It’s officially spring, and that means milder weather, plentiful sunshine, and the potential for lots and lots of rain. No matter what outdoor adventures you’re getting into this season, packing a good waterproof jacket is a must. City dwellers, day hikers, adventure travelers, and weekend campers all need to prepare for wet weather. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best rain jackets for every type of adventure in 2022.
Houdini One Parka
Most Eco-friendly
We love Houdini’s ultra-minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic. The Swedish brand’s flagship One Parka features a classic, streamlined design that works well in almost any situation. The breathable shell fabric is lightweight and waterproof for even the wettest, rainiest (or snowiest) weather. It’s also Bluesign certified, making it the most eco-friendly and sustainably produced rain jacket on this list.
Norrøna falketind Gore-Tex Jacket
Best for All-season Adventures
Norrøna has been designing premium outdoor products for almost a century, so it’s safe to say it knows a thing or two about quality gear. The brand’s falketind Gore-Tex Jacket is its most versatile waterproof jacket. Lightweight and breathable, it’s built for all-season use, from the cool days of spring to the chilliest fall nights. The ultra-durable, 30D tri-layer ripstop fabric is designed to take a beating, so it’s perfect for everything from day hikes to mountaineering to ski touring.
Chrome Industries Storm Salute Commute Jacket
Best for Cyclists
It’s tough enough for hard-weather cycling with a stretchy, 2.5-layer taped rain construction and a slight drop tail. But, Chrome Industries’ Storm Salute Commute Jacket is ideal for commuters of all shades. The sleek, minimalist design adds everyday functionality with a back cargo pocket and a zippered interior pocket for phones and other EDC essentials.
Canada Goose Meaford Rain Jacket Black Label
Best Splurge
If you thought Canada Goose only made winter jackets and parkas, think again. The famed brand is also known for durable jackets for multiple seasons, with premium designs and futuristic materials top of mind. In its Meaford Rain Jacket Black Label, that means a three-layer, Tri-Durance fabric with a fully reflective back panel. We especially love the sleek black color for smooth, city-ready style.
Marmot Minimalist Pro Jacket
Best for Hikers
Few fabrics take a beating like Gore-Tex. Marmot’s Minimalist Pro Jacket features next-gen Gore-Tex Paclite Plus fabric that’s ultra-durable, waterproof, and lightweight — everything today's hiker needs in a good rain jacket. With an attached hood, adjustable drawcord hem, and Velcro cuffs, it’s easy to customize for a snug, watertight fit. Plus, it all packs down into a compact, 13-ounce size that’s ideal for even the most gram-conscious thru-hiker.
Beyond Clothing ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket
Best for Extreme Conditions
If you like your outdoor adventures wet and wild, you need a jacket that can keep up. Beyond Clothing’s ARX 2.0 L6 is designed for the most extreme rainy conditions where only the best technical gear will do. It features a tri-layer waterproof membrane bolstered with ultra-durable Cordura nylon face fabric. So, it not only keeps you dry but well protected against rocks, brambles, tumbles, and whatever else mother nature throws at you. Plus, the entire affair is made with Bluesign-certified textiles.
Stone Glacier De Havilland Jacket
Best for Hunters
Hunters demand a lot from their gear, and that means a high-quality jacket is a must. Stone Glacier’s De Havilland is the brand’s go-to softshell. It features a highly breathable, four-way stretch construction designed to keep your temperature regulated under high exertion. An overall athletic fit and articulated elbows allow for better freedom of movement. Plus, the tight-weave DWR face provides excellent water and wind resistance, while a brushed fleece backer offers extra comfort where it counts.
Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell
Best for Commuters
As part of Jack Wolfskin’s Pack and Go! Collection, the JWP Shell is the perfect in-case-of-emergency rain jacket. At less than a pound, it’s lightweight and packs down small to stash in your backpack or laptop bag and forget about until you suddenly need it. We like the simple, stripped-down design that features only the essentials: a hood and two hand pockets (one of which doubles as a stuff pouch for the jacket itself). Bonus: It’s made of 100% recycled fabric.
Nathan Protector Rain Jacket
Best for Runners
When it comes to apparel, runners want something fast, light, and comfortable. The Protector Rain Jacket from Nathan fits the bill with a featherweight design that’s ideal for spring morning runs or late-night jogs when the weather isn’t cooperating. The 2.5-layer design is breathable yet waterproof with a 10K water column capable of shedding light to moderate rains.
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Most Packable
For functionality and easygoing style, you can't beat the time-tested, innovative approach taken by the folks at Outdoor Research. It's right in the name, after all, but this waterproof and windproof jacket is a must if you're going to be battling treacherous conditions. As an added bonus, it features 360 degrees of reflectivity, so your fellow adventurers will know where to find you at all times. It's not overly dressy; it's not overly laidback; it's just right.
Line of Trade The Portland Rain Jacket
Best Budget Rain Jacket
The team at Bespoke Post never lets you down when it comes to, say, monthly subscription boxes. That's also the case with the NYC brand's in-house line of gear from Line of Trade. This Portland Rain Jacket is a fitting callback to the rainy Pacific Northwest, with plenty of waterproof functionality and breathability — all for under $100.
Salt Life Excursion Waterproof UVAPOR Micro Ripstop Hooded Jacket
Best for Anglers
Salt Life’s Excursion Waterproof UVAPOR Hooded Jacket boasts everything avid fishermen look for in a rain jacket. The exterior features a waterproof micro ripstop fabric, taped seams, and a vented back yoke that’s built for the wettest weather. An adjustable hem and various cinches and toggles throughout allow for dialing in the perfect fit.
Unless you're fortunate enough to live in San Diego or some far-flung island with 350 days of sun each year, you need good wet-weather protection. No matter if you never leave the city, you hike every week, or you only take weekend camping trips every 6 months, that means packing a good rain jacket. Whatever your budget, one of the waterproof coats above is sure to fit the bill.
