6 Best Rain Jackets (2025): Inexpensive and environmentally friendly, hiking, running
Every time I Wearing a rain jacket, I am grateful that I no longer need to wrap myself in thick, stinky seal skin. Today’s best rain jackets are more comfortable and watertight than ever, thanks to advances in weather-resistant textiles and apparel design. However, organizing different styles, technologies and waterproofing ratings can be confusing, depending on the climate and your activity level.
Every year I test dozens of rain jackets throughout the flooded Pacific Northwest winters and fake springs. I hike, bike, ride, walk my dog. They even get dressed and showered when the weather isn’t cooperating. He also received advice from Amber Williams, a consumer science educator and lecturer in textile science and pattern making at Utah State University’s Outdoor Product Design Program. Everything to find a rain jacket worth your time and money.
Don’t forget to check the remaining outdoor coverage including The best umbrella, The best puff jacket, Best running shortsand Best Merino Wool Clothes.
table of contents
Updated April 2025: Added Gore’s Consemb Windbreaker, Mec X Aquanator, Montbell Versalite, Rab Cinder Phantom, and 66 North Snaefell Rain Jacket.
Turn on with unlimited access Wired. Getting best-in-class reports is too important to ignore $2.50 $1 per month per year. Contains unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe today.
Understanding the techniques of rain jackets
Photo: Rei;Getty Images
Trying to decipher the product specifications of a jacket is just as annoying as getting immersed in a sudden cloud burst on the trail.
Find a stacked layer: Most technical waterproof jackets are called two-layer or three-layer jackets. These layers are usually made of face fabric treated with a waterproofing agent, such as a durable water repellent. This is a thin mesh to release water vapor and a protective inner lining beneath it. In general, you’ll want to look for layers that are not only coated with waterproofing agents, but also laminated together to increase durability. This is the advice of Amber Williams, a consumer science educator and lecturer at Utah State University.
Waterproof and breathability evaluation: Manufacturers usually rate each fabric based on waterproofing and breathability. For example, a rain jacket with a waterproof rating of 20,000 means that if the 1-inch square tube is infinitely long, you can pour 20,000 millimeters of water over the fabric (over 65 feet!). A breathability rating of 20,000 means that 20,000 grams of water vapor can travel through the fabric in other directions. A higher breathability rating may seem better, but if you’re in the cold, you might want to think about it. Body temperature can escape from a breathable jacket almost as easily as water vapor.
Check the seams and zippers: If you want the rain jacket to last longer than the amusement park poncho, look at the seams. Shoulders are a particularly vulnerable point, as most outdoor sports require you to wear a backpack that can rub them and damage them. “The design lines look really sexy, but over time they don’t last long,” says Williams. Other features to look for include plasticized water-resistant zippers and protective zipper flaps. That’s why rain jacket picks are very expensive. Many new fabric technologies and many design details.
Take care of your jacket: By taking proper care of your items, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your items. Hang the jacket – do not store abrasive, small items packed in bags. If you see grease, dirt, or dirt from sunscreen, or if you notice that water is not beaded on the surface, you should wash it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Special detergents may be required. Many fabric detergents leave residues that can interfere with the performance of durable water repellents (DWRs). Avoid fabric softener, bleach, dry cleaners and dryers.
Perfect rain jacket for everyday use
Since the 1960s, modern rainwear has been dependent on Carcinogenic perfluorocarbons (PFCs)or “eternal chemicals.” The latest Durable Water Supply Agent (DWR) uses PFC for manufacturing, stepping outside to move from clothing to soil and streams. Today, many companies are taking steps to reduce the level of PFA in their products. The state bans these types of chemicals. In 2023, popular outdoor retailer REI announced it We phase out the product There is a PFA in the store.
If you want to make sure your jacket doesn’t have PFA, you won’t get the wrong choice of a classic rubber raincoat. Stuthraim’s Stockholm Raincoat. Manufacturers of technical rain jackets tend to move away from polyurethane. However, this material is durable, long lasting, windproof, waterproof, and does not contain PFC! I also like rubber rain jackets in wet coastal climates like the Pacific Northwest. Breathability is not a very point of attachment when the air is already humid.
This is the only rain jacket I’ve ever bought with my own money. Because I’m tired of replacing rain jackets every few years when the waterproofing goes out. I wear Stockholm almost every day. The outer cover is made of 100% rubber PVC with cotton lined so it won’t squeal like a duck when worn.
