The 6 Best Men’s Rain Jackets That Are Actually Waterproof, Tested by Us

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Jhett Thompson

People / Jhett Thompson

Rain jackets can be a total bust: They’re often too bulky, unbreathable, or simply not waterproof. We believe a good rain jacket is essential, so we set out to find the best rain jackets for men that willactuallykeep you dry.We tested 17 highly rated rain jackets for men, scoring each jacket on water resistance, breathability, and comfort. We tested the jackets in our PEOPLE Tested lab (yes, we sprayed water on our testers), and we wore the jackets on rainy days over a period of six months.Read on for the best rain jackets, according to our tests.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Marmot Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket at Amazon$115Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Cheaper):Giisam Windproof Waterproof Jacket at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Material:Outdoor Research MicroGravity Jacket at AmazonJump to ReviewMost Versatile:Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket at Patagonia.comJump to ReviewBest Long:Rains Long Jacket at Amazon$63Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Outdoor Research Foray Super Stretch Jacket at AmazonJump to Review

Rain jackets can be a total bust: They’re often too bulky, unbreathable, or simply not waterproof. We believe a good rain jacket is essential, so we set out to find the best rain jackets for men that willactuallykeep you dry.

We tested 17 highly rated rain jackets for men, scoring each jacket on water resistance, breathability, and comfort. We tested the jackets in our PEOPLE Tested lab (yes, we sprayed water on our testers), and we wore the jackets on rainy days over a period of six months.

Read on for the best rain jackets, according to our tests.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Marmot Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket at Amazon$115Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Cheaper):Giisam Windproof Waterproof Jacket at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Material:Outdoor Research MicroGravity Jacket at AmazonJump to ReviewMost Versatile:Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket at Patagonia.comJump to ReviewBest Long:Rains Long Jacket at Amazon$63Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Outdoor Research Foray Super Stretch Jacket at AmazonJump to Review

Best Overall:Marmot Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket at Amazon$115Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Cheaper):Giisam Windproof Waterproof Jacket at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Material:Outdoor Research MicroGravity Jacket at AmazonJump to ReviewMost Versatile:Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket at Patagonia.comJump to ReviewBest Long:Rains Long Jacket at Amazon$63Jump to ReviewBest Investment:Outdoor Research Foray Super Stretch Jacket at AmazonJump to Review

Best Overall:Marmot Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket at Amazon$115Jump to Review

Best Overall:Marmot Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket at Amazon$115

Best Overall:

Best Overall (Cheaper):Giisam Windproof Waterproof Jacket at Amazon$36Jump to Review

Best Overall (Cheaper):Giisam Windproof Waterproof Jacket at Amazon$36

Best Overall (Cheaper):

Best Material:Outdoor Research MicroGravity Jacket at AmazonJump to Review

Best Material:Outdoor Research MicroGravity Jacket at Amazon

Best Material:

Most Versatile:Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket at Patagonia.comJump to Review

Most Versatile:Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket at Patagonia.com

Most Versatile:

Best Long:Rains Long Jacket at Amazon$63Jump to Review

Best Long:Rains Long Jacket at Amazon$63

Best Long:

Best Investment:Outdoor Research Foray Super Stretch Jacket at AmazonJump to Review

Best Investment:Outdoor Research Foray Super Stretch Jacket at Amazon

Best Investment:

Best OverallMarmot Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain JacketPHOTO: Amazon$115 at Amazon$120$115 at ZapposView on Marmot.comStar QualitiesOversized hood keeps your head and face protectedLarge vents in the armpits keep things breathable and comfortablePackable and storable thanks to the extremely lightweight fabricRed FlagsOnly has a drawstring on one side so not the most adjustable fitThe Marmot Precip rain jacket kept us completely dry during testing. Water droplets rolled right off the fabric and we were able to shake off any excess water once we were out of the wet. That means the jacket was almost completely dry within moments and we could fold it up and plop it into a backpack without worry of getting our stuff wet. Our tester loved the oversized hood, which kept their head and face dry. There was some leakage at the neckline which we attribute to accidentally ordering a size too big.Despite the jacket’s waterproof capabilities, it was still remarkably lightweight. The nylon fabric felt soft, almost like cotton, and was super comfortable to wear (in fact, we would even be comfortable jogging in this jacket). We appreciated the ample-sized vents at the armpits, which kept things airy.While there is an adjustable drawstring on one side, we wish there was a second drawstring at the jacket’s edge to further customize the fit. Even with that single nitpick, we found the $90 price reasonable, especially considering that there are much more expensive jackets on the market that are much less comfortable.Material:100% Nylon |Sizes:S-XXXL |Colors:8PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy Kim

