You know what they say: When it rains, it pours. It’s true in love and it’s even truer on the trail. A good waterproof jacket is not only essential for keeping you comfortable and dry, but is the best defence against hypothermia. In this article, we provide the low-down on this year’s best rain shells based on their level of weather-resistance, packability, breathability, and price.

For its outstanding success in all these categories, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket is our pick for best waterproof jacket. Besides its lightweight and stylish design, waterproof face fabric, and breathability, the Torrentshell shines for its versatilityfrom light drizzles to torrential downpours, from commuting to backcountry hiking.

Best Overall Waterproof Jacket

Patagonia takes the win with their beloved classic, the Torrentshell. This time for its Torrentshell 3 Layer Jacket, a breathable, packable hardshell perfect for hiking. This is a jacket that emphasises cross-functional versatility with special attention to weather-resistant materials. More broadly, the Torrentshell product family prioritises comfort and efficiency for hiking and trekking in nasty weather.

The jacket is built with 3-layer H2No Performance Standard technology, making it both weather-proof and durable. It features a two-way adjustable hood, laminated visor, and pit-zips. With a weight of just 11.7 ounces (women’s) and 14.6 ounces (men’s), the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a great piece of kit for day hikers, ultralighters, and thru-hikers alike.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Waterproof
  • Flexible

Cons

  • For general not specific use cases
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Brand Name | Product Type

Patagonia takes the win with their beloved classic, the Torrentshell. This time for its Torrentshell 3 Layer Jacket, a breathable, packable hardshell perfect for hiking. This is a jacket that emphasises cross-functional versatility with special attention to weather-resistant materials. More broadly, the Torrentshell product family prioritises comfort and efficiency for hiking and trekking in nasty weather.

The jacket is built with 3-layer H2No Performance Standard technology, making it both weather-proof and durable. It features a two-way adjustable hood, laminated visor, and pit-zips. With a weight of just 11.7 ounces (women’s) and 14.6 ounces (men’s), the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a great piece of kit for day hikers, ultralighters, and thru-hikers alike.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Waterproof
  • Flexible

Cons

  • For general not specific use cases

Best Runner-Up Waterproof Jacket

In second-place, we have The North Face Antora jacket. This is the perfect waterproof jacket to keep in your bag, as it’s both packable and lightweight. The relaxed fit allows for layering so you can pair it with a midlayer shell to stay warm and dry without restricting mobility. A Stormflap over the front zipper adds extra protection while biking or running.

The Antora offers significant bang for your buck; however, the lower price point translates to a reduction in functionality. That’s not a bad thing: the Antora makes an excellent urban companion, especially for those on a budget. The other advantage is that it’s unbelievably lightweight and packable.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Packable
  • Ultralight
  • Waterproof
  • Breathable
  • Price

Cons

  • No pit zips
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Best Budget Waterproof Jacket

Though slated as the best budget rain jacket option, Columbia’s Watertight II and Acadia II jackets are much more than just an affordable coat.

This is a lightweight, breathable, packable hardshell that holds up in wet and windy conditions. It features a sleek design and comes in a tasteful array of muted colours. 

The Acadia face fabric is a recycled and durable, 100% Nylon 2L Full Dull plain weave. It features zippered hand pockets, an adjustable hood, hem, and cuffs to fine-tune your heat retention. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a well-designed shell that won’t break the bank.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Price
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Packable
  • Good details

Cons

  • Not ideal for backcountry use
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Best Urban Waterproof Jacket

Form meets function with the stylish Unisex Jacket from Rains. The jacket is built entirely from the brand's signature blend of polyurethane and polyester, while the seams are ultrasonically welded for maximum protection.

Snap closures are a nice touch, and the adjustable hood with cap function combines well with the ventilation under the storm shield. 

The verdict? Comfortable, durable, water-repellent, and stylish. The Jacket by Rains is a legit hardshell that doubles as a wardrobe staple for the fashion-conscious on a melancholy day.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Classically dapper
  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Weather-Resistant

Cons

  • Not ideal for outdoor activities
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Best Lightweight Waterproof Jacket

Marmot takes the win for best lightweight hardshell with their 13 oz Minimalist Jacket. Not only is this one of the lightest and most packable hardshells on the market, it’s also dependably waterproof and durable thanks to its GORE-TEX face fabric.

Seam-sealing and a DWR coating are just par for the course for a jacket of this calibre. Meanwhile, the adjustable drawcord and Velcro cuffs give you some level of flexibility when it comes to fit and protection.

Last but not least, zippered chest and hand pockets keep your essentials secured and dry when you’re on the go.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Waterproof
  • Breathable
  • Stylish

Cons

  • Price
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Best Packable Waterproof Jacket

The no-frills Namche Paclite Jacket by Rab is the perfect just-in-case hardshell. It stuffs into its own pocket and can be shoved into a tiny corner in your backpack. Compact and lightweight, this breathable rain shell is a convenient carry-anywhere piece.

