21 Best Waterproof Jackets of 2023

The most affordable option out of the bunch, Columbia Watertight II Jacket does not only carry a reputable brand name but is also a popular choice among many. No wonder – this lightweight waterproof jacket comprises two layers and a mesh film. Not too shabby for an adult jacket of this price, right? Its level of comfort allows you to wear it on a rainy day while running errands and, if feeling spontaneous, on a hike in the mountains.

The price/quality ratio of this jacket is unbeatable – you cannot go wrong with it if you are on a hunt for a simple yet functional rain jacket. Although it might not be the best choice for activities consuming a lot of energy or time, it is definitely suitable for yard work and everyday walks.

The Arcadia II is a value-laden rain jacket for women. It’ll withstand both drizzles and heavy downpours without breaking the bank. Carry this packable model on your hikes or use it for everyday activities.

Its efficient blend of waterproofness and breathability may not be top-notch, but it’s decent enough to protect you while keeping you comfy. Some might not enjoy its performance, but you get more than what you paid for those who find it a good choice.

Let’s dive into what you can expect from this Columbia rain jacket.

The Marmot Minimalist is a rain jacket for men that features an impressive waterproof system that doubles as a windbreaker. On top of that, breathability is something that you’ll definitely find in this windbreaker jacket. There’s a balance between that breathability and the eventual saturation in heavy or torrential rains. But the Marmot rain jacket hits a pretty sweet spot to suit all kinds of outdoor activities and sports, ranging from trekking and climbing to jogging and riding a bicycle.

It can function quite adequately as a shell–not necessarily for skiing–but certainly as a means to add or subtract an outer layer during physical, outdoor activities. The hood with drawstring also has a proven value for cycling in the rainy climate of the northwestern US.

Recent years have seen the emergence of a category of lightweight, flexible rain shells and windbreakers. These specialty outer layers pack down to palm-sized bundles, and can reasonably be depended upon to block out light wind and rain while on the go.

The JWP Shell is a bit of a niche offering in this regard, straddling both fashion and technical markets, while really lessening the environmental impact of its production.

Though it shares aspects and qualities with an ultralight windbreaker, it’s reimagined for hopping between urban centers via rail rather than traversing ridgelines on climber’s trails. That’s not to say you should leave it at home for your next hike- impressively waterproof and notably packable, this shell can double as a tough, travelable trail tog in a pinch.

The leading jacket on the budget-friendly market is the lightweight and ecological Marmot PreCip Jacket. No wonder – the price tag is below $100, water-resistance is on point, and basic features are included. All of this calls for high ratings from those living a healthy lifestyle while biking, hiking and backpacking. You’ll love it too – there’s no way you wouldn’t.

Being constantly updated, this waterproof jacket keeps getting better and, as a result, more popular among backpackers as much as everyday wearers. It offers every single feature you would ever need in a jacket of this kind in addition to supporting the green movement. A jacket that protects you from heavy rainfalls while also contributing to their existence with leaving no waste? Sounds like a win-win scenario.

A fully lined kids’ rain jacket is definitely a step in the right direction, according to the Hatley Boys’ Splash Jacket. Your little one is guaranteed to look stylish and feel dry at the same time in this piece of waterproof outerwear. Regardless of what Mother Nature has in store on any particular day, your child will be protected throughout the entire day.

A fun and functional piece for your child’s wardrobe could not get any better than this. This waterproof jacket will surely become his best friend in a matter of seconds as soon as it is put on. The almost rubber-like fabric offers top-level protection against the stormiest weather – don’t forget to bring it with you when stepping out of the house.

A classic in its kind, the name of Regatta Kids Pack-It Waterproof Jacket speaks for itself. It is indeed waterproof, lightweight, and perfect on-the-go. Shove it into your child’s backpack or store it on your car’s backseat for that quick grab. Either way, your child will be putting this functional piece of outerwear on before you even think about it.

Not being the fanciest waterproof jacket on the market, this low-maintenance jacket is still a great seasonal piece that will not break your bank. When combined with rain boots, this duo will work well together to keep your child dry and happy. Isn’t that the ideal option for a busy mom?

As the price goes up, the features multiply as well. This Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket can easily become an everyday staple in anyone’s wardrobe thanks to its versatility. Breathability? Check. Water and wind protection? Check. Greatest hood design on the market? Check. In addition, this jacket can be freely categorized as sustainable, which is another checkbox. Layer it and bring it with you when hiking; or use it as a ski jacket and you will not be disappointed.

