The 8 Best Rain Jackets for Men of 2025 | Reviewed & Tested

Staying dry in heavy rain is more than just comfort; it is about protection, performance, and confidence when the weather turns harsh. The best rain jackets for men in 2025 are designed to keep you dry without weighing you down, combining waterproof fabrics, breathable membranes, and thoughtful features that make life easier, whether you’re hiking in the mountains, camping in unpredictable weather, or commuting through stormy city streets. For this guide, our team at Outdoor Searcher tested over 50 different rain jackets in real outdoor conditions, from long mountain hikes and forest trails to camping trips and daily use in wet urban environments. Each jacket was evaluated for water resistance, breathability, comfort, durability, weight, and packability. After months of field testing, we narrowed the list to the 8 best-performing jackets of 2025 that deliver the right balance of protection and value.

Some of the top models we tested include the Columbia Glennaker Lake, which stood out as our best overall pick for its dependable waterproofing and affordable price, and the Columbia Watertight II, which offers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers. For style with function, The North Face Antora Waterproof Jacket impressed us, while the Helly Hansen Loke delivered unbeatable features for the price. For high mobility adventures, the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic proved the most breathable and comfortable, while the Marmot PreCip Eco remained a trusted, eco-friendly all-rounder. Minimalists and ultralight hikers will also love the Outdoor Research Helium, while the SWISSWELL Rain Jacket offers a simple, packable option for casual rain protection.

Related: Best Ultralight Rain Jacket

Buy the Best Rain Jackets for Men

When choosing a rain jacket, it is important to focus on a few key factors: weather protection, fit and mobility, ventilation options, fabric construction, weight, packability, and overall purpose. Our top overall pick is the Columbia Glennaker Lake, which offers reliable waterproofing at a fair price with a lightweight design. If you are on a tighter budget, the Columbia Watertight II delivers impressive performance for the cost. For those wanting a modern, everyday shell that blends style and function, the North Face Antora is a strong choice. If you value performance features at a reasonable price, the Helly Hansen Loke is a proven option for high-output activities where stretch and airflow matter; the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic excels. The Marmot PreCip Eco remains a trusted, versatile classic with eco-friendly construction. If ultralight minimalism is your priority, the Outdoor Research Helium is a smart investment, while the SWISSWELL Rain Jacket is perfect for casual users needing an affordable, packable layer for unexpected showers.

1. Best Overall Rain Jacket – Columbia Men’s Glennaker Lake

The Columbia Glennaker Lake is our top overall pick for 2025 because it strikes the perfect balance between reliable rain protection, lightweight design, and affordability. This jacket is built with Columbia’s waterproof fabric coating that effectively blocks wind and rain, making it a versatile option for hiking, camping, traveling, or simply navigating rainy commutes. Despite its weatherproofing, it doesn’t feel overly stiff or bulky, allowing you to move comfortably whether you’re on a trail or walking around town.

One of its standout features is packability. The Glennaker Lake folds neatly into its own pocket, making it easy to carry in a backpack, travel bag, or even your car glove box for emergencies. The adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem help seal out drafts and keep water out, while the everyday fit allows room for light layering underneath. It is not designed for extreme alpine expeditions, but for everyday rain protection and weekend adventures; it delivers dependable performance at a price that makes sense.

2. Best on a Tight Budget – Columbia Watertight II

If you are looking for maximum rain protection without spending a lot, the Columbia Watertight II is one of the best budget-friendly options in 2025. Built with Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof technology and fully seam-sealed construction, it keeps out heavy rain while still remaining lightweight enough for daily wear. The design is simple yet effective, perfect for commuters, students, travelers, or casual hikers who need reliable storm protection at an accessible price.

The jacket has a comfortable, regular fit that makes layering easy. It features an adjustable hood, hem drawcord, and Velcro cuffs to block out wind and water. While it does not come with advanced features like pit zips or stretch fabric, its performance for the price is hard to beat. It also packs down small, making it a convenient choice to stash in a backpack or car for unexpected storms. The Watertight II proves that staying dry doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank.

3. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Antora Waterproof Jacket

The North Face Antora is designed for men who want a rain jacket that performs well in storms but also looks good in everyday settings. This is Built with a waterproof, windproof, and breathable fabric, the Antora offers dependable weather protection while maintaining a soft and comfortable feel, something that many budget jackets lack. Its regular fit makes it versatile enough for commuting, traveling, or light hiking, and it layers easily over a hoodie or fleece.

What makes the Antora stand out is its combination of modern style and technical function. Unlike many rain shells that feel stiff or overly technical, this jacket is tailored for both city use and outdoor adventure. Adjustable cuffs, an elastic hem drawcord, and a storm-flap front zipper help seal out rain and wind. It’s not built for alpine expeditions or heavy-duty mountaineering, but for men who want one jacket to handle both daily wear and outdoor recreation, the Antora delivers great value.