It’s large enough and spacious enough to stack the under vest below it. There are double melted seams to eliminate water, and the hood is large enough for a baseball cap or a large beanie. I also like buttons. Simply wear a jacket to walk your dog and it’s faster and easier than making sure the zipper surrounded by seams won’t get caught in the storm flap. If you live in rainy climates and are tired of reusing rain jackets every season, grab one of these.
★ Alternatives: Stockholm prices may make you a joke. If you want to do basic rubber slip, I also had it Rains waterproof jacket ($140) For several years, there are very similar Scandinavian-style designs, but at a much more reasonable price. Baxter Woods ($300) It’s also a rather great rubber slide, slightly smaller than Stockholm.
Best waterproof running jacket
The requirements for running rain jackets are very different from everyday rain jackets. I’m sweating so I’m already wet and I don’t really care if the jacket is a little more permeable. But I want it to fit well, but it’s not wet when working out as it gets awkward or rustling and is nicely ventilated.
The Gorewear Windbreaker is billed as the most comfortable running jacket ever, and that’s absolutely true. I wore this jacket outside for a 3-5 mile rain run and didn’t even notice it was on. This magic is due to the fabric. This is a transparent double-woven fabric that has been DWR treated and has a 3D fabric structure inside. Essentially, there is a small cloth tent pole hanging and hanging over the surface of your skin, and you can’t get a scary sticky feeling when your running rain jacket starts clinging like a wrap. This doesn’t seem to work, but it still does.
It has all the essentials of a regular running jacket, including reflective details and elastic cuffs. There is a storeway pocket, which is incredibly small and approaches the size of a handkerchief. This is a blessing. Running vest Because when the rain stops and the curse stops, I keep losing it. (I have it with me everywhere, so I searched for it at home for about 20 minutes.) Above all, it’s only $100 and is reasonably priced for a high-tech crane jacket.
Other running rain jackets to consider
I’ve tried so many rain jackets in the running category. Here are some of my favorites:
- Shower passes the cloudburst for $199: This is perfect if you want a slightly more rainy rain jacket. Thicker than the Gorewear Windbreaker, but still incredibly soft and flexible. Wear this when outdoor temperatures go below 40 degrees and the layer of wool drops below.
- Patagonia Houdini for $109: This is a jacket that everyone usually tells you to get. Everyone has it. Simple, packable, and the company has switched to DWR that does not include PFC. But it’s rustling, it’s too breathable and I feel like I’m wearing a plastic bag.
- Tracksmith Downpour $400: Due to its exorbitant price, this is the most feature-rich jacket in the bundle, featuring a PFAS-free DWR, a brimed hood and a 360 mesh panel for breathability. Like all the gear on Trucksmith, it is incredibly beautiful, but the colour is dark and there are no reflective details. It’s dangerous when you drive in the rain.
Best waterproof cycling jacket
I hate rain gear. Heavy, bulky, rarely played in true downpours, and the whole thing that is waterproof and breathable is a lie (you can have both, but not at the same time). Despite this, I love the Rab Cinder Phantom and carry it everywhere on and off the bike. It solves almost all my problems with rain gear. It’s incredibly light (3.3oz/114g for medium), packed to the size of a tennis ball and is surprisingly waterproof.
The shell is 7D PERTEX, proven windproof and waterproof, and is extremely breathable when there is no rain. Pair with grid fleece for ultimate breathable warmth. At 3 oz, the Cinder Phantom doesn’t have many bells and whistles. You can use the front zip to ventilate, but using it while riding is crazy. There are no pit zips and, sadly, no drawstrings on the waist. It’s elastic, but I’d like to have a pull string at the expense of ounces.
One thing you need to know about Cinder Phantom is that it is designed for cycling. In other words, there are shortcuts that have a longer back. This is great on a bike, but not perfect for hiking. But that didn’t stop me from using this on my bike. I’ll pair it Patagonia’s new M-10 storm pants (Also, surprisingly, it’s less breathable). This gives you full body coverage at around 10 ounces. Are you worried that the thin fabric from Cinder Phantom will not be able to withstand your backpack in the long run? I do, but six months later, so far, it’s very good. – Scott Gilbertson