It’s pouring, and you’re halfway through your hike. There’s still a few miles between you and shelter, and your only choice is to deal with the elements. If you want to stay dry as you make it through the storm, you’ll need a rain jacket. Hiking for hours in the rain without a jacket can put you at risk for hypothermia. Your rain jacket is an important line of defense for keeping you warm and safe while you’re outdoors. But how do you know what’s the best rain jacket for hiking?
That’s where we come in! One of our big goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to make your life easier when it comes to gearing up for the outdoors. This guide will walk you through how to find the best rain jacket for you and show you our selection of the top models of the year.
For more of our top hiking gear recommendations, check out these popular articles:
Tents | Hammocks | Bivy Sacks | Tarps
Sleeping Bags | Sleeping Pads | Stoves
Backpacks | GPS | Headlamps | Poles| Watches
Boots | Shoes | Sandals | Pants | Shorts
Base Layers | Fleeces | Down Jackets | Rain Jackets
QUICK ANSWER – THE BEST RAIN JACKETS FOR HIKING
- Mammut Wenaha
- Arc’teryx Beta LT Hybrid
- Marmot Minimalist
- Outdoor Research Helium II
- The North Face Venture
- Marmot PreCip
- Columbia Watertight II
- The North Face Resolve
- Columbia Arcadia
- REI Talusphere
RAIN JACKETS REVIEWS
MAMMUT WENAHA
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REI
BEST FOR: 3-season hiking
WOMEN’S VERSION: Mammut Wenaha
FABRIC: Polyester
LINING: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: Gore-Tex PacLite 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminate
PROS: Windproof, adjustable hood, zipper vents, interior zip pocket, headphone port
CONS: Very fitted – limited room for layers underneath, does not pack into a pocket
ARC’TERYX BETA LT HYBRID
BEST FOR: 3-season hiking & backpacking, shell
WOMEN’S VERSION: Arc’teryx Beta LT Hybrid
FABRIC: Nylon
LINING: None
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: Gore-Tex 3-layer waterproof breathable laminate
PROS: Windproof, durable, adjustable hood, zipper vents, stows in zippered pocket
CONS: Expensive, hood is too large
MARMOT MINIMALIST
BEST FOR: Warmer weather hiking & backpacking, shell
WOMEN’S VERSION: Marmot Minimalist
FABRIC: Polyester
LINING: None
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: Gore-Tex PacLite 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminate
PROS: Windproof, breathable, adjustable hood, draw-cord hem, zipper vents
CONS: Seams lose waterproofing over time, does not pack into a pocket, no interior pockets
OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM II
BEST FOR: Warmer weather hiking & backpacking, shell
WOMEN’S VERSION: Outdoor Research Helium II
FABRIC: Ripstop Nylon
LINING: None
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: Pertex 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminate
PROS: Lightweight, breathable, adjustable hood, draw-cord hem, stows in zippered pocket
CONS: No hand pockets, no zipper vents, very thin, no lining, runs small
THE NORTH FACE VENTURE
BEST FOR: 3-season hiking & backpacking, shell
WOMEN’S VERSION: The North Face Venture
FABRIC: Ripstop Nylon
LINING: None
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: HyVent 2.5 layer waterproof breathable membrane
PROS: Lightweight, windproof, adjustable hood, adjustable cuffs, zipper vents, stows in zippered pocket
CONS: Runs large, sleeves are too long, no interior pockets, very thin, no lining
MARMOT PRECIP
BEST FOR: 3-season hiking & backpacking, shell
WOMEN’S VERSION: Marmot PreCip
FABRIC: Ripstop Nylon
LINING: None
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: PreCip NanoPro 2.5-layer waterproof breathable coating
PROS: Lightweight, windproof, adjustable hood, zipper vents, stows in zippered pocket
CONS: No interior pockets, very thin, no lining, inner membrane decays over time, loses waterproofing over time
COLUMBIA WATERTIGHT II
BEST FOR: Spring and fall hiking & backpacking
WOMEN’s VERSION: N/A
FABRIC: Nylon
LINING: None
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: Omni-Tech waterproof breathable laminate
PROS: Inexpensive, windproof, adjustable hood, draw-cord hem, stows in zippered pocket
CONS: Very fitted – limited room for layers underneath, no zipper vents, doesn’t breath well in high heat
THE NORTH FACE RESOLVE
