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HomeHiking10 Finest Rain Jackets of 2024 with Ultralight Choices

10 Finest Rain Jackets of 2024 with Ultralight Choices


A backpacker wearing the Rab Kinetic 2.0 Rain Jacket
Rab Kinetic 2.0 – Photograph Credit score: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)

In case you’re in search of the very best rain jacket to suit your wants, you’ve come to the precise place. Our group of seasoned backpackers and devoted gear buffs has been analyzing rain jackets for years.

However we don’t simply examine specs – we analysis and check dozens of jackets out on path to see how they carry out in actual world circumstances. It may be tough to search out the proper rain jacket with so many choices on the market. So we put our many years of data and expertise to good use to slim down this checklist of the perfect rain jackets.

Our prime aim is to get you to the knowledge you want so you can also make an knowledgeable buy and get outdoors. In case you’ll be in actually moist circumstances, we advocate having a look at our checklist of the greatest rain pants accessible. And if chilly days and nights are within the forecast, you’ll positively need to layer up with one among our prime fleece jackets or down jackets.

Fast Picks for Rain Jackets

Take a look at this fast checklist of our favourite rain jackets, or proceed scrolling to see our full checklist with in-depth opinions.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Finest rain jacket total

Value: $179

Weight: 14.1 oz.

Professionals

  • Inexpensive
  • Sturdy
  • Excessive-quality development
  • Pockets
  • Pit-zips

Cons

  • A bit heavy/cumbersome for backcountry journeys

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (Males’s / Ladies’s) is one among our all-time favourite rain jackets as a result of it’s inexpensive, sturdy, and has a fantastic match. Whereas it’s not as light-weight and compressible as some, we’ve used it extensively on backpacking journeys once we anticipated stormy circumstances. Its laminated triple-layer development is very protecting in sustained rain and the jacket nonetheless feels light-weight in your physique. As a result of it’s so versatile and such an superior worth, the Torrentshell is the primary rain jacket we advocate for all-around use.

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic

Most snug rain jacket

Value: $230

Weight: 10.5 oz.

Professionals

  • Snug (stretchy)
  • Quiet
  • Pockets
  • Pit-zips

Cons

  • Hood is not as adjustable as some

If consolation is a prime precedence, you’ll love the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket (Males’s / Ladies’s). The stretch material is gentle to the contact and provides the jacket a relaxed, unrestricted really feel that’s simple to maneuver in. We additionally love how quiet the fabric is – you’ll be able to truly hear with the hood up! The Ozonic has all the important thing components we search for in a rain jacket – hand pockets, pit-zips, and low weight – so it’s nice for nearly any exercise. Greater than something, we attain for the Ozonic due to its excellent consolation.

Montbell Versalite

Finest ultralight rain jacket

Value: $249

Weight: 6.4 oz.

Professionals

  • Ultralight
  • Extremely packable
  • Pit-zips
  • Hip belt-compatible pockets

Cons

  • Ultralight supplies are usually much less sturdy
  • Slim match is not for everybody

The Montbell Versalite (Males’s / Ladies’s) rapidly grew to become our favourite rain jacket for ultralight adventures as a result of it’s extremely light-weight, however doesn’t compromise on necessities like hand pockets and pit zips. Like most ultralight gear, the Versalite is made with skinny supplies, so that you’ll need to be a bit extra cautious with it than you’d a burlier jacket. That stated, we’ve been utilizing it for years with out situation, and the burden financial savings makes it probably the greatest decisions on the market for actions like climbing and backpacking. The Versalite has a really aggressive worth for a premium ultralight jacket and we extremely advocate it to anybody in search of methods to chop pack weight.

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch

Light-weight & inexpensive rain jacket

Value: $170

Weight: 11.3 oz.

Professionals

  • Inexpensive
  • Light-weight
  • Extremely packable
  • Excessive-quality development
  • Pockets
  • Pit-zips
  • A number of colours to select from

Cons

  • Excessive collar & helmet suitable hood is not for everybody

The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch jacket (Males’s / Ladies’s) hits the nail on the pinnacle with a fantastic stability of every part – inexpensive worth, top quality development, and helpful options. We love that it’s sturdy sufficient for on a regular basis put on, however nonetheless light-weight sufficient to make use of for backcountry journeys. This jacket additionally has loads of changes to customise the match, and simply sufficient stretch to make it unnoticeable when reaching or transferring. General, it’s a extremely practical and engaging jacket. Due to the considerate design and the inexpensive worth level, we discover the Stormline to be one of the well-rounded rain jackets available on the market.

REI Rainier

Finest funds rain jacket

Value: $100

Weight: 13 oz.

