Stay Dry & Comfy With The Best Rain Jackets For Men In 2022
A coat that keeps you dry is a joy to behold, especially when the heavens open and you still have a seven-mile trek to get you home. But not all rain jackets are made equal, my friend, and the jacket you choose ultimately depends on what you’ll use it for.
From protecting you from a sudden shower as you run from your apartment block to the subway to total waterproofing for that stormy downpour on the mountain trail, you need a rain jacket that’s totally up to its job – whatever the job might be.
Whether it’s an urban mac, a city raincoat, or a full-on technical waterproof jacket you’re after, let Gear Hungry help you pick your new wet weather friend with our best rain jackets for men and women. While this guide lists the men’s models, the bulk of these have women’s models as well, and some jackets are also unisex.
Behold, the finest rain jackets on the market.
- Editor’s Choice: NORRONA Falketind Gore-Tex Jacket
- Tough as Nails: Black Diamond Stormline
- Most Breathable: ORTOVOX Civetta
- Best Parka: Houdini One Parka
- Most Waterproof: SITKA Dew Point Jacket
- City to Outdoors: Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket For Men
- Excellent Wind-Protection: Helly Hansen Seven J Waterproof Rain Jacket For Men
- Lightweight Minimalist Jacket: Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket For Men
- Great for Hiking: The North Face Resolve 2 Rain Jacket For Men
- Most Durable: Carhartt Shoreline Jacket
- Great Dexterity: Marmot PreCip Jacket
- Green All-Arounder: The North Face Venture
- Best Rubberized Urban Jacket: Levi’s Rubberized Rain Parka Jacket
- Best Fleece-Lined: Dickies Fleece-Lined Hooded Jacket
- Great for Sailing: Helly Hansen Salt Power Jacket
- Great for Running: Patagonia Houdini Jacket
The Best Rain Jacket For Men
1NORRONA Falketind Gore-Tex Jacket
The NORRONA Falketind Gore-Tex jacket is an exceptionally warm hardshell that is still lightweight and breathable enough for spring and summer. I love this jacket for downhills when ski touring. I get warm easily so I often do my uphills in just a base layer during spring skiing and put on a hardshell for the ski down and this model is my new favorite. There are three layers to this jacket, including the gore-tex membrane, offering exceptional weather protection, while the interior backer still feels soft directly against the skin.
This jacket is a great fit for mountaineering, skiing, hiking and almost any outdoor activity. It’s a very versatile hardshell that offers as much protection walking to the gym as it does in the mountains. My only complaint about this jacket is that the two pockets sit high and I would often accidentally grab the zipper of the pit zips on accident. I also find the pit zips a great touch on steamy days! This jacket should be a staple of your outdoor gear.
Three-layer Gore-tex hardshell jacket
Pit zips for additional breathability
Stiff brimmed adjustable hood
Adjustable cuffs that are longer on top for extra protection
- BrandNORRONA
- ModelFalketind Gore tex
- Weight0.9 Pounds
2Black Diamond Stormline
I originally ordered my first Black Diamond Stormline jacket when I lived in Texas, where instead of drizzly days, we had fewer days of absolute downpours. After owning one, I opted for a second of the same jacket. One bright for outdoor adventures and safety and one black jacket that paired better with my everyday style. These two jackets comprised my sole rain jackets and hardshells for the last two years of living in Texas and my first year in the PNW. I used these for downhill skiing before I got a proper ski jacket and still use these jackets often for the downhill parts of ski touring. This jacket is a great hardshell but lacks the breathability found in other models on this list but this jacket has also held up to years of abuse while running, walking, commuting, skiing, climbing and so much more. It’s stretchy and durable. The only damage I’ve found after years is a stain on the lighter jacket because I washed it with a lip balm in the pocket that melted.
The pit zips on this jacket are excellent for spring ski tours and allow some additional breathability, the hand pockets are well placed and the zippers have given me no trouble. This jacket has run the gamut of outdoor activities with me and I think it’s an exceptionally versatile layer that packs down small too. Read the in-depth review here.
Pit zips for breathability
DWR coating for additional waterproofing
Stretchy in all the right places
Two zippered hand pockets
Great for climbing, hiking, skiing and more
- BrandBlack Diamond
- ModelStormline Shell
- Weight11.29 Ounces
3ORTOVOX Civetta
The ORTOVOX Civetta right out of the box struck me as a soft and light jacket, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t tough. I took this jacket out for a weekend in Leavenworth, Washington where we had a surprising amount of snowfall, but I guess that encapsulates how winter 2022 has been in the Pacific Northwest. This outer layer resisted Portland and Seattle downpours with ease, without having me overheat. This 2.5-layer jacket tends to dump heat thanks to the combo of polyurethane, nylon and merino wool. I remained warm in nearly freezing temperatures and snow while rock climbing. I would suggest a layer or two underneath for cold days like that but the adjustable hem and cuffs make layering a breeze even with the slim fit.
