The 8 Best Men's Rain Jackets of 2022
By: Kevin Katsafanas: Men's Techwear Buyer | October 20, 2022
It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is… staying dry as can be in his 3-layer GORE-TEX shell rain jacket. When the weather turns wet, don’t get caught out in the storm getting soaked to the bone. With plenty of excellent waterproof options for staying dry, there’s no reason not to be like the old man, just snag one of the best rain jackets of 2022. We’ve got lightweight jackets to stash in your backpack just in case, stylish trench coats to strut the city streets in, and technical layers to keep you protected on the most extreme alpine adventures.
New This Year:
Brands continue to move towards lighter weight construction while balancing out providing protection from the elements. With this lighter construction also comes the added benefit of packability, so the jacket is only there when you need it.
The North Face Venture 2
Revisited and revamped, The North Face Venture 2 Jacket offers waterproof, breathable protection that's also 100% windproof. Updated with revised style lines and a new DryVent™ 2.5-layer fabric, this timeless year-round shell lets you explore the world without succumbing to the forecast.
It's exceptionally breathable and packable while still being wind and waterproof. It’s fitted with solid features like pit zips, a front zipper storm flap, and an adjustable hem cinch, and finished off with classic lines and a selection of fresh colors, making it one of the best rain jackets for men.
| Pockets | Material | Original Price |
| Hand Pockets | Ripstop with DryVent 2L | $99 |
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
When your parade is getting rained on, keep your spirits up by throwing on this next jacket. Another tried and true option, the Patagonia 3L Torrentshell delivers exactly what you need in a rain jacket: bomber H2No waterproof-breathable weather protection and not much else. This frills-free design lets its performance do the talking. It’s a 3-layer shell, so it’s lightweight and easily packable, and you really just can’t go wrong with this solid all-arounder anytime the sky turns grey.
It's a simple, no-frills jacket that has one job and does it well. It's lightweight, breathable, good-looking, and above all, waterproof. There’s a reason why the Torrentshell has been one of the best rain jackets for backpacking season after season, it’s about time you joined the party.
| Pockets | Material | Original Price |
| Handwarmer Pockets | 3.3-oz 50-Denier Recycled Nylon Ripstop w/ DWR | $149 |
Rab Downpour Eco
The Rab Downpour Eco jacket is a great option if ventilation and packability are at the top of your list. This 2.5 layer jacket is one of the lightest on the list. When that surprise thunderstorm shows up out of nowhere, this jacket is waiting inside its own pocket at the bottom of your pack, ready to be unfurled, and is no sweat at all to bring with you anytime you leave the house. It has oversized pit zips for great breathability when using it in high-exertion activities, an adjustable hood, and the whole thing is made with recycled polyester fibers for extra peace of mind. With its big vents and stowability, it’s one of the best lightweight rain jackets and a favorite of mountain bikers in often wet places like the PNW.
| Pockets | Material | Original Price |
| Handwarmer Pockets | Recycled 50D Polyester | $119.95 |
Helly Hansen LOGR 2.0
This one is a bit different from your standard rain shell, but we love it for getting after it in the shoulder seasons. The upper portions of the Helly Hansen LOGR 2.0 are made with a Helly Tech membrane for full-on waterproofing, but the bottom of the jacket is a super breathable softshell. It’s stretchy, slightly warm, perfect as an active layer, and can function as one of the best rain jackets for runners. When the rain’s coming down but your body temp is working up, the LOGR 2.0 is an innovative solution to keep you dry from both sides.
| Pockets | Material | Original Price |
| Zippered Hand Pockets | 4-Way Stretch Double Weave Softshell & DWR Finish | $160 |
Burton Multipath Shell
Add one part windbreaker, one part rain stopper, and two parts fresh as heck jacket, and you’ve got yourself the Burton shell. This one is super lightweight, fully waterproof, fully windproof, and breathable, and comes in a streamlined, hoodless design with innovative lines and colorways. It’s stylish, brings your outfit to the next level, and keeps you safe from the elements. That’s an easy addition to any wardrobe in our book.
| Pockets | Material | Original Price |
| Hand pockets and chest pocket | 2.5-layer Nylon Woven Ripstop Fabric w/ DWR | $174.95 |
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 GORE-TEX Paclite
Paclite is the most lightweight and packable version of the legendary GORE-TEX fabric. With the Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 jacket, you get the GORE-TEX guarantee to keep you dry, plus the versatility of a layer that easily stows away when you don’t need it. That stowability plus the clean design and harness-compatible pocket arrangement make this one of the best ultralight rain jackets for mountaineers, climbers, and fast-and-light mountain explorers.
| Pockets | Material | Original Price |
| Chest pocket & hand pockets | Recycled Polyester w/ PFC-free DWR | $200 |
Outdoor Research Motive Ascentshell
Some like to stow their rain shells when they don’t need them, others prefer a jacket that’s designed so they don’t have to take it off at all. If you fall into the latter camp, the Outdoor Research Motive Ascentshell might be the one for you. Ascentshell fabric is naturally air permeable, allowing it to vent much more effectively than standard 3-layer waterproof-breathables, keeping you cool while you’re working hard. Despite that, it still provides bomber waterproofing and keeps you dry through the most brutal downpours. In addition to having this revolutionary membrane, the Motive is stretchy and form-fitted, providing versatile mobility that you don’t often find in dedicated waterproof layers.
| Pockets | Material | Original Price |
| Hand pockets & chest pocket | Polyester 50D Mechanical Stretch Plain Weave | $199 |
Outdoor Research Apollo
If the Motive sounds a bit too sciency for your needs, not to fear. Outdoor Research makes their own version of a basic no-frill rain jacket as well, and we like it just fine. The Apollo jacket is simple, good-looking, and effective at keeping you dry whether you’re out about town or out in the mountains. It uses a 2.5 layer construction for lightweight waterproofing and breathability, plus all the standard features you need, like storm flaps, pit zips, and zippered hand pockets.
| Pockets | Material | Original Price |
| Zippered Hand Pockets | 100% Nylon 70D Ripstop | $98.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:
- Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
- Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
- Outerwear - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Pants
- Outerwear - Fit Guide & Jacket Length
- How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
- Outerwear - How to Choose by Region
- Outerwear - Construction, Fabric & Features
- Insulated Garments - How to Choose
- Insulated Garments - How to Wash Down & Synthetic Jackets
- Base Layers & Long Underwear - How to Choose
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How it Works & Product Testing
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How to Wash & Keep Waterproof
- Backcountry - How to Dress
Learn About Our Favorite Gear
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- The Best Women's Ski Jackets
- The Best Men's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Women's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski Pants
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- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Women's Snowboard Bibs
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- The Best Women's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Women's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Men's Rain Jackets
- The Best Women's Rain Jackets
- The Best Men's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
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The Selection Process:
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