The clean design combined with a sound performance certainly make this waterproof jacket stand out in the crowd. Lightweight fabric and functional extra features add up to sufficient protection against heavy rains and powerful winds when embarking on another backpacking adventure. All in all, Patagonia is known for its exceptional design, and this jacket is living proof.

In times when the weather is questionable but the hike is agreed on, Black Diamond StormLine Jacket ought to be stored in your backpack. This lightweight, windproof and waterproof unit has a four-way stretch design along with underarm gussets that lets you climb and reach with no movement restrictions. And if the rain appears on the horizon, the built-in hood with space for a helmet will protect you from getting drenched.

This jacket’s versatility is envied by its competitors for obvious reasons. It’s well-equipped for riding on a motorbike in Vietnam as much as walking a dog when it’s pouring. Besides, the BD.Dry material is proven to be durable too – dozens of washes do not change its performance abilities whatsoever. If you are still considering to invest in a multipurpose jacket, it might be a good idea to give this one by Black Diamond a try.

This multipurpose Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket could be a great addition to your waterproof wardrobe. Providing superior protection when hiking or when used as a ski jacket, it is breathable enough to let you enjoy your adventures for lengthy trips. A unique feature comprising two zips along the sides allows you to take a break from a long hike in the newly transformed poncho-style outerwear. Get your sporty spirit ready and conquer those high mountains with this mighty jacket!

To sum it up, the jacket is a gold find for someone looking for a long-lasting piece with plenty of know-how elements. With that being said, if you are more old-school and are not ready to get acquainted with never-seen-before features like transformative zippers, feel free to skip it. Its characteristic of being nimble will definitely come in handy for those willing to go the extra mile to be on track with the latest innovations.

Scoring the highest in the rank of blocking the wind and withstanding harsh weather conditions, The North Face Apex Flex GTX 3.0 Jacket is by far the most expensive choice out there. The price, however, is well-justified – the soft interior combined with the professional exterior makes it the comfiest jacket on the market. Plenty of added features like a fully adjustable hood, pit zips, and Velcro cuffs put the jacket in the category of that perfect everyday rain jacket.

Up there in price, this waterproof jacket is an investment one chooses to make when comfort is highly valued. Made from the softest fabrics, it is designed to fit every curve of your body and make your rainy day trip memorable. Besides, the adjustable elements make the jacket fast and easy to use on the go – exactly what is needed when the weather is on the nasty spectrum.

With their water-resistance, breathability, and general comfort you can find a use for a good softshell jacket in most any sport or season. They’re known for their adaptability and baseline utility, with wide applications ranging from the dog park to overnight expeditions.

Jack Wolfskin’s Go Hike Softshell, keeping with their more urbane approach to outdoor apparel, is a sleek and serviceable while retaining the resilience necessary in outdoor technical wear. While it feels more metropolitan than rugged, the Go Hike Softshell nevertheless has merit as a crossover jacket you can take almost anywhere.

Frogg Toggs makes the cheapest rain suit that actually works really well.

While this pants and jacket combo is very waterproof, it doesn’t breathe well and it doesn’t pack down as small as more expensive rain gear.

Nor does it have many features to speak of, beyond a toggle here and a velcro strap there.

But after more than a year of testing, it does stand up to steady use in different conditions–biking, hiking and walking in cold, fall showers–and there are some redeeming qualities in the shape of this rain suit.

A packable rain jacket doesn’t have to dig holes in your pockets. The budget friendly Avoogue Women’s Raincoat continues to sell well because of its compactness and price.

Luckily, it does a pretty good job–for the most part–at what it’s supposed to as well

It’s a pretty straightforward piece of raingear that can be best described as straight fitting (no bagginess) on your way of movement. But of course, there are bargains like most affordable products.

It’s not a totally waterproof workhorse, it should be noted. 

It is not for you if you’re looking for a waterproof jacket for technical and harsh conditions. This packable rain jacket from Avoogue is ideal for short exposures to light/moderate rain only.

It’s also a solution for suddenly getting caught in the rain on your daily commute.

The most lightweight jacket out there deserves a spot on our list of the best waterproof jackets available on today’s market.

This minimalistic gem is not new and has managed to earn a good reputation for being an essential piece in every climber/hiker/biker’s wardrobe. Although it does not involve any ground-breaking features, its basic set of water-resistant characteristics is more than enough for an enjoyable adventure. Besides, there is absolutely no reason to leave it behind considering how trave-friendly it is.

In case you are on a hunt for that easy-to-grab waterproof jacket that is also paper-thin – this Helium II Jacket is your best choice. Best suited for light activities like short hikes and bike rides, it can easily be attached to your gear and forgotten about. Surely, this jacket does not excel in terms of longevity, superb ventilation, and extreme breathability, but those valuing light feel will appreciate it.