There are no hand pockets but there is a chest pocket and a water resistant zipper on both the pocket and the front zipper. This is one of those jackets that floats the line between hard and softshell well. I also love this layer for spring ski tours, it keeps out light snow while keeping me from getting too sweaty on the uphill skin.
Extremely breathable jacket
One zippered chest pocket
Elastic hem and cuffs
Packs down small
Great for ski tours and backcountry skiing, nordic skiing
- BrandORTOVOX
- ModelCivetta
- Weight6.3 Ounces
4Houdini One Parka
During testing, the Houdini One Parka became my favorite for rainy walks to the grocery store, plant shop, the gym and to run errands. We’ve had a very, very rainy spring here in Portland and it’s often been pouring rain compared to our normal drizzle. I’ve loved the One Parka for the extra coverage on particularly soggy days. The hem is much longer (almost to my knees) than your standard rain jacket but offers a pleated hem for additional movement as I walk around my neighborhood and run errands.
This jacket also includes two mesh pockets on the exterior and one inner pocket. I love the recycled fabric and find that this jacket allows some breathability but ultimately keeps me really warm, even without extra layers. I would recommend another layer for cold days though. I would love to see a slightly more slim fit on the women’s version but otherwise, I’m very happy with this jacket and its performance.
2.5-layer waterproof shell parka
PFAS-free water repellency treatment
100% recycled fabric
Bottom hem pleat to allow more movement
Two side pockets and one inner pocket
Adjustable hood
- BrandHoudini
- ModelOne Parka
- Weight1.26 Pounds
5SITKA Dew Point Jacket
The SITKA Dew Point jacket offers excellent performance whether it’s a rainy day at the farmer’s market or you’re deep in the woods hunting big game. SITKA offers gear focused towards hunters and anglers but their products are high-quality and excellent for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. The Gore-tex layer on this jacket does an immaculate job of keeping out water. My partner was so impressed by this jacket he decided to wear it in the shower, turn it on full blast and see if he would still stay dry, and yes, he did. This jacket dealt with rainy crag days to drizzles at the farmer’s market and rainy Portland days in between.
If it’s chilly, we’d recommend a mid-layer but this was perfect for PNW spring adventures. The velcro wrist straps to adjust the cuffs could be a bit wider but that’s our only complaint. My partner loved the adjustable hood and spacious hand pockets and was especially enthralled with the hardware: it’s solid and sturdy but still lightweight.
Soft gore-tex backer
Adjustable cuffs and hood
Nylon ripstop exterior
Two hand pockets
Comes in camo for hunters
- BrandSITKA
- ModelDewPoint Jacket
- Weight12.5 Ounces
6Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket For Men
For an all-around rain jacket at a reasonable price, the Columbia Watertight II is a good place to start and can be used for most outdoor activities and sports. It’s not a slimline fit – the sizing can be on the larger side – but it means you can layer up for extra warmth. And while it’s limited in technical specs, it does the job, and it does it well. With Colombia’s proprietary waterproofing technology called Omni-Tech, the jacket keeps the rain and wind out while remaining breathable.
The Columbia Watertight II is a great rain jacket to pack into your rucksack ready for when the weather changes and its adjustable features mean it’s flexible enough for bike rides out on the town or light trails too. This Columbia jacket is budget-friendly and available in a good range of colors, so it’s a no-brainer buy if you’re looking to keep the rain at bay without spending a lot.
Waterproof and windproof 2 Ply fabric
Treated with Durable Water Repellency
Quick-dry lining wicks sweat away
Adjustable cuffs and hem cinch cord
Hood with one-hand adjustments
- BrandColumbia
- ModelWatertight II
- Weight1 Pounds
7Helly Hansen Seven J Waterproof Rain Jacket For Men
On and off the water, the Seven J has its sea legs when it comes to the triple crown that most rain jackets strive for – waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability.
More of a robust shell jacket than a lightweight pack-mac, this hooded rain jacket is made from durable fabric to keep water out and allow sweat to evaporate. The Seven J is an all-season windbreaker jacket at a price that won’t break the bank and, for all its tech spec, it’s acceptably lightweight too. There are also plenty of adjustment features to keep you toasty and dry whatever the activity.
