How To Choose Your Rain Jacket

DWR

This is Durable Water Repellent, the coating that goes on the outermost layer of your rain jacket to help water bead right off your coat as if nothing happened. Companies are beginning to use more environmentally friendly DWR products to reduce the impact on the environment while still producing waterproof jackets. The environmentally friendly versions do seem to wear more quickly, so knowing how to care for your jacket will help it perform over many seasons.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

Waterproof materials will keep water from getting to your skin. Water-resistant materials will keep a light drizzle at bay, but if things get a bit more serious they will not be up to the task of keeping you dry.

Windproof vs. Wind-Resistant

All waterproof jackets will be windproof. Occasionally you will find a windproof garment that is only water-resistant, and this is due to the type of laminate that the company is incorporating into their garment.

Laminates vs. Coatings

Laminates are like wallpaper that is glued to a wall. Coatings are like paint spread on a wall, both serve similar purposes with varying levels of success. Laminate is your best bet for water and windproofing. Coatings are great for creating lightweight garments and come at a lower price point.

Rainwear Layers

Throughout this article or your shopping journey, you will see 2, 2.5, and 3 layers appear a lot. Let us shed some light on the differences between the layers and what you can expect to get with each type of garment:

2-layer

A laminate or coating is applied to the outermost layer to create a single layer. Within that, there will be a “loose hanging” liner to keep sweat and dirt away from the waterproof and breathable material. 2-layer jackets are quieter than the other types due to material type.

2.5-layer

Similar to the 2-layer design, there is a laminate or coating applied to the outermost fabric layer. This equals two layers; the half layer is a protective sheen or print that is applied to the second layer, again to keep sweat and dirt away from the waterproof and breathable materials. These jackets will be among the lightest and most compressible options.

3-layer

The most durable and expensive of the three options. The 3-layer design uses a laminate between the durable outer layer and a lining layer. These jackets are made for the harshest environments but will be the warmest of the three options as well.

Why Are You Buying A Rain Jacket?

Thanks to improvements in waterproofing technology, the lines between jacket layers and function are blurring, so understanding the role your rain jacket will play can help you decide which jacket to choose. The Outdoor Research Interstellar AscentShell is a prime example of a lightweight 3L jacket that I have used as a running jacket in rainstorms, but has also made it to the summit of several peaks as my go-to shell. As with all outdoor gear, there are several options and they all vary slightly. We’ll help you make the right decision, so you can stay dry the next time you read the weather report wrong and experience some precipitation while exploring.

Our List

Best Rain Jacket Review 2021

Other Rain Jackets

Arc’teryx Zeta SL

The North Face Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT

Patagonia Rainshadow

Outdoor Research Interstellar Ascentshell

Outdoor Research Foray

Columbia Outdry Ex Reign Jacket

Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Stretch

REI XeroDry GTX

Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Gore-tex Paclite

Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid

Best Rain Jacket of 2021

Arc’teryx has used its extensive knowledge in waterproofing technology to create a lightweight and feature-packed rain jacket. Using two types of Gore-Tex—a 2L for the body and a 3L for high wear areas, the Beta SL Hybrid is a shell to be reckoned with. Complete with a helmet-compatible hood, hip-belt-compatible handwarmer pockets, and large pit zips, this jacket has it all. The price tag is a bit steep for most recreationalists, but if you are looking for something that will perform like the Energizer Bunny, look no further. The Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid was an easy selection as our Best Rain Jacket of 2021.

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Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Best Budget 3L Rain Jacket

Very seldom do you find a 3L jacket like the Torrentshell 3L. It moves well, breathes well, and of course, sheds water extremely well. Made of 50-denier nylon, the shell seems bombproof and ready for any adventure. The fit can get a little boxy, but there are cinches to dial in the fit while on the move. The pit zips are massive to help dump heat, however, the hood is too small for a helmet. For $150, it is easy to argue that the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is an excellent rain jacket, and that’s why it made the cut as our Best Budget 3L Rain Jacket.

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Black Diamond StormLine Stretch

Best Stretch Rain Jacket

Black Diamond has impressed with their StormLine Stretch jacket. This lightweight highly versatile shell moves well, breathes well, and keeps the weather at bay while performing on the trails or in the mountains. The added mobility helps while riding bikes or scrambling around on rocks and ice. With a large hood and YKK zippers to keep water from sneaking in on the collar or the front, the StormLine is a great shell for moderate weather and conditions. For the price and performance, the StormLine is our Best Stretch Rain Jacket.

