Every time I slip on a rain jacket, I give thanks that we no longer have to wrap ourselves in thick, smelly sealskin to stay dry. Advances in weatherproof textiles and apparel design mean that rain jackets today are more comfortable and watertight than ever. But depending on the climate and your level of activity, sorting through different styles, technologies, and waterproof ratings can be confusing.
Every year, I test around 10 to 12 rain jackets through the soggy Pacific Northwest winter. I hike, bike, run, and walk my dog; sometimes I stand in the shower with my clothes on when the weather isn’t cooperating. I also got advice from Amber Williams, a consumer science educator and lecturer in textile science and pattern making at Utah State University’s Outdoor Product Design program. These are our favorite rain jackets.
If you’re tight on cash, check out our guide to the Best Cold Weather Gear for Under $100. Or you can always reapply waterproofing agents to your beloved old jacket.
Updated March 2023: We eliminated older picks and added many more new ones, like the Lululemon Cross Chill. We also added a new section for rain pants and updated links and pricing throughout.
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Best Everyday Rain Jacket
Since the 1960s, most effective modern rainwear has relied upon the use of carcinogenic perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Modern durable water repellents (DWRs) use PFCs in the manufacturing process, which then migrate from your clothing into soil and streams as you tromp around outside.
Today, many companies are trying to manufacture PFC-free DWRs. But I’d argue that if all you need is a regular everyday jacket, you can't go wrong with a classic rubber raincoat. Technical rain jacket manufacturers tend to shy away from polyurethane, because it feels, well, rubbery. But the material is durable, long-lasting, windproof, and waterproof, and it's also PFC-free!
I still really like the Baxter because unlike other classic rubber raincoats I've tried, it feels substantial as the temperatures drop and the wind picks up. The coats are made from RPET, a plastic derived from recycled water bottles. It's not made for climbing or intense activities, but I did go hiking and boating while wearing it. It's not amazingly breathable, but it does have armpit vents, in addition to pockets and an adjustable hood.
★ Alternatives: Many companies make long-lasting polyurethane raincoats. A more affordable, Scandinavian-inspired coat that I have continued to reach for over the years is Rain's waterproof jacket ($125). It is extremely functional, has pockets, and has stayed waterproof for several years. If you would prefer to look a little less like Paddington Bear on your everyday city outings, I also recommend Adidas' Rain.Rdy City Jacket ($260). While our other recommendations are pretty formless, the Rain.Rdy is incredibly stylish, and the women's version cinches at the waist to give you a shape. The big chest pocket is very convenient if you walk or bike a lot with your phone, and it's also made from 60 percent recycled fabric and left undyed for a smaller ecological footprint.
Best Rain Jacket for Running
My requirements for a running rain jacket are much different than for an everyday one. I'm sweating and usually out for an hour or less, so I don't care as much if the jacket is a little more permeable. However, I want it to fit well, not chafe, and have good ventilation so I don't become clammy when I'm working out.
This winter, the jacket I have reached for the most is Lululemon's winter running jacket. The Cross Chill arrived in a blindingly neon wasabi yellow-green with reflective details, perfect for visibility in Portland's gray, wet weather. It's stretchy and skintight, so it doesn't rustle under my arms as I'm running.
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