The Best Rain Jackets of 2025

The Co-op continues to make the grade with its in-house line-up, and the recently updated REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket ($100) takes no detour. Sporting a new HydroWall 2.5L membrane and more features than it rightfully should have for the price, the value needle is pinned on this budget rain jacket. It’s no fortress, but even after braving an exceptionally rainy Pacific Northwest spring, I was impressed with the chutzpah on this shell.

REI hasn’t published any waterproofing or breathability specs for its new HydroWall membrane. But after using it, I’m comfortable placing it at about the same level as other polyurethane membranes, such as Marmot NanoPro or North Face Hyvent. That means rainy-day hikes, blustery commutes, and gray bird camping trips are all on the menu. When the cadence kicks up, twin pit zips help to vent excess heat (though they are a bit on the small side).

In terms of fit, I found the Rainier to be fairly spacious and accommodating, easily allowing layers underneath it. The hood isn’t very technical, but a set of drawcords does allow you to adjust the periphery. As a surprise, one of my favorite features on this jacket ended up being the pockets, as the exterior pockets are sewn into the interior in a way that creates two additional drop-in pockets on the interior. Two for one!

These pockets are all a soft mesh material, meaning your pockets do double-duty in working to whisk away excess moisture — smart. The entire jacket also packs up into one of these pockets, and while not a super small package, it does keep the shell all in one place for stashing it away. True to REI, this jacket doesn’t miss when it comes to sustainability, either. The DWR finish is non-fluorinated and protects the recycled nylon shell from light precip. The whole jacket is also created from Bluesign-approved materials and sewn in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

At an approachable price, I’m impressed at the number of “gotta-have-it” rain jacket features that REI has been able to shoehorn into the Rainier Rain Jacket. As a 2.5L jacket, there will be a breathability ceiling that, when you hit it, you’ll know. But at $100, it’s an easy issue to sidestep with proper use of those pit zips and mesh pockets. For anyone looking for their first proper rain jacket, or just a daily driver to beat around, the Rainier is high on my list of suggestions.

Read Review: A Classic Shell Jacket Gets New Tech: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket Review

At a price just north of most budget rain jackets, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket ($179) makes a strong case for opening your wallet just a bit wider to gain a good bit more protection. Updated in recent years to a full 3-layer version of the brand’s in-house H2No waterproof membrane, the Torrentshell performs better than 2 and 2.5-layer shells in the breathability department.

It’s that interior wicking liner that makes all the difference here. When tested side-by-side with a previous version of the jacket, the updated Torrentshell was noticeably less clammy-feeling. Waterproofing is also in no short supply, holding back precipitation in my shower testing on par with other 20K-specced jackets, such as the Outdoor Research Foray.

Many will also appreciate the number of sustainable choices Patagonia made when creating the new Torrentshell, such as the 100% recycled nylon ripstop face fabric, the Fair Trade sewing, and a PU membrane that employs 13% biobased content. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find another rain jacket that provides the same level of performance.

While I’ve previously deducted a few points from the Torrentshell for sporting a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that still contained PFCs, Patagonia has made good on its promise to continue to cut the forever chemicals out of the rain jacket mix, and now produces the Torrentshell with a full PFC-free build. I did find the face fabric to be a bit crinkly and bulky, something I’d attribute to working out the kinks in using recycled nylon, but it did soften some with use.

For those looking for the most vis-à-vis comparisons to the Torrentshell, the Marmot Precip Pro is a close match — with a 3-layer construction, a similar feature set, and a price of $160. The Torrentshell was able to hold out longer during my shower tests, however, and as such, is worth the extra $19. For those who place a high value on stretch, however, the Precip Pro is certainly a shell to check out.

When you consider that Patagonia has the Torrentshell 3L Jacket priced under $180, you’ve got a budget- and resource-friendly rainwear option that’s just as at home on the trail as it is kicking around town. If you’ve got a bit more pocket change and want more protection than the Rainier Rain Jacket can offer, the Torrentshell is my suggested upgrade.

If you need the ultimate in waterproof performance, an alpine-ready hardshell like the Arc’teryx Beta AR ($600) ought to be on your shortlist. The Beta AR isn’t the most full-tilt hardshell that the legendary Canadian mountain-wear brand makes, making it far more approachable for outdoor endeavors where you need top-tier protection but aren’t planning on bivying on the side of a mountain.

Combining an industry-leading GORE-TEX Pro Most Rugged membrane with a generous cut for layering, the Beta AR is primed for long trips under unfriendly conditions. The Pro version of GORE-TEX stacks multiple layers of the ePTFE membrane atop one another, creating a supremely waterproof barrier, and eliminating the need for a polyurethane lining — instead adding a Micro-Grid backer.