The Namche is built with 75D recycled GORE TEX PACLITE 2.5L. That means 2.5 layers of waterproof and breathable construction, treated with a DWR finish for good measure. It features a peaked and adjustable hood with roll-down closure, as well as adjustable waist and cuffs. 

Bottom line: If you value essentialist vibes, whether in the city or on the trail, the Namche is for you.

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Pros

  • Very packable
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Waterproof
  • Minimalist design

Cons

  • Price
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Best Hardshell Jacket for Hiking

Unsurprisingly, Marmot makes a second appearance on this year’s list of best hardshells. This time for its PreCip Eco Jacket—a breathable, packable hardshell perfect for hiking.

This is a jacket that emphasises cross-functional versatility with special attention to weather-resistant materials. The NanoPro Eco recycled nylon ripstop ensures a waterproof and ecologically-sound garment for treks or commutes that demand durable protection.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Waterproof
  • Flexible

Cons

  • Will need a mid-layer
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Best Running Hardshell Jacket

British brand Rab has built a reputation as a leader in outdoor sporting gear. In Europe, they remain at the very top of the industry. The Borealis Jacket rain shell carries on the tradition of manufacturing high-quality goods. 

A good running shell needs to be breathable, thin, and weather-resistant. To accomplish this, Rab designed the Borealis series with a lightweight Matrix single weave construction made with 2-way stretch and DWR. The under-helmet hood and Slim Fit shape mean the fit is snug, with little room for layering. 

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Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Flexible
  • Breathable
  • Waterproof
  • Durable

Cons

  • Snug
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DISCOVER WHAT MAKES A HARDSHELL A HARDSHELL

Knowledge is power. Learn about the most effective waterproof-breathable technologies on the market today.
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BEST GORE TEX JACKETS

We’ve seen some of the best hardshells based on specific use cases. But before we move on, let’s slide down another relevant rabbit role—the best rain jackets built with a GORE TEX outer layer. Here are our top 5 GORE TEX rain jackets.

WHAT IS GORE-TEX?

GORE-TEX is an extremely porous membrane (9 billion pores per square inch, nothing less) and impressively waterproof. It is said to be “breathable” because it allows water vapour to escape without allowing liquids to penetrate in the opposite direction.

Particularly durable, this membrane is found in a host of technical clothing, including many models of waterproof coats.

NORRØNA

A specialist in alpine expeditions of all kinds, the Norwegian brand Norrøna brings a new approach to outdoor innovation. The Lofoten GORE TEX Insulated Jacket is a finely crafted classic whose design has been perfected over the years.

For mountain outings off the beaten path—when the sky is grey and temperatures uncertain—the Lofoten excels. Reinforced areas, climbing harness compatible pockets, waterproof zippers, and GORE-TEX taped seams, this is an unequivocally waterproof and breathable rain jacket for any rugged adventure.

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BLACK DIAMOND

Waterproof, lightweight and extremely compact, Black Diamond's Liquid Point GTX Shell is made for the mountain. Equipped with numerous pockets, sealed seams, and a helmet-compatible hood, it is particularly practical and functional.

Hiking, skiing or climbing, the Liquid Point GTX will suit all your alpine activities across a variety of weather conditions.

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PATAGONIA

The Triolet Jacket from Patagonia is a shell that likes being in the rain. Lighter than most hard shells, it remains a breathable and flexible jacket that makes it easy for you to practise your favourite outdoor activitieseven when the rain is falling.

The GORE-TEX 3L membrane on the Triolet jacket makes it waterproof, windproof, and extremely breathable. Features a climbing helmet compatible hood.

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MAMMUT

With its range of durable membranes to choose from, Mammut's Convey Tour Hardshell goes for GORE-TEX PACLITE to offer all the weatherproof benefits with the advantage of being ultra-packable.

The lightweight shell fits easily into your daypack, but when nature takes a turn for the worst, it makes it easy for you to quickly pull it out and take shelter within its breathable water- and windproof embrace.

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RAB

The classic and updated Kangri GORE TEX Jacket from RAB is a serious contender in the waterproof hardshell category. Featuring a GORE-TEX 3L, waterproof, 70D face fabric, the Kangri is virtually indestructible.

What’s more, the latest model is made of 100% recycled materials to help reduce its environmental impact.

Both windproof and waterproof, the Kangri is ideal for those who love to trek through hills and scramble over mountains. It boasts a fully adjustable hood that keeps you sheltered without impairing visibility. Meanwhile, reflective branding ensures you’re always visible, too.

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How to find the best waterproof jacket

Outdoor enthusiast or not, when it starts to rain, you want to stay dry. With the number of technical terms used to describe clothing, it can be overwhelming to find exactly what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick guide on how to find the best rain jacket for your needs.

Materials and Technical Terms

Water-resistant fabrics are coated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that stands up to light rain for short periods. Materials like nylon and polyester that have been sprayed with a water-resistant treatment aren’t 100% waterproof and will eventually soak through.

Waterproof, on the other hand, means no water will penetrate. Waterproof fabrics can withstand constant, heavy precipitation while keeping the inside completely dry. Some of the more common waterproof membranes used on products include GORE-TEX, FUTURELIGHT, eVent, Hyvent, and DryQ. Different brands use different technologies.