Best OverallMarmot Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain JacketPHOTO: Amazon$115 at Amazon$120$115 at ZapposView on Marmot.com

Best OverallMarmot Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket

Best Overall

Marmot Precip Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket

PHOTO: Amazon

$115 at Amazon$120$115 at ZapposView on Marmot.com

Star QualitiesOversized hood keeps your head and face protectedLarge vents in the armpits keep things breathable and comfortablePackable and storable thanks to the extremely lightweight fabricRed FlagsOnly has a drawstring on one side so not the most adjustable fit

Star QualitiesOversized hood keeps your head and face protectedLarge vents in the armpits keep things breathable and comfortablePackable and storable thanks to the extremely lightweight fabric

Oversized hood keeps your head and face protected

Large vents in the armpits keep things breathable and comfortable

Packable and storable thanks to the extremely lightweight fabric

Red FlagsOnly has a drawstring on one side so not the most adjustable fit

Only has a drawstring on one side so not the most adjustable fit

The Marmot Precip rain jacket kept us completely dry during testing. Water droplets rolled right off the fabric and we were able to shake off any excess water once we were out of the wet. That means the jacket was almost completely dry within moments and we could fold it up and plop it into a backpack without worry of getting our stuff wet. Our tester loved the oversized hood, which kept their head and face dry. There was some leakage at the neckline which we attribute to accidentally ordering a size too big.

Despite the jacket’s waterproof capabilities, it was still remarkably lightweight. The nylon fabric felt soft, almost like cotton, and was super comfortable to wear (in fact, we would even be comfortable jogging in this jacket). We appreciated the ample-sized vents at the armpits, which kept things airy.

While there is an adjustable drawstring on one side, we wish there was a second drawstring at the jacket’s edge to further customize the fit. Even with that single nitpick, we found the $90 price reasonable, especially considering that there are much more expensive jackets on the market that are much less comfortable.

Material:100% Nylon |Sizes:S-XXXL |Colors:8

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy Kim

Best Overall (Cheaper)Giisam Windproof Waterproof JacketPHOTO: Amazon$36 at AmazonStar QualitiesLightweight enough to allow full range of motionLayer of mesh on the inside helps retain body heat in chilly temperaturesDrawstrings on either side of the hood allow you to get a customized fit that will keep your head and face dryRed FlagsLack of ventilation could lead to overheating in hotter, humid rainsThe Giisam men’s rain jacket keeps you dry at a fraction of the price of other high-quality rain jackets. During our tests, we found that water beaded off the jacket’s surface, though after a few minutes, a small amount of water tended to absorb into the fabric. Still, no water ever soaked through to the interior and we were left completely dry. Drawstrings on the hood keep it securely drawn over the head even during windy storms.We were shocked at the $50 price tag, since the jacket is well-constructed with hefty fabric, water-resistant zippers, inner mesh for warmth, and a removable hood. This jacket does lack in ventilation, though, so it may get a little hot in humid weather.Material:Polyester |Sizes:S-XXL |Colors:14PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall (Cheaper)Giisam Windproof Waterproof JacketPHOTO: Amazon$36 at Amazon

Best Overall (Cheaper)Giisam Windproof Waterproof Jacket

Best Overall (Cheaper)

