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When it rains, it’s important to outfit yourself with a high-quality rain jacket. The best rain jackets are comfortable and keep your skin dry without letting your body overheat. A good raincoat is important for both urban living and camping. It prevents you from needing to dry out your clothes and keeps you comfortable and on the move during bad weather. Ideally, these jackets are breathable, waterproof, and made with quality materials and effective stitching.
Most come with zippered designs and include adjustable hoods to provide full protection from the elements. Necessary for every household, rain jackets are available in a large range of styles and features. To help you identify the best rain jacket for your purposes, we’ve scoured the internet for the most popular and useful choices on the market. Take a look at the leading options in our guide below.
This sturdy nylon jacket is available in several different colors. It provides complete rain protection for boys and features elastic cuffs to prevent water from penetrating.
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 2 Rain Jacket
This adult-sized jacket is made of polyethylene, which is breathable, water-resistant, and windproof. The cuffs keep water from penetrating, and the zipper is covered by a flap for extra protection.
Charles River Apparel Pack-N-Go Pullover Jacket
Available in several colors and sizes, this rain jacket has a half zipper, so you pull it on over your head. It has a drawstring hood and cuffs at the wrist to keep water out.
When it rains, it’s important to outfit yourself with a high-quality rain jacket. The best rain jackets are comfortable and keep your skin dry without letting your body overheat. A good raincoat is important for both urban living and camping. It prevents you from needing to dry out your clothes and keeps you comfortable and on the move during bad weather. Ideally, these jackets are breathable, waterproof, and made with quality materials and effective stitching.
Most come with zippered designs and include adjustable hoods to provide full protection from the elements. Necessary for every household, rain jackets are available in a large range of styles and features. To help you identify the best rain jacket for your purposes, we’ve scoured the internet for the most popular and useful choices on the market. Take a look at the leading options in our guide below.
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
Water-resistant jackets provide the least amount of rain protection. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not a good choice. They are ideal if it's raining lightly or drizzling outside. These jackets are affordable and breathable, which is important if you don't want to sweat very much. Windbreakers and softshell jackets are often water-resistant.
There are PVC vinyl rain jackets that are 100-percent waterproof, keeping you dry in heavy rain. However, they're not particularly breathable, and that can be a problem if you plan on participating in any activities when you're wearing one. You can always opt for a waterproof poncho, which covers a large portion of your body but is open underneath, providing ventilation.
Some companies make waterproof jackets that will keep you dry yet are breathable, so you won't get soaked by your sweat. Many brands meet minimum waterproof requirements yet are breathable, so you stay dry on the inside. This is particularly important if you plan on being active while you're wearing a rain jacket.
Columbia Sportswear Company, based in Cedar Mill, Ore., was founded in 1938 and manufactures a wide range of outerwear as well as camping gear, including tents and backpacks. It's known for its breathable and waterproof jackets with interchangeable shells and liners. We recommend the Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket if you are looking for a jacket for your child.
Based in Arab, Ala., Frogg Toggs has been in business for over two decades, specializing in rainwear, footwear, and accessories for those who work and play outside. One of its popular products is the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 2 Rain Jacket.
This family-owned business was founded in 1983 and was named after Boston's famous river. It makes clothing for men, women, and children, and features high-quality products, such as the Charles River Apparel Pack-N-Go Pullover Jacket.
Outdoor recreation giant the North Face is based in Denver, Colo. The company designs a wide variety of outdoor clothing and equipment, including rain jackets, such as the North Face Men's Resolve Waterproof Jacket.
Hardshell garments are waterproof and breathable. They are not insulated but feature fabric that is a little stiffer than a softshell option, which often has an insulated layer and water-resistant outer layer. Softshell options are more breathable yet don't provide as much rain protection. There is also a hybrid shell option, which combines hard and soft shell characteristics, and insulated shell jackets that include some type of filling for warmth.
Rain jackets have two-layer, 2.5-layer, or three-layer designs that provide varying levels of protection. Two-layer rain jackets have a membrane affixed to the fabric with a loose hanging layer for protection. The 2.5-layer option is similar to the two-layer option except it also includes a laminated grid for abrasion resistance, making them waterproof, breathable, and lightweight. Three-layer jackets are lightweight and durable and feature an inner liner.
The more ventilation a jacket has the more breathable it will be. Vents will help expel heat if you are physically active while wearing the jacket. This is particularly important in warmer climates where you have a propensity to sweat. Look for jackets with vents or pit zips in the underarm area as well as vents in the back and torso pockets.
