The 28 Best Rain Jackets for Men

The best rain jackets for men have really come a long way in the last number of years. It used to be that most of them were ideal for keeping out the rain, but they often suffered from a severe lack of airflow. Meaning you very quickly felt like you were trapped in a plastic bag. These days, most reputable manufacturers have got that sorted. Contemporary raincoats can repel water without that dreadful sauna effect that used to be so common. However, when selecting the right raincoat for you, there are a few things that you want to keep in mind.

First and foremost, you want to make sure the jacket you choose can actually keep out the elements at their most severe. One of the best ways to do this is to look for a tried-and-true material, such as Gore-Tex, that has an extensive history of repelling rain and snow. Of course, new innovations are coming along all the time, and if you decide to try out something without a long track record, be sure to do a little research and read the reviews before you buy. People love to tell you when they’ve discovered the next great innovation, and likewise when a company’s talk doesn’t match up with reality.

The next thing to keep in mind is your regular activities. We have a few jackets on this list that would make for an awful rain jacket for hiking or trying to scale a rock face. That said, they look slick and make for great city jackets or a terrific running rain jacket. What you plan to do in the rain is pretty fundamental to getting the right coat. If, say, you wanted to purchase an excellent backpacking rain jacket for climbing, you want to know that the hood is helmet-compatible before you’ve lugged all your gear to the foot of the rock. 

And finally, consider how you plan to bring it along. In the case of a city coat, you’re probably going to leave it in the closet until the clouds start to threaten. However, when you’re heading into the bush for a multi-day hike, every bit of extra weight matters in your waterproof backpack. A lightweight and packable rain jacket that fits in its own little pouch can really be a space saver. 

To help with the selection process, we’ve compiled this list of the best rain jackets for men. No matter what you’re up to, running, backpacking, climbing, hiking, cycling, urban commuting, or golfing, there is a raincoat on here that’s perfect for keeping you dry while you do it. 

1. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

While I’m sure Patagonia must have made a less-than-stellar product in the company’s history, I’ve yet to come across it. And the Torrentshell 3L is another excellent bit of gear. An evolution of the 2.5 layer version, the current model, uses a brilliant three-layer construction to keep you dry but allows proper airflow to ensure you never feel like you’re trapped in a sauna. The outer shell is H2No® Performance Standard polyester that is both waterproof and breathable. And with a DWR coating (durable water repellent) on the coat and zippers, rain and snow just fall right off. Of course, it’s also bluesign® approved, meaning the waterproof materials are all made from recycled components. It’s incredible to think of a collection of old water bottles that are now being put to use keeping the water out.

2. REI Co-op Drypoint GTX Jacket

If there’s one material that just screams high-quality raincoat, it’s Gore-Tex. Invented way back in 1969, Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane that repels water and is super lightweight. And worked into this REI Co-op offering, it looks impressive. The design of the Drypoint GTX is focused on all-day comfort, and if the breathable fabric isn’t enough to keep you cool, the mesh-lined pockets double as core vents to prevent overheating on the trail. Whether rain or shine, you can put this jacket on as you set out and leave it on.

3. Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell Jacket

What I love about this jacket is its versatility. It’s the perfect coat for the gap year backpacker, the serious rock climber, or the weekend trail warrior. It’s waterproof, lightweight, easy to move in, and pretty darn stylish. Waterproof BD.Dry membrane is a brilliant fabric that completely seals out the elements, and yet it doesn’t make you feel like you’re wearing a plastic bag. The four-way stretch construction of this jacket, with its underarm gussets, makes for fluid, comfortable movement no matter what you’re up to. The adjustable hem and cuffs make for a secure fit and keep the water out no matter which way up you’re facing, and the hood fits perfectly under a climbing helmet.

4. Arc’Teryx Men’s ZETA SL JACKET

If you’re an avid outdoor-person, you should probably own a Zeta SL. It’s one of those things that should be part of your everyday carry collection. And by outdoor-person, I mean city streets and cycling as much as I mean deep woods. At 10.9 ounces, it’s super light (or SL), and it all rolls into a tight little pouch when you don’t need it on. Made from Gore-Tex, you can trust that it’s waterproof, windproof, and the textiles are entirely breathable. This jacket could really be called a fully protective environmental shelter.

5. Marmot – Men’s Minimalist Jacket

Let’s start out by saying this is a great everyday urban adventure jacket. It’s perfect for getting out on the town and not letting the weather hold you back. It’s a wonderful addition to a family camping trip. And, it’s the perfect jacket to keep in your car at all times, just in case the day takes a turn. It’s stylish, well priced, and just what most people need. That said, if you’re a bit more of a rugged adventurer, it might not be entirely up to snuff. It’s simply not made for rock climbers or hardcore mountain bikers. The shell is constructed from a lightweight wind-blocking hydrophobic membrane called Paclite. A Gore-Tex innovation that keeps resurfacing, Paclite has proven to make a great raincoat. However, it’s just had some durability issues in more extreme outdoor pursuits.