Giisam Windproof Waterproof Jacket

$36 at Amazon

Star QualitiesLightweight enough to allow full range of motionLayer of mesh on the inside helps retain body heat in chilly temperaturesDrawstrings on either side of the hood allow you to get a customized fit that will keep your head and face dryRed FlagsLack of ventilation could lead to overheating in hotter, humid rains

Star QualitiesLightweight enough to allow full range of motionLayer of mesh on the inside helps retain body heat in chilly temperaturesDrawstrings on either side of the hood allow you to get a customized fit that will keep your head and face dry

Lightweight enough to allow full range of motion

Layer of mesh on the inside helps retain body heat in chilly temperatures

Drawstrings on either side of the hood allow you to get a customized fit that will keep your head and face dry

Red FlagsLack of ventilation could lead to overheating in hotter, humid rains

Lack of ventilation could lead to overheating in hotter, humid rains

The Giisam men’s rain jacket keeps you dry at a fraction of the price of other high-quality rain jackets. During our tests, we found that water beaded off the jacket’s surface, though after a few minutes, a small amount of water tended to absorb into the fabric. Still, no water ever soaked through to the interior and we were left completely dry. Drawstrings on the hood keep it securely drawn over the head even during windy storms.

We were shocked at the $50 price tag, since the jacket is well-constructed with hefty fabric, water-resistant zippers, inner mesh for warmth, and a removable hood. This jacket does lack in ventilation, though, so it may get a little hot in humid weather.

Material:Polyester |Sizes:S-XXL |Colors:14

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best MaterialOutdoor Research MicroGravity JacketPHOTO: Outdoor ResearchView on Amazon$168 at BackcountryView on Outdoorresearch.comStar QualitiesIdeal for packing or storing in a closet without taking up much spaceRubber seams on the zippers make them watertight and keep the torso, arms, and pockets dryZips up all the way to your nose for extra protection from wind and rainRed FlagsHood’s drawstrings are on the inside of the hood, so you have to unzip the jacket to adjust themOutdoor Research’s rain jacket is simultaneously lightweight, soft, andhighlywaterproof. During our testing, water rolled right off the jacket. When we shook the jacket after wear, it was left completely dry. We also loved how foldable and packable it is, making it great to take on a camping trip and ideal for anybody with limited storage space.Although it doesn’t have obvious air vents, the jacket does have subtle perforations on the seams that keep you cool without letting rain in, which we appreciated. The zipper seams are made of rubber on both the jacket itself and the pockets, which adds an extra level of waterproofing (this lets you keep a phone in your pocket without worrying it will get wet).We loved that the jacket zips up all the way to your nose for extra protection from wind and rain, but the hood drawstrings being on the inside makes them hard to access.Material:100% nylon 20Dx45D ripstop with 100% polyester 30D knit backer |Sizes:S-XXXL |Colors:3PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy Kim

Best MaterialOutdoor Research MicroGravity JacketPHOTO: Outdoor ResearchView on Amazon$168 at BackcountryView on Outdoorresearch.com

Best MaterialOutdoor Research MicroGravity Jacket

Best Material

Outdoor Research MicroGravity Jacket

PHOTO: Outdoor Research

View on Amazon$168 at BackcountryView on Outdoorresearch.com

Star QualitiesIdeal for packing or storing in a closet without taking up much spaceRubber seams on the zippers make them watertight and keep the torso, arms, and pockets dryZips up all the way to your nose for extra protection from wind and rainRed FlagsHood’s drawstrings are on the inside of the hood, so you have to unzip the jacket to adjust them

Star QualitiesIdeal for packing or storing in a closet without taking up much spaceRubber seams on the zippers make them watertight and keep the torso, arms, and pockets dryZips up all the way to your nose for extra protection from wind and rain

Ideal for packing or storing in a closet without taking up much space

Rubber seams on the zippers make them watertight and keep the torso, arms, and pockets dry

Zips up all the way to your nose for extra protection from wind and rain

Red FlagsHood’s drawstrings are on the inside of the hood, so you have to unzip the jacket to adjust them

Hood’s drawstrings are on the inside of the hood, so you have to unzip the jacket to adjust them

Outdoor Research’s rain jacket is simultaneously lightweight, soft, andhighlywaterproof. During our testing, water rolled right off the jacket. When we shook the jacket after wear, it was left completely dry. We also loved how foldable and packable it is, making it great to take on a camping trip and ideal for anybody with limited storage space.

