The Best Men's Rain Jackets 2025

If you want a greener everyday rain shell, the Downpour Eco Jacket is a compelling budget option that scored 7.5/10 in our testing. We found the 100% recycled fabric, lightweight packability and a deep hood with a wired peak and multiple toggles make it ideal for commuting and travel. During our review it showed high breathability and good wind resistance, but our experience shows it can wet out in prolonged downpours, the zipper is fiddly, and the pockets are too small for an OS map.

The Whistler Windbreaker is a travel-friendly, 7 oz shell with clever self-healing HiloTech fabric that earned it a middling 6.5/10 in our testing. We found the lightweight packability and DWR finish great for stashing on hikes and urban trips, and the fabric’s friction-heal feature is a neat durability bonus. During our review it became clear this isn’t meant for heavy downpours, color choices are limited, and some users may find the elastic cuffs a bit restrictive during long moves.

The Beta SL Jacket is our top-performing, premium choice and earned a 9/10 in testing for delivering outstanding waterproofing and breathability. During our review it proved impressively lightweight and packable while reliably keeping heavy weather out, which is why it’s the go-to if performance matters most. We found ventilation is excellent overall, but the lack of pit zips could limit airflow during extreme exertion, and the high price means it’s best for serious outdoor users who want long-term protection.

The Helium Rain Jacket is incredibly lightweight and packable—ideal for backpackers—yet it only scored 5.5/10 because of limited breathability and storage. In our testing we appreciated how tiny it packs and how little weight it adds on multi-day hikes, but our experience shows the jacket lacks hand pockets, which cuts into practical storage, and medium breathability can mean moisture buildup on strenuous approaches. It’s a great emergency shell, but not the best choice for high-output days.

The Mountain Hardwear Threshold Jacket scored 7/10 as a versatile three-layer shell that balances protection and usability. During our review the waterproof, breathable fabric and underarm zip vents impressed us for active use, and we liked that it stuffs into its own hand pocket for easy storage. Our experience shows pockets can trap water in heavy rain and some riders may miss a two-way zipper, plus the fit runs a touch narrow in the shoulders, so try it on if you need mobility for layered systems.

In our testing the SuperStrand LT Jacket ranked a middle 6/10 as an ultralight, highly packable piece that works best as a warm mid-layer rather than a standalone shell. We liked how the light insulation adds warmth for cool mornings and the featherweight 12D nylon ripstop makes it travel-friendly, but our experience shows that the thin shell can be prone to tears in rugged use. During our review zipper issues were a recurring complaint, so treat it gently and expect to baby the closure.

In our testing the Alta Vista Jacket scored a modest 6/10 as a lightweight, ventilated option that’s great for runs and casual wear. We appreciated the pit zips and adjustable cuffs and hood for controlling airflow and fit during activity, but our experience shows it’s not reliably waterproof in heavy downpours. The fit can run tight which makes layering difficult for some users, and packing the jacket into its pocket proved fiddly during our review, so it’s best for fair-weather active use.

The Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Jacket scored 6.5/10 in our testing and is a solid mid-range option if you want proven waterproofing without frills. We found the 2-layer, seam-sealed shell stood up well to steady rain and the packable design makes it handy for commuting and travel. During our review the medium breathability performed acceptably, but our experience shows it didn’t keep us warm once temperatures dipped below about 55°F, so layering is necessary for cooler days. For the price it’s a dependable commuter shell, not a cold-weather jacket.

The FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 is an ultra-cheap rain jacket (about $20) that scored 5/10 in our testing — great for emergencies but not heavy use. We found its packability and low weight make it easy to stash in a daypack, yet our experience shows the delicate material tears easily compared with sturdier shells. During our review it ran large, so you may want to size down for a better fit, and low breathability makes it clammy during activity. Consider it a disposable backup rather than a long-term shell.

During our review the Carhartt Storm Defender Jacket earned a steady 6.5/10 for combining reliable waterproofing with decent breathability at a wallet-friendly price. We found its Storm Defender technology effectively keeps rain out while allowing moisture to escape, and it packs into its own pocket for easy storage. Our experience shows the hood’s limited adjustability can let it fall over your eyes and several testers reported it runs small, so plan to size up if you want to layer underneath comfortably.

