax recommends adding an additional capful.) In a front-loading washing machine, make sure to remove any buildup in the detergent dispenser, then add the Tech Wash. For a top-loading washing machine, add the detergent once the machine has filled with water. Set the cycle to heavy (or synthetics if your machine has it) and warm water.
Wash your jacket again using TX Direct. After you have finished washing the jacket, wash it again following the same guidelines, this time using Nikwax’s TX Direct Wash-In. This will revitalize the waterproofing in your jacket’s membrane.
Dry the jacket. To dry your jacket, tumble dry it on low heat for no more than ten minutes. This will help to shake off most of the water and start the drying process. Take your jacket out of the dryer and hang dry it overnight.
Inspect your jacket for holes and tears. Look for any tears, pinholes, or abrasions in your jacket. If your jacket has a pinhole or tear, use Gear Aid’s Gore-Tex fabric patches to patch the hole. Cut the patch in either a circular or oval shape to reduce the chances of peeling. For a stronger bond, use an iron on its lowest possible setting for a few seconds on the patch to bond it to the jacket. (Be extremely careful using an iron. If the iron is too hot, it will melt your jacket.) For abrasions, use Gear Aid’s Tenacious Tape to cover the abraded areas. Again, cut the patches in circles or ovals to reduce the risk of peeling.
What You Need:
Nikwax Tech Wash $13
Gear Aid Gore-Tex Fabric Repair Kit $3
Nikax TX Direct Wash-In $13
How to Repair a Ripped Rain Jacket
Repairing a rip in your rain jacket can save you a ton of coin, and it’s better for the environment to keep a jacket’s worth of plastic out of the landfill. Plus, it’s dead simple. Thanks to brands like Gear Aid, even the least DIY-able person can repair a rain jacket in about 20 minutes.
Assess the damage. If it’s only small tear (about the size of a quarter), you’re in luck: This is much easier to repair, and chances are it will be a lasting fix. For a larger tear (bigger than a quarter), you still have a shot. Begin by cleaning up any loose fibers with scissors.
Use this time to inspect the lining of your jacket. If the lining is peeling or delaminating, then chances are your jacket isn’t worth saving. If you can, take your jacket to a recycling center. Most Patagonia stores accept well-loved rain jackets and will recycle them. Also, keep an eye out for abrasions and high-wear areas on the face fabric of the jacket, as those will be locations of future repairs.
Make sure your jacket is clean. If you haven’t washed your jacket in a while, throw it in a washing machine. Not only does regularly washing your jacket with a specially formulated detergent prolong its lifespan, but it also gives you the opportunity to re-waterproof the jacket. (Some pointers on that front.)
Make the repair. For a large tear, consider using a needle and thread before patching or taping. If you aren’t any good at sewing, this is best left to the professionals. Take the jacket to a tailor or seamstress to have the tear stitched back together. This can help make for a stronger repair, but if you aren’t careful, you can further damage your jacket.
In most cases, though, using only Tenacious Tape is suitable. Depending on which type of tape you have — e.g., a roll or pre-cut patches — step three will be different:
For the roll: Roll out a piece that will cover the tear with about an inch of space on all sides. Cut the tape from the rest of the roll. Trim the corners and round it out into either a circle or an oval.
For the patches: Pull the patch out of its container. Measure to make sure it will overlap the tear by about an inch on all sides.
Apply the Tenacious Tape. Peel the backing from the Tenacious Tape and carefully apply it to the outer fabric of your jacket. As you press down, start in the center and work your way out. This will help to avoid air bubbles. Allow the patch to set for 24 hours before using.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the inside of the jacket. While not completely necessary for small tears, adding a patch on the inside of the jacket can help to seal out water completely and make for a lasting repair. For a larger tear, this step is mandatory. Once the inner patch is applied, allow it to set for 24 hours before using.