4. SWISSWELL Rain Jacket – Men’s

The SWISSWELL Men’s Rain Jacket is a simple, lightweight, and affordable option for men who need an easy layer for casual rain protection. This is designed with packability in mind; it folds into a compact size that makes it perfect for travel, commuting, or keeping as a backup layer in your car or backpack. Its polyester fabric blocks wind and light to moderate rain effectively, while remaining breathable enough for everyday wear.

This jacket is best suited for casual users rather than hardcore adventurers. It doesn’t have the technical features of performance shells, but that’s also what makes it so practical, easy to wear, quick to pack, and very affordable. The SWISSWELL Rain Jacket is ideal for walking the dog, running errands, sightseeing on a trip, or any light outdoor activity where you need dependable rain coverage without spending too much.

5. Best Bang Bang for the Buck – Helly Hansen Loke

The Helly Hansen Loke is one of the best value rain jackets for men in 2025, so it offers premium features at a price that is hard to beat. This is built with Helly Hansen’s trusted waterproof, windproof, and breathable construction. The Loke handles rainy hikes, travel, and daily wear with ease. It is lightweight and highly packable, making it a reliable choice to keep in your backpack for unpredictable weather.

What sets the Loke apart is its feature set at this price point. It comes with pit zips for ventilation, an adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem for a customizable fit, and durable seam-sealed fabric for long-term reliability. While the material isn’t as soft or stretchy as high-end shells, the Loke balances cost, comfort, and protection better than nearly any other jacket in its range. For hikers, commuters, and travelers who want dependable rain protection without overspending, the Loke is an excellent all-around choice.

6. Best Breathability & Mobility – Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket

For hikers, climbers, and commuters who need a jacket that moves with them, the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is the standout. Unlike stiff rain shells that restrict movement, this jacket uses 4-way stretch fabric that feels soft, quiet, and flexible. That means you can scramble over rocks, cycle through traffic, or hike long trails without fighting your gear. It’s also fully waterproof and seam-sealed, so protection isn’t compromised for comfort.

Where the Stretch Ozonic really excels is in breathability. It includes pit zips for airflow and a lightweight construction that prevents the sweaty, clammy feel common in cheaper jackets. This makes it perfect for high-output activities like fast hiking, trail running, or bike commuting in wet conditions. While it comes at a higher price point than budget shells, the combination of comfort, mobility, and waterproofing makes it a favorite for anyone who needs a jacket that works just as hard as they do.

7. Affordable & Versatile Rain Jacket – Marmot Precip Eco

The Marmot PreCip Eco has long been a favorite among hikers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts, and the 2025 edition keeps it at the top of the list for affordability and versatility. Built with Marmot’s NanoPro Eco fabric, this 2.5-layer jacket offers reliable waterproofing and breathability while being lighter and more eco-friendly than traditional shells. It’s made with recycled materials and a PFC-free DWR finish, giving it a sustainability edge without compromising performance.

The PreCip Eco is especially popular because it balances features and price. It includes pit zips for ventilation, an adjustable hood, and a design that packs into its own pocket for convenience. This makes it equally suitable for day hikes, international travel, and everyday use in wet climates. While it’s not as rugged as premium 3-layer alpine shells, the PreCip Eco continues to be one of the best all-around jackets for people who want solid storm protection at a reasonable cost.

8. Best for Minimalists – Outdoor Research Helium

For those who want the lightest possible rain protection without sacrificing reliability, the Outdoor Research Helium is the ultimate minimalist choice. Weighing in at just a few ounces, this jacket is designed for ultralight hikers, trail runners, and backpackers who need dependable waterproofing in the smallest possible package. Despite its featherlight weight, the Helium features a Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric that offers surprising durability compared to other ultralight shells.

The Helium shines when weight and packability are top priorities. It stuffs into its own pocket, taking up almost no space in your pack, and is ideal as a backup or emergency rain layer. While it doesn’t include extras like pit zips or multiple pockets, it’s made for one thing: keeping you dry with the lowest weight penalty possible. For fast-moving adventurers or minimalist packers, the Outdoor Research Helium is one of the best rain jackets you can buy in 2025.

How We Tested

At Outdoor Searcher, we believe the only way to recommend rain jackets is to test them in the real world, not just in a studio. For this guide, our team used more than 50 rain jackets across different environments and activities to see how they perform under real stress. We wore these jackets on multi-day hiking trips in the mountains, during wet camping weekends, while bike commuting through city traffic, and even in stormy coastal weather. Some were tested on backpacking routes with heavy packs, while others were used for daily commuting, travel, and casual wear. We also conducted simulated rain tests (garden hose and shower tests) to check seam sealing, hood coverage, and zipper protection.