In our testing the Arc'teryx Beta AR Men’s Jacket scored an impressive 8.5/10 thanks to its outstanding durability and weather protection — the Gore-Tex Pro membrane and burly face fabric really shine in brutal conditions. We found the storm collar thoughtfully designed for comfort, making it a top choice for serious adventurers who prioritize long-term performance. During our review the material felt stiff and a bit crinkly and the cut runs large and baggy for some, and of course the $600 price keeps it out of reach for budget shoppers.

The Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket is our near-top performer — it earned a 9.5/10 for delivering exceptional waterproofing and breathability in a featherweight, packable package. In our testing we found the jacket's lightness makes it effortless to carry on multi-day trips while still keeping storms out, so it’s the pick when weight and protection both matter. During our review the lack of pit zips can limit airflow during intense exertion, and the high price puts it out of reach for some buyers.

The Arc'teryx Solano Jacket feels luxe and whisper-quiet, earning a respectable 7/10 for style and comfort in our testing. We loved how soft and quiet the shell and lining are, and how compact it packs for travel, but our experience shows the silhouette flares at the hem in a way some find shapeless. During our review the elastic cuffs and abundance of hood toggles felt a little cheap or cluttered for the price, so it’s best if you prioritize comfort over a tailored look.

During our review the Boulder Fork Rain Jacket impressed with Patagonia’s H2No Performance 3-layer shell, delivering strong waterproof protection that still breathes better than basic shells. We found it handles sustained rain well and its wind resistance is welcome on exposed trails, but the design lacks pit zips so ventilation suffers during high-output activities. Our experience shows the shorter-than-expected length reduces coverage when sitting or bending, so while it earns solid marks for fabric tech it’s less versatile for multi-day active use.

The Play Anorak (about $160) earned a solid 7/10 in our testing as a versatile, mobility-focused shell built with HELLY TECH® Protection. We found the articulated sleeves plus adjustable hood and hem give a comfortable, secure fit and excellent freedom of movement on wet commutes or light treks. During our review the anorak pullover design is less convenient for quick removal and its limited breathability and lack of insulation mean you'll need layers for high-output or colder days. Treat it as a stylish, weatherproof mid-layer rather than a high-exertion shell.

The Clapton Jacket offers a classic water-repellent nylon canvas look but ranks lower at 5.5/10 for value in wet conditions. In our testing the shell shed light rain thanks to the treated canvas, and it does an honest job at blocking wind, yet our experience shows it’s not waterproof and provides no insulation. It also isn’t packable, so it’s better as a style-forward outer layer for mild drizzle than as a technical all-weather option for colder or prolonged wet days.

Mammut’s Masao Jacket scored 7.5/10 for offering a burly, well-fitting 3L shell that suits larger frames and active use. In our testing the jacket felt rugged, slightly stretchy, and comfortable for a 6'5" frame, and it handled typical conditions while staying reasonably packable. Our experience shows some concerning zipper issues and reports of water seeping through where beads should form, and the fit can be tight in the underarms and chest, so double-check sizing if you plan to layer underneath.

In our testing the Storm Racer Jacket earned its 9/10 rating by marrying elite waterproofing with excellent breathability — its fully waterproof materials and taped seams kept storms at bay while remaining ventilated. We found the unique double zipper design excellent for on-the-move ventilation and for accessing gear worn underneath, and the ultralight, highly packable construction makes it a perfect run-or-trail option. During our review the fit can ride baggier since it’s cut to fit over a vest or small pack, and storage is limited to a single internal chest pocket.

In our testing the Torrentshell 3L earned a strong 8/10 by offering Patagonia’s reliable 3-layer H2No fabric at a price that feels like a genuine value. We found the two-way adjustable hood and Velcro cuffs work well to seal out weather, and the jacket provides confident waterproof protection for long walks and commutes. During our review the fabric was noticeably stiffer and crinklier than some competitors and the jacket is heavier, which affects packability and breathability on high-effort days.