6. Interstellar AscentShell Jacket

Now, this is a raincoat designed for scaling rocks. Of course, it will do just fine out and about in an urban landscape. However, the Interstellar was imagined for people who skew a little more rugged. Outdoor Research’s proprietary AscentShell™ technology uses an electrospun process to create a sturdy jacket that breathes faster, weighs less, stretches more, and far surpasses the comfort of traditional waterproof membranes. It’s the perfect jacket to wear during fast and light alpine missions.

7. Patagonia Men’s Rainshadow Jacket

Way back at the top of the list, we mentioned that it seems like Patagonia can’t fail when it comes to product design. Well, this is another such example. Seriously, these folks make really great gear. What they refer to as their 3-layer H2No® Performance Standard technology is super stretchy, breathable, windproof, and waterproof. It also looks really great. And with 68 percent of their fabrics made with recycled materials, they are taking their environmental responsibilities seriously. This jacket is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, so all in all, you can feel good about wearing.

8. REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket

There is something wonderfully retro about this latest offering from REI Co-op. The Rainer comes well-appointed in twelve different color options. However, our favorite is the Molasses and Canyon Ridge combo. Or more plainly, brown and orange. The shell is made from 2.5-layer recycled ripstop nylon that’s capable of shielding you from rain and wind up to 60+ MPH while staying breathable and dry on the inside. With a drawcord hem and hook-and-loop cuffs, this jacket can be adjusted to seal out snow and wind if the weather decides to make things difficult. We’re also a big fan of the underarm zippers that let you release excess heat as the day warms up or your exertion level rises.

9. Arc’Teryx – Beta SL Hybrid Jacket Men’s

The folks at Arc’teryx may have figured out the best way to use Gore-Tex’s Paclite® Plus fabric. Using Paclite® Plus to line the inside of the jacket and the sturdier N40r Gore-Tex material on the outside layer means that you have an ultralight coat that’s incredibly durable and comfortable. With a helmet-compatible StormHood™, you have complete coverage and unobstructed peripheral vision. Not to mention the underarm zippers that make for speedy ventilation when you’re working up a sweat.

10. Outdoor Research – Men’s Foray GORE-TEX® Jacket

We love Outdoor Research because, as the name implies, they put a lot of thought into their final products. One of their significant innovations is the renowned easy-to-vent TorsoFlo™ that lets you unzip your jacket from hem to bicep to wear it over a pack waist strap or simply to let out excess heat when you’ve been working hard. Its left-hand pocket doubles as a stuff sack, so you can pack it down quickly when the weather relaxes. It also has a carabiner loop to easily clip onto a backpack or climbing harness. Of course, it does, because they studied how people actually use the jacket.

11. Montbell Versatile Jacket Men’s

MontBell has been tinkering with the Versalite Jacket for a lot of years now, and we think they may have just about got it perfect. Using what they call K-Mono Cut, a unique fabric cutting pattern developed in-house based on their Ki-no-bi (Function is Beauty) philosophy, this jacket both looks great and performs magnificently. Utilizing Gore-Tex INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® fabrics, the jacket now feels smoother and has increased durability. However, the significant change in this iteration of the Versalite is that they seam-sealed the material to turn it into an incredible rain shell.

12. The North Face Venture 2 Jacket

Let’s be honest, after watching Free Solo, we’re about ready to buy anything with a North Face logo on it. However, the question is, should you buy this particular jacket to meet your rain gear needs? Probably. There are a lot of great options on this list, but there is always something a little special about North Face gear. This jacket is built with their Dryvent Technology, which utilizes a polyurethane (PU) coating that consists of a tri-component, multi-layer formula for waterproof protection, moisture permeability, and extreme durability. And with North Face, you know it’s been field-tested on more than a few extreme athletes before it was released to the general public. So whether you’re a climber, mountain biker, or urban wanderer, this guy has got you covered when the skies open up.

13. Arc’Teryx Norvan SL Hoody Men’s Jacket

Just looking at this jacket, you know it’s designed for runners. That’s not to say it isn’t a brilliant raincoat for traipsing around the city or your weekend hiking trip. It most certainly is. It’s just that it’s built to repel water and allow excellent airflow, all in an effort to prevent high-intensity athletes from overheating. Weighing in at a mere 4.4 ounces, the Norvan SL Hoody is the lightest weight and most breathable GORE-TEX jacket that Arc’teryx makes. The SHAKEDRY™ technology eliminates the need for multiple layers and allows you to simply shake the water from the surface. So not only does it keep you dry, but with a quick shimmy, the water is off the surface of the coat too.

14. Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket

When you see the Columbia name on stuff, you know it’s going to be pretty decent. It’s not a North Face or an Arc’teryx, but you’re also probably not going to be paying a small fortune for it either. Columbia raincoats are solid around-town weather shells that will come through when mother nature takes a turn for the drippy. The Watertight II Jacket is crafted from a waterproof nylon shell that is durable enough to withstand anything from drizzle to downpour at a moment’s notice. It all packs up into its little pouch so it can be tucked anywhere and be at the ready. Columbia’s patented Omni-Tech™ means that this jacket provides air-permeable protection that’s waterproof and breathable.

15. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

The Torrentshell 3L by Patagonia is about as good of a rain jacket as you’re ever going to find. A step up from their 2.5 layer version, the current model uses a magnificent three-layer construction to keep you dry while allowing superior airflow to keep you comfortable. The outer shell is H2No® Performance Standard polyester that is both waterproof and breathable. And with a DWR coating (durable water repellent) on the coat and zippers, rain and snow simply can’t stick to it. Of course, it’s also bluesign® approved, meaning the waterproof materials are all made from recycled components. It’s amazing to think of how useful and stylish a bunch of old water bottles can become after you drop them in the recycling bin.

16. Hill City – Waterproof Hooded Shell

This Hill City offering is going to make cloudy days just a bit brighter. With so much style packed into, what is truly a sophisticated urban piece, you are almost going to start looking forward to the wet weather. With more room in the shoulders and chest and a straight fit through the body to a tapered hem, this jacket is designed to look good. Highly breathable and lightweight on your skin, the waterproof hooded shell stretches and has a rear cape vent for temperature regulation. Not to mention, it also rolls up for easy packing in a little pouch that can be tucked easily out of the way. The 2.5 layers of Dermizax 3D polyurethane membrane, developed in Japan by Toray, make for a genuinely environmentally friendly piece.

17. The North Face – Dryzzle FutureLight™ Jacket

The nanostructure of the FUTURELIGHT™ membrane allows air to pass through for better venting and breathability, and yet it’s still completely waterproof and incredibly durable. This jacket is essentially North Face raising the stakes yet again. An ultra-thin, elegant garment that feels comfortable and provides the protection needed against the elements in the harshest environments. Just looking at it, you start planning your next outdoor adventure. The design works in a handy chest pocket, so you can keep your essentials, well, handy, and a laminated storm flap with snap closure makes it entirely wind resistant.

18. Arc’Teryx – Sawyer Coat

It’s about time we have a sophisticated three-quarter length coat on this list. And who better to provide this elegant entrant than the fine folks at Arc’teryx. Building on their alpine experience, the Sawyer is a capable coat for urban environments, refined for city life. Waterproof, windproof, and breathable, it delivers protection from summer showers and winter downpours. The Gore-Tex material is comfortable and quiet, while articulated sleeves provide freedom of movement, and the full-coverage hood protects from the rain and snow. The look reflects Arc’teryx’s focused minimalist aesthetic, a perfect fit for the office or casual outings.

19. Mountain Hardwear – Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex® Paclite® Plus Jacket

With the Exposure 2, staying dry is just the beginning. The designers at Mountain Hardware wanted to create an ultralight raincoat that goes above and beyond. They started with the idea of making a jacket that was so light it could be squeezed into any pack and be forgotten about until the weather made you glad you had it. When Gore-Tex introduced their newly engineered PACLITE® Plus, a lighter, durable, more compact material with the same waterproof breathable technology, it finally made this a real possibility. If every ounce matters to your packing strategy or you’re just looking for the rain shell that’ll last decades, this jacket will take your expectations to a whole new level.

20. On-Running – Weather Jacket

This ultralight running jacket provides excellent protection whatever the weather. Made with high-tech Japanese fabrics, it’s the perfect companion for urban strolls, country lanes, or wild runs. Also, it looks pretty darn cool. The Weather Jacket, while still a proper water-resistant raincoat, on first glance, it seems more like part of a tracksuit. This jacket by the Swiss company ON is so lightweight that it almost feels like nothing, but with reliable protection built-in, wind and rain showers won’t affect you. Perfect in changeable conditions, it’s also made incredibly breathable for when things warm up.

21. Columbia Titanium Outdry Ex Reign Jacket – Men’s

With the Titanium Ourdry, Columbia has put forth their best effort in raincoat technology. This thing looks different because it is different. The designers began by reimagining the layers from the ground up. This versatile rain shell uses Columbia’s OutDry Extreme waterproof system, which is different from every other traditional shell construction on the market. Rather than have the jacket’s waterproof and breathable membrane fused to a synthetic outer fabric, the OutDry Extreme system places the membrane in direct contact with the elements and puts a synthetic wicking fabric on the inside. This eliminates the need for DWR (Durable Water Repellent) on the outer material, which prevents the soaked feeling and reduced breathability common with other jackets after several days of rain. Of course, it’s got all the other features you’ve come to expect in a backcountry raincoat, such as an adjustable hood, zippered underarm vents, an adjustable hem, and velcro cuffs.

22. The North Face – APEX FLEX GTX®2.0 JACKET

This one stylish looking raincoat, but of course, it is. This is the updated GTX by the fine folks at the North Face. While we may seem a little partial to their gear, it’s because it looks great, and it holds up. With the Apex Flex GTX 2.0, there is no need to go looking for shelter when the skies open up. This refreshed, lighter version of the innovative Apex Flex GTX® Jacket features a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex membrane with a soft-woven face and lightweight stretch-knit backer providing three-layer protection. And with the warm-to-touch backer fabric, the 2.0 eliminates the need for a liner. This is North Face operating at their best.

23. Helly Hansen – Odin Mountain Infinity Shell Jacket

The ODIN Mountain Infinity Shell Jacket sets a new standard for responsible, waterproof, and breathable gear. And while it’s on the higher end of the price scale, it’s a damn fine raincoat. Truly a feat of textile engineering, LIFA Infinity Pro™ is built from a three-layer fabric construction using Helly Hansen’s proprietary LIFA® technology, which offers inherent durable water repellency without chemicals. This jacket takes design inspiration from their award-winning shell jackets of the past and integrates the function and features you’ve come to love. Whether you’re backcountry skiing, scaling an ice sheet, or just out for a hike, this jacket has you covered.

24. Outerknown – Offshore Rain Jacket

Made from 100 percent recycled polyester means that OuterKnown can rely less on petroleum, eliminate the air and water pollution associated with creating virgin polyester, and keep valuable material out of the landfill. Of course, it all works because they can turn it into a fine looking jacket that keeps you dry. As a company known for making decisions based on the potential environmental impact, it’s fantastic to see the quality of gear they’re producing. Heat-sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and easy-grab zipper pulls make this a jacket you’ll want with you no matter the weather. Plus, with so many stash pockets throughout, you can pretty much leave your pack at home.

25. Carhartt Men’s Shoreline Jacket

Carhartt has been a quality brand for a long time, but with the rise of working-man chic, they really took off. And it’s a good thing they did. Carhartt has gone from making quality trades gear to an entire range of well-made apparel. The shoreline jacket is no exception. Using designs inspired by shore workers, this jacket provides all-day dry whether you’re an outdoor worker or just going between buildings for meetings. The StormDefender® waterproof breathable membrane prevents the rain from soaking in, and the detachable heavy-duty hood adds versatility. This jacket is both stylish and reliable.

26. Topo Designs Tech 3L Trench Coat

If you’re looking for a little more sophistication in your raincoat, then the Tech 3L Trench is a pretty solid choice. An utterly waterproof coat, it’s fully sealed and constructed with a breathable three-layer fabric to prevent you from getting soaked on your way to the office or out to the club. The visored hood is adjustable with natural leather toggles to ensure a snug and secure fit, and you’ve got plenty of pockets to keep your phone, wallet, and keys away from the wet. With a mid-thigh length for added coverage, you’ll be thankful to have this jacket for everyday life and urban adventures.

27. Fjallraven Men’s Greenland Jacket

When you’re adventuring requires a little more heft, Fjallraven is an excellent manufacturer to turn to. The Greenland Jacket is a bit heavier than the other coats on this list, but if you’re hiking through uncertain weather for days at a time, it may be just the coat you want with you. Well proportioned with pockets for storing almost anything you need close at hand, this coat also provides extra reinforcement on the shoulders and yoke for a durable finished product. It’s ready to take on the rough, tough, and tumble life of a guy that likes to get out into the woods. The fabric is coated with wax, which not only increases durability but adds to the water-resistance. Your head is protected from the elements with the fixed hood, and a storm flap snaps over the center zip to prevent leaks down your front.

28. Helly Hansen – Moss Raincoat

This is truly the classic raincoat that comes to mind when you think of old school puddle hoppers! Bright yellow and ready to be paired with a good pair of wellies. The Moss is a 100 percent waterproof jacket with a mid-length design that’s perfect for the urban commuter or for a weekend away during the rainy season. The outer layer is 100 percent polyurethane, meaning it’s not the most breathable, but if you’re looking for dry, this is the coat. Of course, there is a black option available, but why would you bother when you could draw all sorts of attention in this glorious yellow!

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