BEST FOR: Spring and fall hiking & backpacking, shell
MEN’S VERSION: The North Face Resolve
FABRIC: Ripstop Nylon
LINING: Polyester Mesh
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: HyVent 2-layer waterproof breathable coating
PROS: Windproof, mesh knit lining, adjustable hood, breathable, draw-cord hem
CONS: No vents, Velcro over the zipper can snag clothing, runs large, hood is too large
COLUMBIA ARCADIA
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Amazon
BEST FOR: 3-season hiking & backpacking
MEN’S VERSION: N/A
FABRIC: Nylon
LINING: Polyester/Polyester Mesh
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: Omni-Tech waterproof breathable laminate
PROS: Inexpensive, windproof, breathable, mesh lining, stows in zippered pocket
CONS: Very fitted – limited room for layers underneath, fabric is noisy, doesn’t always stand up to heavy downpours, no zipper vents
REI TALUSPHERE
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REI
BEST FOR: 3-season hiking & backpacking, shell
MEN’S VERSION: REI Talusphere
FABRIC: Polyester
LINING: None
TYPE OF WATERPROOFING: 2.5-layer Elements waterproof breathable membrane
PROS: Windproof, breathable, internal chest pocket with media port, adjustable hood with bill, draw-cord hem, zipper vents
CONS: Looks bulky, fit is tight in the chest area
COMPARISON TABLE – THE BEST RAIN JACKETS FOR HIKING
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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST RAIN JACKETS FOR HIKING
LAYERING
Rain jackets can be a versatile part of your layering system. They’re thin enough to be worn in warmer weather but also work as shells when the temperature drops.
A shell is the outermost layer in a fall/winter/spring clothing layering system. Its purpose is to be your first line of defense against wind, rain, and snow.
If you’d like to use your rain jacket in cooler weather, then look for one that can fit over your base layers and mid layers. You want to be able to incorporate enough layers to stay warm but still be able to move comfortably on your hike.
Not sure how to layer for hiking? Check out our guide on how to layer clothing for some tips on how to stay warm and dry in cold weather.
WATERPROOFING
How do rain jackets keep you dry? They take advantage of innovative technologies that repel water.
Most multi-sport rain jackets use either a laminate or a coating for waterproofing. Laminates are a thin membrane attached to the inside of your jacket. Coatings are a liquid application applied to your garment.
Both types of waterproofing repel water. However, laminates perform better and are more comfortable to wear. Laminates also tend to be more expensive. If you’re looking for a less expensive rain jacket, then one with a coating may be the best choice.
WATERTIGHT
Your rain jacket must be watertight in addition to waterproof. In a downpour, water will do everything it can to penetrate the barrier of your jacket. As you hike, water will try to get in through your sleeves, the opening of your hood, and in the seams.
Look for jackets that have adjustable hoods, sleeves, and hems. The more you can adjust and close the openings in your jacket, the more you will be able to keep out water.
Before you select your rain jacket, check its seams, pockets, and zippers. You’ll want to choose a jacket with flaps, taped seams, and other reinforcements. These features will make your jacket an impenetrable layer of protection against rain.
Searching for more ways to keep out water while hiking? Check out our article on the best rain pants for hiking.
VENTING
All multi-sport rain jackets are designed to be breathable to some degree. However, as you hike in the rain, heat will build up. Vents are a simple way to release heat while bringing airflow into your jacket.
Look for a jacket with zippered vents under the arm pits. Also, check for additional ventilation in the pockets and the body of the jacket.
STOWING
You want to be able to easily tuck your rain jacket away when it’s not in use. Look for a jacket that stuffs into an inner pocket or folds to a small size. If your jacket is convenient to pack and carry, you’ll be more likely to bring it with you just in case of an emergency.
The post Best Rain Jackets for Hiking of 2018 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.
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