Although it doesn’t have obvious air vents, the jacket does have subtle perforations on the seams that keep you cool without letting rain in, which we appreciated. The zipper seams are made of rubber on both the jacket itself and the pockets, which adds an extra level of waterproofing (this lets you keep a phone in your pocket without worrying it will get wet).

We loved that the jacket zips up all the way to your nose for extra protection from wind and rain, but the hood drawstrings being on the inside makes them hard to access.

Material:100% nylon 20Dx45D ripstop with 100% polyester 30D knit backer |Sizes:S-XXXL |Colors:3

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy Kim

Most VersatilePatagonia Torrentshell 3L JacketPHOTO: REIView on Patagonia.com$125 at REI$179 at BackcountryStar QualitiesFabric has a nice weight that feels high qualityRoomy hood shields your head and faceHand-warmer pockets and zippable armpit ventilation offer warming and cooling optionsRed FlagsElastic pull tabs on the collar tended to pop out of placeIf you live in an area that tends to have unpredictable weather or need something for transitional seasons, this jacket would be a great addition to your closet. It’s a chameleon when it comes to the kinds of weather you can wear it in and it’s airy enough to give you full range of motion. It has features that will keep you warm on a chilly day, like hand-warmer pockets, and zippable vents in the armpits to keep you cool during humid summer rains.While we appreciated the Patagonia rain jacket’s spacious hood, the elastic pull tabs at the collar for adjusting its tightness were surprisingly flimsy. As soon as you set them at the desired tightness and let go they popped out of place. During rain tests we noticed that water tends to get into the collar because of this.Material:3.5 oz. 50-Denier Econyl recycled ripstop nylon/tricot |Sizes:XS-XXXL |Colors:8PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Most VersatilePatagonia Torrentshell 3L JacketPHOTO: REIView on Patagonia.com$125 at REI$179 at Backcountry

Most VersatilePatagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

Most Versatile

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

PHOTO: REI

View on Patagonia.com$125 at REI$179 at Backcountry

Star QualitiesFabric has a nice weight that feels high qualityRoomy hood shields your head and faceHand-warmer pockets and zippable armpit ventilation offer warming and cooling optionsRed FlagsElastic pull tabs on the collar tended to pop out of place

Star QualitiesFabric has a nice weight that feels high qualityRoomy hood shields your head and faceHand-warmer pockets and zippable armpit ventilation offer warming and cooling options

Fabric has a nice weight that feels high quality

Roomy hood shields your head and face

Hand-warmer pockets and zippable armpit ventilation offer warming and cooling options

Red FlagsElastic pull tabs on the collar tended to pop out of place

Elastic pull tabs on the collar tended to pop out of place

If you live in an area that tends to have unpredictable weather or need something for transitional seasons, this jacket would be a great addition to your closet. It’s a chameleon when it comes to the kinds of weather you can wear it in and it’s airy enough to give you full range of motion. It has features that will keep you warm on a chilly day, like hand-warmer pockets, and zippable vents in the armpits to keep you cool during humid summer rains.

While we appreciated the Patagonia rain jacket’s spacious hood, the elastic pull tabs at the collar for adjusting its tightness were surprisingly flimsy. As soon as you set them at the desired tightness and let go they popped out of place. During rain tests we noticed that water tends to get into the collar because of this.