All this is to say, this jacket isn’t afraid of a little rain — or a lot. Mountain man David Gladish’s usage has taken this shell everywhere from deep into the Alaskan bush to skiing in the Cascade concrete of Washington State, and all without fail.

Generous pit zips aid in dumping heat when the mercury begins to rise, and while other hardshell jackets lean further into the spartan alpine climber trim, the Beta AR is a more well-rounded shell. The handwarmer pockets on the chest are roomy. On the interior, a small accessory pocket aids in wrangling your keys or phone.

Up in the cockpit, a 2.5-inch collar made for one of David’s favorite features. It was perfect to duck behind when the wind blew up and provided a secondary option for protection without going full batten-down-the-hatches and pulling the hood up. The trade for all this protection, obviously, comes at a cost. At $600, you could easily buy a couple of the cheaper jackets on this list for the same price. But none of the other shells will keep up in terms of protection for as long as the Beta AR can hang.

While Arc’teryx recently released an heir to the uber-popular Beta LT in the Beta, the choice to suggest the AR variant comes down to pure storm-proofing. The new Beta uses the new GORE-TEX ePE membrane and an FC0 DWR, and while there’s much to like about the improved PFC-free membrane, it’s just not the storm bunker that this shell is.

Primed for weather of any stripe, the Beta AR is well and truly up for it. For locales such as the icefields of Patagonia, the peaks of New Zealand, or the highlands of Iceland, this is the shell you’ll find climbers and alpinists in nine times out of ten.

At a claimed 6.2 ounces (and even less on my own scale), Montbell certainly had weight on the brain when they crafted the Versalite Jacket ($260). Part of the brand’s UL Hiking selection, the Versalite impressed me during testing not only with the weight it lacked, but also the features it’s studded with.

While GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER isn’t marketed as being a fully waterproof membrane, by incorporating fully taped seams and a DWR-finished face fabric, Montbell has been able to whip up a rain shell that sports water resistance that keeps up with the best and puts up breathability numbers that knock many out of the running.  

In the wilds, my initial fears over using a “windshell” material were quickly assuaged. Make no mistake, the Versalite can hang in a good rain. During shower testing, this shell staved off soaking through for the entire 10-minute testing period, impressing the skeptic in me. And the benefit to using GORE INFINIUM shows when the grade steepens or a thick mist rolls in: this jacket breathes like it’s got a set of lungs stashed away somewhere, and you don’t have to be knocking out 30-mile days to appreciate that.

For the weight, the Versalite is simply feature-packed. Compared to other jackets of the same, or even more weight, the Versalite boasts the full complement: a three-way adjustable hood that rolls up and stows away, two zippered hand pockets with ample space, and 16.5-inch pit zips for easy venting.

As with any specialized piece, the tech-heavy styling isn’t going to win you any awards, and at 10-denier the face fabric will require more care than your average knock-around rain jacket. But put to the task, the Versalite excels in its lane, jamming in many extra features that jackets of the same ilk can’t claim.

Read Review: This Jacket Is Your Next Take-Everywhere Layer: Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket Review

Running rain jackets are tough to pin down, as they have to be uber-breathable and waterproof enough to keep cold water off you. The Patagonia Storm Racer ($299) is about as good as the options available, and it sits between tough windshells and more rugged (and heavy) rain jackets.

At a certain level of running output, you’re going to be wet from perspiration anyway, so the Storm Racer aims to be waterproof enough and thin so it does not build up extra heat while you’re trying to move moisture through it. This feels a little antithetical to the idea of a rain jacket, but when you’re cranking out significant warmth, the equation changes.

The 3-layer Patagonia H2No membrane is a proven one, and it’s the same one that’s used in the popular Torrentshell. The difference is the thinner 20-denier 100% recycled nylon face fabric the Storm Racer uses, as opposed to the 50D in the more all-around Torrentshell. This not only helps out breathability (it’s easier to blow through tissue than paper), but it makes the Storm Racer compact enough for race day — packing into its own chest pocket.

Courtney Holder took this shell to New Zealand for a few months of running and adventuring, and while it didn’t conquer everything, the Storm Racer was her choice for any day with high RPMs. Where other rain jackets might have been stuffy, this jacket kept a level head while running through temperate rainforests.

The Storm Racer isn’t quite as lightweight as the Rab Phantom, but we think the added value of going with a 3-layer shell is worth the handful of ounces. The pocket also isn’t anything to write home about and doesn’t fit many modern phones all that well. That said, it’s rare to want to carry much there anyway while running.

