13 Best Jackets for Hiking in the Rain

Hiking in the wilderness is a blissful feeling, that is, until it starts to pour. Not all hiking tracks are professionally designed, so it’s not easy to carry an umbrella in one hand while manoeuvering the terrain. You have to have a jacket that not only protects you from the cold but also shields you from the downpour. To prevent your hike day from getting miserable, we have compiled the 13 best jackets for hiking in the rain.

Mapamyumco Men’s Waterproof Breathable Stretch Light Rain Jacket

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Starting the list off with a Mapamyumco Men’s Waterproof Rain Jacket. This rain jacket for hiking is made from polyester and spandex. Available in all sizes (XXL, XL, L, M, S). The full seam covering makes it completely waterproof, so you can make most of your hiking trip without getting wet. In addition to that, the three-layered structure offers excellent protection from the rain. The outermost layer consists of water-resistant material.

CAMEL CROWN Mens Waterproof Jacket

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When you’re talking about the best jacket for hiking in the rain, products made from nylon will always find their way into the list. This one-of-a-kind jacket from Camel Crown is made of 100% nylon, machine washable, and equipped with a convenient YKK zipper. The hood on the top covers your head just right to protect you from wind and rain. Also, once the downpour stops, you can easily stow the hood into the collar without having to worry about it dangling throughout your journey. The jacket is equipped with high stand collars coupled with elastic Velcro cuffs to stop the wind from causing a nuisance. Two zipped pockets in the size and an inner zipped pocket so that your stuff can be stowed safely. It weighs just 1.15 pounds, and don’t worry about the size; there are multiple options available in at least four different colors.

FROGG TOGGS Men’s Ultra-Lite2 Waterproof Breathable Rain Jacket

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The next one on our list is a product from Frogg Toggs. It is made from 100% Polyethylene material, non-fabric with excellent waterproof and wind resistance qualities. There’s also a front zipper enclosed in a flap, preventing the water or moisture from leaking into the jacket. It is available in different sizes (3X, 2X, XL, L, M, S). However, the sizing is inaccurate; therefore, the FROGG TOGGS Men’s Ultra-Lite2 Waterproof Breathable Rain Jacket comes with elastic cuffs to ensure that the product is a perfect fit.

Marmot Men’s PreCip Jacket

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This rain jacket for hiking from Marmot uses PFC-free NanoPro recycled Nylon material to enhance its water-resisting abilities. It’s completely washable, so don’t worry about getting dirty on your trek. The hood comes equipped with a DriClime-lined chin guard to prevent wind and water seeping through, perfect for rough weather conditions! In addition to all these protective measures, the company made it fully seam taped to have a bare minimum chance of moisture leakage. As far as warranty is concerned, then rest assured, Marmot gives a lifetime warranty when you purchase any of its products. And guess what? You don’t even need to register.

Marmot Men’s Minimalist GoreTex Waterproof Rain Jacket

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This is another rain jacket for hiking from Marmot. It’s crafted from original polyester material and works differently according to different weather conditions. It can do well as an everyday jacket but does the job equally well during rough weather conditions. The specially designed hydrophobic membrane helps keep the moisture and wind out. They also use a Durable Water Repellent finish on the product and seam taping to upgrade its waterproofing abilities further. You can even find PitZips for temperature regulation. In short, Marmot uses a dynamic yet compact design in this jacket to give you the most of the product without increasing its weight. As far as appearance is concerned, you can choose from 7 different colors.

Men’s Rain Suit by SaphiRose

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Although this product by SaphiRose is not explicitly designed as a rain jacket for hiking, a lot of its properties will aid you greatly during your hike. This product is perfect if you’re looking for a quick-drying option. It is created using high-quality polyester material with unique reflective material. So, if you find yourself in a difficult situation because of the rain, the reflective strip will help others identify you from afar, even in the darkness. Unlike other products in our list, this one comes with trousers as well. However, if the trousers are not your size and you wish to replace them with something more comfortable, check out our list of best hiking trousers for plus size. Other than that, It’s reusable, lightweight, and portable, so you can even put it on during your hike.

Columbia Men’s Grand Trek Down Jacket

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Although not completely waterproof, the Columbia Men’s Grand Trek Down Jacket makes it to our list because of its awesome scientifically tested features. Columbia uses the Omni-heat feature which they describe as the “ultimate heat management system”. They’ve used 2 different materials, nylon (Omni-tech generation dobby) and polyester (Omni-tech heating system), to provide a comfortable hiking experience to the user. It’s still pretty lightweight and comfortable despite all the new tech, and as we know, comfort is an essential feature to keep in mind when searching for the best jacket for hiking in the rain, so that’s a major plus point here.

Little Donkey Andy Men’s Waterproof Rain Jacket

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Little Donkey Andy has employed multiple techniques in their jacket to keep the user comfortable and dry during a wet hiking season to make this product stand out. There’s a waterproof shell fabric with seam taping treated with Durable Water Repellent for additional waterproofing. As for sweating, there’s a mesh lining within the core body to keep your journey sweat-free. You can find a stowable hood that you can modify with a drawstring according to your requirements. If you’re carrying stuff with you, then the good news for you is that there’re multiple zipped pockets both inside and outside the jacket. Other than that, you can choose from more than 20 different color schemes, a dream come true for fashionistas.