Mammut's Alto Light HS Hooded Jacket is a high-breathability, lightweight shell that scored 8/10 in our testing and is both packable and activity-ready. In our testing the pit zips made a difference during sustained climbs, and the adjustable peaked hood provides better coverage and visibility in driving rain. Our experience shows the jacket's lightness and performance justify the cost for regular outdoor users, though the $219 price and limited color choices may deter casual buyers. Note the single rear hood adjustment can be fiddly when you want a perfect fit.

The Stratoburst Rain Jacket scored 6.5/10 in our testing and stands out for its stretchy fabric that lets you move freely on technical approaches. We found the high breathability and mobility make it excellent for active days, and its packability is handy. During our review the sleeves ran overly long and the oversized cuffs meant our hands felt lost in the openings unless we wore thick gloves, which undercut comfort for everyday use. If you prize mobility, it's a strong pick—but try one on to check sleeve length.

The Carhartt Rain Defender Jacket is an affordable, simple choice that earned a solid 6.5/10 for light-weather use. In our testing the Rain Defender DWR and adjustable hood kept light showers at bay and the jacket packs down easily for day trips. During heavier rain we found the thin construction wets sooner than we’d like and the lightweight design won’t offer much warmth, so it’s best as a commuter or backup shell rather than a heavy-duty rain layer.

The North Face Antora Jacket is an ultralight, packable everyday shell that scored 6/10 in our review for convenience over features. We liked how easily it packed and how unobtrusive it is for daily carry, but during our testing its low breathability and lack of pit zips limited active use. Our experience shows the high pocket placement also makes access awkward, so if you want a simple commuter shell this works—just don’t expect the ventilation or adjustability needed for hard efforts.

In our testing the Portwest Classic Rain Jacket stood out for being inexpensive at about $4; it’s a no-frills waterproof option with taped seams and a pack-away hood that’s handy for commutes. We found the generous fit comfortable for layering, and the water-resistant finish plus wind resistance make it useful for showers. During our review its low breathability (not EN 343 classified) and lack of insulation meant it felt clammy and provided little warmth in colder weather. Treat it as a budget backup shell, not an all-weather performer.

In our testing the Marmot Precip Eco earned a solid 7/10 as a travel-friendly, lightweight rain jacket that packs easily and suits moderate activity. We found the pit zips and mesh-lined pockets noticeably improved ventilation during hikes, while the adjustable hood and cuffs let you dial in protection. During our review we saw breathability limitations that can feel clammy under high exertion, and our experience shows some wear on linings and zippers with heavy use plus DWR that may need reapplication over time.

We found The North Face Venture 2 to be a dependable 7/10 everyday shell that strikes a good balance of breathability and packability for commuting and hiking. The adjustable hood and pit zips plus mesh-lined pockets boosted ventilation in our testing, and the jacket stuffs small for easy carry. During our review it felt thinner than many expected and the hood lacks a stiffened brim that would keep rain off the face, while the low hand-pocket placement is awkward when wearing a pack.

The Columbia Watertight II is a budget-friendly, ultra-packable shell that scored a 6/10 in our testing and retails for $57. We found its lightweight construction and reliable waterproof fabric make it a great commuter or travel backup, and the wind resistance is a nice bonus for blustery days. During our review the lack of pit zips and the clammy mesh lining limited ventilation during high-output use, so it’s not ideal for sweaty hikes. If you want inexpensive, easy-stow protection, it does the job—just plan on layering for longer efforts.

The Portwest Classic Rain Jacket is an ultra-affordable shell (about $29) that we scored 5.5/10 in testing — a basic, functional choice for short commutes or emergency use. In our testing the taped seams and pack-away hood kept showers out, and the vented back yoke plus eyelets provide some airflow. During our review the thin construction felt less substantial than many expect, and the lack of insulation and low breathability left it clammy in humid conditions. Treat it as a cheap backup, not a primary all-weather layer.