Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 12 Best Rain Jackets That Will Keep You Dry This Spring

Houdini One Parka
Houdini One Parka
Most Eco-friendly
Jump to details
Norrøna falketind Gore-Tex Jacket
Norrøna falketind Gore-Tex Jacket
Best for All-season Adventures
Jump to details
Chrome Industries Storm Salute Commute Jacket
Chrome Industries Storm Salute Commute Jacket
Best for Cyclists
Jump to details
Canada Goose Meaford Rain Jacket Black Label
Canada Goose Meaford Rain Jacket Black Label
Best Splurge
Jump to details
Marmot Minimalist Pro Jacket
Marmot Minimalist Pro Jacket
Best for Hikers
Jump to details
Beyond Clothing ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket
Beyond Clothing ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket
Best for Extreme Conditions
Jump to details
Stone Glacier De Havilland Jacket
Stone Glacier De Havilland Jacket
Best for Hunters
Jump to details
Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell
Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell
Best for Commuters
Jump to details
Nathan Protector Rain Jacket
Nathan Protector Rain Jacket
Best for Runners
Jump to details
Outdoor Research Helium Jacket
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Most Packable
Jump to details
Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket
Line of Trade The Portland Rain Jacket
Best Budget Rain Jacket
Jump to details
Excursion Waterproof UVAPOR Micro Ripstop Hooded Jacket
Salt Life Excursion Waterproof UVAPOR Micro Ripstop Hooded Jacket
Best for Anglers
Jump to details

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.

Man wearing Houdini One Parka on a plain studio background.
Houdini

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.

Houdini One Parka
Houdini One Parka
Most Eco-friendly
Norrona falketind Gore-Tex Rain Jacket on a plain studio background.
Norrøna

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.

Norrøna falketind Gore-Tex Jacket
Norrøna falketind Gore-Tex Jacket
Best for All-season Adventures
Chrome Industries Storm Salue Commute Jacket on a white studio background.
Chrome Industries

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.

Chrome Industries Storm Salute Commute Jacket
Chrome Industries Storm Salute Commute Jacket
Best for Cyclists
Canada Goose Meaford Jacket Black Label on a plain studio background.
Canada Goose

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.

Canada Goose Meaford Rain Jacket Black Label
Canada Goose Meaford Rain Jacket Black Label
Best Splurge
Marmot Minimalist Pro Jacket in Foliage green on a plain studio background.
Marmot

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.

Marmot Minimalist Pro Jacket
Marmot Minimalist Pro Jacket
Best for Hikers
Beyond Clothing ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket in Navy blue on a plain studio background.
Beyond Clothing

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.

Beyond Clothing ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket
Beyond Clothing ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket
Best for Extreme Conditions
Stone Glacier De Havilland Jacket in Granite Gray on a plain studio background.
Stone Glacier

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.

Stone Glacier De Havilland Jacket
Stone Glacier De Havilland Jacket
Best for Hunters
Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell Rain Jacket in Blue Pacific blue on a plain studio background.
Jack Wolfskin

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.

Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell
Jack Wolfskin JWP Shell
Best for Commuters
Man wearing Nathan Protector Rain Jacket in Navy on a plain studio background.
Nathan

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.

Nathan Protector Rain Jacket
Nathan Protector Rain Jacket
Best for Runners
A bright yellow Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket on a white studio background.
Outdoor Research

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.

Outdoor Research Helium Jacket
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Most Packable
Line of Trade The Portland Rain Jacket in Dark Moss on a plain studio background.
Bespoke Post

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.

Line of Trade Portland Rain Jacket
Line of Trade The Portland Rain Jacket
Best Budget Rain Jacket
A black Salt Life Excursion Waterproof UVAPOR Micro Ripstop Hooded Jacket on a plain studio background.
Salt Life

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.

Excursion Waterproof UVAPOR Micro Ripstop Hooded Jacket
Salt Life Excursion Waterproof UVAPOR Micro Ripstop Hooded Jacket
Best for Anglers

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
The 10 Best Bomber Jackets for Spring 2022
A man wearing a bomber jacket under a white shirt.

The best thing the Cold War ever gave to fashion is undoubtedly the bomber jacket. The lightweight, versatile jacket we know today was an evolution of the WWII era shearling jackets worn by bomber pilots — hence the name. During the Korean and Vietnam Wars, early versions of the bomber jacket we know today became standard issue throughout multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces. Just as with the trench coat and peacoat before it, the bomber quickly transitioned into civilian outerwear service by the 1970s.

Bomber jackets have come a lot way since then, in both aesthetics and technology. Countless clothing brands have updated the original design, often incorporating new fabric and hardware innovations. The result is an entire sub-category of jackets available today. With a recent resurgence in popularity, it seems like almost every clothing brand is offering its own take on the military classic. We searched through the rank and file and organized a crack squad of the best bomber jackets to add to your wardrobe this spring. Note: Aviators sold separately.

Read more
The Best Half-Zip Pullover Sweater Styles and Buying Tips
How to Shop for and Style Half-Zip Pullover Sweaters
A man in gray half-zip pullover sweater placing his arm on his car in the outdoors.

The half-zip pullover sweater may have started out as a preppy staple, but its versatility and ease have made it one of the most useful pieces in every modern man’s wardrobe. Fabrics have evolved as well, with designs available in every fabric imaginable. Half-zips are no longer just your average sweaters for men. From the dorm room to the board room, they have found a place in almost every level of formality and fashion subset.

The only problem is that there are so many variations available that it can get difficult to know you’re getting the best half zip for your needs. That’s why we put together this guide to the various styles and what to look for when you’re buying, starting with the name.

Read more
The Best Men’s Shackets to Rock This Winter
Man standing in loft space wearing Mission Workship's The Nash gray shirt-jacket.

If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere in the U.S. that can experience three (even four) seasons in a single day, just getting dressing can prove challenging. Morning temperatures might be in the 20s when you leave for work, rise to the mid-70s at lunchtime, and dip back below freezing by dinner. Mastering your layering technique is key. But, having a handful of versatile articles of clothing can make all the difference.

Enter: The shacket. It’s not quite a shirt and not quite a jacket, but rather a deft blend of both. Most shackets look like a traditional button-up flannel shirt but are usually lined with fleece or something similar to provide the warmth of a light jacket. That versatility makes it the perfect addition to any outdoorsman’s closet. Here are our picks for the best men’s shackets (or “shirt-jackets”) to rock this winter.

Read more