If you want a completely waterproof jacket, all of its seams should be fully taped. The good news is that all waterproof jackets feature this type of construction. However, some water-resistant jackets also have seam tape on the hood and shoulders, so don't be fooled and look at the seam tape alone to determine whether a jacket is waterproof or not.
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Given the high-quality material and manufacturing, the Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket is a top choice overall. The jacket is sturdy and comes in multiple color choices. Made entirely of nylon material, it keeps the wearer fully protected from the rain. At the wrist, the cuffs attach with elastic to prevent water from entering through the arms. Closing with a fine-toothed zipper, you can easily take the jacket on and off. The unit boasts a sizable hood that provides full coverage of your head and hair during a downpour. Machine washable and quick to air dry, the jacket provides consistent protection from the elements. Including reflective features for outdoor safety, this jacket is ideal for rainstorms. Considering its top-tier material and effectiveness at keeping water out, this is a great rain jacket overall.
Suited to all budgets, the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 2 Rain Jacket offers significant value. Made entirely of imported polyethylene material, the textile prevents any water from entering. Balancing breathable fabric with water resistance and windproof traits, this jacket is both comfortable and functionable. It includes cuffs at the wrist to keep water from coming in when you use your hands. The zipper is enclosed by a flap to fully secure the wearer from any moisture from rainfall. Including a hood, you can use the adjustable cords to find the ideal fit for your head and neck. Available in either brown or blue, the subtle appearance and high function make it a suitable choice for all situations. As a lightweight item, this jacket is easy to pack, folding for compact storage. Considering its sleek design and solid performance, this rain jacket is a valuable choice.
In terms of unique yet functional approaches to the classic rain jacket, the Charles River Apparel Pack-N-Go Rain Jacket is a really innovative piece. Coming in a wide variety of colors and sizes, these jackets fit all situations. Instead of zipping up fully, the half-zipper enables you to quickly pull the unit over your head like a sweater. The hood includes a drawstring for a precision fit, and the cuffs at the wrist serve to prevent moisture. Both ventilated and water resistant, this comfortable pullover is lightweight and roomy. Ideal for travel situations, the jacket folds into the front pocket for simplified storage. The design gives it a windproof edge, and the minimal area covered by zippers facilitates the waterproof abilities. Made entirely of carefully stitched polyester, this jacket adds value through its innovative design.
Made with stitched nylon material, the Baleaf Hooded Waterproof Rain Jacket is a popular option. As a lightweight accessory, it makes for easy traveling and storage. Using a half-zipper approach, it limits rain’s access points. Containing sizable pockets for waterproof storage, you can easily keep your items close and dry. With a large-sized hood, your head and neck get thorough protection from the rain. Featuring a drawstring so that you can find the ideal fit, the adjustable unit is comfortable to wear. By design, the jacket offers a comfortable fit with sufficient room to maneuver easily. Touting reflective components for added safety, the three pieces make you easy to spot during rainstorms. Considering the sturdy yet loose design, waterproof ability, and comfortable wear, this jacket is an excellent lightweight accessory.
In situations of extreme rainstorms and heavy-duty outdoor needs, the Marmot Waterproof Rain Jacket offers high-quality performance. Made entirely from imported nylon, the jacket is both breathable and waterproof. Including two and a half layers of water-controlling fabric, the jacket provides thorough coverage against all types of precipitation. The multiple zippers and flap structures along the jacket’s sides offer additional coverage. Designed to last over the long term, the effective stitching keeps the jacket durable even with ongoing use. The strong synthetic material resists damage from wind and debris. Machine friendly, the product is easy to maintain over time. Stylish yet simple, this jacket is roomy enough to move in easily and comes in many colors. Offering durable performance and a comfortable wearing experience in all types of storms, this jacket is an excellent choice.
There are a lot of great brands that will keep you dry during the rain, including several we list in this buying guide. Choose one that is waterproof and breathable for the best and most comfortable protection.
Many rain jackets are waterproof, while others are water-resistant. Check the item’s specs before purchasing to ensure you get what you need.
A rain jacket that’s insulated will keep you warm, but not all products are designed with this added material. Some jackets are very thin and designed simply to keep you dry, not warm.
Our pick for the best rain jacket is the Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket, which is designed for children. It's designed by a company that's an expert in outerwear, and it's durable and high quality. The jacket will keep a child dry in a downpour and is machine washable, which makes it easy to clean. If you want a budget-friendly jacket for an adult, consider the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite 2 Rain Jacket.
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