March 28, 2024
Found in “Gear, Activities”
We’ve rounded up our top 5 hiking rain jackets for everything from light showers on your favourite day loop, to big bad backcountry storms when you’re scrambling down from the top.
Why? Because we've all been there: backpacks packed, trail conditions checked, hiking shoes waiting by the door and then you refresh the forecast and... rain. The non-stop kind, the on-and-off-and-on kind, the sweep away your tent kind. That’s where the right hiking rain jacket comes in handy. If the weather has ever put a damper on your hiking plans, you know the importance of fully-taped seams, watertight zippers and waterproof-breathability (for when the going gets sweaty).
Choosing the right hiking rain jacket can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fabrics, patterning, pockets, seams, helmet compatibility and intended activity all factor into a rain jacket’s overall performance in a downpour. Check out our picks below for best sustainably minded design to best value in an all-rounder.
Best rain jacket for sustainably minded hikers: Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket
Patagonia was a world leader when it pioneered transforming pop bottles into fleece jackets in the early 90s. Now, in Patagonia’s NetPlus® fabric they’re breaking more ground by recycling salvaged plastic fishing nets (a major source of oceanic pollution), into hard-wearing, highly functional rain jackets treated with a PFC-free DWR finish.
Top marks for: Weight, packability, waterproofing, sustainability.
Why we love it: Designed to be worn over a climbing harness or under a pack hip belt, the Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket is a lightweight, technical rain jacket with spacious handwarmer pockets placed well above the waist for easy access.
Features and benefits:
- Supple yet sturdy 3-layer waterproof-breathable shell for superior all-day protection
- 2 adjustable toggles for helmet-compatible coverage
- Elbow-to-armpit vents let you dump heat
- Packs down into its own pocket for easy stashing
Wear it: On camping trips, day hikes and scrambles in thundershower-prone ranges.
Best rain jacket for freedom of movement:
MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Jacket
The challenge with a lot of traditional waterproof jackets lies in the stiff, “cardboard effect” of heavy nylon fabric. We decided to get rid of those rules with our Hydrofoil, which has supple 4-way mechanical stretch and 2.5 layer Pertex Shield fabric. The Hydrofoil doesn’t just block out moisture, it moves with you.
Top marks for: Freedom of movement, packability, versatility and value.
Why we love it: At $219.95, this versatile, go-anywhere jacket packs a ton of value in its diverse feature set.
Features and benefits:
- 2.5 layer Pertex Shield fabric with DWR finish for superior waterproofing
- Fully taped seams seal out water
- Adjustable helmet-compatible hood with shielded brim for visibility
- Zippered pockets are compatible with climbing harness or backpack hip-belt
As part of MEC’s mission to empower more people to get outside, the women’s Hydrofoil is available in plus-sizes as part of a technical layering system.
Wear it: On mountain missions over steep, technical terrain, day hikes or multi-pitches.
Best rain jacket for minimalist packers on fast missions: Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket
When Arc’teryx’s Beta LT landed on the market in the mid-1990s, it changed the game of form meets function. For the first time, articulated (rounded, not square) patterning was used in the arms and waist allowing for unprecedented freedom of movement in a GORE-TEX® jacket. Many of the Beta’s features have become industry standard in premium rainwear, like water-tight zippers, underarm pit zips and shock-cord adjustable hoods, making today’s iteration an investment piece for years of wear. The “LT” designation stands for ‘lightweight’, perfect for minimalist packers or covering a lot of mileage quickly.
Top marks for: The triple combo of design, materials and fit. Over two decades after its original release, today’s Beta LT Jacket is the latest iteration in design evolution.
Why we love it: More than a mere rain jacket, the premium quality GORE-TEX® 40-denier face fabric offers outstanding breathability which makes the Beta a great jacket in even dry, breezy conditions.
Features and benefits:
- Articulated patterning allows uncompromising, dynamic movement
- Adjustable storm hood is helmet-compatible, with a laminated brim to deflect rain and snow
- WaterTight™ external zippers on pockets blocks out elements
- Drop hem allows for more coverage
Wear it: Hiking, trekking and mountaineering in backcountry conditions.
Best rain jacket for town to trail versatility: Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket
It’s the little details that truly show the care and mindfulness that goes into garment design. In the case of the Patagonia Torrentshell, that means creating a rugged, 50-denier 3-layer rain jacket that can be stuffed into its own pocket and clipped to your pack with a small, functional carabiner.
Top marks for: Waterproofness, functionality, size (fits a wider range of body types), durability, sustainability.
Why we love it: Function, versatility, and did we mention that the Torrentshell comes in perhaps the most varied colour palette of any rain jacket on the market today? Eye-catching style is combined with Patagonia’s beloved 3-layer H2No® waterproof-breathable ECONYL® recycled nylon ripstop fabric.
Features and benefits:
- Packs into its own pocket or can be clipped to a pack to save space
- Front zipper has exterior and interior storm flaps
- Underarm zips with storm flaps let you dump heat
- Drawcord-cinch hem and adjustable cuffs seal out biting winds
Wear it: Day hikes, relaxed multi-days, wet portages or everyday use in soggy conditions.
Best rain jacket for everyday value:
MEC Aquanator Rain Jacket
Sometimes, all you need is reliable rain protection for when a sudden downpour puts a damper on your hike. The MEC Aquanator Rain Jacket is made for those times when a cloudburst catches you off guard on your favourite out-and-back. Constructed with MEC’s very own VarioShell waterproof-breathable membrane and PFC-free DWR (durable water-repellent) this jacket gives you waterproof-breathability for daily downpours at a price that’s hard to beat.
Top marks for: Waterproofing, value, wind protection.
Why we love it: There’s an Aquanator for every member of your crew, which makes it the perfect everyday rain jacket to pack for family camping trips in shifty forecasts or the jacket you grab for after work meet-ups at the trailhead.
Features and benefits:
- Rugged 40-denier nylon features 2.5-layer waterproof-breathable membrane
- Fully-taped seams seal out water
- PFC-free
- Priced for max bang for your buck
Wear it: Day hikes, wet campouts and everyday use.
Looking for more options or some accessories to go with?
You can also check out other useful MEC resources when choosing your next waterproof layer:
