8 Rain Jackets That Will Keep You Dry and Stand the Test of Time

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IF YOU WANT to see how durable your rain jacket truly is, take it for a spin in New York City in April. Nothing compares to the gauntlet of concrete jungle thunderstorms, muggy subway rides, and the occasional splashback from a speeding car while minding your business on the sidewalk. That’s what our editors have been doing for the last five years, testing over 40 different garments to find the best rain jackets for men that are functional and style-forward.

Best Rain Jackets for Men

Below we’re breaking down the latest top-tested rain jackets that have earned high marks. You’ll find fishtail parks that reach down and shield your quads from rain to ultra-light packable jackets destined for summer travels, to all-black commute-ready pieces that slide over polos and oxford shirts like butter. Here are 8 of the best rain jackets to buy—for any time of year—from top brands such as Arc’teryx, Cotopaxi, Patagonia and more.

What To Consider

Waterproof

As you search for the best rain jackets, you should be able to distinguish between those that are waterproof versus options deemed water-resistant. Waterproof jackets are designed to completely repel water and keep you dry in the midst of heavy downpour or prolonged exposure to moisture. In contrast, water-resistant items shed water to a certain degree, providing protection against light rain or splashes. The latter may eventually allow water to penetrate under stronger conditions.

Materials

Check the quality of construction to ensure the rain jacket is comfortable, durable and long-lasting. Materials such as Gore-Tex, nylon and polyester excel at repelling water, but their effectiveness at blocking moisture from jackets can also restrict airflow and trap heat, resulting in a lack of breathability. To address this issue, some jackets incorporate ventilated panels to enhance relief as you wear them for extended periods. Brands like Arc’teryx and Columbia are highly regarded for strategic placement of such features throughout their garments.

Packability

Consider whether you need a rain jacket that is lightweight and packable for easy storage and portability. Look for options that can be folded or rolled for convenient carrying in a backpack or suitcase. Some styles feature innovative designs that allow them to be balled up and packed away into one of its pockets, perfect for minimalists and for those who like to travel light.

Features

Look for reinforced seams or seam-taped zippers, which work to keep water out of your pockets. Another essential feature is zippered ventilation panels that are usually positioned at the back or underneath the armpit to offer an excellent sense of airflow. Some styles include reflective accents to catch the attention of passing cars, ensuring nighttime visibility while walking—a crucial aspect, especially in New York City.

How We Selected

For the past five years, Men's Health fashion editors and writers have been trying and testing hundreds of men's rain jackets. To narrow down our favorites, we scored each rain jacket based on its comfort, design, value, and, of course, its ability to bat away water. So, without further ado, keep reading to see the best rain jackets for men to wear during any season.

Fishtail Parka

A list of the best rain jackets is not complete without Rains. After all, the Denmark-based rainwear lifestyle brand is known for producing waterproof designs that spans apparel, bags and other accessories. Enter its Fishtail Parka.

We love this garment for reasons beyond waterproof protection. The jacket is quintessential New York with an all-black look and thigh-length cut. It’s also one of our absolute favorites because it has enhanced coverage, blocking rain from wetting your quads and backside, which is huge for anyone who has ever been caught walking in the rain for more than 10 minutes.

Some rain jackets can feel too warm and clammy against the skin if they lack proper ventilation. But that’s not the scenario here, thanks to its back yoke that offers cooling airflow. Not to mention, our testers were able to wear formal attire underneath without feeling too stuffy. Don’t get us wrong, this jacket isn’t just for city-slickers. If you’re down for a rainy trail walk, this is never a bad option to throw on. We can bet the handwarmer pockets and drawstring hood with a cap brim will come in handy for your hike.

Read More: Best Spring Jackets

Helium Rain Jacket

Outdoor Research rain jackets have a cult following for a reason. Take The Helium for example. It’s constructed with Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric—a durable, woven layered material that provides waterproof protection from the elements while remaining highly breathable.

Thanks to its self-stowing design, we’ve been able to pack it down into its zippered chest pocket, which doubles as a tiny triangular-shaped sack. And since the jacket doesn’t take up too much room, you can keep it on hand at your office desk or stowed away in your work backpack. During our backcountry journey in the rain, we found it has a lightweight feel, but is also thoughtfully designed material to keep our layers underneath from being soaked.

Waterproof Full-Zip Rain Jacket

In true Lululemon fashion, the athleisure brand produces a rain jacket that merges both form and fashion. Its full-zip offering is made of waterproof Glyde fabric, which works double duty to repel rain on the outer layer and wick away moisture from the inner surface. The smooth texture also reduces friction, allowing for easy movement and extra comfort during activities like hiking, running or cycling in drizzly weather.