You might also consider The North Face Superior for a running shell. Its air-permeable FUTURELIGHT membrane is more breathable than the Storm Racer, but also feels a bit more fragile and is more expensive. For a solid balance of all the running rain jacket concerns, however, the Storm Racer is the choice to make.

I’ve previously been highly impressed by The North Face’s rugged hardshell jackets and its air-permeable FUTURELIGHT membrane, but The North Face Papsura Jacket ($350) is a lightweight cut for fast, technical objectives. At under 8 ounces, this is the new go-to shell for the ski mountaineers and climbers out there.

Eschewing some features certainly played a role in reducing that weight, but it’s really the 7D x 15D 3-layer FUTURELIGHT membrane that’s doing the heavy lifting here. This material feels quite thin in the hand but holds up to liquid or frozen precipitation. Breathability is the big deal on the FUTURELIGHT membrane, however, and it impressed in this jacket.

Ski touring may be one of the sweatiest endeavours to test a shell, and that’s what I did in the Papsura, traversing the backcountry surrounding Mt. Baker in Washington State. On uphill grinds in sunny weather this spring, I kept the zips up on this jacket, where it held out longer than any other I tested against it. There’s a limit for everything, and when the sun started beaming, even this jacket tapped out and needed to be shed, but it handled the sweat better than any other shell.

Papsura’s feature set is purposefully limited, and you won’t see adjustable hem or wrist closures. The hood is also minimal, but it makes up for it where it counts. Namely, in being helmet-compatible and using elastic on the sides of the aperture to keep visibility up but weight down.

Thankfully for the climbers, there’s a sewn-in carabiner loop inside the storage pocket for clipping to a harness. I’ve previously leaned on the Patagonia Storm10 or Black Diamond Fineline for an on-route rain jacket, but the Papsura now owns the space in my closet.

The downside of this material is that this jacket can be a bit noisy when active, which I found out while ski touring. The crinkle isn’t overt, though — it’s noticeable only if you’re listening for it. Waterproofing is also another consideration in a shell that has gone all-in on breathability, and I’d pivot to a more durable jacket if I had to spend multiple days in the Papsura under poor weather.

At 8 ounces, though, I’m willing to get away with the Papsura Jacket whenever I can. If you need a protective rain shell that balances a light weight with an uber-breathable membrane, this is the ticket.

At $190 for a 3-layer rain jacket, the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L aims squarely at the do-more-for-less shells, and while it’s not quite the bottom dollar value as the Patagonia Torrentshell, you do get a few more niceties for the extra $10 spend.

First, this jacket is cut from REI’s newer 3-layer membrane, HydroWall, which I’ve had good luck with in the 2.5-layer version the Rainier jacket uses. It’s a middle-of-the-road membrane that likely specs out around 20K waterproofing/ 20K breathability (no official numbers are available). It hung in tough with the other 3-layer shells in my shower tests, but below the GORE-TEX jackets.

Where the Torrentshell can be a bit stiff, the XeroCloud uses a stretch fabric that feels nicer to hike and move around in and is quieter, to boot. Like other stretch shells, I did notice a slightly quicker DWR failure over time compared to non-stretch jackets (best to keep refreshing this, anyway). The end of this winter and spring has been wet in the Pacific Northwest, but the XeroCloud performed well on my rainy weekend hikes and while running around town.

The water-resistant front zipper is also a notable upgrade compared to the sometimes annoying flap that covers REI’s more budget shell, the Rainier. For the extra $100 you’ll spend to jump up to the XeroCloud, this zipper, the added waterproof membrane liner, and the chest pocket make it worth jumping up from the budget options.

So how to choose between this and the Torrentshell? If you’re after a 3-layer jacket at the lowest price possible, the Patagonia shell is likely the go-to. That said, the XeroCloud does offer up a few nice upgrades, and at only a $10 difference, it’s safe to say that either is a solid choice in rainwear.

From your morning commute to a coastal deluge, the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket ($400) ticks the boxes for my needs when it comes to a rain jacket that can simply do it all. And freshly updated, the Beta follows in the footsteps of the Beta Lightweight shell and adopts the GORE-TEX ePE membrane, which incorporates zero forever chemicals in its construction.

Arc’teryx’s Beta line of jackets is made for all-around activities, and I can confirm that this jacket will just about do most of it. Utilizing a high-power GORE-TEX 3-layer ePE membrane and a durable face fabric, this is the shell for serious outdoors folk who need absolute protection, no matter the price. My own testing has taken the Arc’teryx Beta to places that other rain jackets shudder to dream of. Through it all, this jacket came out ready for more.