Our rain jacket ratings are based on five core metrics:

• Water Resistance 
• Durability
• Comfort and Mobility 
• Breathability
• Weight 

Rain Jacket Buying Advice:

Rain Jacket Categories

Rain jackets generally fall into three main categories: daily use, performance, and hiking. Daily use jackets focus on comfort, simple styling, and easy packability for commutes or travel. Performance jackets are built for high-output activities like running, cycling, or fast hiking, with advanced breathability, stretch, and venting features. Hiking jackets balance weight, durability, and protection, making them versatile enough for long treks, backpacking trips, or mixed-weather adventures. Choosing the right category depends on how often you’ll use the jacket and in what environment.

These are the 3 categories of Rain Jacket Categories

• Daily Use

Daily-use rain jackets are designed for commuting, travel, and casual wear. They focus on comfort, style, and basic waterproofing rather than technical features. These jackets are lightweight, packable, and usually come at an affordable price. They work well for walking to work, running errands, or carrying as a backup layer in case of showers. However, they may not have the advanced ventilation or heavy-duty durability needed for mountain use.

• Performance

Performance rain jackets are built for active outdoor pursuits like running, cycling, or fast-paced hiking. They are typically made with breathable membranes, pit zips, and stretch fabrics, allowing more mobility and better heat management during high-output activities. These jackets are more expensive than daily use shells, but they are worth it if you need strong waterproofing combined with freedom of movement and comfort during physically demanding conditions.

• Hiking

Hiking rain jackets are the most versatile option, designed for trekking, backpacking, and multi-day outdoor adventures. They balance weight, durability, and weather protection, often with features like pit zips, storm flaps, and reinforced fabric for carrying heavy packs. Hiking shells come in different levels depending on whether you want a lightweight option for fair-weather trips or a burly shell for extended wet-weather expeditions. They’re the best choice for anyone spending serious time outdoors.

Fabric Layers

Rain jackets are commonly built with 2-layer, 2.5-layer, or 3-layer fabrics. A 2L jacket uses a waterproof membrane and a hanging liner, offering comfort and affordability for daily wear. A 2.5L shell adds a printed or laminated protective layer, which saves weight and packs smaller, making it ideal for hiking. A 3L shell bonds the face fabric, waterproof membrane, and liner together for maximum durability, waterproofing, and breathability, perfect for frequent storms or alpine conditions.

Features

Good features can make a big difference on the trail or in the city. Look for adjustable hoods with brims to keep rain off your face, pit zips or core vents for breathability, and storm flaps to protect zippers. Hand pockets placed above hipbelt level are useful for backpackers, while chest pockets give quick access to maps or phones. Drawcord hems, Velcro cuffs, and reflective details also enhance usability.

Durable Water Repellent Finish

Most rain jackets use a DWR coating on the outer fabric to help water bead up and roll off. Over time, this coating wears down, and water starts to soak into the fabric even if the membrane underneath is still waterproof. Reapplying DWR with a spray or wash-in treatment restores performance. Regular cleaning with a technical detergent also helps keep the fabric breathable and effective.

Weight

Weight is especially important for backpackers and travelers. Ultralight jackets like the Outdoor Research Helium are perfect for emergency rainwear or fast-and-light hiking. Midweight 2.5L shells balance protection and comfort for most hiking and travel needs. Heavier 3L shells are built for maximum protection and abrasion resistance, making them the best choice for alpine climbing or constant storm use.

Rain Jacket Care

To extend the life of your rain jacket, proper care is key. Wash it periodically with a special technical detergent, rinse thoroughly, and tumble dry on low to reactivate the DWR finish. Never use fabric softeners or bleach, as they damage the waterproof coating. Store your jacket dry and loosely folded, not compressed, to prevent long-term fabric stress.

Breathability

No rain jacket is 100% breathable, especially in humid or high-exertion conditions, but some perform far better than others. Pit zips, core vents, and mesh-lined pockets are important for airflow. Pair your jacket with moisture-wicking base layers to reduce sweat buildup. For very active pursuits, jackets with stretch fabric and higher-end membranes are the most comfortable.

Packability

Many modern rain jackets pack into their own pocket or a small stuff sack, which makes them easy to carry. For hikers, travelers, or commuters, a compact jacket is easier to stash in a daypack or suitcase. Ultralight shells pack down to grapefruit size, while midweight shells may take up more room but offer better durability and comfort.