We appreciate that the jacket maintains comfort over extended periods of time without feeling stiff, even in the clammy environment of a subway station. Plus, there’s underarm vents to enhance airflow if you start to get too hot. In terms of form, it’s a chameleon. It’s stylish enough for wearing over a polo at dinner, and can also double as a windbreaker for crisp days spent outdoors.

Beta Jacket

Arc'teryx outerwear is meant to last a lifetime, and the Beta Jacket is no exception. Built with durable seam taping and waterproof Gore-Tex fabric, this piece has a 80D denier rating, meaning it has some of the strongest, abrasion-resistant build one can find. It’s also worth noting that the regular fit delivers breathable protection and falls away from your body with enough room for layering.

Although its premium price tag may seem intimidating, the jacket’s ability to handle some serious outdoor activity makes it a worthy investment. Among the jackets we evaluated, this number emerged as the top choice for hikers and runners because the fabric stretched and facilitated fluid movement. But perhaps if you simply prefer it for style, rocking it casually will have you looking as fly as Harry Styles.

Inner Limits III Jacket

Getting a top-notch rain jacket doesn't always mean emptying your entire wallet. In fact, this budget-friendly option from Columbia offers the same, if not more, durability and protection as the expensive options on this list. After all, it features an air-permeable membrane, fully sealed seams and Omni-Tech fabric, which hinders water from leaking through the tiny needle holes created during the garment's construction.

The reason why the price is much cheaper is not because of its ability to repel rain; in fact, it’s phenomenal at keeping wearers dry. Instead, expect a sacrifice in breathability and flexibility, as these features become more prominent the more expensive you go.

Cielo Rain Jacket

Stylish, yet designed with utility in mind, Cotopaxi's Cielo Rain Jacket is a hip-length piece you can throw on over your outfit at a moment's notice. Suitable for everyday wear, it’s easy to sport as you’re heading to the office or enjoying an outdoor festival.

This jacket offers the same bells and whistles as Patagonia’s design; it’s just slightly heavier. Though our testers claimed it fell short in heavy rain conditions, allowing small amounts of water to penetrate and dampen their underlayers. On the bright side, this model does supply enough weather protection on days of brief, light drizzles.

Boulder Fork Rain Jacket

If you want something minimalistic and lowkey that doesn’t let water slip between the cracks, consider Patagonia’s offering. We’ve worn it countless times over the years for our camping and hiking excursions. That’s because the jacket’s three-layer construction incorporates all the essentials: a waterproof membrane, performance standard fabric, and a durable water-repellent finish.

To be honest, this piece has everything you need in a hardcore outdoors jacket while still being style-forward. From anti-corrosive zippers to watertight pockets, it’s made to last a long time. Another plus is the hood comes with a laminated visor that accommodates a ton of headwear. As for packability, we were able to roll the jacket up and stash it in our compact carry-on luggage.

Summit Chamlang FUTURELIGHT Jacket

Tipping the scale at more than a pound, this midweight alpine jacket provides functionality beyond waterproof capabilities. For starters, The North Face’s slim-fit design minimizes bulk and allows unrestricted movement for activities such as climbing, mountain hiking, and even skiing. Plus, the shoulder seams were removed, so you can easily wear a pack without chafing.

While it may not be the ultimate windproof solution, the body is detailed with smooth nylon fabric and AquaGuard zippers. The latter is known for their heightened durability over conventional zippers, offering enhanced protection against rain, snow and moisture. Another bonus: the jacket has stretchy underarm vents that will help you cool down.

Difference Between a Daily Rain Jacket and a Hiking Rain Jacket

Every guy has—or should have—a daily rain jacket they turn to when the weather is nasty outside. And depending on where you live some of us need a daily rain jacket more than others. The easiest way to distinguish these types of jackets is by examining the overall durability of the jacket and testing how easy it is to throw on with your casual outfits. A daily rain jacket is also typically sturdier, thicker, and more durable because it's been designed with versatile environments in mind. It's true you can wear a daily rain jacket for hiking, but keep in mind this is a garment made for general purpose use. A good one way to think about the two types of rain jackets is by comparing them to what it would be like wearing a walking shoe while hiking versus a hiking boot.

A hiking jacket is typically going to be lighter and more packable. They're also usually more expensive, as the materials used are special blends of fabric made to bat away moisture and not weigh you down. It's entirely possible you could wear a hiking jacket for daily wear, but if you care about comfort then a daily rain jacket will appeal more to your liking. Hiking jackets are made for a specific use, and their tech fabrics can sometimes be too over-the-top for something as simple as wearing them to work or walking your dog.

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