Helly-Hansen mens Moss Hooded Waterproof Windproof Raincoat Jacket

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Another rain jacket for hiking in our list that uses two different materials along with seam taping for added rain protection. The front side of the Helly-Hansen men’s Moss Hooded Waterproof Windproof Raincoat Jacket is made out of Polyurethane material, while the back is entirely polyester. In addition to that, Helly-Hansen uses its time-tested and exclusive Helox technique to make it 100% waterproof. Other than that, it is machine washable, so don’t worry if it gets muddy on the hike. The front zipper makes it easy to wear or take off the jacket, along with two front pockets to keep your stuff secure while you hike. There’s also a PU repair kit so you can fix any damage on the spot.

Columbia Men’s EvaPOURation Jacket

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The next one on our list is a scientifically designed product from the world-renowned brand Columbia. They made their EvaPOURation Jacket using advanced techniques like the Omni Tech technology, which makes the jacket air permeable which helps make the product water-resistant and windproof. Another unique feature is the Omni Wick technology which absorbs and evaporates moisture from the skin giving you a comfortable feel. You can make adjustments to the jacket according to your requirements since it’s entirely adaptable with a retractable hood, adjustable cuffs, and underarm vents. If you’re planning to camp during your hike, you can use the multiple pockets to store all your handy camping gadgets.

OTU Men’s Lightweight Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket

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The OTU Men’s Lightweight Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket is number 3 on our list with impressive water resistance and windproofing qualities. A water-resistant outer shell made from the best quality polyester protects the user during wet weather. This is further reinforced by the seam taping, which prevents the water from seeping through. Other than that, the second benefit of polyester fabric is that it keeps the jacket lightweight and breathable making the user comfortable during their trek. Moreover, There’s a detachable hood and adjustable sleeves, which you can adjust according to the situational need. It’s available in multiple colors and sizes, so there’s no shortage of variety.

Charles River Apparel Pack-N-Go Wind & Water-Resistant Pullover

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The runner-up in our list is a water-resistant pullover from Charles River Apparel. While the initial description might make it sound ordinary, but rest assured this rain jacket for hiking is expertly designed considering real situations. The trademark Softex polyester ensures good wind and water resistance while also keeping it lightweight. If you want to wear a mid-layer, the jacket allows you to do so because of its spacious qualities. It’s incredibly portable since it fits into its front pouch, so don’t worry about carrying it on your shoulder. The underarm grommets provide ventilation, so you don’t get sweaty or irritated during your journey—adjustable hood, cuffs, and bottom hem that can be modified according to the user’s needs. You’ll find multiple sizes and colors in this product, but since the pullover is a bit oversized, it’s recommended that you purchase a smaller size.

Columbia Men’s Watertight Ii Jacket

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The best rain jacket for hiking on our list is the Columbia Men’s Watertight Ii Jacket. What sets this product apart from others on the list? This product combines all the best features you require in a rain jacket. An outer nylon shell to keep the water out and an inner polyester fabric to keep the user comfortable and sweat-free. The multilayer is strong enough to withstand even the harshest downpours. There are other features as well; the hood is entirely adjustable with a chin guard to protect the user from the wind. Moreover, you’ll find spacious side pockets, an adjustable hem, and elastic cuffs for better adaptability. While most products are easily washable, the Columbia Men’s Watertight Ii Jacket comes with a unique Omni-shield feature that prevents the absorption of mud into the fabric.

How To Choose The Best Rain Jacket for Hiking

It doesn’t take a lot to turn sour for a good hike day, especially if you plan to hike in wet areas. Any ordinary rain jacket might not suffice. Therefore, it is vital to keep in mind certain things such as durability, breathability, and type of material when buying the best rain jacket for hiking.

What kind of waterproofing technology has been used

Different brands use different technologies to protect the user of their jacket from getting soaked. Some brands use a combination of techniques to provide double protection. For example, you’ll find some products with both nylon and polyester in separate layers. Another important thing that sets jackets apart from each other is the use of Durable Water Repellent (DWR). A handful of products are treated with DWR before being sent out to the market, making these jackets more effective during the wet season.

Breathability and sweat absorbtion

Many jackets available in the market may be highly efficient when it comes to waterproofing. But, a lot of the time, the manufacturer solely focuses on the product’s waterproofing ability, and that’s a huge con. Hiking burns a lot of energy, leading to excessive sweating; if the sweat isn’t absorbed adequately, it can give an uncomfortable vibe to the hiker. Therefore, good absorbent material is an essential requirement for most hikers.

Durability

A jacket’s resistance to damage is a critical factor when you’re hiking. That’s because hiking in the wilderness often requires you to trek through unsuitable terrain, which might cause damage to your wearables. Therefore, finding a jacket that’s rough and tough will keep you stress-free during your trip. Other than that, there are products on our list that provide free repair kits along with the jacket, so if your coat gets damaged, you’ll have the chance to fix it on the spot.

What if the weather keeps changing during the hike?

It’s sometimes challenging to predict the weather accurately. Keeping that in mind, most jackets listed here are easily packable. So, let’s say it doesn’t rain during your hike; you can easily fold and carry these jackets in your bag without any hassle. There’s even a list of the best backpacks for hiking if you want better storage options.

I am not sure about the size, what should I do?

Inaccurate sizing is a common concern for buyers; therefore, most jackets listed above come with fully adjustable features. You can adjust everything from the cuffs to the hood, so even if you’re unsure about the accurate size, you can still use it comfortably.

Should I be worried about moisture leakage?

The nuisance caused by moisture in the jacket is understandable. No hiker likes to feel wet throughout their journey. Therefore, fully seam taped jackets in the market prevent even the tiniest bits of moisture from seeping in. However, if you’re concerned about how well this seam taping will work in case of terrible weather, you should focus on the product’s durability.