The Beta certainly isn’t cheap. At its premium price point, it’s better thought of as a long-term investment piece that’ll be around far into the future. But at a 28,000mm waterproof rating, know that you’ll be protected from the rain for the long haul.

During testing around British Columbia’s Squamish, I came to greatly appreciate this heightened waterproofing, as well as the trim fit that worked equally well cutting through downtown as it did getting up close and personal with a few waterfalls.

One downside of the über-waterproof fabric is the distinct crinkle of fabric on fabric, which can become a drone on repetitive missions like ski touring. And since this is the lower end of the Beta line, this jacket does without pit-zips. If some added mechanical ventilation is high on your list, check out the Beta AR ($600).

One benefit of the buy-once-cry-once ethos is getting access to brands that are pushing innovation. Arc’teryx works closely with GORE-TEX to produce leading-edge fabric technologies, and if the leading edge is where you spend most of your time, the Beta is up to the task. It’s probably one of the better rain jackets money can buy today, without stepping up to something more mountain-savvy like a hardshell jacket.

An update to the Downpour Plus 2.0 Jacket that I’ve reviewed previously, the new Rab Downpour Light ($180) version pivots to an in-house Proflex 2.5L membrane and, in the process, weighs half as much. This quick-paced shell is best suited for those going light and fast on their adventures.

While the Downpour Plus 2.0 weighed 13 ounces, the new Light came in under 8 in the men’s medium I tested this spring. This makes the jacket a little bit less of an all-arounder, but there are good weight savings if you’re trying to keep your bag weight low and don’t need the maximum protection. I tested this shell on trail runs and longer backpacking trips recently, where the lighter weight could be appreciated, and found it performed well.

While not quite as breathable as the Montbell Versalite, the Proflex does vent perspiration well up to a point. The real loss is the missing pit zips on the Downpour Light, and mechanical venting is limited. In practice, this means you’ll start to feel clammy on the inside if you really get sweating. Thankfully, I found that wearing a long-sleeved top or Alpha90 fleece underneath goes a long way in eliminating the feeling.

Otherwise, I enjoyed the extended wrist cuffs on the arms of the Downpour Light (which kept my watches covered while I hiked) and the YKK AquaGuard zippers, which, while not perfect, are very good at keeping dripping water at bay. There are a few stumbles, such as the sometimes difficult-to-manage left-hand zipper and the trimmer fit, which didn’t jive with all of the other hikers I lent the jacket to.

That said, I think the Downpour Light is a great alternative to the Patagonia Storm Racer, which is more than $100 north of this jacket. For the extra bill, you do get a 3-layer membrane in the Storm Racer, and it’s even half an ounce lighter. If those half ounces matter to you, go for the best, but I think the Downpour Light does a solid job for the money.

Rab has been producing high-quality outdoor gear out of Britain for decades now, and the Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Jacket ($310) is no exception. With an unrivaled stretch and impressive breathability numbers, backpacking guide Ian Atkinson reports that this shell feels more like a softshell than a rain jacket.

Designed for use in the alpine while mountaineering or rock climbing, the Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is one of the comfiest rain jackets he’s ever had the pleasure of wearing. With the feel of a softshell, Rab’s proprietary ProFlex fabric manages to be both breathable and durable.

A 2-way YKK Aquaguard front zip provides easy access to your harness and equipment, adjustable Velcro cuffs accommodate gloves of all sizes, and the hood is helmet-compatible without feeling too bulky. 

The Kinetic Alpine 2.0 shines in environments where you’d want your waterproof layer to double as a wind jacket and where durability is key. During a stormy ridge scramble in Arizona, Ian managed to stick himself with two jumping cholla cactus pods and was surprised at the end of the day to not be able to find where the needles penetrated the fabric!

On the flipside, the 10,000 mm hydrostatic waterproof rating is one of the lowest in our rain jacket buyer’s guide, so Ian wouldn’t recommend this jacket for multi-day downpours or heavy snow like we would with the Arc’teryx Beta or the Outdoor Research Foray II. He was also disappointed that there are no pit zips, so mechanical ventilation is limited to the front 2-way zipper. 

Overall, the Kinetic Alpine 2.0 makes a great addition to the closet for the desert hiker, mountaineer, or climber looking for a 2-in-1 waterproof layer that feels and acts like a softshell. 