Sustainability

Eco-conscious designs are becoming more common. Look for jackets made with recycled fabrics, PFC-free DWR coatings, and Bluesign-approved materials. Brands like Marmot and Patagonia have led this shift, and it’s now possible to get high performance with lower environmental impact. Choosing sustainable options helps protect the outdoors you’re exploring.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

It is important to know the difference. Waterproof jackets use membranes and taped seams to block sustained rain, making them essential for hiking or travel in wet climates. Water-resistant jackets can handle light showers or drizzle, but eventually soak through. They’re fine for city use or short trips, but not reliable for extended time in heavy rain.

Hardshells and Softshells

Hardshell jackets are designed for full waterproofing, windproofing, and durability. They are the standard choice for rainy hikes, alpine climbs, and stormy conditions. Softshell jackets are more breathable, stretchy, and comfortable, but usually only water-resistant. They’re excellent for dry but windy days, active pursuits, or layering under a hardshell when conditions demand full protection.

Why Trust Outdoor Searcher

At Outdoor Searcher, we do not just look at product descriptions or manufacturer promises; we put every jacket through real-world testing in conditions that matter. Over the past year, our team tested 50+ rain jackets across hiking trails, mountain treks, camping trips, and urban commutes. Each product was evaluated for water resistance, durability, comfort, breathability, mobility, and packability, ensuring that our recommendations are based on performance, not marketing.

Our reviews are led by Rason, our Review Editor, who has years of experience in outdoor gear testing and fieldwork. He and the team wore these jackets in everything from light drizzles to full-blown mountain storms, measuring how they actually perform when you’re caught outside in unpredictable weather. This hands-on approach allows us to highlight not only the strengths of each jacket but also its limitations, so you know exactly what to expect before you buy.

Conclusion

Finding the best rain jacket is not just about style; it is about matching the right protection to your needs. Whether you are hiking rugged mountain trails, cycling through city rain, or simply walking to work, the right jacket makes the difference between staying comfortable and getting soaked.

From our testing of 50+ jackets, the Columbia Glennaker Lake stood out as the best overall for dependable waterproofing at an affordable price. For budget buyers, the Columbia Watertight II proved to be an unbeatable value. If you want a jacket that balances performance and everyday style, The North Face Antora is a great pick, while the Helly Hansen Loke delivers the most features for the money. For active hikers and high-output users, the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic offered excellent breathability and mobility. The Marmot PreCip Eco remains a versatile, eco-friendly classic, while ultralight adventurers will appreciate the Outdoor Research Helium. For casual users needing a simple layer, the SWISSWELL provides affordable, packable rain protection.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a waterproof and a water-resistant rain jacket?

A waterproof rain jacket uses a special membrane, sealed seams, and durable outer fabric to block heavy rain for extended periods. These are best for hiking, camping, and long outdoor activities. A water-resistant jacket, on the other hand, can handle light showers or drizzle but eventually soaks through in stronger storms. They’re fine for commuting or casual use, but not ideal for serious outdoor adventures.

Which rain jacket is best for hiking and backpacking?

For hiking and backpacking, you need a jacket that balances protection, breathability, and packability. Models like the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic and Marmot PreCip Eco perform well because they are lightweight, offer pit zips for ventilation, and pack down small into a backpack. If you’re going ultralight, the Outdoor Research Helium is a strong choice, while the Helly Hansen Loke works great for all-around hiking use.

Are budget rain jackets worth buying?

Yes, budget rain jackets like the Columbia Watertight II or SWISSWELL Men’s Rain Jacket offer solid weather protection for a fraction of the price of technical shells. While they don’t have advanced breathability or long-term durability, they’re excellent for commuting, casual wear, and light hiking. If you’re only outdoors occasionally, a budget option can be more practical than investing in a premium jacket.

How do I know if a rain jacket is breathable?

Breathability depends on the fabric and features. Jackets with pit zips, mesh-lined pockets, or advanced membranes release heat and moisture better. Breathable jackets are especially important for active use, like hiking or cycling, because they reduce sweat buildup. Always look for venting options if you plan to wear your jacket during high-output activities in wet weather.

How should a rain jacket fit?

A good rain jacket should fit snugly enough to block rain and wind, but still allow space for layering a fleece or sweater underneath. The hem should fall below your waist for coverage, sleeves should fully cover your wrists, and the hood should adjust securely without blocking vision. For outdoor use, adjustable cuffs, drawcord hems, and helmet-compatible hoods add more flexibility and comfort.

How do I take care of my rain jacket?

Proper care extends the life of your rain jacket. Wash it occasionally with a technical detergent to remove dirt and sweat that clog breathability. Avoid fabric softeners or bleach, as they damage waterproof coatings. Reapply a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment when water stops beading on the surface. Store your jacket dry and uncompressed to maintain fabric strength and waterproof performance.