Material:3.5 oz. 50-Denier Econyl recycled ripstop nylon/tricot |Sizes:XS-XXXL |Colors:8

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best LongRains Long JacketPHOTO: Madewell$63 at AmazonView on Rains.com$125 at Bloomingdales

Best LongRains Long Jacket

Best Long

Rains Long Jacket

PHOTO: Madewell

$63 at AmazonView on Rains.com$125 at Bloomingdales

Star QualitiesVents in armpits and back interior keep you cool in humiditySoft rubber fabric feels comfortable and high quality, but still lightweightBrimmed hood offers extra protection from the rainRed FlagsButtons instead of zippers could lead to leakage in heavier rains

Star QualitiesVents in armpits and back interior keep you cool in humiditySoft rubber fabric feels comfortable and high quality, but still lightweightBrimmed hood offers extra protection from the rain

Vents in armpits and back interior keep you cool in humidity

Soft rubber fabric feels comfortable and high quality, but still lightweight

Brimmed hood offers extra protection from the rain

Red FlagsButtons instead of zippers could lead to leakage in heavier rains

Buttons instead of zippers could lead to leakage in heavier rains

While a longer rain jacket allows for extra protection from the rain, you may be worried that it would be easier to overheat in. That’s not the case with this one. Its ventilation and lightweight material keep things breathable despite the extra coverage. Not only does it have ventilation in the armpits but also on the back interior. (Note: Although the jacket is breathable, we’d say it’s still best for cooler weather.)

Water rolls right off the soft, rubbery fabric, and the hood does a good job of shielding the head and face from the rain. We love that the minimalist, lowkey design isn’t as sporty as many rain jackets, making this one great for a variety of settings.

Material:100% polyester with polyurethane coating |Sizes:XS-XXL |Colors:12

Best InvestmentOutdoor Research Foray Super Stretch JacketPHOTO: AmazonView on AmazonView on Outdoorresearch.com$120 at REIStar QualitiesHigh-quality waterproof fabric allowed the fabric itself to stay dryLightweight enough that you can move freely while wearing itLined zippers allow for extra water protectionRed FlagsBrim on the hood collapsed against more intense water exposure, which wouldn’t be ideal in heavier rainstormsWe found that waterproofing comes in different degrees during our tests — and this jacket wasextremelywaterproof. While most jackets we tried were relatively permeable and allowed water to gently bead on the surface, this one completely wicked off all moisture and the fabric itself stayed dry throughout our tests. Even though the fabric is high-performing, it’s still lightweight enough that you can totally move freely in it, even when doing more intense physical activity.While many zippers inevitably allow some water leakage, this one has extra lining that adds another level of waterproofing. A unique feature we noticed is that there are zippable vents all the way up both sides of the torso, which is a big plus for hot and humid weather.During more intense water flow, the hood’s brim started to collapse which allowed water to get in around the neck and collar. This isn’t a huge deal in most weather but could be a problem in heavy storms.Material:Gore-Tex |Sizes:S-XXXL |Colors:4PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy Kim

Best InvestmentOutdoor Research Foray Super Stretch JacketPHOTO: AmazonView on AmazonView on Outdoorresearch.com$120 at REI

Best InvestmentOutdoor Research Foray Super Stretch Jacket

Best Investment

Outdoor Research Foray Super Stretch Jacket

View on AmazonView on Outdoorresearch.com$120 at REI

Star QualitiesHigh-quality waterproof fabric allowed the fabric itself to stay dryLightweight enough that you can move freely while wearing itLined zippers allow for extra water protectionRed FlagsBrim on the hood collapsed against more intense water exposure, which wouldn’t be ideal in heavier rainstorms

Star QualitiesHigh-quality waterproof fabric allowed the fabric itself to stay dryLightweight enough that you can move freely while wearing itLined zippers allow for extra water protection

High-quality waterproof fabric allowed the fabric itself to stay dry

Lightweight enough that you can move freely while wearing it

Lined zippers allow for extra water protection

Red FlagsBrim on the hood collapsed against more intense water exposure, which wouldn’t be ideal in heavier rainstorms

Brim on the hood collapsed against more intense water exposure, which wouldn’t be ideal in heavier rainstorms

We found that waterproofing comes in different degrees during our tests — and this jacket wasextremelywaterproof. While most jackets we tried were relatively permeable and allowed water to gently bead on the surface, this one completely wicked off all moisture and the fabric itself stayed dry throughout our tests. Even though the fabric is high-performing, it’s still lightweight enough that you can totally move freely in it, even when doing more intense physical activity.

