Gear

The Best Men’s Rain Jackets

Whether you want to get on the trail, chase your kids, or just show up to work dry, these shells have you covered.

by Donna Freydkin
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Every guy needs a great need a rain jacket. And the best rain coats for men aren’t the schlumpy, baggy, shapeless ponchos you throw on to stay dry. You want something sleek. Something tailored. Something that’s going to last beyond just one downpour. And of course, something that’s truly waterproof, otherwise what’s the point?

First, a few technical basics. A jacket is waterproof when it actually keeps out rain and keeps you fully dry. If it’s waterproof and breathable, it keeps you dry and keeps sweat away from your skin. And if it’s water-resistant, this jacket is suitable only for light rain, for short periods of time. Wear it in a downpour and you’ll resemble a wet dog.

With that in mind, these are our picks for the best men’s rain jackets.

You can just as easily wear this to work, and when you’re ready to go off the grid, just throw this rain coat in your bag. It’s unlined, fully packable, and has a relaxed fit. The hood is adjustable, the underarm zippers make sure you don’t stink if you encounter a summer storm, and it packs into its own pocket.

You truly cannot go wrong with anything from Filson, and this is one helluva standout rain jacket. Like its North Face compatriot, it has armpit zippers for ventilation. But above and beyond that, this rain coat is made from a triple-layer fabric that’s waterproof and breathable, plus it has a waterproof zipper closure and fully taped seams.

This Helly Hansen jacket is both waterproof and breathable, which is precisely what you want. We also like its slim fit, and the fully adjustable hood.

This stunner of a rain jacket is made from weather-resistant waxed shelter cloth and lined with Melton wool. It has an adjustable hood to keep you dry (but do note, it’s not waterproof per se), and seven total pockets, with handwarmer and flap pockets at the waist, plus two chest pockets, and one interior media pocket for your electronics.

If you’re willing to take something of a fashion risk, you want this Rains jacket. You get full coverage from the elements, plus ultrasonically welded seams and smart ventilation to stop you from overheating.

Clocking in at just 15 ounces, this regular fit jacket can be zipped up over a warm inner shell for added protection. It has an attached adjustable hood, pit zippers, and a storm flap over the zipper to keep you extra-dry.

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