Having gone through several revisions over 12 years, it’s easy to say that the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket ($170) has staying power and continues to get better. This weight-conscious shell tips the scales at a scant 6.3 ounces and still manages to avoid leaving too many features on the cutting room floor.

While I’ve used the previous generation of Helium extensively (I carried it on over 2,000+ miles of thru-hiking), the newest iteration pushes the needle even further with the addition of a new version of Pertex Shield membrane with Diamond Fuse technology. Instead of increasing the denier for strength, this weave utilizes diamond-shaped yarns that interlock with one another to bulk up the tear resistance.

OR claims this adds up to a 5x more tear-resistant jacket over its predecessor, and while I haven’t dove into the brambles to prove it, a strong tug across the fabric does yield a more confidence-inspiring feel. During a recent trip to Joshua Tree National Park, the Helium jacket performed admirably when pressed against the sharp granite boulders of the desert.

Other improvements include the single Napoleon pocket on the left chest, which has been enlarged for easier stuffing of the jacket into itself. There is also a hidden key clip to keep your keys close at hand, and YKK water-resistant zips on both the main and pocket zips.

Compared to its contemporaries, the Outdoor Research Helium is sort of a middle ground between The North Face Papsura and the Montbell Versalite. The former offers higher breathability (and a higher price), while the latter boasts more features and better livability, all at the same weight.

As with many Pertex Shield jackets, I found that breathability wasn’t quite what I’d like to see and that the slick interior can feel clammy once you’ve pushed the jacket past the brink.

Choosing between the three will mean weighing your goals and going with the best fit, but for any discerning thru-hiker, alpine climber, or trail runner, the Helium rain jacket can easily make the grade.

The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket ($230) takes the phrase moves with you to heart, incorporating a four-way stretch across the entire jacket that not only makes pulling the move easier, but it also does so quietly and with a super soft hand.

Billed as a front-to-backcountry do-it-all shell, this jacket oozes movement and adds a nice amount of stretch to Mountain Hardwear’s 2.5L Dry.Q waterproof membrane. The membrane itself specs out at a respectable 10,000 mm waterproofing and 10,000 g/m² breathability, and in a live-fire environment, I found the Stretch Ozonic to be ideal for lighter precip environments where motion is king, such as trail running, scrambling, or bumping around the city.

Taken to the bench, the Stretch Ozonic did wilt a bit faster than jackets with higher waterproofing counts, and in my shower tests, while wearing a backpack, the areas beneath the pack straps began to wet out before the time was up. This is a known issue for stretch shells and is why the jacket finds itself below the fold in my recommendations.

As a surprise, one of my favorite features of this jacket is hidden away: mesh-lined pockets. In terms of easy methods to add physical venting to a jacket, mesh is high on the list (I’m surprised more jackets don’t incorporate this). There will be a slight durability ding with using a lighter material, but I’ve yet to see it pan out that way in my experience.

The hood of the Stretch Ozonic is fairly standard, with a single drawcord adjustment at the rear of the head to keep it out of your eyes. No wire-stiffened brim here, but I did enjoy the soft microfleece chin guard for when the rain really let loose and I had to retreat inside the hood.

As with many stretch-infused jackets, you’ll need to keep up on the DWR treatments, as this is an area of tradeoff for the impressive flexibility of the membrane. But for when the occasional storm brews up, this jacket certainly will make the cut for folks who want a shell that will flow with them.

A solid blend of packability, stretch, weight, and value, the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch ($180) provides a good option for traveling and daily getaways. This jacket is functionally the same as the previous StormLine Stretch, and available at below $200, it’s a reasonable option from a trusted brand.

Underarm gussets pair with four-way stretch to allow greater freedom of motion, while Black Diamond’s proprietary BD.dry membrane seals out the elements. The StormLine packs into its own pocket and has adjustable cuffs, and also has a climbing helmet-compatible hood. Plus, the jacket weighs just 11.3 ounces, which means you’ll hardly register that it’s hanging from your climbing harness or stashed away in your pack.

While this shell sits great parked on the back of a harness, it isn’t the jacket you want to spend all day camped out in. During an unexpected rain shower halfway up a wall in the Cascades, I found the Fineline to give up the ghost where it was pressed against my harnesses and the environment — something I replicated in my bench tests. It’ll still keep you warm — arguably the more important part when moving quickly — but there’ll be some wringing to do when you’re done.

While not the best suited for layering, the Fineline Stretch will do just fine as a jacket to hedge your bets against a middling forecast. The more climbing-oriented among us more often reach for the 3-layer protection of the Arc’teryx Beta — and recommend you do, too, if you’ve got the dough.