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Other Rain Jackets

Arc’teryx Zeta SL

With a price tag of $299 and the use of Gore-Tex’s Paclite Plus, the Arc’teryx Zeta SL is an impressive jacket. The Gore-Tex Paclite Plus is one of Gore-Tex’s best lightweight membranes to keep the jacket packable and performing. The jacket was designed for hiking and trekking, so there’s no helmet compatibility, but the 40-denier face fabric keeps the jacket durable and ready for any adventure.

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The North Face Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT

This is a bit of a miss from The North Face, at least until they can solve the waterproofing issues that FUTURELIGHT seems to be having. For a $229 jacket, you do not want it to be wetting out really quickly. The material of the jacket is sturdy and the overall durability won’t be an issue, but if the waterproofing problem is not solved, then it could quickly become a very expensive windbreaker. The North Face Dryzzle has missed the mark for now, but it’s likely that The North Face will fix it soon.

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Patagonia Rainshadow

Adding stretch to a rain jacket adds a world of versatility to the garment, and that is what Patagonia has done with the Rainshadow. A small amount of stretch can go a long way for performance, and it shows with this 3-layer jacket. Sure, the hood isn’t that big and the fabric is a bit thin at 30-denier weight, but at least you’ll be able to move your shoulders properly. The Rainshadow’s H2No waterproofing exceeds expectations as a proprietary membrane, making this jacket perfect for trekkers and just getting outside no matter the weather.

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Outdoor Research Interstellar Ascentshell

You know a company is confident in their shell’s breathability when they don’t even include pit zips. The Outdoor Research Interstellar Ascentshell breathability is, simply put, out of this world. While not as thick and warm as a traditional 3L shell, the Ascentshell provides exceptional water protection in a very lightweight package. The material is a bit on the thin side, so don’t plan on bashing into too many rocks and all will be well. At $300, it is an expensive coat, but the performance matches the price.

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Outdoor Research Foray

It is always refreshing to see a piece of gear or garment use a technology that no other item does. For the Outdoor Research Foray, these are the pit zips that run all the way down to the hem and can turn the jacket into a poncho. This is a very cool feature that increases versatility. The Foray uses Gore-Tex Paclite and is constructed with a 50-denier face fabric for long-term durability. It can be a bit boxy but that allows for layering, and the hood is large enough for a helmet. While not the lightest jacket, the Foray is quite versatile and durable, and it makes for an excellent shell when the weather gets rowdy.

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Columbia Outdry Ex Reign Jacket

Innovation is rarely a bad thing, and Columbia is always out there innovating. The OutDry Ex Reign Jacket takes the waterproof membrane and uses it on the face of the jacket, leaving you with a waterproof yet highly glossy jacket. The seam taping is on the exterior of the jacket and can give the jacket a “safety vest” look. What this allows for is a softer interior fabric that is used to wick sweat away. It’s a very interesting design that is in some ways futuristic in both design and looks. There are still pit zips and a massive hood, so all in all, if you like the look, you’ll like this jacket.

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Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap Stretch

Eddie Bauer has made a budget rain jacket for the recreationalist who also spends most of their time running around town. The Cloud Cap Stretch does not come overly featured but uses a very strong DWR and Eddie Bauer’s proprietary WeatherEdge waterproofing. These ingredients combine to create a good waterproof jacket for travel or local hiking. The 2.5L design does add concern over the longevity of the waterproofing and overall jacket durability. With easy use and care, it will handle moderate weather well.

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REI XeroDry GTX

REI is well known for its budget-friendly performance gear. The XeroDry GTX is the least expensive Gore-Tex jacket on our list, and great for anyone looking to get out on the trails without breaking the bank. While the Gore-Tex Paclite is not the highest performing of the Gore-Tex membranes, it still is usually better than proprietary-brand membranes. The XeroDry GTX would benefit from the addition of pit zips to help with breathability. The DWR does wet out fairly quickly and could use an upgrade. For a low-budget Gore-Tex shell, the value is there if you do not rely on your jacket every day or expect monsoon weather.

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Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Gore-tex Paclite

A quiet and stretchy rain jacket did not seem possible even five years ago. However, today companies are introducing technology that keeps jackets quieter and allows more movement while still maintaining top-level protection from the elements. The Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 uses elastane to improve mobility while maintaining the waterproofing. It is missing some features that would have helped overall, like pit zips. The jacket can get warm while on the move and pit zips would have helped to regulate temperature without having to open the front zipper. All in all, the Exposure/2 is a great jacket.

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