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The 17 Best Men's Rain Jackets to Shop in 2024: Eddie Bauer, Salomon and More

Based on our editors' research and poring over countless reviews

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Hunter / Nike ACG / Arc'teryx

Next time you see a rain cloud on the weather app, ditch your umbrella and step out into the rain-soaked streets with a new jacket. It’s the unsung hero of any great capsule wardrobe and although it definitely won’t be your most worn piece of clothing much in the way of a hoodie or shacket, a proper GORP-style rain jacket will always be a fashionable and functional layer that keeps you dry whether it’s a planned walk in the rain or a surprise shower on the way home. Due to its light, packable, and completely water-resistant soft shells, these jackets will keep you dry, looking fly, and all without breaking the bank. We've rounded up the best men's rain jackets currently available, plus a little more on the WHY and WHAT that makes them the best men's rain jackets for any wet walk. 

Options like the L.L. Bean Trail Model Rain Jacket ($99) and the Salomon Bonatti Waterproof ($180) are just a few of the great rain jackets that you can cop at the moment. Pair these with any pair of rain boots or waterproof shoes and you'll be all set!

Our favorite men's rain jackets for each genre:

1. Eddie Bauer Men's Packable Rainfoil Jacket

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Amazon

The Best Men's Rain Jacket, Overall

  • Pros: Chop the Top - a stowable hood takes this customizable element to the next level, rock this jacket for a cool look and break out that hood for when things get torrential. 
  • Cons: Leather Vibes - the exterior of the jacket doesn’t quite give the sleek, tech vibes most jackets do. It might be leaning a little more towards an older, beat up leather jacket. 

The Rainfoil comes in two sizing options “regular” and “tall” which is nice considering this is got to be the most “Dad” rain jacket we’ve ever seen. Bauer uses a bunch of its own technology for this packable piece, phrases like “WeatherEdge®'' and “StormRepel®” get thrown around on their website which leads us to believe it's good but kind of sounds like they’re creating their own rubric. Hell, even RainFoil has a trademark, does Eddie Bauer own staying dry?

2. Outdoor Ventures Men's Rain Jacket

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Amazon

The Best Affordable Men's Rain Jacket

  • Pros: Function > Fashion—no fuss with this jacket, it performs well in wet weather, and is very breathable and lightweight. 
  • Cons: Runs small - we would recommend sizing up for this one.

We know you might be in the midst of an Amazon boycott but break your oath and fork over a couple bucks to Bezos for this lightweight and super durable rain jacket straight from Amazon. It’s good for walking, commuting or even taking a bike ride, rain be damned. The Outdoor Ventures part of Amazon isn’t half bad compared to other outdoorsy brands - plus this jacket isn’t for the fussy, straight to the point of staying dry and arriving at your door within a couple days (this option available for prime members only).

3. Salomon Bonatti Waterproof

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Salomon

The Most Durable Rain Jacket

  • Pros: Waterproof - this model boasts an “ultra-breathable micro-porous waterproof membrane” which is ensured to keep you dry as long as you’ve got it zipped up all the way. Waterproof down to the zipper, ever heard such a thing before? 
  • Cons: The price tag - not for the faint of heart when it comes to shelling out for light shell jackets. 

You might know Salomon more for their hypebeast-certified XT-6 hiking shoes but much like their footwear options, their outerwear rings true to the superior quality, comfort, and design. This is for real outdoor heads and even those looking to get more into utilitarian techwear with a minimalist design and hyper functional flare.

4. REI Co-op Groundbreaker Rain Jacket 2.0

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REI

The Best Men's Rain Jacket for Comfort

  • Pros: Breathability - The soft, 2-layer waterproof polyester shell is key for keeping you dry and comfortable. This basic piece is a great “middle of the road” option looking to satisfy the basic need of a standard rainwear item. 
  • Cons: The Sleeves - made with elastic, the sleeves do not allow you to control how tight or loose you’d like it. For those looking for an adjustable fit, search for something a little more serious. 

REI is a great stalwart for outdoorsy gears and a variety of brands. Their own branded product serves as great blank slates and templates for those looking to find simple, basic products that don’t break the bank. This green 2.0 Rain Jacket is a great and simple addition to a wardrobe focused on basics and minimal design.

5. adidas TERREX Myshelter Gore-Tex Rain Jacket

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adidas

The Best Men's Rain Jacket for Outdoors

  • Pros: Breathable 3L GORE-TEX Active membrane provides some of the best water protection on the market.
  • Cons: Definitely a bit pricier than some other options.

This is a great jacket for overall performance, and the helmet compatibility coupled with the construction make it a good fit for any sort of extreme outdoor adventure. It's also just an easy to wear piece aesthetically that will go with any of your other outdoor gear.

6. Columbia Hikebound Rain Jacket

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Columbia

The Best Men's Rain Jacket for All Seasons:

  • Pros: Sizing - the Hikebound Rain Jacket comes in a variety of sizes that also includes standard as well as big and tall for all body types looking for that “right” fit. 
  • Cons: Nothing to complain about for this one, a true neutral.