Waterproof and windproof 2 Ply fabric
Treated with Durable Water Repellency
Quick dry lining wicks sweat away
Adjustable cuffs and hem cinch cord
Hood with one hand adjustments
- BrandHelly Hansen
- Model62047
- Weight1 Pounds
8Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket For Men
As the lightest rain jacket on our list, less is more with Marmot’s Minimalist, a lightweight rain jacket with heavyweight waterproofing credentials. The jacket’s two-layer design makes it one of the best rain jackets for hiking and traveling whatever the weather.
With its Goretex outer offering protection against both wind and rain, the Minimalist’s inner Paclite layer gives the right level of breathability when the terrain gets tough. Billed as a rain shell, the use of Gore-tex takes it into more substantial raincoat territory – in both price and build – but is light enough to pack into your travel backpack. One of the best ultralight rain jackets around!
Slim fit for all outdoor activities
Waterproof, windproof, and breathable
Adjustable hood for greater coverage
Underarm zipped vents for airflow
Drawstring hem for a secure fit
Gore-tex membrane
- BrandMarmot
- Model91860
- Weight3.6 Ounces
9The North Face Resolve 2 Rain Jacket For Men
As its name suggests, Resolve 2 knows its job and sets about delivering, making it a good go-to coat for changing weather. Both waterproof and windproof, it takes the heaviest downpour in stride and with its impressive breathability, you won’t get hot under the collar either. The sizing is on the larger size but there’s plenty of room for adding a layer underneath in very cold weather.
The Resolve is one durable rain jacket for men that’s also stylish and versatile enough for everyday wear. If you’re looking for a good-looking waterproof jacket at a decent price, this is a fantastic option. And if you are a fan of the brand in general, check out our guide to the best North Face backpacks.
Seam-sealed DryVent 2L shell
Made from 100% windproof fabric
Zipper storm flap and hem cinch-cord
Secure-zip pockets and elastic cuffs
Comes with a stowable hood
- BrandThe North Face
- ModelNF0A2VD5
- Weight1.76 Pounds
10Carhartt Shoreline Jacket
Here’s a city smart rain jacket from tough-wearing clothing specialists, Carhartt, that repels water without breaking a sweat. A shorter version of its Carhartt waterproof coat, the Shoreline takes you from mean street to weather-beaten trail in one fell swoop, making it a great city/country/hiking hybrid.
Made from durable 100% nylon with a breathable membrane and a water-repellent finish, this Carhartt jacket has a comfortable inner mesh and a removable hood with an easy-to-find adjustable cord. With a high collar giving added protection when the wind is howling, this is an awesome jacket for windy and rainy weather. Lastly, two zippered hand pockets and a chest pocket round out the features on the Carhartt Shoreline jacket. Overall though, the Shoreline does run large in size so check the fit first.
Made from durable nylon
Features a water-repellent finish
Velcro Storm placket
Adjustable drawcord hem
Removable three-piece hood
- BrandCarhartt
- ModelJ162
- Weight3 Pounds
11Marmot PreCip Jacket
Lightweight, windproof and waterproof, Marmot’s Precip is the perfect allrounder, making a stylish rain jacket for when you’re on the go. And, at just under a pound, it won’t eat into your luggage weight allowance either. Its clever design means it’s a raincoat that can also keep up, with its ‘Angel Wing’ and relaxed fit giving you a full range of arm movement.
Fantastic for wet weather biking or running as well as on the hiking trail, the Precip’s breathability is also impressive, keeping you cool however hard you’re working. We’re also big fans of the affordable price tag!
NanoPro™100% nylon ripstop
Precip Dry-Touch waterproofing
Angel Wing Movement
Roll up hood, adjustable hem/cuffs
Packs down to a small size
- BrandMarmot
- Model41200
- Weight12.8 Ounces
12The North Face Venture
The original Venture rain jacket from The North Face provides everything you need to keep dry on the most storm-lashed of days. Its water-repelling abilities are impressive, with a breathable outer layer locking out all moisture and keeping you dry on the inside. At just over 11 ounces, it’s also a tad lighter than the Venture II but doesn’t lose anything in durability or performance.
This model is seam-sealed via seam taping, with an adjustable hood and brushed chin guard it’ll keep you comfortably dry, time and time again. Instead of earth polluting petroleum-based materials, this jacket features recycled materials such as nylon ripstop, a great buy for the earth-conscious. Make sure you also check our denim jackets review.
Made from recycled nylon ripstop
Waterproof, breathable outer
Attached hood with hidden drawcord
Sealed seams and Velcro zip closure
Machine washable
- BrandThe North Face
- ModelA8AR
- Weight2 Pounds
13Levi’s Rubberized Rain Parka Jacket
For keeping stylishly dry in a rainy city, Levi’s Rubberized Rain Parka Jacket could be the go-to rubber coat for you. Coming in at a good value price, the rubber outer looks far from cheap and is styled for urban living. With a longer length for great torso coverage, there are adjustable cuffs and a hood you can tighten to keep dry as the rain starts to pour.
Although the rubber is on the heavy side, it actually wears like a much lighter raincoat. And with dual front closure offering both a zipper and button snaps, you’ll feel secure against the urban elements and keep your hands toasty in the hand warmer pockets.
Rubberized outer with mesh lining
Adjustable ties on the fixed hood
Dual zip and snap front closure
Two deep lower pockets
Machine washable
Dual hand pockets
- BrandLevi’s
- ModelLM7RU619
- Weight1 Pounds
14Dickies Fleece-Lined Hooded Jacket
If protection and extra insulation are on your rain jacket shopping list, then it’s worth checking out the toasty Dickies Fleece-Lined Hooded Jacket. This is a great little fleece jacket for general use as itss simple to style with nearly any outfit. But don’t be fooled by its unassuming nature: this is a warm, lightweight jacket that’s coated with PU water repellent to bat off the rain.
The Dickies Fleece-Lined Hooded Jacket may not be waterproof enough for tougher outdoor sports but for keeping dry and warm as you go about your day, this is an urban rain jacket that feels like a warm hug and has hand pockets to boot! The only complaint we have? Unlike the body, the sleeves are not lined.
Made from 100% Ripstop nylon
Body lined in fleece
Slash hand warmer pockets
Drawstring hem and elastic cuffs
Adjustable fixed hood
- BrandDickies
- Model33237
- Weight1.33 Pounds
15Helly Hansen Salt Power Jacket
Take to the water in the Salt Power jacket, which offers superior wind and waterproofing designed to protect against rough seas. This is a bold-looking piece of rain gear that’s suited to sailing and other water sports where you want to keep as dry and as warm as you can.
The mid-priced Helly Hansen Salt Power is an able shipmate, featuring the brand’s tried and tested quick-drying lining, waterproof outer, fleece collar, and pocket insides. Plus, there are enough adjustable features to keep you snug when those waves start to roll.
Helly tech water/wind protection
2-Ply fabric fully seamed sealed
Water repellent treatment
Quick-dry lining for comfort
Fleece collar and lined hand pockets
- BrandHelly Hansen
- Model36278
- Weight0.64 Ounces
16Patagonia Houdini Jacket
Coming in at a light 3.7 ounces, the Houdini is a featherweight rain jacket that can pack a punch when it comes to beating the weather.
Perfect for the runner, rider, climber, or traveler, this Patagonia jacket comes with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop and an adjustable hood, designed so that it doesn’t block your peripheral vision. Its lightweight nature means it can only claim to be water-repellent, but it can withstand moderate downpours on the most exposed cliff faces and has been through lots of testing with Patagonia athletes. Its lightweight nature makes it a great choice as a just-in-case layer for a summer backpacking trip, or everyday wear if you live somewhere drizzly.
15-denier nylon with water-repellent finish
Zippered chest pocket converts to stuff sack
One-pull adjustable ‘clear vision’ hood
Durable half-elastic cuffs and drawcord hem
Reinforced carabiner clip-in loop
- BrandPatagonia
- ModelHoudini
- Weight3.7 Ounces
Why Trust Us
A great rain jacket is a must-have, especially when you live in the PNW. We get nearly daily rain six months out of the year and no one uses umbrellas. We all rely on rain shells as our everyday wear and for our outdoor adventures. Additionally, I previously lived in Houston, Texas, the fourth rainiest city when you look at annual rainfall totals. I've spent the bulk of my life in rainy places and outdoors and a stellar rain jacket is a key part of this. Lastly, after more than five years as an outdoor athlete and two years of product testing and reviewing, I can confidently say that I know what makes a good rain jacket!
Who This Is For
This guide is for anyone looking for a great rain jacket for weather protection. Most of these jackets come from outdoor brands and are great for drizzly city days, spring skiing, total downpours, hiking, or a simple work commute on a grey day.