While many zippers inevitably allow some water leakage, this one has extra lining that adds another level of waterproofing. A unique feature we noticed is that there are zippable vents all the way up both sides of the torso, which is a big plus for hot and humid weather.

During more intense water flow, the hood’s brim started to collapse which allowed water to get in around the neck and collar. This isn’t a huge deal in most weather but could be a problem in heavy storms.

Material:Gore-Tex |Sizes:S-XXXL |Colors:4

PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy Kim

Other Rain Jackets We Tried

What to Know About Men’s Rain Jackets

Design

Looking at the design of any jacket and determining your non-negotiables — i.e., small design choices you like or dislike — is key for making a purchase that will last. According to Charlie Berg, senior product manager for Outdoor Research, you should pay close attention to the hood in rain jackets. “[It’s good to have] a hood that is nicely adjustable and big enough to wear over a bike helmet, [or not so big] that it doesn’t cover your face.” He recommends trying jackets on before buying or looking closely at product reviews to see what customers say about its fit.

Another thing to think about is the climate you live in. If the area you live in has a lot of humidity, for example, you’ll want a rain jacket that has good ventilation. If you live in a colder area, something with a little more bulk and insulation will save you during cold rain showers. Universally nice features include waterproofed zippers and internal pockets.

Breathability

Moisture and poor ventilation are a volatile duo, which is why picking a breathable rain jacket is key for comfort. If you’re worried about vented rain jackets letting water in, there are lots of options on the market with smart designs that keep this from happening.

“Pit zip vents are the gold standard for venting and comfort, especially a nice big pit vent that goes from your elbow to halfway down your torso,” Berg says, “Open that up, get a bunch of airflow, and you can cool off while maintaining protection from the rain.” Picking a rain jacket with vents that are hidden in the armpits (or even zippable) is a great way to stay dry and cool. We love theMarmot Men’s Rain Jacketfor this reason.

Fit

Depending on the intended use of your rain jacket, whether you’re planning on wearing it to run errands or go on long distance hikes, your desired fit will vary. “Some basic rain jackets might not be sized for layering, so if you want your rain jacket to work when it’s cold, you’re going to want to have a roomier fit so you can fit some warm clothes underneath it,” Berg says, “You also want to ensure that it’s sufficiently long. Some value-priced rain jackets are pretty short, so somebody might buy a value-priced rain jacket and find out that it is shorter than some lightweight insulated jacket that they might want to wear the rain jacket over, which you can do, but it’s not ideal.”  TheRains TM Long Jacketis our favorite long model.

Our editors scouted the web for the best rain jackets on the market and tested 17 different ones from a wide range of brands and prices. In our PEOPLE Tested lab, we put each rain jacket through a variety of tests that mimicked real-life weather exposure. We scored each jacket on the following:

We also wore each jacket outside during rainy days. After six months, we updated this story to reflect that real-world performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both raincoats and rain jackets are usually waterproof, zippable, and come with a hood, but the type of conditions they’re built for are a bit different. While raincoats are more lightweight and designed for protection from lighter rain and moderate outdoor exposure, rain jackets are typically heavier, longer, more durable, and built to protect from more intense showers and wind.

This largely depends on preference and intended use, but anything that isn’t absorbent is ideal. You are most likely to see rain jackets made of synthetic materials like Gore-Tex, eVent, polyester, nylon, or neoprene. If you want something more lightweight, you’ll probably be more comfortable in nylon. If you want something durable and protective against harsh weather, neoprene is a better choice.

To answer this question, it’s important to acknowledge the difference between waterproofand water-resistantjackets. While water resistant jackets can keep you dry to a certain degree they aren’t built for intense water exposure.

Meet Our Expert

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

source: people.com