Waterproof or water-resistant, Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finishes are generally applied as a spray to all rainwear products. They are used to coat the outside fabric, and instead of permeating, the water will bead and roll right off the garment.

Activities and Layers

The first thing to consider when looking for a waterproof hardshell jacket is how you plan on using it. The best option for you won’t necessarily be the most expensive one—it’s a question of needs.

Looking for a standard rain jacket, or more of a technical hardshell? Is it for running errands around the city, or do you plan on bringing it on your weekend expedition through the Adirondacks?

Once you’ve figured out its intended use cases, the next thing you want to consider is the number of layers: 2-layer, 2.5-layer and 3-layer. The three options will always include a laminate and a coating or membrane. The 3-layer construction will often feature an additional fabric or textile for added durability.

2-Layer Hardshell Jackets

Urban and travel style waterproof jackets will often feature 2-layers. They’re more reasonably priced and perfect for getting around town – however, they don’t generally have armpit ventilation, so they’re not ideal for high-intensity activities. 

2.5-Layer Hardshell Jackets

2.5-layer waterproof jackets are better equipped for high-intensity activities. They often feature pit zips for added ventilation, and are more lightweight and packable than 3-layer jackets.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for something in between basic and heavy-duty, 2.5-layer hardshell jackets are a great place to start.

3-Layer Hardshell Jackets

3-layer waterproof jackets are highly technical and more expensive. These jackets are made heavier and more durable in order to withstand the most rugged conditions.

The most commonly known membrane is GORE-TEX; however, some brands have come up with their own proprietary technologies to battle wind and rain, including eVent, Hyvent, and Dry.Q.

If you like spending time outside, squaring off against the elements, then a 3-layer hardshell jacket won’t disappoint.

Technical Features

Hood Size

There’s nothing worse than constantly having to readjust your hardshell jacket. Whether it’s for climbing, cycling or skiing, you want to find a jacket with a hood that fits a helmet and has toggles to secure it. Less time playing with your hood means more time playing in the woods.

Pockets

Pockets are a key feature to consider when shopping for a new waterproof jacket. If you’re backpacking, jackets equipped with an easy-access chest pocket are handy. This allows you to easily grab your map or GPS on the go.

More pockets are great on technical excursions, but if you’re looking for a simple rain jacket to wear around town, something with fewer pockets might be a better and more packable option.

Taped Seams & Laminated Zippers

Most technical waterproof hardshell jackets will have taped seams and laminated zippers to help keep the rain out. Conversely, standard rain jackets often feature taped seams but no laminated zippers.

In most cases, storm flaps will be used to protect the zipper from direct exposure to water. Laminated zippers always have a cover at the top. This cover is called a zipper garage or a zipper hut and is meant to keep the zipper protected from the elements.

Wrist Closures & Drawcords

Wrist closures and drawcords can increase breathability or contain warmth on windy days. The ability to taper the waist and wrists keeps the jacket more streamlined and avoids getting the fabric caught on anything.

Armpit Vents

Jackets equipped with zippered armpit vents are ideal for light to high-intensity activities thanks to their excellent ventilation. When the rain forces you to keep your jacket on, the armpit vents work to moderate the amount of airflow coming in, so that sweat dries faster.

On humid, rainy days or during strenuous activity, good air circulation is key to staying comfortable.

Ultralight & Packable

Ultralight hardshells provide you with a light and packable layer to protect against rainy weather. These rain jackets combine lightweight, effective protection with the convenience of packability. They keep you dry and don’t add extra ounces when it’s time to layer it or pack it for a weekend trip.

Making Sure Your Rain Jacket Fits Right

Having well-fitted gear is crucial when it comes to performance. If you’re up in the mountains, you want to make sure your rain jacket can comfortably accommodate layers without being too large.

When trying on a waterproof hardshell jacket, put the hood on and zip it up. The zipper should go up easily, and if you drop your head forward the collar shouldn’t feel tight or restrictive

Moving around in it and reaching for your shoulder blades should not be difficult. Stretch your arms above your head and check how high the jacket rises over your abdomen. A good technical jacket with an athletic fit should not ride up.

Another thing to consider is the length of the sleeves. If they’re too long, they can get in your way; if they’re too short, you’ll have difficulty keeping the cold out.

To test the sleeve length, zip up the jacket then stick your arms straight out in front of you. It should feel comfortable and keep your arms covered to your wrists. Having proper fitting sleeves will eliminate chafing, avoid restriction, and keep body heat from escaping when temps dip.

The Best Waterproof Hardshell Jacket For You

There’s more to a waterproof hardshell jacket than its appearance. As we’ve seen, function and technical features play an important role in keeping you comfortable and dry.

Spending a bit more time and money to find the best waterproof jacket for your needs is worth it. Because, let’s face it—in the midst of a sudden downpour, you’ll be happy to have it. Our choice for the best all-around rain shell is the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L.

Happy trails!