What differentiates this Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow Jacket from other waterproof jackets is its unique feature – stretchiness (a feature more commonly found in windbreakers than in waterproof jackets). This add-on contributes to the overall level of comfort, a crucial factor for everyday wearers and hikers alike. Don’t be alarmed by its price – the amplitude of details like watertight pit zips, dual-adjust drawcord hem, and a chest pocket with a carabiner clip-in loop will bring substantial value to you. And it’s recyclable, hooray!

With an outstanding skin-like material that stretches to the wearer’s body shape, this Patagonia jacket is truly one of a kind. The company made sure to include every imaginable and non-imaginable feature, thus making it near-perfect. Wear it on a rainy day on a commute to work or on a trail around Lake Tahoe – there’s no occasion this jacket wouldn’t come in handy.

Are you willing to invest in a piece that would feel luxurious in every aspect? Then this REI Co-op Drypoint GTX Jacket is for you. It incorporates the latest waterproof technologies and ventilation, while also making you look like a million bucks. The abundance of features like core zips, mesh-lined pockets, and fully taped seams serve as a visual representation of that perfect waterproof jacket hikers often envision in their heads. The only negative comment we can make is its price. But hey, it will last you a lifetime, so it is definitely a worthy investment.

With making your choice in favor of this premium-feel jacket, you most likely won’t be let down. Designed according to the latest trends, it does not cease to amaze bikers and hikers across the world. This hybrid is not only versatile but it also will last you a long time with proper care. If you consider yourself an avid backpacker/hiker or simply someone enjoying wearing a high-end waterproof jacket on a daily basis, this piece will prove its worth to you over time.

One of the priciest options, Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket is an entire package: it is lightweight, packable, has a 40-denier shell against stormy weather, and is soft to the touch. Do not let its sleek design fool you – it is as tough as the thicker and bulkier jackets out there. Its many upscale attributes make it practical for both adventure-seekers and everyday wearers. Basically, if the budget allows and the purchase is justified, you could get plenty of use out of it.

Having its own pros and cons, this waterproof jacket has its fair share of fans. Whether you decide to go on a hike or walk your dog in the foggy morning, this user-friendly jacket will be your friend. Besides having a set of basic and not-so-basic features, you will certainly stand out in the crowd with its stylish design. The choice is ultimately yours.

The cheapest yet functional option on the kids’ jackets market is presented by the Mountain Warehouse Pakka Kids Waterproof Rain Jacket. This unit combines all the essential characteristics a waterproof jacket ought to have – lightweight, breathable and packable. On top of that, it has lots of pockets – your child has plenty of space to fill with his favorite toys.

The brand has been developing outdoor gear since 1997 and has managed to earn a good reputation. This waterproof jacket for kids is evidence. Made from thin but tough material to keep your child dry during those rainy days, it cannot perform any better at the given price.

A straight takedown from the Women’s waterproof jacket, this Columbia Girl’s Switchback Rain Jacket offers a versatile shielding against nasty weather at a good price. Just like the Mountain Warehouse one, it features a packable hood that comes in handy more often than not. Besides, this version has built-in back ventilation – what a pleasant surprise – you won’t hear your kid complaining about being hot!

It is easy to allow your kid to splash in the puddles with this vibrant waterproof jacket. Not only will it keep your girl dry, but it will also provide additional safety thanks to the reflective detail. This jacket is indeed a life-savior for young explorers for whom rain and wind are not an obstacle.

Constructed to be worn in a variety of activities in the open air, Helly Hansen JR Seven J Rain Jacket is your child’s ultimate rain buddy. It is equipped with quick-dry lining, side pockets with zippers and a storm flap for an additional barrier. Not even the roughest weather will stand in the way of your kid’s anticipation to play outside!

This clean and classic waterproof jacket is a great find for those looking for a minimalistic piece with plenty of functional details. Although the price can bite at first, the wear your child will get out of it will prove its worth over time. Equally suitable for urban life and hiking/camping, this jacket will come in handy at all times.

Scandinavian brands know it best when it comes to designing waterproof outerwear. This ultrafunctional Polarn O.Pyret Waterproof Shell Jacket made from warm windproof fabric is not an exception. A highly qualitative piece of clothing will quickly become your child’s go-to option when getting ready for school in the morning – that we can promise.

This seemingly perfect rain jacket is a worthy investment for those living in wet and chilly climates. It includes every little feature your child will ever need from breathable and flexible fabric to zippered pockets and a fleece layer. You can even throw it in a washing machine from time to time thanks to its exceptional durability.