Professionals

  • Inexpensive
  • Light-weight
  • Pockets
  • Pit-zips

Cons

  • Much less sturdy than others
  • Flap as a substitute of waterproof zipper

The REI Rainier rain jacket (Males’s / Ladies’s) has lengthy been a favourite within the trade as a result of it’s inexpensive, well-designed, and it has a fantastic stability of weight and climate safety. We’ve used the Rainier for hundreds of miles on the path and it’s carried out very properly, particularly for the value.

The Marmot PreCip (Males’s / Ladies’s) is sort of an identical to the Rainier. Each are nice funds jackets, however we barely desire the Rainier for its broad availability and an enormous array of colour decisions.

REI XeroDry GTX

Finest worth rain jacket

Value: $179

Weight: 12.7 oz.

Professionals

  • Inexpensive
  • Sturdy
  • Snug
  • Simple to layer

In case you’re in search of a jacket with a fantastic stability of affordability and high quality, the REI XeroDry GTX (Males’s / Ladies’s) is a strong choice. It prices a bit greater than a few of our extra primary picks, however the supplies really feel extra sturdy and cozy towards the pores and skin. The XeroDry can also be much less fitted than some jackets, so it’s extra snug and flattering for many who desire a relaxed match or need a bit further room to accommodate insulation layers. In case you don’t thoughts the shortage of pit zips and also you need a fantastic worth for on a regular basis put on, the XeroDry is hard to beat.

Out of doors Analysis Helium

Most inexpensive ultralight rain jacket

Value: $170

Weight: 6.3 oz.

Professionals

  • Inexpensive
  • Ultralight
  • Extremely packable

Cons

  • Much less sturdy than others
  • No pit zips
  • No hand pockets (males’s)
  • Runs a bit small – measurement as much as accommodate layers

The Out of doors Analysis Helium (Males’s / Ladies’s) is among the most inexpensive ultralight rain jackets available on the market. Enhancements to the design have given the jacket a extra streamlined match, higher waterproofing, and higher sturdiness. The one draw back is that the boys’s model doesn’t have hand pockets, however that is simply remedied by bringing waterproof gloves on chilly, moist journeys. Ultralight gear may be costly, and when you might have so much to purchase, it’s essential to make each greenback depend. The Helium does simply that – it’s easy however high-quality, and a very good worth. Take a look at our full evaluation of the Helium Jacket and Pants.

Arc’teryx Beta AR

Most protecting rain jacket

Value: $600

Weight: 16 oz.

Professionals

  • Sturdy
  • Finest-quality supplies
  • Distinctive match
  • Pockets
  • Pit-zips
  • Prime-notch hood design

Cons

  • Very costly
  • Heavier/bulkier than some
  • Slim match is not for everybody

In case you’re in search of a technical jacket that may stand as much as the trials of on a regular basis put on and blasting storms, the Arc’teryx Beta AR (Males’s / Ladies’s) is the jacket you need. It has an extremely dialed-in match and materials that feels impenetrable but in addition strikes with you. The Beta isn’t the lightest choice, nevertheless it’s the jacket we belief most in extreme rain and snow circumstances. A number of of our favourite options are the excessive collar, exact hood changes, and broad visor that maintain even probably the most sideways rain at bay. There’s little question that this jacket is spendy, however the Beta is definitely worth the funding for many who want a rain jacket that may final for years of exhausting use.

Zpacks Vertice

Extremely breathable ultralight jacket

Value: MSRP: $299

Weight: 5.9 oz.

Professionals

  • Ultralight
  • Breathable
  • Extremely packable
  • Match accommodates layers properly
  • Wonderful protection

Cons

  • Costly
  • Much less sturdy then some
  • Hood works greatest with a hat

The Zpacks Vertice (Males’s / Ladies’s) is among the lightest rain jackets accessible. This featherweight shell gives glorious protection, is extremely breathable, and is surprisingly sturdy for the way gentle it’s. The Vertice is lengthy sufficient to cowl your bum, which is handy when taking breaks on moist rocks or logs. It additionally means the seat of your shorts or pants isn’t bearing the brunt of the runoff out of your jacket, so that you’ll keep a bit hotter when it’s moist out. It’s additionally one of the breathable jackets on our checklist, so it received’t trigger you to overheat instantly when backpacking. The Vertice is on the spendy facet, however in order for you the very best stability of low weight and glorious protection – this jacket is difficult to beat. Take a look at our full evaluation of the Zpacks Vertice right here.

Rab Kinetic 2.0

Tender & snug rain jacket

Value: $250

Weight: 11.8 oz.

Professionals

  • Snug (stretchy)
  • Quiet
  • Breathable
  • Light-weight
  • Flattering match

Cons

  • A bit expersive
  • No pit zips
  • Few changes
  • Slime match is not for everybody
  • Runs a bit small – measurement as much as accommodate cumbersome layers

The Rab Kinetic 2.0 (Males’s / Ladies’s) is among the most snug and quiet rain jackets we’ve ever worn. It feels extra like a softshell jacket than a standard rain shell because of the stretch material, so that you would possibly end up sporting it even when it isn’t raining. The Kinetic Plus isn’t probably the most technical jacket on our checklist because it lacks hood and hem changes, however we just like the simplicity of the design and it has a comfortable, flattering match. The Kinetic Plus is nice for instances once you want a bit heat and wind safety whilst you’re lively in mildly wet circumstances.

