Best Rain Jackets for Hiking
Stay dry on the trail with our top picks for waterproof, breathable rain jackets that won't weigh you down.
Top Rain Jackets for Hiking
A good rain jacket is non-negotiable. The difference between a soggy mess and a comfortable hike comes down to your outer layer. Here are the best rain jackets that balance waterproofing, breathability, weight, and durability.
Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket
Price: Around $450 | Weight: 13.8 oz | Best for: Serious backpackers and mountaineers
Arc’teryx’s Beta LT is the gold standard for technical hiking. The 3-layer Gore-Tex membrane sheds water while maintaining excellent breathability. The articulated patterning reduces bulk in the pack. You get pit zips for emergency ventilation. The helmet-compatible hood fits over most climbing helmets, making this versatile across conditions.
Specs:
- 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric (not Gore-Tex Pro)
- Taped seams, waterproof zippers
- Pit zips for venting
- Weighs 13.8 oz
- Temperature range: All seasons
REI Co-op Trailmade Rain Jacket
Price: Around $70 | Weight: 14.2 oz | Best for: Budget-conscious hikers who don’t want to sacrifice too much
REI’s house brand punches above its price point. You get a 2-layer waterproof shell with critical seams sealed (hood, shoulders, tops of sleeves). The packable design stuffs into its own pocket, perfect for day hikes. Not as bombproof as premium options, but this jacket delivers solid protection for light to moderate rain without the designer markup.
Specs:
- 2-layer waterproof polyester shell
- Critical seams sealed (not fully seam-sealed)
- DWR coating
- Drop-tail hem coverage
- Regular and tall sizing options
Trade-off: Critical seam sealing means heavy rain can leak through unsealed stitching. Great for day hikes, questionable for extended downpours.
Outdoor Research Foray II Jacket
Price: Around $225 | Weight: 11 oz | Best for: Backpackers who need reliability without excessive weight
The Foray II uses 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite for waterproofing. At 11 oz, it’s lighter than most competitors. Some ultralight hikers swear by this for multi-week trips. The TorsoFlo venting system unzips nearly the entire side of the jacket from hem to bicep for rapid heat dump.
Specs:
- Weighs 11 oz
- 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite
- TorsoFlo full-side venting
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Packs small for day trips
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Price: Around $179 | Weight: 13.7 oz | Best for: All-around hikers who want durability and sustainability
Patagonia’s Torrentshell is the everyman’s rain jacket. Not the lightest, not the fanciest, but it works reliably season after season. The company’s commitment to durability means this jacket lasts through decades of hiking. The 3-layer H2No Performance Standard fabric hits 20,000mm waterproofness.
Specs:
- 3-layer H2No Performance Standard fabric
- DWR coating (no PFAS)
- Pit zips for temperature management
- Made with recycled materials
- Lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects
Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Price: Around $185 | Weight: 11.8 oz | Best for: Alpine and winter hiking where layering matters
The Alpine Start is an ultralight softshell, not a Gore-Tex jacket. It uses Schoeller stretch-woven fabric for breathability and packability. This is more breathable than Black Diamond’s Gore-Tex options, but it’s not a hardshell rain jacket. Think of it as a wind-resistant layer with water resistance, not full waterproofing.
Specs:
- Schoeller stretch-woven fabric (not Gore-Tex)
- Ultralight softshell construction
- Hooded design for alpine protection
- Climbing helmet compatible
- Available in men’s and women’s cuts
Trade-off: Not a substitute for a real rain jacket in heavy rain. Better for fast-and-light alpine missions where breathability matters more than total waterproofing.
What to Look For in a Hiking Rain Jacket
Waterproof Rating: Look for at least 10,000mm for day hikes, 15,000mm+ for backpacking trips. The number indicates how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before leaking.
Breathability: Measured in MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate). Higher numbers mean better moisture escape. Essential for active hiking where you’ll sweat even in rain.
Seam Sealing: Taped or sealed seams are mandatory. Without them, water seeps through stitching holes. Check that the manufacturer seals all seams, not just critical areas.
Weight: Every ounce counts on long hikes. Even a pound difference affects fatigue over 10+ miles.
Packability: A jacket that stuffs into its own pocket saves precious pack space for day hikes.
Final Recommendation
If you’re buying just one rain jacket, get the REI Trailmade if you’re budget-conscious, or the Arc’teryx Beta LT if money isn’t the limiting factor. Both will serve you reliably on trails for years. The Beta LT handles everything from desert storms to alpine mountaineering, while the Trailmade covers most hiking scenarios at a fraction of the cost.
A rain jacket should feel like a second skin. Visit a REI or outdoor retailer to try on different brands. Fit varies significantly, and comfort matters more than any spec sheet.