How We Picked
Selecting the best rain jackets started with tried and true favorites that have already been put to the test. From there we looked to reputable apparel brands and highly-rated products. Once we had our list mostly filled out, we made sure to include fleece-lined options, a nice variety of soft shells, hardshells and more.
How We Tested
Living in the city with the third highest rain days (164) per year, these jackets all got tested in rainy conditions from little drizzles to full-on downpours. I also took several of the tested models skiing, swapping heavy-lined ski jackets for lightweight rain jackets. These jackets went running, commuted to work, skied the slopes of Mt Hood, went hiking in the rain, played in the snow, rock climbed in Leavenworth, Washington and in the Columbia River Gorge and more. Needless to say, these waterproof jackets truly got put to the test.
When you live in the Pacific Northwest, fully waterproof jackets are a must-have since Portlanders also harbor a distaste for umbrellas even in stormy weather. Seriously, don't bring an umbrella to Portland, we will all know you're not from here. Why do we do this? I don't know, but with your favorite rain jacket, an umbrella doesn't have much of a place.
Features To Look For In Rain Jackets
Waterproof fabric - If your rain jacket isn't waterproof, it won't do much good for you in a downpour. However, some folks only need light coverage and would rather focus on breathabilty, but it's good to note that no jacket is a perfect combination of the two. The good news is that many are getting close. Ideally for big mountain days or even city downpours, your outer shell should be entirely waterproof. This can be a waterproof membrane, waterproof material or coating that repels water instead of absorbing it, allowing you to stay dry.
Breathability - Breathable fabric is a must to keep you from overheating in your jacket, however, too much breathability will result in less weather protection. Rain jackets and shells must find a balance here. Trapping in your body heat with no breathability can be a huge problem, and lead to you overheating. This balance is hard to strike but new developments in apparel technology have come a long way. Some models will feature zippered vents or more breathable fabric in the armpits and other commonly warm areas to allow excess heat to escape. Some softshells are water resistant but not waterproof, keeping you dry in light snow or rain but not in heavy downpours. Many hard shells have three layers, with the second layer being a membrane that allows body heat to escape but won't let water in.
Packability - If you're only wearing your rain gear around the city or for commuting, packability isn't much of a concern. For hikers, backpackers, mountaineers and skiers, and anyone with a pack, the packed size and the jacket's ability to pack down small really matters. For backpackers, ounces are crucial and for many other folks, there still needs to be plenty of space for other gear and safety equipment and layers, so an ultralight rain jacket or a model that doesn't take up too much space is key.
Length - Some folks want a shorter shell with elastic, others might want a longer shell, and a full-on knee-length parka can be appropriate at other times. I love a knee-length parka for commutes to work or the grocery store because I stay so dry. However, when I'm climbing, hiking, skiing or generally engaging in an outdoor activity, a long jacket can cause problems and get caught on things or restrict movement, so I prefer to opt for a shell that doesn't go past my hips.
Hood - A hood is a must-have for your rain shell as no one wants their head to get wet, but choosing a rain jacket with a hood goes further than that. If you plan to wear your shell over a helmet, hat or other headgear, you're going to need a shell with plenty of space to accommodate that like an alpine helmet-compatible hood or bike helmet-compatible hood. An adjustable hood also allows you additional rain protection and stiff-brimmed hoods can keep your hood upright and protect your face better from raindrops.
Types Of Rain Jackets
Softshells vs. hardshells - Softshells are usually made of two diffent layers of fabric and sometimes a brushed or fleece lining. The focus is on stretch and breathability so you'll often find stretch fabric all over, soft fabric on the interior and breathability. Softshells often provide excellent mobility and some weather protection. In a hard shell, you often have three layers of fabric: an inner layer, outer layer and a membrane, often gore-tex in between. These high end rain jackets are the ultimate in weather protection and are both wind and water-resistant. Because there are no clear cut definitions of hard and soft shells, some jackets may find themselves in between these two ideas and offer a cushy interior, a gore-tex membrane and a durable water repellent exterior that works great in heavy rain or snow.
Waterproof vs. water-resistant - Waterproof jackets should keep out nearly 100% of rain and repel it off its surface. A water-resistant jacket will offer some protection against drizzles and light precipitation but will not be effective in downpours, heavy snow and other heavy precipitation. If you don't live in an extremely rainy area, a water-resistant or water-repellent jacket or parka is enough. But if you're often caught out in rain storms or like to be fully prepared on your outdoor adventures, it's best to stick to waterproof jackets.
Sources:
- Water Resistant Versus Waterproof Jackets - REI Co-Op