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For more than five years now, we have shouldered close to 50 different rain jackets in just about every different name for rain<\/strong>. We’ve pulled together everything from the best jackets for bumping around town to the most ultralight shells for long-distance thru-hiking, and even techy rainwear for the sport-specific demands of trail running, cycling, and climbing. Senior Editor Nick Belcaster leads our efforts, and he never lets a good rain shower go to waste.<\/p>\n We’ve all worn a trash bag in a pinch, and while almost anything is better than being soaking wet, nothing beats a purpose-built rain jacket with the right combination of features and price to meet your needs. And while many look the part hanging on a rack, the proof really pans out when challenged in adverse conditions.<\/p>\n During our testing, we aimed for the worst weather windows to challenge the waterproofing, livability, and rough-and-tumble durability of these jackets. We paid close attention to performance over entire seasons, and if the weather failed to materialize, we weren’t above busting out the garden hose. Every jacket was backpacked in, worn hard, and put away wet.<\/p>\n Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys, and at the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive rain jacket Buyer’s Guide<\/strong><\/a>, as well as our Comparison Chart<\/strong><\/a>. And if you are still leveling rain jackets together, consult our Price & Value section<\/strong><\/a> to see what exactly you’re getting at each price point.<\/p>\n Editor’s Note: We updated our Rain Jackets guide on August 13, 2024, to redefine our rainwear testing regiment and provide more insight into how each rain jacket compares to others we recommend.<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFull torso-length side zips for ventilation<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tProven GORE-TEX Paclite waterproofing<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan be worn like a poncho over packstraps<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAvailable in a wide size range<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMembrane breathability on the lower end<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Made to do (almost) all of it and do it well, the Outdoor Research Foray II GORE-TEX Jacket<\/a><\/strong> ($225) continues to impress us, and lands itself atop the list with a tried-and-true GORE-TEX membrane, a full-featured design, and the most novel mechanical ventilation solution we’ve ever seen. Newly updated this spring, the Foray and its female cut \u2014 the Aspire \u2014 both shed the yoke of forever chemicals entirely and lose no performance for it.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The use of GORE-TEX’s uber-packable Paclite 2L membrane tells you a good bit about what the Foray II should be used for: hiking, backpacking, and anything where compact waterproofing is at a premium. And while this textile does trade protection for breathability, the Foray has a trick up its sleeve for that \u2014 adding TorsoFlo zips that run a full 2 feet from the elbow to the hem, meaning that venting the zips feels like throwing open all the windows in the house. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n That poncho-like ability adds a new dimension to rainwear, and while it’s unlikely to be the most stylish cut on the AM train, the Foray is perfectly happy between mediums \u2014 city to summit. And now as the most eco-friendly apparel piece in OR’s lineup, it’s a forward-thinking shell as well \u2014 we tested the waterproofing of the new PFC-free DWR, and while it’ll need to be refreshed more frequently, it performs just as well.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n While zips down is our preferred mode of transport, some conditions do require closing the storm shutters, and when working hard in the Foray like this, the Paclite membrane does tend to wilt after some hard work and condensation starts to build on the interior of the jacket. For the money, we’re one to make do, but if you jump up to a higher price tag 3-layer jacket, like the Arc\u2019teryx Beta<\/a><\/strong> or Mountain Hardwear Trailverse<\/a><\/strong>, you can stave it off for even longer.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Rounding out the Outdoor Research Foray II<\/a><\/strong> is a three-way adjustable hood with buried cordlocks, YKK Aquaguard zippers (further guarded by storm flaps), and two torso pockets that are large enough to stuff the jacket into for storage. There is also a left-hand pocket on the chest, and an elastic drawcord hem. For most folks, this is the rain jacket to snag.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Read Review: <\/strong>OR\u2019s Most Eco-Friendly Shell Has a Trick Up Its Sleeve: Outdoor Research Aspire II Jacket Review<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBudget price less than $100<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAdmirable waterproofing<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSmartly designed torso pockets create drop-in pockets on the interior<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExterior fabric is soft to the touch with slight stretch<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStormflap is secured with Velcro tabs for extra security<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSlick 2.5 layer interior can become clammy with too much exertion<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHood isn't the most adjustable, with only periphery shockcords<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Co-op continues to make the grade with its in-house line-up, and the recently updated REI Co-op<\/strong> Rainier Rain Jacket<\/strong><\/a> ($100) takes no detour. Sporting a brand new HydroWall 2.5L membrane and more features than it rightfully should have for the price, the value needle is pinned on this budget rain jacket. It’s no fortress, but even after braving an exceptionally rainy Pacific Northwest spring, we were impressed with the chutzpah on this shell.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n REI hasn’t published any waterproofing or breathability specs for its new HydroWall membrane. But after using it, we’re comfortable placing it at about the same level as other polyurethane membranes, such as Marmot NanoPro or North Face Hyvent. That means that rainy-day hikes, blustery commutes, and graybird camping trips are all on the menu. When the cadence kicks up, twin pit zips help to vent excess heat (though they are a bit on the small side).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n In terms of fit, we found the Rainier to be fairly spacious and accommodating, easily allowing layers underneath it. The hood isn’t very technical, but a set of drawcords do allow you to adjust the periphery. As a surprise, one of our favorite features on this jacket ended up being the pockets, as the exterior pockets are sewn into the interior in a way that creates two additional drop-in pockets on the interior. Two for one!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n These pockets are all a soft mesh material, meaning your pockets do double-duty in working to whisk away excess moisture \u2014 smart. The entire jacket also packs up into one of these pockets, and while not a super small package, does keep the shell all in one place for stashing it away. True to REI, this jacket doesn’t miss when it comes to sustainability, either. The DWR finish is non-fluoronated and protects the recycled nylon shell from light precip. The whole jacket is also created from Bluesign-approved materials, and sewn in a Fair Trade Certified factory.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n At an approachable price, we’re impressed at the number of ‘gotta-have-it’ rain jacket features that REI has been able to shoe-horn into the Rainier Rain Jacket<\/a><\/strong>. As a 2.5L jacket, there will be a breathability ceiling that, when you hit it \u2014 you’ll know. But at $100, it’s an easy issue to sidestep with proper use of those pit zips and mesh pockets. For anyone looking for their first proper rain jacket, or just a daily driver to beat around, the Rainier is high on our list of suggestions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Best Rain Jackets of 2024<\/h2>\n
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\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Rain Jacket\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOutdoor Research Foray II GORE-TEX Jacket\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGORE-TEX Paclite 2L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t28,000 mm\/24 hours<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t15,000 g\/m\u00b2<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegular<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t11.8 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t![\"Product](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/BestOf_2024.png\")
\n\t\t![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Outdoor-Research-Foray-II-GORE-TEX-Jacket.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tAustin Beck-Doss<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$157 at REI<\/a>Check price at Backcountry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Budget Rain Jacket\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tREI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHydroWall 2.5L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnpublished<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnpublished<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegular<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t11.3 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/REI-Rainier-Rain-Jacket-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tAustin Beck-Doss<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$100 at REI – Men's<\/a>$100 at REI – Women's<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/mens-torrentshell-3-layer-rain-jacket.jpg\")
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