Columbia is another great standard option for outdoorsy gear of all types. Their Hikebound is another great offering from the brand and also features their notable “Omni-Tech'' construction which boasts an unparalleled breathability and waterproof capability - put it to the test and find out.

7. Marmot Men's Etherlite Hoody

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REI

The Best Technical Men's Rain Jacket

  • Pros: Windproof – best for the spring, the Etherlite Hoody is the ideal lightweight layer of protection. 
  • Cons: Not as waterproof as we’d like - this jacket is more windproof than waterproof, so you might want to reconsider wearing this one on a rainier day. 

Marmot offers a super light and breathable first layer to equip you for a variety of activities whether that be a quick summit hike or hike out to the bodega for your favorite late night sandwich. This brand has a special place in the heart of NYers, second only to the likes of TNF when it comes to mixing notable streetwear with form and function for both worlds.

8. The North Face Antora Jacket

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The North Face

The Best Men's Rain Jacket for Cold Temps

  • Pros: Nostalgia - the Antora might look familiar and that’s because the design takes cues and inspiration from another popular TNF hit, their Mountain Light Jacket. The style is synonymous with staying warm and comfortable and the upper shoulder paneling is sure to ring true to the other TNF pieces hanging in your closet. 
  • Cons: The Fit - TNF is a brand built for the outdoors and this model hangs a little baggy so might suggest going a size down if you’re looking for a more fitted and tailored style. 

The North Face is beyond iconic when it comes to outdoors gear and their Antora jacket is another one in a long list of must-have pieces. This rain jacket is everything you want, light, durable, etc. This one is also made from recycled materials if sustainability is a big selling point for you.

9. L.L. Bean Trail Model Rain Jacket

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L.L. Bean

  • Pros: Foldability - for camping or hiking, a rain jacket sometimes needs to be packed up tight and used on a case by case basis. This one folds into its own pocket, pack it and forget it, use as needed. 
  • Cons: Water resistance - not the best option for super heavy rain - its reputation for being water-resistant isn’t the strongest selling point of the piece. 

L.L. Bean is a sacred institution to most New Englanders and this reputation holds up when it comes to keeping their outdoorsy aesthetic alive via their selection of rain jackets. Like any tool it shouldn’t take up too much space and be ready to go when needed. The Trail Modern Rain Jacket gains its “best selling” status from a couple of strong points, namely, that it folds up into its own pocket. Toss it in your backpack, go for a hike and forget about it until those dark clouds move in and then you’re only a couple of zips from resisting mother nature and continuing your adventure.

10. Vuori Excursion Ripstop Jacket

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Vuori

  • Pros: Material - this Vuori jacket is certified vegan, a plus if you're environmentally conscious and looking for something that aligns with your personal ethos. 
  • Cons: Not hype - Vuori isn’t known for having a flashy style and keeps this jacket with a minimal logo, cool if that’s your thing but why not let the block know what you have?

Vuori comes through here with a slightly above market price rain slicker with minimal branding and a laundry list of technical points you’re sure to enjoy. Breathability via a separate mesh layer, underarm eyelets and open back vent for additional ventilation, because no one really talks about how sometimes wearing a rain jacket can actually make you hot despite cold rain drenching you.

11. Carhartt Storm Defender Loose Fit Midweight Jacket

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Carhartt

  • Pros: Midweight - not too light, not too heavy, just the perfect weight with plenty of coverage from the weather.
  • Cons: Lack of diversity - the only colors are “tarmac” and “black”. 

Carhartt’s popularity has been on the up and up due to their reliability as a workwear staple. From heavy tees to double knee pants the once completely utilitarian brand has taken a turn for the fashionable. Despite mainstream popularity the brand is still largely worn by people who actually have to do work outside so you know it’s good. Cop this jacket and you’ll be right as rain. 

12. Herschel Classic Rain Jacket

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Herschel
  • Pros: Fit and Feel - the Classic Rain jacket boasts a stretchy construction engineered for flexibility. Great for a hike and no map kind of adventure. 
  • Cons: No special features - the jacket comes off a little boxy and doesn’t fit in with the normal sleek aesthetic of most pieces. 

This Herschel rain jacket offering comes, like a lot of their other items, without many frills. It features a boxy fit, some button closures, welded seams (that’s big one), an attached three piece hood, and two front pockets for burying your hands or other items you deem necessary to bring onto the mountain with you.

13. Nike ACG Storm-Fit “Cascade Falls”

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  • Pros: Construction - the paneling on this jacket is super nice with the shoulder pieces flowing onto the chest of the piece. It’s giving homage to TNF but in true Nike fashion and style.
  • Cons: Fit is a little boxier than other entries on this list.

Nike’s ACG line has a special place in any true GORPers heart and if they’re smart, their closet too. This jacket runs a little big, but it's good to use it as the final, outermost layer for days that really require it to do its job. On the other hand you can minimal underneath and let this behemoth hang - either way we really like this one.

14. Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket

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Arc'teryx
  • Pros: The 3-layer GORE-TEX provides some great waterproofing and the pit zips are great for when you need to stay dry on a warm day
  • Cons: Can run on the expensive side.

Please don’t wear this in the shower. Seriously though the jacket isn’t meant for that type of water pressure and you’re actually ruining the jacket by doing it. The jacket is waterproof and windproof; the GORE-TEX outer coupled with fully watertight zippers makes this one of the best truly waterproof rain jackets on the market. The hood is also helmet compatible if you want to take the jacket climbing or skiing.

15. Outdoor Research Foray II GORE-TEX Jacket

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Outdoor Research

  • Pro: The model - finally some Irish representation 
  • Cons: The vents - This piece includes TorsoFlo™ Venting which sounds good (and fancy) but instead of being located on the arms it’s at the hip of the jacket, so when you activate it you’re opening yourself up to becoming more wet.

Maybe you haven’t heard of Outdoor Research but we’re here to put them on your radar. This super solid option comes in a good variety of colors and sizes. If you’re looking for something a little more premium and don’t really care about logos then this is certainly the one for you. 

16. Brooks Running Canopy Jacket

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Brooks

For the Rain Runner

  • Pros: Running rain jacket - marketed as a running jacket, the canopy jacket breathes well and is surprisingly water resistant for something so light. And it’s packable in case you want to shed a layer while running. 
  • Cons: Could run big according to some users.

Brooks is all about logging those miles and for real runners, sometimes those miles are a little soggier than usual. You probably don’t mind a little splash on the legs but keeping the top half dry is a top priority. We love Brooks, their tech is super reliable and this jacket is no exception. Great for runners and those looking to stay dry no matter how fast you’re moving.

17. Proof Moonweight Hooded Puffer Jacket

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Huckberry
  • Pros: Keeps you warm with its insulation, is thermoregulated but still classified as being lightweight. This jacket also comes in multiple colors/sizes and is very comfortable.
  • Cons: Not really suitable for spring.

If you are looking for a rain jacket that keeps you warm but still technically isn't considered a "winter jacket," then Proof's Moonweight Hooded Puffer Jacket should be a jacket that floats your boat as the jacket provides plenty of warmth thanks to its poly insulation and thermoregulating properties, but is still described as being a lightweight jacket (lighter than air the brand says). Additionally, a few pockets are included on the jacket including two front pockets that you can stuff your hands into if you are somebody who doesn't like gloves, and a chest pocket that can store smaller essentials. Sizing ranges from a S - 2XL, with the asking price being roughly $120.

How we chose the best rain jackets for men:

Our selections for the best rain jackets came from hours of dedicated research and pouring through user reviews to see not only what was the most popular rain jackets being sold on a regular basis, but also which jackets were being rated the highest. Durability was a huge concern for us because it's important for rain jackets to be able to withstand harsher weather conditions. The overall fit of the jacket was another important component as rain jackets should neither be too small or too big in terms of their overall fit. We also considered the price of the jackets in our research as well, with a goal of keeping our jacket selections with the $100 to $200 range for most of them.

Lastly, some of these brands are ones that we've worked with extensively in the nearly six years since our inception. While we may not have tested these exact jackets included, we've had experiences with a lot of other products from these brands and can attest to both their quality and functionality.

What to consider when shopping for a rain jacket:

Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a rain jacket:

Lamination: A jacket being laminated means is one where the membrane is sealed to the outer part of the jacket, which in turn makes the jacket waterproof. The whole point of a rain jacket is for it to be waterproof, so if you stumble across one that isn't laminated (or doesn't have any kind of coating at all), that means it's no good for wearing in the rain.

Breathability: While rain jackets are supposed to keep you warm, it shouldn't be to the point where you are excessively hot. Your jacket should also be a perfect fit—as in neither too tight nor too large. If a jacket is too tight, that can affect breathability as well. You'll want to make sure the fit and insulation is right for you before purchasing your jacket.

Fabrics: The most important factor fabric-wise is for the jacket to have that lamination or coating we mentioned earlier as that's what protects your jacket from the rain. Aside from that, Nylon and polyester fabrics are great ones to look for in rain jackets, with nylon probably being the most durable of the two. Nylon is also quick-drying and easily packable should you want/need to take it on a trip. GORE-tex is an awesome fabric as well, but may run you too hot if you are wearing in warm weather. Rubber is also another great material rain jackets can be made from.

Care instructions: If you can't find the care instructions within the online description of the jacket you're looking at, you'll be able to find them on the inner tag once you receive. Pay close attention to the care instructions as some jackets may require a trip to the cleaners. Others may have you washing on lower settings or even air drying, so again make sure to read the instructions properly so you don't ruin your jacket.

Zippers: It's safe to say that most rain jackets come with zippers. However, there select rain jackets that consist of buttons only (or a blend of the two). If zippers are something that's important to you, make sure you have a look at the zipper material and see if there's been any complaints in the reviews about the zippers breaking easily.

RELATED: The 10 Best Men's Spring Jackets You Should Own in 2024

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