A day hiker wearing the Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket
Patagonia Torrentshell 3LPhotograph Credit score: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

What’s Most Necessary to You in a Rain Jacket?

PRICE

In case you spend plenty of time outdoor in moist circumstances, paying a bit extra for a rain jacket with an superior match and high-quality supplies may be properly value the price. That stated, there are many funds jackets that will even maintain you dry and cozy. We advocate jackets at quite a lot of worth factors to go well with each funds.

Finest high-end rain jackets

COMFORT

You don’t need to accept an uncomfortable limiting or plasticky-feeling rain jacket. There are many nice choices which are designed with match, motion, and next-to-skin consolation in thoughts.

Most snug rain jackets

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

It’s a good suggestion to hold a rain jacket even when the climate appears clear, particularly when venturing into distant areas. In additional fair-weather circumstances, an ultralight jacket that hardly takes up any room in your pack is all you must present emergency safety. If the forecast requires sustained rain and also you’ll seemingly be sporting your jacket for almost all of a visit, a light-mid weight jacket may be definitely worth the added weight for a bit extra assurance.

Finest ultralight rain jackets

Finest light-weight rain jackets

Finest midweight rain jackets

DURABILITY

Ultralight rain jackets are superior once you need to maintain weight to a minimal, simply needless to say light-weight materials have a tendency to wear down faster. Sturdiness, consolation, and bomb-proof climate safety could also be extra essential than weight financial savings for on a regular basis put on or for those who plan to get into significantly rugged terrain.

Most sturdy rain jackets

BREATHABILITY

Many rain jackets promote that they’ve bought the newest most “breathable” vapor barrier available on the market, however the fact is, you’ll get scorching and sweaty for those who do vigorous train in any of them. We search for rain jackets with vents and pit zips once we desire a surefire method to keep cool when on the go.

Finest rain jackets with pit zips

Essential Rain Jacket Concerns

NUMBER OF LAYERS

The variety of layers in a jacket determines how waterproof and breathable it will likely be.

2-layer jackets are the most typical and inexpensive they usually’re sometimes constructed with a Sturdy Water Repellent-coated (DWR) outer shell and a breathable liner (normally mesh)

2.5-layer jackets are sometimes the lightest and are made with the identical DWR-coated outer. The interior layer of a 2.5-layer jacket is a skinny polyurethane laminate or coating meant to maintain sweat and grime from clogging the breathable pores of the jacket from the within

3-layer jackets are the simplest they usually incorporate the entire above – they’ve a DWR-coated outer shell, a breathable and waterproof mid-layer, after which a polyurethane lining for the innermost layer.

PIT ZIPS

It’s at all times good to have the choice for extra airflow. Zippered openings on the armpits, aka pit zips, are nice for letting extra warmth escape for those who get too heat whereas climbing uphill or being lively.

CONDENSATION

In case you’re sporting a rain jacket on a chilly, wet day, condensation will seemingly type on the within material. This leads many individuals to suppose that their rain gear is failing regardless that it’s nonetheless waterproof and doing its job. In case you really feel wetness forming inside your jacket, don’t fear an excessive amount of about it and maintain truckin’. It’ll seemingly evaporate with physique warmth so long as you’re sporting applicable wicking layers beneath. So long as you’re transferring, you’ll nonetheless be comparatively dry and cozy.

Arc’teryx Beta AR – Photograph Credit score: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

How To Keep Cool & Dry In A Rain Jacket

Getting scorching and sweating once you’re working exhausting in a rain jacket is inevitable.

  • Begin chilly – Solely sporting a light-weight wool or artificial t-shirt or base layer prime beneath your rain jacket for those who count on to hike quick or uphill immediately
  • Ventilate – Dump warmth via the pit zips, backside hem, wrist cuffs, and entrance zipper
  • Decelerate – Moderating your tempo will sluggish your coronary heart charge
  • Drink water – Staying hydrated and ingesting chilly water will cool you from the inside-out
  • Shed layers – Take off your hat and gloves
  • Use rain pants – Stable waterproof clothes methods incorporate high quality rain pants
  • Waterproof footwear – Select waterproof climbing boots (Males / Ladies), climbing footwear (Males / Ladies), or rain boots (Males / Ladies) to maintain your toes dry
  • Umbrella – Think about using a climbing umbrella along with an ultralight rain jacket

Honorable Mentions

The next rain jackets didn’t make our ultimate checklist, however they’ve nonetheless bought plenty of good issues going for them. You by no means know, one among these jackets is perhaps excellent for you:



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